Saplings have been planted at Karaoğlanoğlu Cemetery.
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Ozankoy Gardeners Forum at the Courtyard, Karakum 22nd February
Introduction by Margaret Sheard …..
When we have time we try to keep up with the many events happening in North Cyprus and many people send 
their news as they know it will be shared widely by cyprusscene and other media outlets. We have today noted on Facebook the review of the Ozankoy Gardeners Forum which was held today, 22nd February, which is shown below.
North Cyprus Forum (the friendly forum), which we also manage, now has a members’ calendar where they can post events and this, and membership, is growing by the day.
The calendar can be viewed by all visitors to the Forum but to use the calendar it is necessary to register as a member. This members’ calendar will become a funnel through which North Cyprus events news will be noted and published in the cyprusscene weekly events calendar and shared with many media outlets which can help maximise attendance.
Ozankoy Gardeners Forum 22nd February
By Barbara Burton …..
We had a meeting of the Gardeners Forum today the 22.2.17. We met at the Courtyard Inn and 20 members attended.
David Potter and Patricia Jordan led the meeting. Several different kinds of cuttings and plants were brought to be shared for those who wanted them.
A lot of information about bulbs suitable for our area was shared. David brought along a beautiful bowl of crocus just beginning to flower.
Future plans for a day out to visit Howard and Patricia’s garden, a garden centre and lunch during Easter week were discussed.
Our next meeting will again be at the Courtyard Inn on the 29.3.17 at 10.30
North Cyprus Ozanköy Gardeners Forum
By Chris Elliott……..
I have had the opportunity in the past to go along to a few Ozanköy Gardeners Forum meetings to write reviews and always have found them and the members very interesting.
Barbara Burton who organises the events, published the following forum report in Facebook including notes by Patricia Ann Jordan QEQM who runs the very succsessful website, The Garden Club of Cyprus.
“Hello all members of Gardeners Forum.
Our next meeting is on Wednesday the 25th January at The Courtyard Inn Karakum. Please be there by 10.15am ready for a prompt 10.30am start.
Patricia made these notes following our last meeting in December:”
“At the meeting in December, we discussed the following items at some length.
Banksia roses – and how to prune them and feed them. David read out a passage from an old book about their habit and care. Later at home, Patricia discovered she had a very old book written by Shirley Hibberd in 1874, stating that the Banksia rose was introduced from China in the early 1800s and was dedicated to Lady Banks. Shirley Hibberd describes the Banksia rose as having a disorderly habit of growth. He also remarked that they were suited to growing at several stations of the South Eastern Railway, where they thrived on the dry chalk, enjoying the warmth. We discussed taking rose cuttings of Banksia roses and Damascena roses. Robert Fortune also brought several fine roses back from China in 1850.
Trees, climbers and shrubs – When to prune bougainvillea and lavender – Bougainvillea is a job for February whilst lavender should be pruned after flowering. Jasminum sambac also known as Arabian Jasmine, is best grown 
in old tin cans with earth from around the base of a carob tree. It was thought that the rusty tin might contribute to the soil by adding iron. We also discussed iron chelate’s other uses. Jasminum mesnyi – in bloom now, a non-climbing jasmine, with drooping stems, is best grown over an umbrella-shaped stand. The flowers are usually doubles and a bright yellow colour. Jacaranda tree that died – It was suggested that maybe the roots had been twisted round the pot before it was planted, which sometimes happens with plants that have been in pots for a long time, so that they are unable to spread their roots to stabilise the tree.
It is a well-known fact that plants can die because of lack of watering, as well as over watering. Remember to empty out saucers of water underneath plant pots and raise them on ‘feet’ or bricks to help drainage. Moving trees or shrubs – First, dig your eventual hole much bigger than the ball of the tree or shrub, and make sure that both hole and tree are damp. Add some bone meal or slow-release fertiliser to the bottom of the planting 
hole. Do not plant trees or shrubs near cypresses hedges, but leave a space of 3 metres. Mention was made of a rampant climber called Pyrostegia.
Mealy bugs and the like – one member brought along some pesticides to deal with mealy bugs, available from Ardiç garden shop.
