Now that the heat wave is over the plants that seemed to become dormant during the hot weather are back into growth and most are none the worse for the hot spell. Some of the larger flowered Mammillaria are back in flower as are Coryphantha and Astrophytum. The flowering season for the Mesembs has started. I wonder why so many of them have yellow flowers. I suppose there must be a reason.

With the show out of the way I have been getting down to some much needed repotting. Norman ordered me eight bags of that special potting compost but I only have two unopened. At the present rate of use they will soon be finished as well. I am sure that Countrywide Farmers think we must keep a vast number of chickens to get through so much chick and hen grit. I follow some of George Hollis’s advice on potting mixture. I think that with all advice like this one must adapt it to suit ones growing methods. If what you are doing is producing good results, don’t change it. My usual mixture is 4 parts loam to two parts chick grit and one part hen grit. I tend to adapt the mixture with each plant. If the plant has a vast strong root system I think it is probably a hungry plant and put more loam in the mix. where the plant has a sparse shallow root run I tend to give it extra grit with mesembs I add a measure of silver sand.

A.G.M.

With the December AGM approaching I would like all of you to consider who you would like to propose for the committee. All positions will be available. I am giving plenty of warning as I hope that some suggestions might come up for a new Branch Chairman. I am not prepared to do the job for a further year unless there is at least a Deputy Chairman to undertake some of the load. Some branches allow their Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer to hold the post for a maximum stretch of three years. I think this is a good idea as it brings in fresh ideas and shares the responsibilities. I would be interested to hear your ideas!