Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Bulbs => Galanthus => Topic started by: RichardW on November 10, 2010, 10:21:21 AM

Title: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on November 10, 2010, 10:21:21 AM
thought it would be better to have a thread instead of derailing another with Coffee & Walnut  :)

I mentioned in another thread earlier this year the idea of having an informal meet here at Benington Lordship, the owners have given the ok but a few things still have to be finalised.

I hope to do this on the 3rd Sunday in Feb - 20th, this is usually peak time for the drops, can't confirm this yet as I need to check group bookings & that it doesn't clash with any other big events in the calender.

there wont be any cost involved, my daughter has volunteered to make cakes but any donations are welcome  ;) & I'll provide tea/coffee.

depending on numbers I should be able to get the tea room, on Sundays groups in the village do teas so it'll be free, I have promised the owners this will be kept low-key and they will not to have do anything so I'll need an idea of numbers.

anyone is welcome, plan would be to start mid morning while the garden is closed, always nicer when it's quiet & Sundays can get very busy so parking will be easier, I wont be selling any plants, not selling any Snowdrops next year to expand the planting.

hopefully the weather will be kinder this year, if there's any sign of snow it'll be off, the roads are narrow and Benington rarely sees a gritter.

if anyone is interested please reply/pm me, I can be quite flexible if there's another big event on, would prefer a sunday but saturday is not really a problem, though it would mean using my house (across the road) and everyone being pounced on by my cats & dog  ;)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake!
Post by: emma T on November 10, 2010, 11:11:06 AM
i would love to come  ;D and i can bring cake, chocolate cake being my favorite  .
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake!
Post by: Gail on November 10, 2010, 11:26:16 AM
Sounds wonderful (even being pounced on by dogs and cats) I'll bring cake - just name your flavour! :D
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake!
Post by: KentGardener on November 10, 2010, 11:55:28 AM
I've nothing booked on that day yet so have put you in my diary - all going well I shall be there eating the cake that everyone is bringing.   ;D  I don't mind providing a lap for a cat if necessary.  ;D

My fifth snowdrop booking already and it's only November.   :o

Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake!
Post by: KentGardener on November 10, 2010, 01:37:37 PM
A thought has just come to me.  When I attend my various 'jungle plant forum gatherings' a few times each year we always bring surplus plants as swaps/giveaways.  Would this free event be a good time for such a 'swap meet'?
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake!
Post by: mark smyth on November 10, 2010, 01:44:51 PM
Is anyone close to an airport that Easyjet use? They have a seat sale on right now.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake!
Post by: Gail on November 10, 2010, 01:59:08 PM
Is anyone close to an airport that Easyjet use? They have a seat sale on right now.
Stansted is not far from Benington and I could probably loop round that way.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake!
Post by: mark smyth on November 10, 2010, 02:53:53 PM
Thanks Gail. I just checked flights. The first one on a Sunday doesnt arrive until 12.30pm  :'(
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake!
Post by: KentGardener on November 10, 2010, 03:11:30 PM
Hi Mark

I've just had a quick look and both Gatwick and Heathrow seem to be about 2 hours on the train to Stevenage.  Not sure if this helps.

Gatwick train comes into Victoria (same as my train does) - then underground tube to Kings Cross and overground train to Stevenage.  Which is what I will be doing on the day hopefully, engineering works permitting!.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake!
Post by: mark smyth on November 10, 2010, 06:14:57 PM
Thanks John. Flying in is no problem nor is the train but I can't allow for a wrong kind of snowflake to land on the tracks  ;D
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake!
Post by: RichardW on December 07, 2010, 07:22:02 PM
quick update, that date is now fixed, so weather permitting (at least it probably can't get any colder  ::) is all sorted.

thank you for the replies so far  :)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake!
Post by: KentGardener on December 07, 2010, 07:29:17 PM
Thanks Richard.  20th Feb is now in my diary.  Hopefully Art600 will be there too (as he may well be my volunteer taxi for the day   :))