Spring bulbs – Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) and Paperwhites grown in pots, like to have their heads and shoulders above the soil, whilst the general depth for other bulbs is 2-2½ times the height of the bulb. Amaryllis likes to be cosy in its pot, with a finger’s width of space between the bulb and the sides. See Patricia’s Plant of the Month for December on my website click here.
All bulbs should be fed when flowering is finished, as this is when they make the flower for next season. Do not remove the leaves until they have died down. Try www.peternyssen.com. for bulbs from UK.
Wallflowers, David mentioned many plants in flower at this time, including wallflowers. These are biennials, meaning that you sow the seed one year for them to flower the next year. In UK, usually they are discarded after flowering, but here they can be perennials, and cuttings can be taken in the spring along with those of Marguerites.
Carissa flowers Pyrostegia flowers Jasminum sambac Jasminum mesnyi Tangled tree roots
PAJ”
Ozankoy Gardeners Forum – Trip to Argonye near Lefke
By Barbara Burton……
Mariam the Herbalist
On our recent trip to Argonye near Lefke we enjoyed very much a talk from Mariam Gokcebag who is a herbalist and nutritionist.
We all met up in good time at Karsiyaka village square and set off in various cars. We were pleasantly surprised with the lovely Argonye Restaurant which was to be the venue for our talk. We started with coffee and a walk to see the lovely trees and lawns. Tables were placed around so that we could all see Mariam while she told us all about the various fresh herbs and produce so freely available here in Cyprus. She showed us how the tinctures were made and answered questions about what herbs and fruits could be used for various health problems.
This was followed by a very tasty lunch of Firin cooked chicken with lovely herbs, potatoes and onions and salad. We all agreed that it was a lovely day out.
David, Karen Pauline and Barbara also sneaked in a visit to the government garden centre at Guzelyurt on the way back and I am sure David will tell you all about that at our next meeting!
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 30th November, 10.15 at the Cirali Bakery again. Look forward to seeing you then.
News from Ozankoy Gardeners Forum
By Barbara Burton……
Hi All
I wanted to confirm that our next meeting will be on Wednesday 30th November, and will again be at the Cirali bakery garden cafe in Karakum. I hope you enjoyed our September meeting there. Patricia has sent me some notes from our last meeting, which are shown below.
For those who are coming to the Argonye herb garden next week on Tuesday the 25th October, Sandy and Steph have asked for you to meet us at Karsiyaka at 9.30am. If you come along the road through Lower Lapta you will see the Tolga Restaurant on your left. Just after you pass this you will see the village square on your right. Sandy tells me that there is a lot of work happening on the square and you will need to park on the left opposite the square.
Sandy and Steph will be there to take the lists and the money and will give directions for us all to get to Gaziveren Village and the Herb Garden. The price will be 65TL, this includes the talk and lunch and also lunch for the speaker.
If you have any problem you can ring me on 0542 8657916 or Sandy 0533 8463528.
With best wishes – Barbara
FROM PATRICIA AND HOWARD:
Items discussed
Potting compost—always take it out of the bag and break up any lumps. Add in some loam, Perlite and some slow release fertiliser
Home made compost– bins or heap? If using bins drill some holes in the sides and bottom and stand on soil, so that any liquid will drain away. Alternate layers with dried material, including shredded personal papers—a good way of not letting others get at your personal details. Three bins are best as you can have one with fresh stuff, one maturing and one ready to use. This is what I use.
Animal Compost—never use it fresh, as there is always ammonia in it. Let it lie for up to a year. There is always the danger of weed seeds.
Stop watering amaryllis bulbs now, so that they can rest. Plant Paperwhites about 6 weeks before Christmas if you want to give them as gifts. Remember to leave the neck and shoulders above the soil level and do not let the bulbs touch each other.
Wait to plant other bulbs until the soil is moist or they won’t make roots. Tulips can go in last of all, as they flower much later than the narcissus or hyacinths.
Mealy bugs on Hibiscus—Howard uses the finger and thumb method, or you can spray with Neem Azal T/S, which is available in the south.
