Welcome to the Somerset Group of the Hardy Plant Society

The UK Hardy Plant Society (HPS) was formed in 1957 to foster interest in hardy herbaceous plants on the widest possible scale. The aims of the society are to give its members information about the wealth of both well and little known plants, and to ensure that all worthy plants remain in cultivation and have the widest possible distribution.  In the Somerset Local Group, we provide information and activities at a local level for Hardy Plant Society members to promote the aims of the society.
 
This is accomplished by organising a programme of meetings, visits and publishing a local newsletter.  (Please see the Programme of Events page for full details of forthcoming events.)
 
Membership of the local group is open to anyone who is member of the Hardy Plant Society nationally. You can find details of how to join on the Membership page.
 
This website is maintained by Somerset HPS Group.
 

Our next event: 
 
Wednesday 15 May

Self-drive visit to Cothhay Manor & Holcombe Court



And also make sure that you have our 20th Anniversary Lecture in your diary:

Saturday 29 June 2013 at 14:00pm

Roy Lancaster - "Mad About Plants"

at Horton Village Hall, TA19 9QR.

The following nurseries will also be attending:

Special Plants
Hill House Nursery
Desirable Plants
Long Acre Plants






Plant of the Month
Erythronium revolutum ‘Knightshayes Pink’ 

Photo: Jenny Hawksley, 25 April 2013
 
This is one of the pink flowered American species with intriguing mottled foliage and gorgeous rosy blooms with prominent yellow anthers. This form, developed at the National Trust’s garden at Knightshayes, Devon, increases steadily, naturalises well and can create a carpet of colour.
 
Erythronium revolutum is a species of flowering plant in the family Liliaceae which is known by several common names, including mahogany fawn lily, coast fawn lily, and pink fawn lily. It is native to the west coast of North America from northern California to British Columbia. It is most abundant within 100 miles (161 km) of the coast, and is found in moist places such as streambanks, bogs, and wet forest understory.
 
Erythronium, from a Greek word meaning red, referred in ancient times to a quite different plant from that to which later botanists applied the name.  However, it is certain that the 16th century herbalists, such as Gerard, were advocating the use of Erythroniums as we know them today.  Gerard commented:”It provoketh bodily lust if it be only handled but much more if it be drunke with wine.” 
Plant bulbs at least 10cm deep in autumn.  Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in light, dappled or partial shade.  Protect against slugs.  Divide established clumps after flowering. 

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