Maggie - can we pop '20th February - Benington Lordship' in the thread title please.   :-*
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: KentGardener on December 07, 2010, 07:43:29 PM
 ;D Thank you Maggie.   :-*
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on December 07, 2010, 07:45:46 PM
I discovered I could do that  ;)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 07, 2010, 09:23:07 PM
I discovered I could do that  ;)
Yes, as the thread starter you can, Richard.... I'll just take the thank you cuddles anyway!!
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on January 13, 2011, 05:24:48 PM
Thought I had better update this thread, at the moment I think there's only a small chance the date I posted will hit peak time for the drops following the very cold December, is still a chance it will be ok IF the current mild spell continues for a few weeks at least, but we've already decided to put back our dates by a week and I suspect that wont actually be enough.

the drops have shot up a lot this week and I should have a better idea at the end of the month, I'll post a revised date if needed asap.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: KentGardener on January 13, 2011, 05:54:08 PM
Thanks for the update Richard.  Fingers crossed the date is OK as I think I can get a lift in a friends car that day.   :)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Alan_b on January 13, 2011, 08:22:57 PM
.... I'll post a revised date if needed asap.

I have the 20th February written in my diary whereas I'm not available the following weekend.  I know it would be nice to see the snowdrops at their peak but I am particularly looking forward to meeting all the forumists so, personally, I would rather keep the date, meet the people and if I miss the snowdrops (at their best) then so be it.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on January 13, 2011, 09:10:18 PM
Alan I'll certainly keep that in mind, if those that replied would be happy to keep the date is fine with me, just didn't want people turning up to a sea of green instead of white, or brown like the mud bath that I'm currently paddling around in  :-\

I wont change the date if that's preferred.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Alan_b on January 13, 2011, 10:46:05 PM
I wont change the date if that's preferred.

That's my preferred option, but please go with the wishes of the majority.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: emma T on January 14, 2011, 09:04:31 AM
Im happy to stick with the date as planned   :)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on January 14, 2011, 01:32:45 PM
A snowdrop actually opened today, I guess that's a start  :)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: lettuce begin on January 29, 2011, 12:20:56 AM
Hi Richard, I would also like to visit Benington lordship. It looks fanastic.
I'm no good at cake but  :)would do my best to provide a tin
full for scones with clotted cream and jam .  Hope this would be acceptable
Cheryl
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: KentGardener on January 29, 2011, 04:21:57 AM
would do my best to provide a tin
full for scones with clotted cream and jam .  Hope this would be acceptable

Hi Cheryl

Welcome to the forum.  Looking forward to reading your posts.

A tin full of scones with clotted cream and jam definitely sounds acceptable to me   ;D  Hope to see you there on the 20th (if I manage to get there...)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 29, 2011, 10:14:42 AM

I'm no good at cake but  :)would do my best to provide a tin
full for scones with clotted cream and jam .  Hope this would be acceptable
Cheryl

Welcome Cheryl, it seems you are a true forumist.....your scone suggestion fits right in here!! ;)
How wonderful it would be to join you folks going toi visit Richard at Beninton Lordship... I hope  you all have a marvelous day.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: art600 on January 29, 2011, 10:22:28 AM
I missed this thread when first posted.

Plan to come with a friend and will be happy to give you a lift John.

Glad you stayed with Feb 20th as I disappear to Portugal for (hopefully) some warmth and narcissi
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 29, 2011, 10:32:25 AM


Glad you stayed with Feb 20th as I disappear to Portugal for (hopefully) some warmth and narcissi
Art, what a gadabout you are  :o  (Lucky devil! ;D )
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: ChrisD on February 02, 2011, 07:41:01 PM
Hi Richard/everyone

I have been a lurker in this forum for a couple of years and have enjoyed all the photos and advice, it feels very friendly. Thanks to you all.

I would love to come along on the 20th if you don't have too many people already. I live quite close by (Letchworth) and would be happy to drive via Stevenage (or another local station) and act as a taxi. You will also be delighted to hear that my baking efforts (usually a rather gooey chocolate orange cake) are much better than my snowdrop ones - if you know what I mean.