Woolly Aphids usually infest trees of the apple family (rosa), pyracantha and cotoneaster. Catch them early by stroking them away with methylated spirits. Take off any badly infected stems and leaves and burn them. You may lose some flowers this way. Feed the bush with a good all round fertiliser and keep a watchful eye for them next season. They are extremely difficult to eradicate!
Patricia – www.gardenclubofcyprus.com
Village Life – The Ozanköy Gardeners’ Forum September 2015
Village Life
The Ozanköy “Gardeners’ Forum”
September 2015 meeting
By Chris Elliott……
It is so nice to take time out from writing and publishing to go along and take part in village activities and this I did during the past week, when I went along to the Ozanköy “Gardeners Forum” which was holding its first meeting at the Rose Garden Restaurant in Ozanköy which is now being managed by Linda and AJ.
When you walk through the garden gate and across the garden full of roses, shrubs and trees you realise what a superb location this is for the Ozanköy “Gardeners Forum” to meet in, as it just creates an atmosphere of calm and wellbeing plus it has all of the natural beauty of so many roses, shrubs and trees.
Having said hello to Barbara Burton the organiser, I sat down with my camera and cup of coffee to observe the opening of the meeting of the forum when Barbara announced that following the closing of the Ozanköy Bookshop, she hoped all of the members of the Gardeners Forum would like this new location and that future meetings would be held here on the last Wednesday of the month starting at 10.15am.
Following her introduction, the Forum Chairman and local gardening expert, David Potter welcomed everybody and expressed his great delight at seeing so many new faces and expressed the wish for everyone to share their gardening experiences for the benefit of other members. He also talked about seasonal tasks and answered many questions from the members gathered there.
We also had a fascinating presentation and talk by gardening experts Patricia Jordan QEQM and 
her husband Howard who have regularly travelled over the years from their home in the Republic of Cyprus to attend these meetings. Their knowledge is renowned and the advice and encouragement they gave was so well received by the members who were asking so many questions. Patricia has a fascinating website “The Garden Club of Cyprus” which will entrance any keen gardener and of course those interested in Cyprus gardening. Click here to view.
We also had a surprise visit from Linda Smith from the Society of St Andrews to tell the forum members that approval and permission had been given by the Belediyesi for the construction of the Houston Garden in Kyrenia. This will surround the Houston Cemetery which has been preserved and is currently being renovated as part of the long term plan to preserve this part of the Cyprus Heritage and also be part of the larger Leisure Centre that had been created by the Girne Belediyesi.
Former Kyrenia Mayor, Sümer Aygin, in having this project designed by his architect, Ali Yapicioglu, wanted to see the pine covered ravine in which the gardens will be placed, turned into a park area and when I reflected back on the report I wrote on the launch of the project, his dream is now coming true. Click here to view.
Looking into the past history of Cyprus I discovered that a wealthy landowner George Houston, a Scottish mine owner had come to live in Kyrenia and during his life here, he was very active in supporting the local community. He not only gave the land for St Andrews Church, but was also involved in the founding of the hospital, and many other works of a philanthropic nature.
The Houston cemetery was the gift to the British community in Kyrenia by the Houston family, for the burial of British residents in Kyrenia. The title is held by the Jerusalem and East Mission Trust in London. The land was consecrated on 27th May 1963 and it contains a small burial plot for the Houston family, and there are three other interments. In 1968, in view of residential and tourist development taking place in the vicinity, it was decided to discontinue use of this cemetery.
So after all of these years the Houston Cemetery which will form the centrepiece of the Houston Gardens will now be cared for by the Society of St Andrews and the British community for future generations to admire and enjoy.
Further news of this project will be released shortly by the Society of St Andrews who are seeking help of a physical, practical and financial nature from interested people or organisations who may want to participate and help the plans for development of the Houston Gardens.
Well what an interesting time I had with these nice folk at their meeting and I was able to speak to many of them and find out a little about them and their interests.
When I can I will go along to another meeting and tell our readers more of what’s happening in our quaint village of Ozanköy.
Making Your Own Mosquito Trap on North Cyprus Forum
Making Your Own Mosquito Trap
On a recent visit to the North Cyprus Forum gardening section “In your Garden” click here we came across an interesting article on how to make your own Mosquito Trap.
