Cheadle Flower Club Blooms Towards Summer

Cheadle Flower Club welcomed members to their April meeting introducing David from Sunny House Farm Nursery in Tean, Ali from Checkley who is a cut flower grower and Elie an ecologist from Keele University. 

David started the meeting with a discussion on growing sweet peas, advising visitors to grow them in deep pots, sow the seeds in October prior to planting the following year, dig a deep trench if planting in the garden lined with superphosphate and fish, blood and bone fertiliser to provide good feed as sweet peas rely on the trace elements in the soil for food.

David also advised the group on hanging baskets and how we needed to use the correct compost, feed with a liquid feed and do not use cold water or a hose when watering, leave a watering can of water overnight to allow it  to become warmer. 

Elie gave a talk of her passion to make gardens more accessible for wildlife. She encourages everyone to have a wild patch in their garden by growing wildflowers such as ragwort which supports 50 species of moth along with cornflowers and poppies. She informed the group that lawns originated in France with the aristocracy demonstrating their wealth by not needing to grow vegetables.

Elie desperately wants everyone to grow plants that encourage bees into the garden and support all types of wildlife. David is allowing Elie to create a wildflower meadow at his farm which will surely be a wonderful display.

Sheila (Chair Person) gave the vote of thanks for an informative, wonderful and interesting evening and for the many hints and tips given by David, Ali and Elie.

The Club would also like to extend thanks to CheadleTown Council for a grant which will really make a difference, as this is much needed in the current financial situation.

The next meeting will be a demonstration on Wednesday 20th May, 2026 at the Oakley Room, The Guild Hall, Cheadle at 7.30 pm. Everyone is most welcome and can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome. If you require any further details of the Club please contact contact chairman Sheila on 07974577572 or email sheilajones53@hotmail.com.

Cheadle Flower Club Blooms Towards Summer, created 6th May 2026