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ELLISFIELD GROUPS

Cliddesden, Ellisfield & Farleigh Wallop Horticultural Society

August 2021 Report (written by Claire Cooke and posted August 1)

Hello from Claire!

If you have not yet paid this years subscriptions, please could you do so either in cash to myself or any committee member. If you prefer to pay online, please contact me on 07748532798/01256381504 for the bank details. This year we have reduced the subscription from £8 to £5 (per household) due to the Covid-19 situation. Thank-you.

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather (John Ruskin 1819-1900). As I’m writing this on a particularly wet July morning the quote from John Ruskin seems very appropriate! No moaning about the weather – although I will ask if anyone has been burning bracken?

In ‘The Glory of the Garden’ from August 15, 1903 there was an article entitled ‘Fern Lore’, which I would like to share with you:

Where the copsewood is the greenest,
Where the fountains glisten sheenest,
Where the morning dew lies longest,
There the Lady-fern grows strongest. – Scott

Like the far-famed ring of Gyges, fern-seed is traditionally supposed to possess the power of rendering its owner invisible and enabling him to detect all witches disguised in the human shape.  But to be endued with these properties, the seed must be caught upon a plate as it falls from the buckler fern at midnight upon Midsummer’s Eve – the precise moment of that already-mystic night when, it is said, St. John the Baptist was born.

Upon Midsummer’s Day, charms (known as “lucky-hands” or “St.John’s hands”) were  often woven from the curled-in fronds of the buckler fern, as these were supposed to impart a peculiar virtue to cattle troughs.

In the days of the Stuarts, the root of the male fern was much used by maidens in their preparation of love potions, although her lover might be reluctant to acknowledge the real means by which he had been enthralled:

‘Twas the maiden’s matchless beauty,
That drew my heart a-nigh,
Not the fern-root potion,
But the glance of her blue eye.

In Staffordshire, there is an old belief that the burning of large tracts of bracken is sure to bring on heavy rains. Ahead of his visit to the county, King Charles I even ordered a letter to be sent to the Sheriff of Staffordshire strictly prohibiting such an act:

“Sir, - His Majesty, taking notice of an opinion entertained in Staffordshire that the burning of ferne doth draw down rain, and being desirous that the country and himself may enjoy fair weather so long as he remains in these parts, His Majesty has commanded me to write to you to cause all burning of ferne to be forborne, until His Majesty be passed the country.”

The Druids considered ferns to be sacred trees, and one of the most magical herbs that there are.

Considered to be of the masculine gender, ferns are associated with the power of the planet Mercury, the element Air, and the deities Puck and Laka. The Druids gathered the uncurled fronds of male fern during Midsummer and dried them for good luck. They also added the roots to love potions and ate the fronds when embarking on love quests.

Oh please, let this be the last of the cancellations!

Unfortunately, the extension to the restrictions on meetings meant that this scheduled talk on July 8 (‘Fish for Tea’ by Steve Oakes) had to be cancelled. I sincerely hope that this is the last time I will have to report a meeting cancelled due to Covid 19.

THE SUMMER SHOW, AUGUST 1 AT THE CLIDDESDEN MILLENNIUM HALL

On a MASSIVELY happier note – the Summer Show should be happening either on the day you are reading this, or possibly has already happened! And that being the case, I will be doubly thrilled to give a full report in the September issue. Looking forward to September!

NEXT MEETING: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 AT THE CLIDDESDEN MILLENNIUM HALL (7.45PM)

REBOOKED FROM 8TH JULY, a talk by Steve Oakes entitled ‘Fish for Tea’. Please join us for our first face-to-face meeting in over 18 months – we will be so happy to see you! Members entry £1, guests £2. Tea/coffee biscuits and raffle on the night.

LAST MEETING OF THE YEAR: AGM ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25 - 7.45PM AT THE CLIDDESDEN MILLENNIUM HALL

Members only. Join us for a run down of all the years activities (and non-activities), food, wine and a long overdue catch up.

Happy gardening!

Claire

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July 2021 Report (written by Claire Cooke and posted July 8)

Hello from Claire!

It is with great delight I can give some PROPER Horticultural Society NEWS this month! After such a long time away from meetings and events, to have been able to see our members and connect with them again has been a true joy. So, what did happen?

On May 27 we held what we hope will be our final meeting via Zoom. Jennifer Carter delighted us with ‘Famous Gardens and Images of France’ and, after a few teething problems getting logged in and started, she rose to the challenge of an online talk with aplomb. The photographs were stunning, and Jennifer’s commentary really brought everything to life – who would have guessed that a wheelbarrow left on the patio could be an architectural feature! Every image evoked thoughts of warmth, peace, and a desire to wander down grassy paths to find the next hidden treasure.

Thank-you to everyone who joined in on the Zoom, we really do appreciate the support you have given the society while we have had to adapt to new ways of operating.

Then – we actually had The Plant Sale on 23rd May. With real people.

As our major fund-raising activity of the year we were so happy to be able to run the Plant Sale properly. Due to the inclement weather we moved into the hall, observing a one-way system, restricting numbers and all the correct covid precautions. Very many thanks to Ken for helping us set up safely, and ensuring we were within the guidelines. And also to all our visitors who were patient and followed the instructions. On the day we raised £277.70, and Marilyn took the remaining plants home and raised another £75, making this year one of our most successful.

THE SUMMER SHOW August 1st Cliddesden Millenium Hall

As long as the easing of restrictions proceeds as planned the show will go ahead. We may need to put in place some measures to enable us to be within any guidelines that are in force at the time – please bear with us, any instructions will be communicated as soon as possible. Thank-you for your patience.

If you haven’t got a copy of the schedule for the Summer Show please contact either myself (01256 381504) or Marilyn (01256 462584). Entry is only open to members, and membership is usually £8 per household, per year. This year we have reduced this to £5 due to the Covid-19 situation making it impossible to do anything except pay our yearly fees! Please give me a shout it you would like to join. Visitors are welcome to come along for the viewing from 2pm.

Polite reminder to anyone who has yet to pay their subs for this year – please could you do so as soon as possible. Payment can be made to any committee member, or via bank transfer, please contact me for details on how to do this.

My mother has lent me a wonderful book ‘The Glory of the Garden’ from the pages of Country Life, and it’s snippets span from 1897 – a veritable trove of interesting stuff.  As we are in vegetable season I thought this appropriate.

April 17th 1937: A COUNTRYWOMAN’S REMEDY FOR “DOLPHIN”

To the editor of ‘Country Life’

Sir, - Last year I was complaining sadly of the ravages of “dolphin” (the local name for black fly), when the woman who does my work told me that the water in which rhubarb leaves have been boiled would, if syringed over the broad bans, at once drive away the menace. My broad beans were very bad and I really had no faith in the supposed remedy, but I tried it.  The first spraying certainly improved the beans, so the next day I syringed the beans again, and this time completely destroyed the black fly. I believe, however, that it would be most effective if the broad beans were sprayed when the blossoms first began to open.
The oldest and coarsest rhubarb leaves should be used, roughly torn into shreds, and a couple of liberal handfuls placed in a large pan with a gallon and a half of water. Boil for ten minutes, allow to get cold, strain through a fine-mesh sieve, and use in the evening. A fine sieve is important, as otherwise the particles of boiled leaf are troublesome in the syringe. I have also found the rhubarb liquid a useful repellent of green fly on roses. -PHILLIPA FRANCKLYN

Happy gardening!

Claire

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June 2021 Report (written by Claire Cooke posted June 1)

Hello from Claire!

Roses are red, Violets are blue …

There are so many different colours, shapes and forms of roses you can almost be overwhelmed with the choices! What is your favourite – classic, flat, pom-pom, globular? Mine is ‘Blue Moon’ which to my chagrin I’ve not managed to grow with success as yet. There’s time!

With the mid-summer solstice fast approaching we should be making the most of these wonderful flowers. Have you tried drying the petals to make pot-pourii or homemade confetti? Collect the petals before they start to turn brown and spread them thinly on trays in an airing cupboard or well-aired greenhouse. Once completely dried out pop into a bowl or jar. If your roses aren’t fragranced, or you like a stronger scent, mix the petals with dried herbs, spices or a few drops of essential oil.

This would make a wonderful Christmas gift for someone, evoking the warmth and heady scents of summer because (of course) once the Summer Solstice is past then it really is only 6 months till Christmas. (Yes, I will now duck as the virtual throwing of cushions and collective groans of a hundred households echoes across the fields …)

Back to Summer!

The other flower for June is the Honeysuckle – I remember reading ‘The Honeysuckle Fairy’ by Cicely Mary Barker when I was a child. If you haven’t heard of her, she wrote beautiful poems, and did these amazing illustrations, about the flower fairies.

Besides its sweet scent and the beauty of its flowers, honeysuckle has other benefits for the gardener and the homeopathic practitioner. Insects love the sweet nectar, which is also safe for humans to ingest, and as a bloom it represents happiness.

The scent is stronger at night to attract moths. Which will also encourage the bats.

For good health honeysuckle can be used for urinary disorders, headache, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. It also has uses to promote sweating, as a laxative, to counteract poisoning and for birth control. Honeysuckle is sometimes applied to the skin for inflammation and itching, and to kill germs. Who would have thought all these benefits could be contained in such a delicate flower!

Something Happened!

But I can’t tell you all about it yet, because as I’m writing this it hasn’t happened, so I’ll give a full report on the May Zoom meeting and on the May plant sale in the July issue.

Something Else is Happening!

CANCELLED.
July 8th – ‘Fish for Tea’ – a talk by Steve Oakes. Could be on Zoom but I’m hoping for a face-to-face meeting! Decision will be made closer to the time. Steve started giving talks in 1988 for the South Wiltshire local RSPB group, to raise funds. He did 6 talks and raised £49. Over the years his reputation as an entertainer, educator, charmer and fund-raiser has grown and he is much in demand.

Equally at home talking to children and adults Steve is dedicated to the birds he talks about and passionate about their preservation and protection. I am sure we are going to have a fabulous evening, however it is presented.