How many of our readers have been bitten by those little horrors or other persistent little biters. Will it work, only you will know when you make one or perhaps look at some other ideas that were tested by the Huffington Post click here.
HOMEMADE MOSQUITO TRAP
by Navek on 25 Jun 2014
North Cyprus Forum
Items needed:
1 cup of water
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1 gram of yeast
1 x 2-liter bottle
HOW:
- Cut the plastic bottle in half.
- Mix brown sugar with hot water. Let cool. When cold, pour in the bottom half of the bottle.
- Add the yeast. No need to mix. It creates carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes.
- Place the funnel part, upside down, into the other half of the bottle, taping them together if desired.
- Wrap the bottle with something black, leaving the top uncovered, and place it outside in an area away from your normal gathering area. (Mosquitoes are also drawn to the colour black.)
Change the solution every 2 weeks for continuous control.
Flora and Fauna of the TRNC and the Island of Cyprus By Bob Scott
Flora and Fauna of the TRNC
and the Island of Cyprus
By Bob Scott…….
Flora and Fauna of the TRNC and the Island of Cyprus! A new idea prompted by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism enviable success at this year’s Royal Horticultural Society Hampton Court Flower Show.
Not only a winner of a gold medal for best in show for their Paradise Garden but also winner of Best World garden. This very special garden was designed by Nilufer Danis of the Lotus Design Studio and built by Landform Consultants and you can read more about it on the RHS website click here
You can also read more of the garden designer Nilufer Danis by clicking here
On the back of this great event, which I followed, it got me thinking of the flora and fauna of TRNC and Cyprus in general like Five Finger mountain range and the Karpaz Peninsula plus the Troodos range, the walkers and the photographers and the delights they have seen which I would like to discover.
The villages decked out with pots of geraniums, Bougainvillea’s adorning old grape pergolas what an uplifting sight for all to see, forward to the towns’ hotels and other venues too, decked out to attract one and all, this Island has been a fertile region for centuries, mainly fruit and food, now is the chance to show off a Paradise Island in all its glory.
No this is not an instant dream, these things take time, I live in the UK and can no longer visit Cyprus where I went in my youth with the British Army so it would be good to find a locally based person to help me write this column for cyprusscene.com, someone with a vision and passion like me and someone able to cover the local area and help me create a collection of the splendours of North Cyprus or indeed the whole of Cyprus.
I am no expert but in my garden in the UK, small as it is, I have plants from all corners of the world, Rock rose rhododendron from the Himalayas, tree ferns and grevilleas from Australia in fact plants that stretch as far as the South Americas, Peru, you name it my passion reaches there and below are some examples of my plants.
Heather
Magnolia Black – Tulip
Magnolia – Black Tulip
Polyanthus and Heathers
Rock Rose Rhododendron – Race Moson.
My collection of books contains the wonders of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and its irrigation system, the Islamic gardens of the rich merchants of Persia, with their water features surrounded by palm trees. On to Mediterranean gardens of North Africa and the Moorish region of Southern Spain, Italian ornate sculptured gardens and on up though Europe, France and its Emperor gardens and across the channel to the great Industrialist gardens of the 1700s.
This project is all about plants, flora and fauna, shrubs and trees and what one can do with them to enhance one’s life and I hope someone will join me and share their local knowledge for the enjoyment of the many readers of these pages..
The way we take photos of plants and fauna can greatly enhance a record of the beauty of nature and I show below a few pictures I have taken over the years.
Photos of Sheffield Park Gardens, East Sussex
Photos of Sheffield Park Gardens, East Sussex
Photos of Sheffield Park Gardens, East Sussex
Photos of Sheffield Park Gardens, East Sussex
Photos of Sheffield Park Gardens, East Sussex
Christmas Evening – Sheffield Park
Christmas Evening – Sheffield Park
A Tulip Day at Pashley Manor, Kent
A Tulip Day at Pashley Manor, Kent
I could not find a Sermen – Ismail or an Ahmet! But I found a Abu Hassan
By Bob Scott…….
