6 & 7 October 2012

A horticultural society was first formed in Grahamstown in 1863. However, it only existed for a few years. Then in 1896, the Grahamstown and Albany Horticultural Society was founded with a few keen members. It grew from strength to strength, and the first Spring Show was held on 16 February 1897. After another lapse of some years, it was resurrected in 1929 and was named the Albany Horticultural Society. From records available it appeared to remain active all through the Second World War years, giving frequent donations to both war funds and local charities. After a quiet period due to the drought of 1945 to 1956, the society entered a period of increased activity that was sustained by strong leadership on the part of Lou Mullins, Jenna Holmes, Lin Venters, Alice Ballard, Sylvia Quinn and Bill Handcock.

The society currently has a membership of around one hundred and forty people and is headed up by a vibrant and knowledgeable committee. A request in 2007 from the East Cape Lilium Society for incorporation of the last regional lilium society resulted in a new name to reflect the broadening of the society's membership and interests. The society's full name is now the Albany Horticultural Society incorporating the East Cape Lilium Society, which has been shortened for ease of use.

The society's annual programme consists of monthly events which include nursery and garden visits both locally and to the surrounding regions, educational talks and workshops, viewing of DVDs of horticultural interest, community involvement activities such as tree planting at local schools, and an annual flower festival.

The festival is a joint effort of the AHLS, Pam Golding Properties Grahamstown, the Albany branch of the Botanical Society and members of the local business community.

For information on society events, click here to download our Newsletter.

To join the society click here to download our membership form, which may be completed and emailed to s.richner@ru.ac.za, or handed in at any society event.

Subscriptions for 2012 are R40 per person and may be paid to the Treasurer at any society event.

Outing to Ecca Pass Nature Reserve - Sat 5 May 2012

A mixed group of AHLS and WESSA members sat in the warm autumn sun listening to Nikki Köhly, Mike Powell and Roy Lubke speak about the importance of the Eastern Cape Thicket biome as well as the history of the nature reserve, before taking a short walk along one of the trails, with Tony Dold assisting in the identification of the diverse species flourishing in that area.

Also highlighted was the importance of introducing thicket species into our suburban gardens, so as to offset the effects of climate change and to create an environment conducive to the flourishing of the various wildlife species that call this part of our planet their home.

Some of the species suitable for garden cultivation are shown in the photos below, and many may be purchased from larger nurseries. Tony would recommend New Plant Nursery (www.newplant.co.za) who deliver, as well as Kumbula Nursery in Bathurst.

An important species not shown below is the well-known Spekboom (Portulacaria afra), which is a major player in neutralising excess CO2 in the atmosphere. It grows very easily, by merely planting a rootless cutting in the soil. If anyone would like cuttings, please contact Sharon Richner (s.richner@ru.ac.za) who has a bush growing in her garden.

click to enlarge