THE SUMMER SHOW on Sunday, August 1 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall

If you are new to the villages and haven’t yet had chance to attend one of our shows you are missing out on a wonderful village tradition, not to mention a delicious array of homemade cakes. Flowers, vegetables, flower arrangements, fruits, handicrafts, cooking, and more – all represented at either the Spring or Summer Show. And a warm, friendly atmosphere to welcome old and new faces.

Entry is only open to members, and membership is usually £8 per household, per year. This year we have reduced this to £5 due to the Covid-19 situation making it impossible to do anything except pay our yearly fees! Please give me a shout it you would like to join.

Visitors are welcome to come along for the viewing from 2.00pm – please be aware that this year we will be operating under current guidelines for your safety. Summer Show Schedules are now available, please contact either myself or Marilyn Smith if you would like one. Fuchsia plantlets for Class 45 – Plantlets are available at £1.50 from myself on 01256 381504 or Steve Bowcutt on 01256 324707.

Thank you to everyone who has now paid their subs. If you haven’t yet done this payment can be made to any committee member, or via bank transfer (please contact me for details on how to do this).

Happy gardening!

Claire

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May 2021 Report (written by Claire Cooke on April 12 and posted May 1)

Hello from Claire!

Be patient, for the return of all things shall soon be realised and, as the flowers do grow and bloom in their time, so shall our joyful reunions be all the more pleasing after our wait.

A little archaic for our modern times, however it is in keeping with a passage I remembered referring to our flower for May, the beautiful Lily-of-the-Valley, one of my favourite flowers, with a scent that takes me back to my childhood. The delicate white flowers stand out against the rich green of the leaves, and their meaning is sweetness, humility and motherhood, making it an especially appropriate gift for your own mother.

It would seem that this simple bloom has had the power to inspire both literature and music.

The Victorian hymn, written by William Charles Fry (1837-1882) gives us:

I’ve found a friend in Jesus, - He’s ev’rything to me
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul!
The “Lily of the Valley,” in him alone I see,
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay
He tells me ev’ry care on Him to Roll

(chorus)
He’s the “Lily of the Valley”, the Bright and Morning Star
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul‘

‘Lily of the Valley’ was written by Freddie Mercury (1946-1991) about the 1835 book ‘Lily of the Valley’ by Honore de Balzac, and was one of Brian May’s favourites.

And, harking back to my childhood, Robert Louis Stevenson wrote in “Kidnapped” this advice from Mr Campbell to David Balfour :

“TO MAKE LILY OF THE VALLEY WATER - Take the flowers of lilly of the valley and distil them in sack, and drink a spooneful or two as there is occasion. It restores speech to those that have the dumb palsey. It is good against the Gout; it comforts the heart and strengthens the memory; and the flowers, put into a Glasse, close stopt, and set into ane hill of ants for a month, then take it out, and you will find a liquor which comes from the flowers, which keep in a vial; it is good, ill or well, and whether man or woman.”

And then, in the minister’s own hand, was added:

“Likewise for sprains, rub it in; and for the cholic, a great spooneful in the hour.”

Som ethi ng Happ ened!

Our March meeting, while it couldn’t go ahead as a meeting, we had our first ever Zoom. While I was unable to be on the call, Steve Bowcutt gave this feedback:

“Last night we had our first Zoom meeting which I thought went very well. Seumas took on the organisation, which went really well. Andy Small gave us a marvellous talk, well presented with lots of advice, wonderful photographs and his intriguing new technique, new to me anyway (I thought you kept the camera still!). Those who attended, I think most of you, I hope found it enjoyable and worthwhile.”

Summer Show Schedules

Schedules for the Summer Show (which will be held on Sunday, August 1) are now available – please contact either myself or Marilyn Smith if you would like one. Fuchsia plantlets for Class 45 – Plantlets are available at £1.50 from myself on 01256 381504 or Steve Bowcutt on 01256 324707.

The Plant Sale At Cliddesden Millennium Hall (Sunday, May 23)

As long as the current guidelines for the easing of lockdown restrictions don’t change our plant sale will be on Sunday, May 23 outside the Cliddesden Millennium Hall. Open from 12.00-13.00 for delivery of plant donations and setting up and open for sales 13.00-15.00. A maximum of 30 people will be allowed into the sale at any one time – there will be someone on the gate to count in and out. You will be required to provide your name and phone number for track and trace purposes.

Hand sanitizer will be available and must be used by everyone coming into the sale. Face masks must be worn unless you have an exemption card. Tables will be laid out in order to maintain social distancing, with arrows to ensure a steady flow of visitors.

The hall itself will NOT be open. But the car park will be available for use.

If you are unable to deliver plant donations please contact your local committee member to arrange collection, and many thanks in advance.

Thursday, May 27 Zoom Meeting at 19.45

Talk by Jennifer Carter, entitled “Images of France”. This meeting will again be held via Zoom. Details for joining the meeting will be sent out via email to members.

If you are not a member of the Horticultural Society and would like to join us, please contact one of the committee for login details.

Thank-you to everyone who has now paid their subs. if you haven’t yet done this, payment can be made to any committee member or via bank transfer (please contact me for details on how to do this).

Happy gardening!

Claire

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April 2021 Report (written by Claire Cooke on March 12 and - belatedly - posted April 12)
EDITOR: My apologies for posting this late.

Hello from Claire!

Are we going to be able to start meeting again ???????

Well, yes, but not just yet – let’s be patient for a little longer, we’ve made it this far! The Spring Show, unfortunately, has been cancelled for a second year; however, we are tentatively hopeful for the Summer Show. In preparation for this Show Schedules are now available – please contact either myself or Marilyn Smith if you would like one.

There is some good news – The Plant Sale.

As long as the current guidelines for the easing of lockdown restrictions don’t change our plant sale will be on Sunday May 23 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall. Open from 1200-1300 for delivery of plant donations and setting up, open for sales 1300 to 1500. A maximum of 30 people will be allowed into the sale at any one time – there will be someone on the gate to count in and out. You will be required to provide your name and phone number for track and trace purposes. Hand sanitizer will be available and must be used by everyone coming into the sale. Face masks must be worn unless you have an exemption card. Tables will be laid out in order to maintain social distancing. Please note that the hall will NOT be open but the car park will be available for use.
If you are unable to deliver plant donations please contact your local committee member to arrange collection, and many thanks in advance.

For our May meeting we are looking at the possibility of hosting it via Zoom – please bear with us while we sort out the logistics for this.

Members should by now have received the notification from Steve Bowcutt about subscriptions for this year. These have been set at the reduced rate of £5 to allow us to cover our unavoidable costs and are now due. Payment can be made in person, or via bank transfer. Please contact me on either 01256 381504 or 07748 532798  for details.

Bit of a theme with the flower for this month! Apparently, the Sweet Pea is also the flower for April, but they aren’t in flower yet, so I’m sticking with the daisy!

This simple looking flower is actually made up of tube-shaped floral groups surrounded by petals? It’s botanical name ‘Bellis’ comes from the Latin ‘Bellus’, meaning ‘beautiful’. The roots of ox-eye daisies give off toxic substances that damage crops.Daisies don’t like sharing a vase, they will cause other flowers to wilt.

Our historical reference is from Chaucer instead of Shakespeare, from ‘Legend of a Good Woman’

That wel by reason men it calle may
The ‘dayeseye’, or elles the ‘ye of day’
The emperice [empress] and floure of floures alle.

I hope that by the time you read this, the daisies will be blooming well enough to make a daisy-chain crown, and to find out whether ‘he loves me, he loves me not’.

And summer will be well on the way. Happy gardening!

Claire

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March 2021 Report (written by Claire Cooke on February 2 and posted March 1)

Hello from Claire!

With biting wind whistling outside, the threat of snow (oh no, PLEASE not snow!) and  still no news on when we can start our meetings again, it would be easy to think that things are all doom and gloom. Not in the slightest!

With the approach of spring we can look forward to longer days, more sunshine, lambs in the fields, and the glorious plethora of spring flowers to brighten our gardens and gladden our hearts.

So, it will be no surprise that Daffodils are the flower for March! As anyone who has agonised over which class to enter their trumpet/wide cup/narcissus/jonquil in the Spring Show will know, there are so many varieties to choose from you could plant a different one every year and never have them all!

Daffodils may have been brought to Britain by the Romans, who believed the sap could heal wounds. In fact, the sap contains sharp crystals of calcium oxalate, which acts as an irritant and discourages animals from eating them. It also causes other flowers to wilt if they are in the same vase!

The origins of the names Daffodil, Narcissus, and Jonquil are quite interesting.

Daffodil – us Brits in ages past preferred the imported Asphodel to our native Daffs, calling them ‘bastard ‘affodil’

Jonquil – comes from the Spanish ‘jonquillo’ (rush) referring to the rush-like leaves.

Narcissus – the very handsome Greek man, who won the heart of Echo and then rejected her, causing her to hide in a cave until she wasted away leaving only her voice. He looked upon his reflection in a river and was so entranced he fell in and drowned and was turned into a flower.

Shakespeare also makes reference to this most beautiful, historic bloom in ‘The Winter’s Tale’

‘When daffodils begin to peer,
With heigh, the doxy o’er the dale,
Why then comes in the sweet o’ the year
For the red blood reigns in the winter’s pale’

Who would have thought that gardening could lead to a lesson in Greek mythology and Elizabethan literature!

Stay safe, and we all look forward to when we can get together again. Happy gardening!

Claire

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February 2021 Report (written by Claire Cooke on January 10 and posted February 1)

Hello from Claire!

Once again we find ourselves in lockdown – I hope you are all well, staying safe and looking forward to a more positive 2021.

Our meetings are at the moment on hold, January’s was cancelled and we are waiting to find out if we can go ahead with March, and even the Spring show.

In light of this, and owing to the fact that we were unable to hold most off last years’ events, the committee have voted to put subscriptions on hold until such time as we can start up again. However, if you would like to pay subscriptions as normal please do so – as the cost of future speakers is always rising.

Message from Marilyn: She has some Suttons seed catalogues. 50% discount on seeds and 15% on all other items. Please contact her on 01256 462584.

Travel abroad has been nigh on impossible for the last year, so we’ve not been able to enjoy the exotic flora of foreign climes. However, we have the most beautiful native wild flowers which have a history and mystery of their own.

For February I would like to reacquaint you with the humble dog violet, which should be raising its lovely head this month.