Chris
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 02, 2011, 07:42:16 PM
Hi Richard, I would also like to visit Benington lordship. It looks fanastic.
I'm no good at cake but  :)would do my best to provide a tin
full for scones with clotted cream and jam .  Hope this would be acceptable
Cheryl


of course, the more the merrier  :)

things are looking up though I still think they wont be at their best that weekend, need a few weeks of very mild weather for things to catch up, a lot of drops I would expect to be in flower now are still just spikes, I'll provide more info/directions etc nearer the time.

edit- Chris please come along, gooey chocolate orange cake sounds great  ;)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: KentGardener on February 03, 2011, 04:57:38 AM
Welcome to the forum Chris - looking forward to reading your posts, looking forward to meeting you in 4 weeks time, and the gooey chocolate orange cakes sounds very interesting.   ;D
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: angie on February 03, 2011, 07:47:12 PM
Welcome to the forum Chris - looking forward to reading your posts, looking forward to meeting you in 4 weeks time, and the gooey chocolate orange cakes sounds very interesting.   ;D

Welcome Chris, why have I to be so far away that gooey cake sounds good to me, maybe you could post the leftovers. ;D

Angle
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: KentGardener on February 04, 2011, 05:25:21 AM
that gooey cake sounds good to me, maybe you could post the leftovers. ;D

Angle

Leftovers!   :o  Surely you must be joking...   ;D
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 04, 2011, 07:39:21 AM
I was going to suggest with all the offers of cakes there might be too much cake, but I'm not sure there is such a thing  ;)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: angie on February 04, 2011, 09:13:53 AM
Didn't think there would be, but worth a try.   :'( ;D

Angie :)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 08, 2011, 08:41:33 PM
another quick update.

things are now looking good for the 20th thanks to the recent mild spell, that weekend should be about peak for the drifts and I expect most if not all varieties will be looking nice.

I'll pm those who have replied early next week with instructions/directions and my mobile number should anyone get lost/delayed.

If anyone coming by train needs a pick up/drop off please let me know.

as already mentioned I wont be selling any plants, am always happy to do some swapping of course & will post a list of what I think I can spare tomorrow.

because there are 9 of us I hope to use the tea room at work, will need to sort out a few things at work but plan is to start mid morning while the garden is closed, we open at 12 and can be very busy on Sundays so it'll be nice to have the place to ourselves for at least an hour.

should add the tea room is closed on Sundays so that'll be just for our use.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 09, 2011, 10:02:50 AM
having looked at what be lifted this year I can spare the following, nothing very exciting but as I said I am concentrating on planting for the next few years at least.

elwesii Elmley Lovett - can spare 3
Pear Drop - can spare 3
Mighty Atom - can spare 5
Blewbury Tart - can spare 3
Bill Baker's Large - can spare 2

I will also have a few nice finds, nothing named., happy to send them on green after flowering or as dormant bulbs if that's preferred.

prefer singles over doubles, would like a few more green tipped to add to the collection, only have a few, the list here is almost up to date.
http://www.beningtonlordship.co.uk/snowdrops.shtml
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: ChrisD on February 11, 2011, 08:16:54 PM
Hi everyone

I have only about 8 types of snowdrop (not all of them named) but do have some nice clumps of woronowii that I will bring along and donate or swap with people. Similarly all donations towards my fledgling collection will be gratefully received. I can probably offer another piece of cake in return! Probably the last thing we will all need!

On the subject of too much cake; no there is no such thing, but it did get me wondering which 'drop had the most appropriate name for the state we will be in. Colossus and Hefalump came to mind, definitely not Grumpy   ;D ;D ;D

Looking forward to meeting you all next weekend.

