On a mid-January evening when three to four inches of snow were lying in Enniskillen, members and friends of Fermanagh Gardening Society were able to enjoy a ‘night out’ by staying in, thanks to the benefit of a Zoom online meeting, ably co-ordinated and hosted by Lorna Dane.

They could snuggle down in the comforts of their own home and enjoy a hot drink whilst Charlotte Gordon, Chairperson, introduced the guest speaker – Dr. Anne Edwards, from the John Innes centre, Norwich in Norfolk.

Members and friends from Fermanagh, Tyrone and further afield were able to view her presentation, 'John Innes – not just compost', as Dr. Edwards took them on a journey from the birth of John Innes to the centre’s work being carried out today in terms of plant science, genetics and microbiology.

John Innes (1829-1904) was a wealthy businessman and a kindly employer. In 1864, he purchased 12 acres at Merton, Surrey, and developed it into a small village with gardens.

In his will he left part of these lands and finances to be used to start a horticultural institution, and this horticultural institution began in 1910.

It later moved to its present site at Colney in Norfolk, and was renamed the John Innes Centre. The pre-fix of Merton on the fruit trees of today is a guarantee of their excellence.

Today, many international researchers can be found at the John Innes Centre, involved in the future of food and medicine, designing the future of wheat, and working to combat disease and pests.

Most of the society’s members assumed the ‘Innes’ name was just a brand name for compost, as they are all familiar with the garden centres stocking No 1, No 2 and No 3.

However, the development of the Innes compost came about after 9,000 F1 Chinese primroses died, and the cause was the compost carrying diseases. They spent seven years getting a compost that was just right.

Today, with such a renowned compost, someone would be getting a patent, entering 'The Dragon's Den' on TV with their formulation, getting funding and making a fortune, but not on this occasion – the formula was shared for free with the general public, and especially during World War 2 when everyone was encouraged to 'Dig for Britain’ and grow their own food.

Interestingly, a part of the formula is Irish moss peat. During the war, the place was badly damaged, and women were instrumental in keeping things going in the absence of many of the men.

Many esteemed scientists have contributed to the centre’s pioneering work over the years, including its first director, William Bateson, the 'father of genetics' – a man who encouraged women into the science laboratory and investigated Gregor Mendel’s ‘laws of heredity’.

Nora Darwin, the granddaughter of Charles Darwin, graced the institution. Then there was Rose Scott-Moncrieff and her work in the biochemistry of pigments, and also Cyril Darlington and his work on chromosomes.

Researchers today have the benefit of a large collection of rare books from the past housed in a room which is protected by helium gas to prevent fire.

Returning to Dr. Edwards, she was pivotal in the discovery of ash dieback in the UK, and today she collaborates with Kew Gardens as they seek to find what it is that makes some trees resistant to the disease.

This can only be for the good of the hedgerows all around us, and the habitat that needs them.

Many who benefitted from the presentation came to appreciate even more the necessity of science behind the row of beans and tomatoes ripening in the greenhouse, and the story behind John Innes compost.

A vote of thanks was brought from the society’s Secretary, Mary Hallett.

 

Society’s next meeting

On February 21, John and Jan Corry from Drumhilla Garden, Manger, Belleek will speak on ‘Growing Vegetables in Fermanagh’ at the society's next meeting, which will be held at 8pm at the Killyhevlin Hotel (£5 for non-members).

John and Jan established their garden five years ago with the aim of being self-sufficient, yet leaving a small carbon footprint and creating a therapeutic and peaceful space.

Since 2019, they have been part of the Social Farms and Gardens Network, which connects people and improves health and well-being.

John and Jan grow a range of fruit and vegetables, keep some livestock and bees.