Common Names: Violet, pansy, heart’s-ease, johnny-jump-up, love in idleness
Botanical name: Viola  Family: Violaceae

The violet is the forerunner of all our pansies. According to Greek mythology the name ‘viola’ comes from Io, the young damsel whom Zeus loved but changed into a heifer to protect her from his jealous wife, Hera.

Zeus gave Io a field of violets to eat, but Hera saw the tender white heifer with purple violets in her mouth, so beautiful it aroused her suspicions.

She asked Zeus to give her the heifer, and out of spite tortured her so much Io jumped into the Ionian Sea. Zeus finally promised not to look at Io again and Hera turned her back into a girl.

Violets were then, and later, linked with love. The fairy spirit Puck employed their juice in A Midsummer Night’s Dream to make ‘man or woman madly dote/ Upon the next live creature that it sees’.

In fact, the violet is one of the flowers most frequently referred to by Shakespeare – here are some.

Hamlet: From her fair and unpolluted flesh, May violets spring.
Twelfth Night: Like the sweet sound, That breathes upon a bank of violets.
Henry V: I think the king is but a man, as I am: the violet smells to him as it doth to me: the element shows to him as it doth to me.

What can we look forward to?
Hmmm … Well, according to the super long-range forecast – NO SNOW! Which I for one am very thankful for. Plenty of clearing/cutting back/weeding and preparation for another glorious year of gardening.

I hope we can get together again soon, until then: Happy Gardening!

Claire

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January 2021 Report (written by Claire Cooke on December 12 and posted January 1)

Hello from Claire!

Welcome to a New Decade! I hope you had a good finish to 2020 and were able to share it with loved ones.

With the mild weather continuing as it is (well, I hope the weather stays mild and we aren’t buried under 6 feet of snow!) there are a myriad of things we can do in the garden.

As we do need to remain careful, our gardens will still be the place to meet and socialise for the time being. What a fabulous opportunity for us to share time with each other, and help one another out!

What needs to be done this month? And some simple tips for helping our friends and neighbours.

The Christmas Tree!

For those who love a real Christmas tree, it’s now time to dispose of it. If you already have garden waste collected then Basingstoke and Dean are collecting trees this year.

Or you can take it to one of the collection points listed at: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/christmas-tree

The other option is the green waste section of the recycling centres. How To Help – do you know someone who doesn’t drive? Can you take their tree away with yours?

Greenhouses And Pots!

Not the most glamorous of jobs – washing down the outside, sweeping and tidying the inside, and making sure the pots are clean and ready for the new season. How To Help – make the best use of your skills. If the outside is a challenge, ask for help and offer to wash pots in return. Share tips on the best use of greenhouse space.

Digging over ‘That Patch’

The bit of the garden that’s been waiting (and waiting) to be sorted. New flower bed or vegetable patch. Or the area that’s got overgrown and needs some extra attention. How To Help – there are many people who find longer periods of digging challenging. Can you offer an hour? A task shared is a task halved.

The beauty of a garden is there is never ‘nothing to do’, you’re guaranteed fresh air and who doesn’t like to show off a little and take pride in their planting! A cup of tea, a stroll around the garden and a chat. Perfect.

Looking Forward To 2021

As I write we are hopeful that, with care, this meeting can go ahead. If this changes we will let everyone know as soon as possible.

Thursday, January 28: Cliddesden Millennium Hall at 7.45pm - Talk by Andy Small entitled “Garden Photography, An Artistic Touch”.

Andy Small (www.andysmall.co.uk) is an expert on our doorstep as he lives in Cliddesden. His photographs of flowers are quite stunning, and show these wonders of nature in a new and fascinating way – I particularly am amazed by the dandelion seed head! Andy also runs flower photography workshops for the RHS at RHS Wisley.

Subscriptions

Subscriptions are now due and can be given to your usual collector or can be paid online –please call or message me (01256 381504 or 07748 532798) for the details if you prefer to pay this way.

Happy New Year, and Happy Gardening.

Claire

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December 2020 Report (posted December 1) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

Happy Christmas from all of the Horticultural Society Committee and members. 2020 has been a challenging year, so we look forward to ringing in 2021.

With Hope.

May your gardens bloom brighter, and your grass be greener. Stay safe, be as kind to each other as you are to your plants, and be happy.

To close the year, some words of wisdom from Bridget Boland regarding Mistletoe:

For picking:

(Some plants require elaborate rituals for their virtues to operate….)

When picking mistletoe the time (of day) does not matter (which is just as well, as it may be difficult enough to climb the tree without having to do it in the dark); but you must sacrifice two bulls beneath first, use your golden knife or sickle, and drop the mistletoe down onto a white cloak stretched out below.

To Take Indoors – Against Evils:

Nowadays mistletoe is brought in only for kissing time at Christmas, but once it hung in every hall all the year round as a sign that guests greeted under it were safe in that house, a recognition of its power, known from Druidic times, to ensure peace and friendship.

A word of caution regarding mistletoe, the berries are toxic to dogs and cats with the degree of toxicity depending on amount ingested, size/weight/health of animal. I would presume this also applies to small children!

And with the continuing need for social distancing, unless the person you are kissing is in your ‘bubble’ the traditional kiss might be better swopped for a Christmas ‘high-five’ or an air hug!

Looking forward to 2021

Tentatively (as yet to be confirmed), we hope this meeting will go ahead:

Thursday, January 28: Cliddesden Millennium Hall at 7.45pm - Talk by Andy Small entitled “Garden Photography, An Artistic Touch”.

Andy Small (www.andysmall.co.uk) is an expert on our doorstep as he lives in Cliddesden. His photographs of flowers are quite stunning, and show these wonders of nature in a new and fascinating way – I particularly am amazed by the dandelion seed head! Andy also runs flower photography workshops for the RHS at RHS Wisley.

Happy Christmas everyone!

Claire

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November 2020 Report (posted November 2) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

It’s the time of year to cut things back, tidy things up, and pile it all up onto the bonfire – unless you take all your green waste to the recycle. Please, please, please, if you are going to have a bonfire in the garden, observe some simple safety and consideration guidelines.

Check for hedgehogs and toads. All that lovely leaf mould and plant matter makes a snug, cosy place for overwintering. Lift and check underneath before lighting the fire and if possible relocate the bonfire completely.

Be considerate of your neighbours. Will the smoke drift across their gardens?  If there’s washing on the line, people in their gardens, or windows open then this can constitute a nuisance and lead to unpleasantness.

Did you know that having a bonfire where the smoke drifts across the road possibly obscuring visibility can bring you a fine???

And finally – if your bonfire is reluctant to burn don’t make the mistake that I once did and decide to encourage it with some petrol. Big bang, trousers on fire – luckily I remembered to drop and roll, and a few hours of shaking and crying due to shock. Not the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Don’t waste the ash either. This information is taken from the RHS website:

When mixed with other components in the compost heap, the resulting alkaline compost can be used as a mulch around most ornamental plants and vegetables unless, like raspberries, rhododendrons and roses, they require an acidic soil. Fruit too performs best in slightly acid soil so wood ashes are unsuited for use in the fruit garden.
Vegetables grow best in soil with a pH of 6.5, so testing the level before adding the compost is recommended so as not to raise the pH too much (greater than pH7.0). However, where club root is present, wood ash can be used to raise the pH to as much as 7.5 to inhibit this disease.
Wood ash may contain useful levels of potassium (about three percent), a major plant nutrient associated with flowering and fruiting. However, the levels will vary depending on the age of the wood that was burnt; young wood such as from pruning will have higher potassium content than older, thicker branches.

When to use wood ash

Only add wood ash to the compost heap occasionally (every 15cm/6in of material), as heavier use risks high levels of alkalinity and soluble salts which could damage plants and soil.
If applying wood ash directly to soils, do this in winter and rake or dig it in. This will allow the compounds in the ash which could scorch plants to react with the moist soil and be rendered harmless before spring sowing or planting.

How to use wood ash

Apply wood ash in small amounts to the compost heap where, once mixed in, it will blend readily with other materials. As a general guide, you should not be able to identify it after mixing it into the compost.
Wood ash can be spread directly on soil in the vegetable garden in late winter at a rate of 50-70g per sq m (1.7-2.4oz per sq yd);
• Fork in, rake or rotovate
• It may be useful to sieve the ash before use to remove debris. Avoid breathing in the dust by using a face protection and limit    skin exposure by wearing gloves, boots and work clothes
• Where wood ash is applied frequently, it is worthwhile to use a pH test kit to monitor changes in pH and prevent levels rising over    pH7.5
• Wood ash may be especially useful in vegetable gardens where club root of brassicas is a problem
• Never leave wood ash in the rain, as the potassium (a useful plant nutrient for flowers and fruit) is in a soluble form and is easily    leached out
• Ash produced from young sappy prunings contains a useful proportion of potassium and traces of other nutrients, while older    wood tends to contain lower concentrations of nutrients

Problems

Wood ash is a useful by-product of bonfires, but there are a few things to avoid;

• Avoid using too much wood ash because an excess in alkalinity
• Avoid using ash from treated timber as they may contain potentially harmful residues consign such ash to the council refuse    collection
• Avoid using wood ash on areas where potatoes are to be grown the following spring, as the alkaline conditions can encourage    potato scab

Annual General Meeting

I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone, however I am sad to announce that, after due consideration, we have taken the decision to cancel our AGM.

We are looking at ways to send the usual reports and information out to members.

Here’s looking forward to the New Year and hopefully a return to meetings and shows that we all enjoy.

Happy gardening.

Claire

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October 2020 Report (posted September 14) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

There is most definitely an Autumnal nip in the air, but this doesn’t mean it’s time to hang up your trowel and retreat inside, there are many things that can be done in the garden. This time of year is when bulbs should be planted for spring colour, and we all know about daffodils and tulips.

Have you considered the benefits of growing garlic?

One of those things that you love or hate to eat, garlic has many pluses for our health, and also for other plants in the garden.

Here’s what I’ve found out (from Old Wives Lore for Gardeners, by Maureen and Bridget Boland):

Never spray against Greenfly.