Chris
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 11, 2011, 08:56:45 PM
I actually don't have woronowii, tried to get it going a few times without success, I'm sure I can find you some nice things to swap.

think there will be 15 now if everyone that has contacted me can still make it, have had quite a few messages in the last few days, I was a little concerned about numbers given that I wanted to keep this as a free informal meet so think I will have to say that's all for this year.

sorry if any more were thinking of coming along, I would like this to be a regular thing but it will need to be low key, otherwise tickets will have to be sold which isn't what I want.

looking forward to meeting everyone, keeping everything crossed for a nice day, with the recent mild spell timing wise I don't think it could be better  :)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: KentGardener on February 13, 2011, 01:54:38 PM
.....
think there will be 15 now if everyone that has contacted me can still make it, have had quite a few messages in the last few days, I was a little concerned about numbers given that I wanted to keep this as a free informal meet so think I will have to say that's all for this year.

sorry if any more were thinking of coming along, I would like this to be a regular thing but it will need to be low key, otherwise tickets will have to be sold which isn't what I want.

looking forward to meeting everyone, keeping everything crossed for a nice day, with the recent mild spell timing wise I don't think it could be better  :)

Hi Richard

I am really looking forward to meeting you and the others for the first time.  A shame that the register is now full but I completely understand the reason for closing it.  (if I do anything here 6 or 8 is about my limit).

My fingers are crossed for a good weather - but I have stood in pouring rain looking at snowdrops, I've stood in snow looking at snowdrops, so I am sure I will out there looking at your little beauties whatever the weather decides to do on Sunday.   ;D


Similarly all donations towards my fledgling collection will be gratefully received.

Chris, looking forward to meeting you.  I'll be bringing a few pots of my 'chuck outs' to split between whoever wants them so hopefully you will go home with one or two new drops for your collection.    :)  Bring a bit of kitchen roll and a couple of sandwich bags.  ;)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: ChrisD on February 13, 2011, 07:26:02 PM
Hi Richard

Yes I was surprised that in that long list of drops you have, woronowii wasn't there. Fingers crossed that those I have are actually woronowii and not something else. That would appeal to my rather warped sense of humour.

Kent Gardener - thanks for the offer, I will add kitchen roll and bags to the list of things to bring.

See you all next weekend.

Chris
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 14, 2011, 04:43:11 PM
have just sent a message to everyone that replied, hope I haven't missed anyone.. but if anyone hasn't had anything from me and is coming please let me know.

I'll make sure there are plenty of bags, K roll and stagnant moss  ;)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: emma T on February 19, 2011, 05:45:10 PM
Chocolate cake all made ready for tomorrow  :D
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 19, 2011, 06:28:28 PM
true to form my daughters coffee & walnut & lemon drizzle are still just a bag of ingredients, I would try myself but cakes not my strong point, they kind of bounce  ;D

been assured they'll be done, will be over early tomorrow to fire up the log burner in the tea room, think we'll be needing it  :(

look forward to seeing everyone.

edit: now in kitchen wearing eddie izzard "cake or death" t-shirt, not sure if trying to tell me something...



Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 20, 2011, 12:12:16 AM
Hope you all have a great day, I'm missing all these cakes...and snowdrops :'(
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: KentGardener on February 20, 2011, 07:53:19 AM
Sitting here waiting for Art, KentishLass (if she can wake up in time  ;D) and Dan to come and fetch me for the drive to Stevenage.  Sausage rolls cooked, and surplus plants boxed up ready.  Thought I would take a few quick pictures of the giveaways before they are, hopefully, given away and off to new homes.  :)

Really looking forward to see Richard's place.

1 - 'George Chiswell No 9 '
2 - 'Annes Millennium Giant' (anything but giant in my garden.  Increases well but hopefully will be 'bigger' in someone elses soil)
3 - nivalis Poculiform
4 - 'Robin Hood'
5 - 'Cedrics Prolific'
6 - reginae-olgae ssp Vernalis
7 - 'Ketton'

Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: chasw on February 20, 2011, 08:17:02 AM
I am up and ready too John,just waiting for the lady of the house  ;D
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on February 20, 2011, 09:20:05 AM
Hope everybody has a nice time, enjoy the cake, snowdrops and good company.