I have been involved with the team of writers on cyprusscen
e.com whilst we are researching and writing about my experiences in Cyprus as a national serviceman and having had time out last week to relax and enjoy the beauty and splendour of a Tulip Festival at Pashley Manor in Ticehurst near Wadhurst in Kent, I sent them all some pictures to admire.
When I first sent pictures I said “I have been to a Tulip Festival today! I could not find a Sermen – Ismail or an Ahmet! But I found a Abu Hassan. This was a wonderful trip I was not expecting and despite being tired at the end of the day it was so worth it. The Tulips were the best ever shown and we had taken lots of photos, If you would like to see more just let me know”.
The reply was great Bob, how about writing about it so we can share your day and photos with a worldwide readership so here goes.
Pashley Manor Kent is situated on the borders of East Sussex and the County of Kent UK. For those not familiar with both of these Counties they are blessed with a number of wonderful gardens, all a photographer’s delight! Colours Landscapes and Atmosphere by the bucket load, amateur or professional cannot fail to take a photo of delight.
This is our third visit to the Tulip Festival, that is my Son Antony and I, he is a photographer of class who knows how to manipulate a photo for best effect, where mine are all el-natural! Taken as seen.
The setting in the grounds is marvellous – beautiful lawns immaculately cut- woodland walks carved wooden sculptures made from noggins of wood where the branches are cut from felled trees and the woodcarver has in their mind : a bird or a native face and so on.
Wonderful flowing Weeping Willow trees flowing and shading the lake with its ornamental bridge, a wonderful site to behold, work your way back towards the restaurant, though the masses of Tulip beds and borders in every colour and shape imaginable.
Don’t forget to notice the next flush of colour in bud ready to burst out with an encore, the Rhododendrons, beauties in their own right ready for a follow up visit, on your way to the Entrance or Exit you will find the Showcase Marquee, this contains within the most wondrous display of Exhibition Tulips to whet the appetite of the gardener’s palate.
To read more of Pashley Manor Gardens please click here
Cyprus Gardening
Cyprus Gardening
By Margaret Sheard…
There are many people who remember Nigel Watson with affection and looked 
forward to his recipes and gardening tips produced on North Cyprus Forum. Sadly Nigel is no longer with us but his work lives on and we can still enjoy his love of cooking and gardening by reproducing some of his excellent tips. The following article was produced by Nigel under his pseudonym “greenfingers” and was published in January 2014 but I am sure the content will still be of interest for this coming January.
It is now December and the lead up to the Christmas festivities but what happens after Christmas and the New Year, the weather is cold and we all need something to brighten up our lives so why not spend some time in the garden and get it ready for the coming year.
January 2014 in Your Cyprus Garden
by greenfingers
This month is a golden opportunity to get out in the garden and start some of the winter chores like planting and pruning.
Planting trees and shrubs is not difficult. First dig the hole making it deeper and wider than the rootball of the tree you are going to plant. Hopefully the hole will be damp, if not add some water but don’t make it too soggy. If you have bone meal put a couple of handfuls in the bottom of the hole, otherwise some 
slow release fertiliser will do.
Take the rootball out of the bag or pot and look closely at the roots. They may be wound round and round the pot which usually means that that they have been in it for too long.
Tease them out gently and get rid of any cloggy soil which may be around them and trim any dead or very thin roots. Should the tree be large you may need to put in a stake before planting. If you put it in later on you may damage the roots.
Sit the plant in the hole leaving the graft point just above 
the level of the top of the hole and fill in the sides with some good garden soil and gardening compost.
Winter jasmine should be starting to flower brightening up the garden. This is a shrub or climber that is pruned AFTER flowering. It’s amazing how many plants are in flower throughout the winter.
Pyrostegia and Viburnum tinus both bring brightness and cheer and of course polygala just never seems to stop blooming. Osteospermums and marguerites 
give the garden some colour through the winter and soon the first narcissus will flowering in the borders. Cacti and succulents are beginning to throw out new flower stems too and Aeonium arboreum flower heads, looking like golden broccoli, will be shooting skywards. Aloe flowers of reds and yellows brighten up the countryside vying with the bright yellows of the native oxalis, which can be a nightmare to get rid of in gardens!
To read more of Nigel’s past gardening tips on North Cyprus Forum click here