There is a giant conspiracy between the insecticide manufacturers and writers on gardening to encourage the public to spend fortunes and waste hours spraying their roses against aphids. A single clove of garlic planted beside each rose is guaranteed by the present writers absolutely to keep greenfly from the plant.  The roots will take up from the soil a substance from the garlic inimical to greenfly, and if in early spring a few hatch out from eggs of parents careless of their offspring’ welfare they will neither lay or survive themselves.  Whatever it is that the rose takes up from the garlic does not affect its own scent, and so long as the garlic is not allowed to flower there will be no odour of garlic in the garden.

There are many articles on the internet that promote the use of garlic spray to encourage healthy growth and pest control for your roses. Interestingly there is also mention of it helping to increase resistance to fungal diseases such as blackspot, mildew and botrytis.

If an overabundance of garlic does not appeal, then other members of the same family can be effective – such as decorative alliums and chives.

I suppose it depends on how many vampires you need to keep away!

WILL IT HAPPEN?

The AGM, Thursday November 26, at Cliddesden Millennium Hall (7.45pm)

The honest answer is – at this moment in time we hope so! Due to the rapid changes in government directives regarding the Covid-19 situation we will have to wait until closer to the time to make a decision.

Happy gardening, and enjoy

Claire

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September 2020 Report (posted August 11) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

Am I going to talk about the weather? NO!

Sunday, August 2, should have been our Summer Show – another casualty of this very strange year.

The roses are stunning, the gladioli flowered at the perfect moment, and I have courgettes and cucumbers coming out of my ears. For which I am very grateful, because gardening is about the love of the garden, not about winning a trophy!

With the show being cancelled, and our September meeting as well, there’s only one event left on the Horticultural Society calendar this year:

AGM, November 26 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall (7.45pm)

We have kept this one open in the diary. Green-fingers crossed we can close the year with one final hurrah. Confirmation will be given nearer the time.

Are you an August baby?

If you are, your flowers are the gladioli and the poppy.

The gladiolus is sometimes referred to as the sword lily because of its long, skinny shape. The bold bloom can be found in an assortment of colours including red, pink, orange, yellow, purple and white and it’s a symbol of strength of character, remembrance and sincerity.

The poppy is known for its bright red colour. It is worn on Armistice Day in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada and France, as a symbol of remembrance for those that lost their lives in World War I. The poppy also symbolizes imagination.

Do you remember the Songs of the Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker?

There isn’t one for Gladioli, however the poppy is particularly poignant as the harvest is being gathered in and the gardens and fields give up their bounty.

The Poppy Fairy – Cicely Mary Barker (1895-1973)

The green wheat’s a-growing,
The lark sings on high;
In scarlet silk a-glowing,
Here stand I.

The wheat’s turning yellow,
Ripening for sheaves;
I hear the little fellow
Who scares the bird-thieves.

Now the harvest’s ended,
The wheat-field is bare;
But still, red and splendid,
I am there.

Enjoy your garden, and the fruits of your labours. Be thankful that the pace of life has slowed and we have all had to take a step back and decide what’s important to us as individuals.

Happy gardening, and stay safe.

Claire

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August 2020 Report (posted July 15) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

It’s not as crazy as you think!

No matter how much it rains – there are ALWAYS parts of the garden that don’t get wet. Usually things like the hanging baskets, vegetable patches, and the new plants that we’re told to “water well until established”.

At least the water butts have been topped up a bit.

On the subject of watering – a couple of months ago I included an extract from Bridget Boland about putting bracken below fuchsias when planting out.

I can confirm that this does seem to work. A large, well established fuchsia had to be moved and I put bracken in the bottom of the hole, watered it in well, and left it. It was just before the weather turned really hot, yet the plant didn’t wilt at all. In fact, I haven’t watered it once the initial puddling in, and the fuchsia seems to be thriving.

What’s NOT happening?

Well, everything really …

Of course, after having an amazing Spring display of daffodils and tulips, it’s only to be predicted that the roses are fantastic, the show fuchsia has done brilliantly this year, dahlias are looking amazing, and I’ve got some wonderful vegetables.

Which is a situation I’m sure is reflected throughout everyone’s garden.

Sorry folks – Summer Show 2020 had to be cancelled. The committee looked long and hard for ways to be able to make it happen safely, however we had to conclude that it would be extremely difficult to successfully keep to the guidelines for social distancing, and so safeguard all of our members and guests.

So you can eat up all your vegetables, pick the flowers and smile smugly that all your hard work has paid off.

Perhaps we could have a special class next year for ‘ock down photos of last years entries’!

What will be happening?

While we haven’t got anything happening in regard to shows and meetings, we can at least comfort ourselves with one thing:

It’s only 5 months until Christmas!

Jingle bells everyone.

Happy gardening, and stay safe.

Claire

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June 2020 Report (posted June 3) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

The Iris.

Named for Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow, messenger to the Olympian Gods. It is seen to represent Faith, and Hope for a better tomorrow.

I sincerely hope that by the time you read this our ‘better tomorrow’ will be on its way. They should be showing their faces in our gardens about now.

Appreciate: all the wonderful things that we DO have, our family, friends, neighbours, the place that we live, and the beauty of the world we live in. It may not be quite the same when things return to normal – however it is special nonetheless.

I have been reclaiming parts of my garden and, from conversations with almost everyone, we all seem to have a common ‘enemy’: GROUND ELDER.

That delightful ground cover plant that will fill every empty space, hide every plant, create an underground carpet of white roots, and reproduces itself from almost nothing. Even the rabbits won’t eat it! So, where did it come from? And what is it good for? And, how can we get rid of it!!!!!

Most likely introduced to Britain by the Romans as a salad leaf, Ground Elder is also known as Gout Weed, Bishop Weed or Jump-about. Its Latin name is Aegopodium podagraria, and it is a member of the carrot family. It was used in the Middle Ages as a medicinal herb for the treatment of gout, hence its name Gout Weed.

Modern herbals still recommend Ground Elder as a treatment for gout, sciatica, rheumatism, haemorrhoids, inflammation and water retention. The leaves can be added to salads, where they give a nutty flavour, or cooked in butter like spinach.

There are various ways to get rid of this lovely menace:

Dig, dig, and dig again, lifting all your plants, washing roots clear of rhizomes, and replanting with clean new soil or compost

Use a chemical weed killer – there are various on the market, please check instructions and use carefully.

Plant Mexican Marigold (L: Tagetes Minuta). The roots of this unassuming member of the Marigold family apparently kill the roots of perennial weeds. So will also work on bindweed (BONUS!).

Having found that the seeds of this wonder plant can be purchased online (I have found them at Sarah Raven so far), I may well give this wonder plant a go. Anything to save me another few hundred hours on my hands and knees.

WHAT’S NOT BEEN HAPPENING?

1. PLANT SALE. However, Marilyn did give her driveway and time up to ‘social-distance-sell’ plants. I will have the amount raised for the next issue.

2. SPEAKER. Garden Photography by Andy Small.

3. THREE VILLAGE GARDEN COMPETITION.

WHAT’S BEEN CANCELLED SINCE THE MAY REPORT

TALK BY STEVE OAKS (scheduled for Thursday, July 9 at Cliddesden Hall), Entitled “Fish For Tea, about fish eating birds”.

WHAT MAY BE COMING UP?

SUMMER SHOW (scheduled for Sunday, August 2 at Cliddesden Hall)). At this moment in time the committee have not made a decision as to whether the Summer Show will go ahead. We will be following guidelines set by the government, which are at this point changeable.

WHAT WILL BE HAPPENING?

Staying safe, enjoying the sunshine, moaning about the lack of rain (of course – we are British after all!) and feeling really proud because the garden looks so lovely and tidy.

Happy gardening.

Claire

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May 2020 Report (posted April 11) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

Ho hum – not what we expected for Spring 2020! I hope you are all keeping well, staying at home as much as possible.

As I write this the lockdown is in full force, children have been home for 2 weeks already, and so much has changed, so quickly.

Living in our rural area can sometimes be challenging – the snow cuts us off, public transport is few and far between and getting a takeaway is a ‘go-and-get-away’. However at this present time we should feel blessed that we have open spaces, gardens, and beautiful countryside walks, where we can take our daily exercise in safety.

Ironically, we’ve also had near perfect weather this spring for the daffodils and tulips we would have displayed at the Spring Show. TYPICAL!

I’m afraid that Bridget Boland had nothing to say about lockdown and viruses – so this month’s gems of wisdom are from the heart. While all our shows and speakers may have been cancelled, and I sincerely hope that we will be able to return to normal service for July and August, there are many positive things to take on board at this time.

Stand in your garden and listen: the traffic drone from the motorway is all but gone, and the birds are singing clearer and louder.

Look up at the sky: it seems bluer and clearer, there are so few planes flying back and forth.

Breath deeply: the air is fresher, crisper and cleaner.

RELAX: we have nowhere we can go in a hurry, so forward plan, accept you’ll have to wait, and stay calm.

Connect with your neighbours: share a minute, plants, seeds, advice, a friendly ‘hello’.  Rather than spending money at the shops, what can you share? Your soil will be the same as your neighbours, so the same plants should thrive.

Appreciate: all the wonderful things that we DO have, our family, friends, neighbours, the place that we live, and the beauty of the world we live in. It may not be quite the same when things return to normal – however it is special nonetheless.

WHAT’S NOT BEEN HAPPENING?

Thursday, March 26 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall: “Fuchsias my Way”, a talk by Derek Dexter
Sunday, April 5 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall: Spring Show

WHAT’S NOW NOT COMING UP?

Sunday, May 10 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall: Plant Sale
Thursday, May 14 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall: “Garden Photography”, a talk by Andy Small
Monday, June 22: Three Villages Garden Competition

WHAT WILL BE HAPPENING?

Lots of gardening, catching up on projects, finally defeating the ground elder and buttercups, and enjoying the time spent in the garden.

Stay safe everyone, don’t be lonely – there is always someone who will answer the phone.

Happy gardening.

Claire

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April 2020 Report (posted April 1) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

With all the rain we’ve been having it was either April showers or how to plant your paddy field!