Paddy
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 20, 2011, 11:10:03 AM
I'm hundreds of miles away and I am still excited about this day. I can just visualise you all having the most delightful gathering , social and snowdroppy - all come together through the Forum and meeting up in such a lovely friendly way  to meet Richard and to see the Benington Lordship 'drops and have your Snowdrop and Cake swapmeet........ it typifies everything good and co-operative about a shared love of plants.

I salute you all and hope the sun shines on your 'drops !  8) :-* 8)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 20, 2011, 11:54:50 AM
I can just visualise you all having the most delightful gathering , social and snowdroppy - all come together through the Forum and meeting up in such a lovely friendly way  to meet Richard and to see the Benington Lordship 'drops and have your Snowdrop and Cake swapmeet........ it typifies everything good and co-operative about a shared love of plants.

... and typifies everything good about the Forum Maggi.  8)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 20, 2011, 03:56:48 PM
no sunshine  :( and lots of closed drops.

but was great to meet everyone and a huge thank you to all for being so generous with plants and cake, hope everyone enjoyed the visit, sat here with a cold pint of Guinness and slice of Emma's cake, perfect combo  ;D

Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: chasw on February 20, 2011, 04:21:45 PM
Well a really big thank you to you Richard,what a superb day and venue,I dont think we took any notice of the weather,as it was so enjoyable.Wow all those cakes which were superb,
Superb garden tour and what a spectacle all the snowdrops in the moat,we were amazed at how many people had turned up in the afternoon to view the snowdrops,we struggled to get out of the village afterwards,and were glad that we were able to visit before it was open to the public
Maggie it would have been worth the trip for the cakes, no doubt John will post some pictures later,and thanks to those that brought and swapped snowdrops


Enjoy the guiness Richard
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 20, 2011, 05:09:45 PM
Chas,

nice to meet you both, it was a lot busier than I was expecting & we didn't really have the place to ourselves for long after all, I plan to do it again next year but with a slightly earlier start, and a sign on the tea room door  ;)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: ChrisD on February 20, 2011, 06:04:44 PM
richard, many many thanks for a very enjoyable day. What a nice group of people and a superb collection of snowdrops, great cakes and drinks. I also went home with about 10 different drops thanks particularly to John, but also Gail and Alan. I fear I am now completely hooked - Oh dear.

Also think you have a great job, I am very envious.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 20, 2011, 06:23:11 PM
no photos?  :(
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: chasw on February 20, 2011, 06:40:02 PM
A few of mine Mark
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 20, 2011, 06:43:40 PM
Photos from John in his Three Week Galanthus Blog Thread : http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=6670.msg187686#msg187686



 What a pity the weather wasn't too good but it seems a good time was had by all nonetheless- anyway, you all seem well dressed for any weather and all that food must have had a warming effect!  8)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 20, 2011, 06:56:52 PM
richard, many many thanks for a very enjoyable day. What a nice group of people and a superb collection of snowdrops, great cakes and drinks. I also went home with about 10 different drops thanks particularly to John, but also Gail and Alan. I fear I am now completely hooked - Oh dear.

Also think you have a great job, I am very envious.

thanks Chris, when I do my lifting/splitting I'll find some extras to add to your collection , wont forget the Corydalis.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on February 20, 2011, 07:08:27 PM
Obviously, the world of snowdrops is not all about the price of the latest label and how wonderful that is.

Paddy
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 20, 2011, 07:46:22 PM
Crikey... one glance at that long border shot and I know that Richard doesn't have too much trouble keeping himself occupied outside snowdrop season!  :o 8)
What a super place to work.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 20, 2011, 07:56:49 PM
it is magnificent, even if I do say so myself  ;)

yet to see a photo do it justice, end of may/beginning of June is the best time, if anyone ever wants to visit outside of drop season please get in touch, doesn't have to be on an open day, always nicer when it's quiet.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: emma T on February 20, 2011, 08:38:37 PM
Thank you Richard for a fantastic day  ;D .You must work very hard. I had a fantastic time.

