Manchester Branch Open Day

[Peter B]

Manchester Branch is holding its biennial Open Day on Sunday June 22nd. There are three collections to visit, all very different from one another.

Starting at 12.30pm Ivor Crook's collection is on view. Ivor has several areas of interest; South America figures highly with plants from many of the genera found there. These will be seen prominently in his first sizeable greenhouse which was only erected last year. Equal in size is his second one where many different genera of succulents are grown. Well worth a visit. 38 Clarendon Road, Audenshaw, Manchester M34 5QB Drinks and snacks will be available. Those travelling by Motorway would be best advised to leave M60 at Junction 23 from where his house is about 1.5 miles drive. 0161 301 3969

We move on to Harry Mak's collection aiming to arrive at about 2.15pm. Harry holds a superb National Collection of Haworthia which is impeccable, a must see especially if you have an interest in this genus. However his collection is by no means restricted to Haworthia. He grows mainly genera from the other succulent range though he is not without cacti in the collection. He grows his plants hard and slowly so he can fit hundreds of them into his three greenhouses.
20 Walsingham Avenue, Alkrington, Middleton, Manchester M24 1SR

Finally we move on to Peter Bint's collection for 3.45pm. This is only 5 minute's drive from Harry's house. Peter's is the largest collection of the three being held in 4 greenhouses of varying size due to the way the garden is layered in rising tiers. The collection is wide ranging reflecting Peter's wide interest in the whole range of cacti and succulents. However there is a sizeable collection of Lithops, probably the largest in the north west but this is by no means the only plants to be seen. Many plants live outdoors throughout the summer, rain or shine. There will be plants for sale, probably at all 3 collections. There will also be a considerable buffet available from arrival at Peter's house prepared by his wife who is famed for her culinary arts as many will confirm from past experience: (vegetarian option available).
313 Manchester New Road, Alkrington. Middleton, Manchester M24 1NR 0161 643 8932 / 07967 832089
The M60 is only 300 metres from Peter's house for homeward travelling motorway users after the visit. Ignore the bus lane outside his house as it is non operational on a Sunday.

In order to cater for visitors with regard to the buffet a PM would be appreciated to indicate numbers coming.

We look forward to as many of you as can manage the afternoon. You are welcome at as many of the collections as you can manage on the day.

Peter B