Hopefully the weather will soon be warmer, and the time for planting in the garden will be upon us. With this in mind here is a gem of wisdom from ‘Old Wives Lore for Gardeners’ by Maureen & Bridget Boland:

The best husbandmen would have the seedsman of turnips or rapes to be naked when he sows them, and in sowing to protest that this which he doth is for himself and his neighbours.
Presumably, it was hope that the gods might look more kindly on the naked, innocent amateur than on the prosperous market gardener.  Perhaps, though, the advice was not always given for purely magical reasons: we should not sow when the ground is too cold for the good of the seed, and are less likely to do so if we are told we must be naked when we do it. We have heard that in Lincolnshire, to test whether the soil was in the right condition for sowing barley, farmers used to take off their trousers and sit on the ground: if it was comfortable for them it would be comfortable for the barley.

So. If you see a naked gardener, or a farmer sitting in the field with their trousers down, it’s just soil testing!

EDITOR: The rest of Claire’s copy has been deleted because all the Horticultural Society’s April, May and June events have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus lockdown.

Happy gardening.

Claire

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March 2020 Report (posted March 1) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

As the grass hasn’t really stopped growing over the winter, and now, hopefully, the ground has dried up enough to consider getting it under control again – a few words about encouraging our mowers to start, taken from ‘Gardener’s Magic and Other Old Wives’ Lore’ by Bridget Boland.

Original Contribution to Magic

“No book of this sort should fail to include at least one addition to magic lore. In keeping with our technological age, I contribute one for starting a motor mower.  It is no use swearing at the machine, or invoking any of the demons potent in herbal magic – this has been tried. Attach to the handle a piece of fennel (for flattery, see Ben Jonson, The Case Altered, Act II, Scene 2), and then salute it with admiring words, saying it always starts at the first turn of its cleverly-designed cord; and assure anyone within earshot that it is the best machine on the market. And this, as the herbalists say, is sovereign.”

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

Thursday, January 30 - Talk by Carol Watson

We welcomed back Carol Watson with the Spring Flowers of Italy for our first lecture of the year. As always, Carol delighted us with her honest, and insightful, verbal tour across some very different areas of Italy – from valleys to mountains and all places in between. Her photos showed stunning vistas of the countryside she was crossing, and then close-ups of the flowers – in particular the wild orchids.

The popularity of Carol’s talks with the horticultural society is clear as attendance on the evening was good. I am pleased to say we have already booked Carol to come back next March.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

PLEASE NOTE THAT THOSE EVENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN CROSSED OUT WILL NOW NOT TAKE PLACE.

Thursday, March 26 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall: “FUCHSIAS MY WAY”, TALK BY DEREK DEXTER

Derek is a member of the Wokingham Fuchsia Club, and since start to grow and show fuchsias in 1999 he has won many trophies from his ‘hobby’. With such a successful track record, and knowing how we have 2 fuchsia classes in the Summer Show, this evening will be well worth attending for anyone who wants to have a show-stopping entry this year!

Everyone is welcome to attend our lectures. Entry for members is £1, guests £2. Tea & coffee are available on the night – donations please.

Sunday, April 5 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall: SPRING SHOW

Time to dust off the cake tins, check the daffodils for bugs, and hope the snow hasn’t crushed the tulips! The Spring Show not only has classes for our early flowers and cookery queens and kings, there are also over-wintering veg, shrubs and children’s entries.

Staging is from 9.20am to 10.40am, and the show is open to the public for viewing from 2.00pm. Cup presentations and raffle at 3.30pm. Viewing is open to everyone, so please join us, and enjoy a cuppa and a piece of delicious home-made cake too.

Fuchsias for the Summer Show will be available to buy at the Spring Show. 1 per household, £1.50 per plant. Plants for the children’s classes will also be available – these are free, 1 per child.

Monday, June 22: THREE VILLAGES GARDEN COMPETITION

The garden competition returns this year. For entry please contact your local committee member.

WHAT ELSE?

Subscriptions are now due for the year, £8 per household. We are now able to offer you the option to pay online. If you would like to change to online payment please contact me on 01256 381504 for the banking details. Payments can also be made to your local committee member as usual.

Happy gardening.

Claire

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February 2020 Report (posted February 3) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

I hope we’re not wading through the snow, paddling in puddles, or frantically fleecing our tender plants. With January having been so mild, there’s bound to be a trade-off before the Spring really kicks in.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

Thursday, November 28 - Annual General Meeting

The AGM was well attended, with much delicious food and drink consumed after the serious part of the evening. Congratulations to Seamus & Debbie Foster who won the quiz. Thank-you to everyone who came along.

Thursday, January 30 - Talk

We welcomed back Carol Watson with the Spring Flowers of Italy for our first lecture of the year. Full report in the next issue.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Thursday, March 26 at Cliddesden Millenium Hall: “Fuchsias My Way”, talk by Derek Dexter

Derek is a member of the Wokingham Fuchsia Club, and since start to grow and show fuchsias in 1999 he has won many trophies from his ‘hobby’. With such a successful track record, and knowing how we have 2 fuchsia classes in the Summer Show, this evening will be well worth attending for anyone who wants to have a show-stopping entry this year!

Everyone is welcome to attend our lectures. Entry for members is £1, guests £2. Tea & coffee are available on the night – donations please.

THREE VILLAGES GARDEN COMPETITION

The garden competition returns this year – judging takes place on MONDAY 22nd JUNE. For entry please contact your local committee member.

Subscriptions are now due for the year, £8 per household. We are now able to offer you the option to pay online. If you would like to change to online payment please contact me on 01256 381504 for the banking details. Payments can also be made to your local committee member as usual.

I found this rather topical piece in ‘Old Wives Lore For Gardeners’ by Maureen & Bridget Boland. (1977).

Bracken For Fuchsias:

In the light soil of our warm and sheltered little valley we leave even tender fuchsias outdoors all the winter, so far without disaster, but we always over them with mounds of bracken against the frosts. An Old Wife seeing this one autumn was shocked. She said that there was nothing better to dig in under fuchsias when planting them than chopped green bracken, which would encourage the roots to go down; but that they had such a passion for it that they would tend towards the surface if bracken was laid there, suffering accordingly in a hot, dry season. We now compromise, supplying bracken at both ends.

Maybe Derek can confirm this at his talk?

Happy gardening.

Claire.

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Combined December 2019 / January 2020 Report (posted December 1) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

A very Merry Christmas,
and a Happy New Year!

It’s been a busy year; we’ve had fascinating talks, the best plant sale ever, and 2 well-attended and exhibited shows.

The reason these events are so successful is you – so THANK-YOU! And, it’s only right that thanks are also extended to some very important people who work behind the scenes to make everything happen.

Our chairman, Steve Bowcutt; secretary, Marilyn Smith; our committee members Doreen Ilsley – always on the raffle, Pat Doel, Pat Gould, Debbie Phillips and Seumas Foster.

And special mention must be made of John Lurcock who does a stalwart job helping me with the membership lists/bits for the shows, and keeping me sane with his emails.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

Thursday, November 28 - Annual General Meeting

A full report from the AGM will be in the February Report.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Subscriptions are now due for the year, £8 per household.

We are now able to offer you the option to pay online. If you would like to change to online payment please contact me on 01256 381504 for the banking details. Payments can also be made to your local committee member as usual, or at the January meeting.

Thursday, 30th January 30 (Cliddesden Millennium Hall) - “Spring Flowers of Italy” by Carol Watson

We welcome back Carol Watson. Carol is a very entertaining and informed speaker who has delighted us on several occasions.  It is always a pleasure to explore different parts of the world through her camera.   

Everyone is welcome to attend our lectures. Entry for members is £1, guests £2. Tea & coffee are available on the night – donations please.

HERE’S WHAT THE RHS SAYS ABOUT GARDEN JOBS IN DECEMBER:

1. Check your winter protection structures are still securely in place
2. Check that greenhouse heaters are working
3. Insulate outdoor taps and prevent ponds from freezing
4. Prune open-grown apples and pears (but not those trained against walls)
5. Prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding
6. Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops
7. Deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted and transplanted
8. Take hardwood cuttings
9. Keep mice away from stored produce
10. Reduce watering of houseplants

AND, HERE’S WHAT THE RHS SAYS ABOUT GARDEN JOBS IN JANUARY:

1. Recycle your Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch
2. Clean pots and greenhouses ready for spring
3. Dig over any vacant plots that have not been dug already
4. Disperse worm casts in lawns
5. Inspect stored tubers of Dahlia, Begonia and Canna for rots or drying out
6. Prune apple and pear trees
7. Start forcing rhubarb
8. Plan your vegetable crop rotations for the coming season
9. Keep putting out food and water for hungry birds
10. Make a polythene shelter for outdoor peaches and nectarines, to protect against peach leaf curl

I have my own personal list for December and January (February and March too for that matter).

1: Look out the window
2: If it’s sunny go out and do something
3: If it’s snowing – go back to bed, hide under the covers, and don’t come out until it’s all gone away!

Happy gardening.

Claire.

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November 2019 Report (posted November 1) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

Sincere apologies – I had a senior moment regarding the summer double issue. On the upside, there is a lot to write from over the summer!

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

Thursday, September 26 - “Perennial Pleasures – Borders” by John Negus”

Our final lecture of the year, and nice to finish with another quite local speaker. John Negus hails from Farnham and is a photographer and writer. His talk was interesting and informative, and according to reports fed back to me – I was unfortunately not able to attend – a very enjoyable evening was had by all.

All our lectures are open to visitors, and for only £2 (non-members) and £1 (members) you get to see a variety of talks during the year. It is always a very social evening, and a great time to catch up with friends over coffee after the talk. If you aren’t sure you’ll know anyone, come along and meet someone!

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Thursday, 28th November - Annual General Meeting (Cliddesden Millenium Hall)

This evening is for members only. Our annual round-up of all the years activities, with short reports by the Chairman (Steve Bowcutt), Secretary (Marilyn Smith) and Treasurer (Claire Cooke). Delicious food, wine and the company of friends – really a perfect end to our year.

As the quiz was such a success last year, we’re going to do it again! You don’t need to be Mastermind, as the questions are multiple-choice. And if last year is anything to go by – the discussions and head-scratching are all part of the fun! Please let one of the committee know if you are coming ASAP so we can organise the catering.