Thanks also to John for being so generous with his spares. It was great to meet everyone.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Gail on February 20, 2011, 08:55:01 PM
Beautiful and fascinating garden, great company, gorgeous snowdrops and delicious cakes.  And we didn't even get rained on!  Thank you so much Richard for all your efforts and lovely to meet everyone.
And for those poor people who missed the event, a few more photos....
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: kentish_lass on February 20, 2011, 09:09:06 PM
What a great day today.  Many thankyou's first.  Richard - thankyou for organising a great day, the garden is a credit to you.  I don't know how you manage it all.

Thankyou Arthur for chauffering me around again - much appreciated.  John & Chris - thankyou for the lovely plants - I will treasure them (hopefully for years to come).  It was lovely to put faces to names on the forum and it was a pleasure to meet you all.

Here a few shots from today:-
Jennie
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: angie on February 20, 2011, 09:15:58 PM
Looks if you all had a great time. Thanks for sharing the fun with us. I presume there wasn't any left over cakes ;D

Angie :)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: kentish_lass on February 20, 2011, 09:24:09 PM
There actually was some left over cakes as there was so much to eat!  It was all delicious.  I would love to know who made the what I believe to be a carrot cake with a chocolate topping.....it was delicious and moist and I would love the recipe :)  I have a photo of it somewhere.

There is a long stretch of snowdrops at Benington Lordship that will soon turn blue with the Scillas and then turn white again with the Wild Garlic.  I hope Richard posts a photo when it turns blue - it must look beautiful.

Here are a few more photos....
Jennie
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 20, 2011, 09:29:07 PM
some very nice pics  :)

Jennie, you can see the effect in the gallery images , it is just as impressive as the snowdrops.

http://www.beningtonlordship.co.uk/photogallery2.shtml

Quote
I presume there wasn't any left over cakes

not much, did bring some coffee & walnut cup cakes home (sorry Mark  ;)) but they'll go tomorrow in the tea room, if I don't eat them, I think I might have had enough cake today, but there's always breakfast  ;D
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 20, 2011, 10:14:20 PM
Many thanks for the photos Chas, Gail and Jennie.  We were here a couple of years ago on the way to the Gala and there was a lot of snow on the ground so we couldn't see Richard's collection, but the grounds were super and Maggi may remember the picture of the stained glass window in the church porch.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: kentish_lass on February 20, 2011, 10:42:30 PM
A few more photos - including the inside of the tea room.

There was an impressive patch of Rubus (not sure if it was cockburnianus) on the bank with its ghostly winter glow.  I tried to grow this years ago but it needs space and looks just perfect on the bank at Benington Lordship.  One of my favourite winter stems.

Jennie
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on February 20, 2011, 10:46:01 PM
Richard,

Well done on organising such a day for forum members. It is obvious that they have enjoyed themselves, your company, the garden, the snowdrops and it seems the cakes very much - do they talk about anything else?

Perhaps, some day I may be able to visit and, if so, I am sure I will enjoy it very much.

Paddy
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 20, 2011, 10:48:07 PM
Many thanks for the photos Chas, Gail and Jennie.  We were here a couple of years ago on the way to the Gala and there was a lot of snow on the ground so we couldn't see Richard's collection, but the grounds were super and Maggi may remember the picture of the stained glass window in the church porch.
Indeed I do remember, Brian... it is a very lovely window.... last photo in this post from February 15th , 2009.... http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3035.msg75627#msg75627
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 20, 2011, 10:54:15 PM
Paddy, I echo your congratulations to Richard for organising this super day for Forum members- it was so kind of you and it has obviously been a tremendous success with them all and with their photos we are all able to join in.

If I might take the talk away from snowdrops and cake for a moment.... I know you grow a lot of hellebores at BL... and in seeing the most full of 'drops I can't help feeling that for anyone with enough space, it would be a terrific idea to plant hellebores on a sloping sided area, to replicate the moat, so that one could walk along a path and look up into the "faces" of the flowers - no space here for such a thing but it would be nice  :)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 20, 2011, 11:10:04 PM
Paddy,

I really enjoyed today & plan on doing it again, with a few tweaks, as with any first attempt at something new there's always things I can think of changing.

if anyone does want to come from further afield I'm more than happy to put someone up in my spare room, might have finished decorating by next year.... house is just across the road, I do have two insane Siamese cats & a mad dog  ;)

Maggi,

years ago I donated quite a lot of unsold/spare Hellebores to a garden not far from here, already had some growing on head height banks & worked very well, think the garden has since changed hands but would be nice to know if it worked.

