On Monday, Sept. 16, the Comox Valley Horticultural Society welcomes Roger Griffiths, who will present a slide show on the Channel Islands and the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens in Holland.
The presentation will showcase the annual tulip display in Holland and provide some interesting history of the tulip. This 28-minute presentation of a mix of still images and video starts off with a look at the Channel Island, an archipelago in the English Channel off the French coast of Normandy, comprising seven different islands: Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou and Lihou. The two main islands are the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey. It includes scenes of the islands of Sark and Herm.
The main presentation highlights the tulip, which has been cultivated since 1000 AD, with cultivation starting in Turkey. In Holland between 1610-1637 the development of a lively trade in tulip bulbs resulted in wild speculation in tulips, resulting in tulip prices rising steeply between 1623 and 1637. This was the period of Tulipmania.
Our September meeting is also when we will hold our annual Showcase of Members’ Garden Produce. Drop by and see what our CVHS members have been growing in their gardens all summer!
Food drive
The meeting will also be a food drive. Attendees are encouraged to bring any fresh or packaged food for the Comox Valley Food Bank.
Join us at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave., Courtenay. Doors opening at 6:30 pm, allowing you plenty of time to chat with master gardeners, peruse the ‘Opportunity Table,’ or check out our library books before the meeting starts at 7:30 pm.