HERE’S WHAT THE RHS SAYS ABOUT GARDEN JOBS IN NOVEMBER:

1. Clear up fallen leaves - especially from lawns, ponds and beds
2. Raise containers onto pot feet to prevent waterlogging
3. Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next year
4. Prune roses to prevent wind-rock
5. Plant out winter bedding
6. Cover brassicas with netting if pigeons are a problem
7. Insulate outdoor containers from frost - bubblewrap works well
8. Stop winter moth damage to fruit trees using grease bands around the trunks
9. Put out bird food to encourage winter birds into the garden
10. Use a seasonal bonfire - where this is allowed - to dispose of excess debris unfit for composting

With 250 tulip and daffodil bulbs to go out, about 20 Dahlias to bring in, and endless amounts of cutting back/mulching/grass cutting, etc. As at almost any time of year there is plenty to do. And now the evenings are drawing in there’s less daylight to cram it all in. So, by the time of the AGM on the 26th we’ll all deserve that social glass of wine! Looking forward to seeing you then.

Happy gardening.

Claire.

October 2019 Report (posted October 1) - Written by Claire Cooke (there was no September report)

Hello from Claire!

Sincere apologies – I had a senior moment regarding the summer double issue. On the upside, there is a lot to write from over the summer!

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

Sunday, August 4 - Summer Show

The Summer Show had, as always, a fantastic display of colour and the result of many hours dedication and hard work by our members. Once again everyone rose to the challenge of the day and it showed in the quality of all the exhibits. The Trophy winners are shown below.

The contest for the Harold Greenyer Challenge Cup (most points in Section 1 & 2 Veg and Fruit) was very close. Eddie & Di Rampton pipped the post with 48, Adam & Tracey Gilvear 36, Steve Bowcutt 33, and Stephen & Avril Hudson 32. Equally close was the race for the Lay Challenge Cup (most points in Section 3 Flowers) with Eddie & Di Rampton on 24, and Seumas & Debbie Foster on 23. Special mention should be made of Ollie Webb winning the Elsie Prince Challenge Cup in the Childrens section – his geranium was truly amazing!

Joseph Bone Cup: E & D Rampton
The Frankam Cup: S Bowcutt
The Harold Greenyer Challenge Cup: E & D Rampton
The Lay Challenge Cup: E & D Rampton
The Farleigh Wallop & Hurstbourne Priors Challenge Cup: C Cooke
Barker Challenge Bowl: L Inker
E.B. Hooper Challenge Cup: P Doel
Nita Abbott Challenge Cup: D Ilsley
Elsie Prince Challenge Cup: O Webb
The Ivy Cannon Challenge Cup: E Harding
Countess of Portsmouth Trophy: E & D Rampton
Banlsian Medal: S Bowcutt

Our sincere thanks go to all who support the shows; exhibitors, judges, cake-makers, setting-up and taking-down-ers, John Lurcock for his ‘behind the scenes’ work, and everyone who comes along. Without all of you the shows just wouldn’t happen.

Friday, August 30 – Visit to the Sedum Growers Ltd

About 20 members and visitors went along to find out about growing sedum to use as eco-friendly roofing. From reports I have been given the visit was fascinating, the staff very helpful and informative, and everyone was well looked after. In our world of increasing concerns about the environment, global warming, and failing resources, it is good to find a local company working to redress the balance. Even if it is only a small step, it is a step in the right direction.

Thursday, September 26 - “Perennial Pleasures – Borders”, a talk by John Negus

Full report of this meeting will be in next months update.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Thursday, 28th November - Annual General Meeting (Cliddesden Millenium Hall)

This evening is for members only. Our annual round-up of all the years activities, with short reports by the Chairman (Steve Bowcutt), Secretary (Marilyn Smith) and Treasurer (Claire Cooke). Delicious food, wine and the company of friends – really a perfect end to our year.

As the quiz was such a success last year, we’re going to do it again! You don’t need to be Mastermind, as the questions are multiple-choice. And if last year is anything to go by – the discussions and head-scratching are all part of the fun! Please let one of the committee know if you are coming ASAP so we can organise the catering.

HERE’S WHAT THE RHS SAYS ABOUT GARDEN JOBS IN OCTOBER:

1 Divide established rhubarb crowns to create new plants
2 Cut back perennials that have died down
3 Divide herbaceous perennials
4 Move tender plants, including aquatic ones, into a greenhouse or conservatory
5 Plant out spring cabbages
6 Harvest apples, pears, grapes and nuts
7 Prune climbing roses
8 Finish collecting seeds from the garden to sow next year
9 Last chance to mow lawns and trim hedges in mild areas
10 Renovate old lawns or create new grass areas by laying turf

This year my garden has been fruitful – well, more fruitful than ever before! I ventured into growing cabbages (red & green), cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, onions and parsnips.

Lessons have been learned!
First – regular, steady watering works better than a flood once a week (or 2 weeks)
Second – lovely, healthy looking cabbages can be full of caterpillars
Third – ANYTHING picked and eaten from your own garden, grown by your own hand, tastes SOOOO much better than what you can buy.

Whether it was the love, or the sweat from my brow, or the fact that the children ate everything except the tomatoes, I am chuffed to bits with my humble harvest. And this years lessons will not be forgotten!!!

My project for next year is to grow the vegetables again, maybe even get the last 1/3 of the patch dug and planted, and to create a herb planter outside the back door.  I do use a lot of herbs in cooking and fresh ones are so much nicer than dried.

Watch this space, and wish me luck!

Happy gardening.

Claire.

Fri, August 30 (6.30pm):
Sedum Panels For Roofs at Whiteddown Farm, Wootton St Lawrence RG23 8PH

A visit to a local company that creates eco-friendly living roofs.

August 2019 Report (posted July 31) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

A little late with my offering this month. However, as I’m sitting here listening to the rain, and enjoying a moment of cool, I realise that I’m thinking about what to do today. And it’s ‘hmmm, better do the hoovering/dusting/cleaning…’

So a very appropriate offering from the wonderful world of the internet! And, as we are so very British, we can now bemoan the weather for being wet for a day or so.  Makes a change from the cry of ‘It’s too hot’.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

“Wild Flowers of the Greek Islands”, talk by Gerald Ponting (July 10)

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend the meeting with Mr Ponting as I was in Manchester. Feedback from those who did said it was a really interesting evening, and thoroughly enjoyed by all who went.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 - CLIDDESDEN MILLENNIUM HALL

Summer Show. Staging of entries 09.20am to 10.40am. Viewing from 2.00pm and presentations at 3.30pm. Flowers, vegetables, fruit, flower arrangements, photographs and more. Our second show of the year and well worth coming to see the displays. Only members can exhibit, however visitors are welcome from 2.00pm. Tea/coffee and yummy home-made cakes will be on sale, and there’s a raffle.

To join the Horticultural Society please contact any member of the committee.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 (Evening)

Save the date. Full details to follow – a proposed visit to a local company that creates eco-friendly living roofs.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 - CLIDDESDEN MILLENNIUM HALL

“Perennial Pleasures – Borders”, a talk by John Negus. He is from Farnham. His love of gardening spans over 70 years and having read about him on the internet all I can say is ‘PHEW’, if my life is half as full as his has been then I’ll count myself fortunate.

This is promising to be one of those talks you really don’t want to miss. Everyone is welcome at our speaker evenings – members £1, non-members £2. Tea/coffee and biscuits - donations please. Raffle on the night.

HERE’S WHAT THE RHS SAYS ABOUT GARDEN JOBS IN AUGUST:

1: Prune Wisteria
2: Don’t delay summer pruning fruits trained as restricted forms
3: Deadhead flowering plants regularly
4: Watering! - particularly containers, and new plants, preferably with grey recycled water or stored rainwater
5: Collect seed from garden plants
6: Harvest sweetcorn and other vegetables as they become ready
7: Continue cutting out old fruited canes on raspberries
8: Lift and pot up rooted strawberry runners
9: Keep ponds and water features topped up
10: Feed the soil with green manures

One thing that isn’t on the list – caterpillars!  I’m watching my nasturtiums in the window box play host to the munching beasties, ruing the fact that my display is being ravaged. And yet I’m loathe to get rid of them, because I love having the butterflies in the garden. There don’t seem to be as many butterflies this year, so I gladly make that small sacrifice. On my cauliflowers and cabbages though – I’m trying my best to keep them caterpillar free!

Happy gardening.

Claire.

July 2019 Report (posted July 8) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

I found this quote from Allan Armitage in one of my browsings on the internet: “Gardening simply does not allow one to be mentally old, because too many hopes and dreams are yet to be realised.”

Since I began to reclaim my garden, a very ‘ongoing’ project, I have found a child-like delight in watching how things grow. This year, for the first time ever, my tree peony has popped out some yellow flowers. I was thrilled! It’s been there for about 5 years and I couldn’t remember what colour it was supposed to be. Such joy from something so simple.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

Annual Plant Sale (May 12)

Thank you to everyone who supported us at the sale. There was a wonderful array of vegetables, herbs, flowering annuals and perennials. In fact, I felt sure we were overloaded. However, you all did us proud and the tables very quickly emptied. In total we raised nearly £320, which will go to supporting our lecturers for next year.

‘Gardens of Russia’ by John Baker (May 22)

The concept of having a ‘house in the country’ was no new idea for the city dwelling Russians. They had a garden with a summerhouse, and in it they grew vegetables. Because there was nothing on the shelves. Now that the economic situation has improved the need to grow food is less, and the attention has turned to gardening for pleasure. Colour. Lots of colour. And different shapes and forms of planting.

Rather than a tour of the formal public gardens, John’s talk showed us into the private gardens of ordinary Russian people. Their warmth and friendship showed through his photographs.

A really fascinating evening, made even better by the hostas that were on sale. We hope to have John back in the future, he talks on a variety of subjects; I think ‘Hostas’ will be a very popular choice.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 - Ellisfield Village Hall - 7.45pm

“Wild Flowers of the Greek Islands” Gerald Ponting. Mr Ponting is originally from the New Forest area, and having spent many years on the Isle of Lewis, now live back in Hampshire. He is a writer, publisher, photographer, and lecturer, and with his wealth of experience we are sure to have a fascinating evening. Members £1, Visitors £2. Tea/coffee and biscuits - donations please. Raffle held on the night.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 - CLIDDESDEN MILLENNIUM HALL

Summer Show. Staging of entries 09.20am to 10.40am. Viewing from 2.00pm and presentations at 3.30pm. Flowers, vegetables, fruit, flower arrangements, photographs and more. Our second show of the year and well worth coming to see the displays. Only members can exhibit, however visitors are welcome from 2.00pm. Tea/coffee and yummy home-made cakes will be on sale, and there’s a raffle.