Jennie,

the Rubus does take over & it is "thinned" in the moat, we didn't walk down there but there's a much larger planting between the two ponds.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: emma T on February 21, 2011, 09:07:37 AM
ha the picture of the cake i made has had a lot of views  ;D it was good cake.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 21, 2011, 09:08:40 AM
couple of things from yesterday, someone was asking me about x valentinei but can't remember who, will have a few spares.

and my viradapice being tall, have masses so if anyone wants to add those to the list I made before you all left please let me know.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2011, 09:25:28 AM
ha the picture of the cake i made has had a lot of views  ;D it was good cake.

A cake that LOOKS that good is always goingto be a GREAT cake, Emma...... a momentary pause for regret at cutting into it and spoiling the decoration.... but only momentary, I imagine  ;D

 Tell me, were the different 'drops on it correctly identified by the assembled gang before they scoffed it?
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: emma T on February 21, 2011, 09:27:54 AM
My Mum cut into it everyone else didnt want to spoil it  :o ;D ::)

Good ol Mum just stabbed the cake knife into it  ;D
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Sean Fox on February 21, 2011, 10:29:51 AM
I'll leave it at that!

Loved the photos of the cake Emma, you're quite the arteest aren't you, well done  ;)
Looks like everybody had a wonderful time, loving all the photos again.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: ChrisD on February 21, 2011, 01:50:13 PM
Quote
There actually was some left over cakes as there was so much to eat!  It was all delicious.  I would love to know who made the what I believe to be a carrot cake with a chocolate topping.....it was delicious and moist and I would love the recipe Smiley  I have a photo of it somewhere.
Quote

I think that might have been the "gooey chocolate orange cake" which wasnt quite as gooey as it sometimes turns out. (It is often mistaken for a carrot cake?!!). I had to take what wasnt eaten home (about half) or the family were threatening various punishments. The idea that I had exchanged the cake for some very nice snowdrops didnt seem to cut much ice ;D ;D ;D

I will PM the recipe when I get a few minutes. Does anyone else want it?
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Gail on February 21, 2011, 01:52:41 PM
Yes please Chris - it was delicious!
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Sean Fox on February 21, 2011, 02:00:53 PM
Sounds delicious Chris, could you please PM me the recipe too, thanks  :)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2011, 02:31:56 PM
ChrisD... may I ask you, rather than pm folks with the recipe, to post it in Cooks' Corner so we can all try it?
Pretty please?  
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3774.1095
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: johnw on February 21, 2011, 02:58:18 PM
.... a momentary pause for regret at cutting into it and spoiling the decoration.... but only momentary, I imagine  ;D

Emma - Maggi's idea of cutting cake is more akin to roto-tilling over here.  :-X

And now off to the Cook Corner where I may be safer.

johnw
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2011, 03:28:21 PM
Quote
Emma - Maggi's idea of cutting cake is more akin to roto-tilling over here.

'tis true that I don't favour the cutting of cakes.... I find there's less washing up to do if one simply inhales them, whole.... it's a neat trick if you can do it...... :o ;D ;D



Takes one to know one JohnW.... I see you across in Cooks' Corner asking for Benington Lordship  coffee cupcake recipes  ::)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Sean Fox on February 21, 2011, 03:29:03 PM

 :o :o :o :o Get your flak jacket and tin hat on John  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: johnw on February 21, 2011, 03:36:02 PM
Quote
Emma - Maggi's idea of cutting cake is more akin to roto-tilling over here.

