Mystery Bulb Competition

The winning entry for this year’s competition was grown by Pat Nield.

Winner of mystery bulb class spring show 2020

April hints and tips

Products available from the trading shed when it opens are in green font.

Here I am in the middle of March, writing this advice, and wondering if we shall ever have any warm dry weather. However, I can see buds fattening on azaleas and magnolias and the earliest Prunus trees and Camellias are in flower. The main show for Spring-flowering shrubs is usually in April and May and it is sometimes worth lifting their canopies to allow spring flowering bulbs to show off underneath them (Scillas, grape hyacinths, anemones, Narcissi, and Cyclamen coum are good candidates).

best time for bluebells

Still, it is the time to get the kitchen garden going, now the soil is warming up.

You can sow beans, carrots, chard, brassicas, beetroot and peas outside, and pumpkins, courgettes and sweetcorn under glass.
In preparation for the beans, dig a deep trench and line it with newspaper and fill it with compost to hold moisture. Then erect a bean frame of hazel poles or bamboos for support. Twiggier pea sticks will help the peas.
At the beginning of April, plant early potatoes and work through to main crop by the end of the month. (more…)

Temporary Closure of Trading Shed

In order to safeguard members and shed teams in case of contact with the covid-19 virus, the shed will be closed until restrictions on social contact are lifted.

We shall let you know by e-mail and on this site as soon as it can be re-opened.

Meanwhile, we are holding a photograph competition for Spring Show class 24 – Mystery bulb (grown from the bulbs obtained last summer show)

Send your entry to Show Secretary, Peter Edwards, at margiandpeter@gmail.com: deadline 28th March 2020.

We could hold similar contests during the year, on different subjects, if members would be interested.

There is a link to a previous price list here which gives a fair idea of the range of products available. Further details from Elizabeth Kirton.

Spring Show 28th March is cancelled

It is with regret that the committee of the garden Society has decided to cancel the Spring Show.

This is to reduce the likelihood of spreading Coronavirus among exhibitors and visitors.

As an alternative to the show, we are suggesting a photo competition, entered via e-mail. Would members please let the secretary know if they might take part.