To join the Horticultural Society please contact any member of the committee.

Here’s what the RHS says about garden jobs in July:

1: Check clematis for signs of clematis wilt
2: Care for houseplant while on holiday
3: Water tubs and new plants if dry, but be water-wise
4: Deadhead bedding plants and repeat-flowering perennials, to ensure continuous flowering
5: Pick courgettes before they become marrows
6: Treat apple scab
7: Clear algae, blanket weeds and debris from ponds, and keep them topped up
8: Order catalogues for next year’s spring-flowering bulbs
9: Give the lawn a quick-acting summer feed, especially if not given a spring feed
10: Harvest apricots, peaches and nectarines

I hope that somewhere in amongst all the dead-heading, watering and weeding, you get time to just stop and look around. Take the chance to really ‘see’ what you’ve achieved, take pleasure in the colours and shapes of the plants. And, if you find something that makes you feel really proud and happy, put a huge silly grin on your face and enjoy the moment.

Happy gardening.

Claire.

June 2019 Report (posted May 11) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

Having watched blackbirds raise their first clutch of the year, I was in awe of the dedication of both parents. They were constantly back and forth to the nest with insects to feed their rapidly growing young. It was only 3/4 weeks from hatching to fledging, and I hope all four are now flying around happily.

And, I was treated to the amazing skill of a kestrel, diving down and carrying off a young rat for its own chicks in the trees. I must confess I would much rather have the kestrel take the rats, instead of the birds.

With the woods wearing their annual gown of blue, albeit shortlived, I’m reminded how fortunate we are to live in this beautiful corner of England.

It’s hard to believe that we are almost at the longest day of the year!

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

Annual Plant Sale (1.00pm, May 12 at Cliddesden Millennium Hall) and ‘Gardens of Russia’ by John Baker (7.45pm, May 22 at Ellisfield Memorial Hall. Reports in next months report (July 2019).

WHAT’S COMING UP?

We have no meeting in June, our next is:

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 - Ellisfield Village Hall - 7.45pm

“Wild Flowers of the Greek Islands” by Gerald Ponting. Mr Ponting is originally from the New Forest area, and having spent many years on the Isle of Lewis, now lives back in Hampshire. He is a writer, publisher, photographer, and lecturer, and with his wealth of experience we are sure to have a fascinating evening. Members £1, Visitors £2. Tea/coffee and biscuits - donations please. Raffle held on the night.

Here’s what the RHS says about garden jobs in June:

    1: Hoe borders regularly to keep down weeds
    2: Be water-wise, especially in drought-affected areas
    3: Pinch out sideshoots on tomatoes
    4: Harvest lettuce, radish, other salads and early potatoes
    5: Position summer hanging baskets and containers outside
    6: Mow lawns at least once a week
    7: Plant out summer bedding
    8: Stake tall or floppy plants
    9: Prune many spring-flowering shrubs
    10: Shade greenhouses to keep them cool and prevent scorch

Number 2 is particularly important in recent years, and it looks as though this year will be no different. I have 4 water butts in the garden and I’ve already been hoping for rain to fill them up again. Long, sunny days are wonderful and I, for one, appreciate the light mornings and long, warm evenings.  However, for the gardener, no rain means rock hard soil, young plants struggling, and a constant round of watering.

Good luck with keeping things green.

Claire.

May 2019 Report (posted April 11) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

HA HA Mother Nature! You tried to get us with rain/hail/snow, but we still had a wonderful display of blooms at the Spring Show.

Congratulations to our cupwinners:

Steve Bowcutt: Shurgold Challenge Cup for highest number of points in Section 1 (Horticultural)
Steve Bowcutt: Bill Richards Challenge Cup for best single bloom in Classes 1 to 5
Pat Gould: Blythe Challenge Cup for highest number of points in Section 2 (Domestic)
Judith Richards: Challenge Cup for best exhibit Section 3 (Handicraft)
Ollie Webb: Margaret Hooper Cup for best exhibit Section 4 (Childrens)

It was a lovely day, much cake was consumed – a big thank-you to everyone who made a delicious variety of cakes for us.    

If you would like to know more about the Horticultural Society please contact your local committee member.  We’re a relaxed, friendly group and new members, and visitors, are always welcome.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

On Thursday, March 28 we had a talk by Mike Read, entitled “Corsica Mountains in the Mediterranean”. Mike runs walking and photography tours, not only in Corsica, and his expertise showed in the range of pictures we were shown. Not just the mountains, he treated us to the birdlife and the flora of the region.  Lovely to see so many people coming along on the night. Looking forward to seeing you at the next one.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

SUNDAY, May 12 - Cliddesden Millenium Hall - 1.00pm

Our Annual Plant Sale, and our main fundraiser of the year. As the Jolly Farmer is, at the time of writing, closed, we have moved the plant sale to the Millenium Hall. Selling annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs grown by our own members at very reasonable prices. Come along and get ‘just what you need’ to fill a gap, create a new border, or plant up a pot.

If you have been splitting down, potting up, or have spare plants you would like to donate, please contact your local committee member – all donations are very welcome.

Look forward to seeing you there.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 - Ellisfield Village Hall - 7.45pm

A talk, entitled “Gardens of Russia” by John Baker.

John, and June Colley, are based at the Hanging Hosta Garden, Lindford, near Bordon. Having read about this on the Country Gardener website, I would recommend a visit to anyone who has a love of hostas! With a collection of around 1,300 hostas, as well as many other plants, there’s sure to be something to delight the senses.

With such a huge geographic area to explore I’m looking forward to learning, not only about the flora and design of Russian gardens but also about the history of this beautiful country.

As always, visitors are very welcome at our meetings. Members £1, Guests £2. Tea/coffee & biscuits available – donations please. Raffle will be held on the night.

JOBS IN MAY

Here’s what the RHS says about garden jobs in May:

    1: Watch out for late frosts. Protect tender plants
    2: Earth up potatoes, and promptly plant any still remaining
    3: Plant out summer bedding at the end of the month (except in cold areas)
    4: Water early and late to get the most out of your water, recycle water when possible
    5: Regularly hoe off weeds
    6: Open greenhouse vents and doors on warm days|
    7: Mow lawns weekly
    8: Check for nesting birds before clipping hedges
    9: Lift and divide overcrowded clumps of daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs
    10: Watch out for viburnum beetle and lily beetle grubs

With the weather warming up, and so much to do, it’s sometimes easy to forget the simple pleasures of a garden – just to stand still, take a look around us. There are so many things going on, not just the weeds growing! A few deep breaths can ‘feed’ us, just as we feed our plants. Happy spring, everyone.

Report (posted February 8, 2019) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

It is with great sadness that we say our final farewell to Eddie Rapley. A long-time member, treasurer and newsletter writer of the horticultural society, Eddie passed away in January. He was my predecessor, in both of the roles I now cover. Everyone on the committee, and all our members, I am sure, send our best wishes to his family.

With any luck we have now had the worst of the weather and cleared up the damage caused by the snow at the beginning of February. For anyone who still has an open fire it was a great opportunity to stockpile the wood for a couple of years to season. It was certainly beautiful, and destructive!

There’s only one month to go now before the Spring Show – and with the garden in ‘spring-mode’ what does the RHS suggest we get done this month?

    1: Protect new spring shoots from slugs
    2: Plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes
    3: Plant summer-flowering bulbs
    4: Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials
    5: Top dress containers with fresh compost
    6: Mow the lawn on dry days (if needed)
    7: Cut back Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) grown for colourful winter stems
    8: Hoe and mulch weeds to keep them under control early
    9: Start feeding fish and using the pond fountain; remove pond heaters
   10: Prune bush and climbing roses

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

On Thursday, January 31, we had a talk by Thomas Stone entitled “The Roses of Mottisfont Abbey”. Thank you to everyone who braved the threat of snow to attend our first meeting of the year. It was wonderful to see so many people there, and some new faces too. Thomas Stone was, as we hoped, informative and interesting. We were treated to a history of the gardens at Mottisfont Abbey, the conception and ideas behind each area, and a plethora of beautiful images from different seasons of the year. Being one of the only guests in the room who hasn’t visited the Abbey, it will be on my to-do list this year.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

THURSDAY, March 28 – Cliddesden Millenium Hall – 7.45pm

Talk by Mike Read, entitled “Corsica Mountains in the Mediterranean”. Mike Read is a freelance nature photographer who comes from Ringwood. He uses his love of photography and nature to bring the places he visits to life. I think we are in for a stunning journey through the Corsican mountains. Our meetings are open to guests as well as members, so please do come along.

SUNDAY, April 7 - Cliddesden Millenium Hall

The Spring Show is open to members only. Members of the public are welcome to join us from 2.00pm to view the entries, sample the cakes, maybe win a prize on the raffle. Classes are varied across the show, not only stunning displays of our spring flowers, and shrubs, but also our culinary whizzes show off their skills with a delicious variety of dishes. Children have 2 classes in each of 2 age groups so our budding gardeners of the future also get involved. We look forward to seeing you there.

NOTICE: Monday, January 21, 2019:

It has been announced that Eddie Rapley from Cliddesden has sadly passed away. He was a long-time committee member and treasurer, as well as writer of the newsletters.

He will be very much missed by all Horticultural Society members, who send their condolences to Betty and the family.

Report (posted January 15, 2019) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire, and Happy New Year! Hopefully by now you’ve had time to rest and recuperate from Christmas.

It’s now time to prepare your garden for the coming season and, of course, to start thinking about the Spring Show (April 7th, how time flies!). The RHS list these as your top 10 jobs for FEBRUARY. Seems like a lot? See what you can cross off.