'tis true that I don't favour the cutting of cakes.... I find there's less washing up to do if one simply inhales them, whole.... it's a neat trick if you can do it...... :o ;D ;D



Takes one to know one JohnW.... I see you across in Cooks' Corner asking for Benington Lordship  coffee cupcake recipes  ::)

Yes but a cupcake one can, with decorum, inhale swiftly without notice or rebuke. ;)

johnw
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2011, 03:39:59 PM
Who said anything about decorum .... no need for elegance ::).... I'm talking hungry ;D


I like to think my method shows the greatest possible appreciation for the cake baker's art...... :D



Edit: At this point, Richard is thinking what a lucky escape he's had that I'm so far away from BL......
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: johnw on February 21, 2011, 03:48:41 PM

 :o :o :o :o Get your flak jacket and tin hat on John  ;D ;D ;D


Ear plugs might be better ::) but like those flak jackets! New to me or is it flack jacket? ;)

johnw
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 21, 2011, 04:02:45 PM
Who said anything about decorum .... no need for elegance ::).... I'm talking hungry ;D


I like to think my method shows the greatest possible appreciation for the cake baker's art...... :D



Edit: At this point, Richard is thinking what a lucky escape he's had that I'm so far away from BL......


not at all, the skill of "inhaling" a cup cake must be something to be shared  ;)

I'll post the coffee/walnut later, enjoy cooking but cakes not really my thing, curry is another matter  8)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2011, 04:05:46 PM

 :o :o :o :o Get your flak jacket and tin hat on John  ;D ;D ;D


Ear plugs might be better ::) but like those flak jackets! New to me or is it flack jacket? ;)

johnw
I heard that!

It's flak.... from   Fliegerabwehrkanone - an anti-aircraft gun so this abbreviaiton for the protective jacket.  :)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2011, 04:08:05 PM


not at all, the skill of "inhaling" a cup cake must be something to be shared  ;)

I'll post the coffee/walnut later, enjoy cooking but cakes not really my thing, curry is another matter  8)

Thanks Richard, what a gentleman you are  :-*

 Now then curry.... yes, I'm right with you there, too...... 8)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: johnw on February 21, 2011, 05:30:02 PM
 I heard that!

It's flak.... from  Fliegerabwehrkanone - an anti-aircraft gun so this abbreviaiton for the protective jacket.  :)
[/quote]

Thank-you, I shall be watching overhead as well.

johnw
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2011, 05:58:45 PM


Thank-you, I shall be watching overhead as well.

johnw
Oh dear me.... I laughed so much at that I may have done myself a damage

[attachthumb=1]
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: Gerard Oud on February 21, 2011, 07:34:07 PM
I do get a dejavu from "flak" and its a episode from Fawlty Towers ;D
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: ChrisD on February 21, 2011, 07:42:49 PM
Chocolate orange cake recipe added to the cooks corner thread - Sorry I hadnt realised there was one or would have put it there anyway.

Chris  :)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on February 22, 2011, 10:02:52 PM


not at all, the skill of "inhaling" a cup cake must be something to be shared  ;)

I'll post the coffee/walnut later, enjoy cooking but cakes not really my thing, curry is another matter  8)

Thanks Richard, what a gentleman you are  :-*

 Now then curry.... yes, I'm right with you there, too...... 8)

I'll put my Cooking Apple curry, Malaysian Rendang & Thai green with roast veg on cooks corner tomorrow  ;)
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: kentish_lass on February 23, 2011, 07:02:36 AM


I'll put my Cooking Apple curry, Malaysian Rendang & Thai green with roast veg on cooks corner tomorrow  ;)


Cannot wait for those recipes Richard...they sound very veggie and delicious  ;)
Jennie
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: art600 on March 03, 2011, 05:39:39 PM
Richard

I would just like to add my thanks for the fantastic day we had at Benington Lordship.  I disappeared to Portugal very early the next morning and this is my first opportunity to post.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on March 03, 2011, 05:42:20 PM
thanks Arthur, hope you had a good time.

forgot about those curry recipes  :-[ will do it tomorrow.
Title: Re: Snowdrops & Cake! Benington Lordship - 20th Feb 2011
Post by: RichardW on March 07, 2011, 09:31:14 PM
apologies for delay, curries now on cooks corner.
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