    1: Prepare vegetable seed beds, and sow some vegetables under cover
    2: Chit potato tubers
    3: Protect blossom on apricots, nectarines and peaches
    4: Net fruit and vegetable crops to keep the birds off
    5: Prune winter-flowering shrubs that have finished flowering
    6: Divide bulbs such as snowdrops, and plant those that need planting 'in the green'
    7: Prune Wisteria
    8: Prune hardy evergreen hedges and renovate overgrown deciduous hedges
    9: Prune conservatory climbers such as bougainvillea
   10: Cut back deciduous grasses left uncut over the winter, remove dead grass from evergreen grasses

WHAT’S COMING UP?

THURSDAY, January 31 – Cliddesden Millenium Hall – 7.45pm

Our first meeting of the New Year!

“The Roses of Mottisfont Abbey”, a talk by Thomas Stone. We can look forward to a fascinating talk from Mr Stone. He was born on Mottisfont Abbey and his father was Head Gardener there. With his wealth of experience I’m sure we will all find something to grab our imagination.

Mottisfont Abbey is not too far away, for those of you who haven’t been there, the address is: Mottisfont Abbey, Nr Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0LP.

THURSDAY, March 28 - Cliddesden Millenium Hall - 7.45pm

“Corsica Mountains in the Mediterranean”, a talk by Mike Read. Our March speaker is freelance nature photographer Mike Read, who comes from Ringwood. He uses his love of photography and nature to bring the places he visits to life. I think we are in for a stunning journey through the Corsican mountains.

Our meetings are open to guests as well as members, so please do come along.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions are now due, £8 per annum per household. We are now able to offer members the opportunity to pay their subscriptions online. If you would like to do this, please contact me on 01256 381504 or 07748532798 for payment details.

For new members please contact your local committee member, or come along to our January meeting and join on the night.

Report (posted December 10, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke

Happy New Year!

Hopefully by now you’ve had time to rest and recuperate from Christmas  Mrs Boland is having a rest this month – over indulged on the home-made sloe gin, so the RHS is my source of inspiration.

It’s now time to prepare your garden for the coming season, and, of course, to start thinking about the Spring Show (April 7th, how time flies!). The RHS list these as your top 10 jobs for JANUARY. Seems like a lot? See what you can cross off without doing anything – I’ve managed 1/5/6/10.

    1. Recycle your Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch
    2. Clean pots and greenhouses ready for spring
    3. Dig over any vacant plots that have not been dug already
    4. Disperse worm casts in lawns
    5. Inspect stored tubers of Dahlia, Begonia and Canna for rots or drying out
    6. Prune apple and pear trees
    7. Start forcing rhubarb
    8. Plan your vegetable crop rotations for the coming season
    9. Keep putting out food and water for hungry birds
  10. Make a polythene shelter for outdoor peaches and nectarines, to protect against peach leaf curl

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

News from the AGM (held on November, 29)

The society is financially stable and continues to find informative and fun speakers for our yearly programme, as well as organising the bi-yearly shows with the necessary judges. Our thanks go to all members and guests who support us by attending these events throughout the year, without you we couldn’t carry on.

Changes to committee membership. After many years (I won’t say just how many!), Julia Ayscough has stood down from the committee. We can’t thank Julia enough for her constant support; setting up for meetings and shows, walking round with judges, hosting committee meetings, as well as invaluable input regarding classes, ideas for garden visits, and speakers.

Please join us in welcoming Seamus Foster to the team. As you probably already know, Seamus lives in Ellisfield, and with Debbie, his wife, is a regular at meetings and shows. We’re looking forward to his input and fresh ideas. Thank-you Seamus for stepping up.

AGM QUIZ.

Do you know what a Saintpaulia is more commonly known as? Or tell the difference between layering and pleaching? If you can, then you should have been at the AGM!
After the usual notices and yearly updates, followed by delicious food & drink, we enjoyed a fun multiple-choice quiz, which tested our general knowledge, but not too much. The general consensus was positive so we’re looking forward to the next one already!

The winners of the ‘FIRST HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AGM QUIZ’ were Eddie & Di Rampton. Congratulations!   

WHAT’S COMING UP?

THURSDAY, January 31 – Cliddesden Millenium Hall – 7.45pm

Our first meeting of the New Year!

“The Roses of Mottisfont Abbey”, a talk by Thomas Stone. We can look forward to a fascinating talk from Mr Stone. He was born on Mottisfont Abbey and his father was Head Gardener there. With his wealth of experience I’m sure we will all find something to grab our imagination.

Mottisfont Abbey is not too far away, for those of you who haven’t been there, the address is: Mottisfont Abbey, Nr Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0LP.

THURSDAY, March 28 - Cliddesden Millenium Hall - 7.45pm

“Corsica Mountains in the Mediterranean”, a talk by Mike Read. Our March speaker is freelance nature photographer Mike Read, who comes from Ringwood. He uses his love of photography and nature to bring the places he visits to life. I think we are in for a stunning journey through the Corsican mountains.

Our meetings are open to guests as well as members, so please do come along.

Report (posted November 3, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

<<< Another gem from Chris Madden (freelance illustrator from Manchester)!

Christmas is once again upon us, and our gardens should be resting beneath a blanket of snow, snuggly protected from the chill of the winter wind and frosts. However, if this year is anything like the last couple, we will still be cutting grass, pruning, and prepping the ground until Christmas Eve! So, don’t put your mowers away just yet …

One of the plants we associate with Christmas is mistletoe, the beautiful parasite found growing at the tops of trees. From my lovely book Gardener’s Magic and Other Old Wives’ Lore by Bridget Boland I have these offerings:

“When picking mistletoe, the time does not matter (which is just as well, as it may be difficult enough to climb the tree without having to do so in the dark); but you must sacrifice two bulls beneath first, use your golden knife or sickle, and drop the mistletoe down onto a white cloak stretched out below.
“Nowadays mistletoe is brought in only for kissing time at Christmas, but once it hung in every hall all the year round as a sign that guests greeted under it were safe in that house, a recognition of its power, known from Druidic times, to ensure peace and friendship.”

While we may not go ahead and sacrifice bulls before we pick the mistletoe, the message of welcome, peace and friendship is one we should embrace, not just at Christmas, but all year round. Because, like our gardens, friendship and peace thrive with tender care and frequent attention.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 – Cliddesden Village Hall – 7.45pm

AGM - Social Evening and Quiz. The AGM is for members only. New members are welcome to come along and join on the night. Membership is £8 per household, per year.

Bring your best gardening brains with you to the AGM this year! As well as the usual reports, messages, food and wine, we’re going to get you to think.

One of our committee members is stepping down, so there is a vacancy opening up. If you would like to be more involved in the organisation of the Horticultural Society let one of the committee know. Apart from the lectures and shows, your commitment is to attend committee meetings approximately every 2 months. For more information please contact either Marilyn (01256 462584) or Steve (01256 324707).

There is no entry charge for the AGM. Wine/soft drinks and food available – donations please.

Please let your local committee member know if you are attending by November 14 (for catering purposes).

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 – Cliddesden Village Hall – 7.45pm

Our first meeting of the New Year! It’s a talk by Thomas Stone entitled ‘The Roses of Mottisfont Abbey’. We can look forward to a fascinating talk from Mr Stone. He was born at Mottisfont Abbey and his father was Head Gardener there. With his wealth of experience I’m sure we will all find something to grab our imagination.

Mottisfont Abbey is not too far away, for those of you who haven’t been there, the address is: Mottisfont Abbey, Nr Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0LP. It is a National Trust property, and well worth a visit at any time of year. For the Old English Roses, the month recommended is June.

On A Personal Note

I’d like to thank everyone who sponsored me for the St Michaels Hospice Moonlight Walk on 13th October. It was a last-minute decision to take part, two days before the event, in fact I went to support a friend. We completed the 8½ mile walk in just under 3 hours, and I raised £185. Looking forward to taking part again next year – this time with more planning!

Have a wonderful Christmas, a fantastic New Year, and we look forward to seeing you in January 2019.

Report (October 10, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hopefully you won’t find your kitchen/conservatory/hallway inundated with pots from the garden (see cartoon), but certainly it’s now time to start ‘putting the garden to bed’. I must admit to being quietly chuffed, this year I’ve managed to reclaim 2/3’s of a long-neglected vegetable patch, and it is dug, manured, and covered with weed suppressant ready for the spring.  Only the last 1/3 to go!

My gem of wisdom gleaned from the pages of Gardener’s Magic and Other old Wives’ Lore (Bridget Boland) is also about bringing plants indoors:

‘Other beneficent herbs would be strewed over the rushes on the floors, along with such more practical things as pennyroyal (mentha pulegium) to deter fleas. If Queen Elizabeth I were coming on a Progress, the wise householder would be careful to strew much meadowsweet, which she was known to value above all, though possibly more for its scent that for its other virtues.’

Whether or not our own Queen Elizabeth II is as fond of meadowsweet I’m afraid I cannot comment.

However, the meadows we saw pictured at our last lecture of the year (“Traverse of the Alps, a 450 mile hike from Lake Geneva to Nice” by Carol Watson) were certainly very sweet.

Despite having a very low attendance, we had a lovely evening with Carol. From previous experience we knew her talk would not only be informative, but also entertaining, and peppered with her own personal anecdotes about her adventures.

The Alps in Summer are stunningly beautiful, remarkably NOT covered in snow, and the variety of wild orchids and geraniums to name but two species, was incredible. With Carol’s eye for photography we were treated to dramatic landscapes and views, as well as close ups of the flora. This was our last lecture of the year, and a lovely way to round things off. We sincerely hope to welcome Carol back again with one of her other talks. Possibly the Great Wall of China?

WHAT’S COMING UP?

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 – Cliddesden Village Hall – 7.45pm

AGM - Social Evening and Quiz. The AGM is for members only. New members are welcome to come along and join on the night. Membership is £8 per household, per year.

Bring your best gardening brains with you to the AGM this year! As well as the usual reports, messages, food and wine, we’re going to get you to think.

One of our committee members is stepping down, so there is a vacancy opening up. If you would like to be more involved in the organisation of the Horticultural Society let one of the committee know. Apart from the lectures and shows, your commitment is to attend committee meetings approximately every 2 months. For more information please contact either Marilyn (01256 462584) or Steve (01256 324707).

There is no entry charge for the AGM. Wine/soft drinks and food available – donations please.

Please let your local committee member know if you are attending by November 14 (for catering purposes).

Report (September 6, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke

Have you noticed nature’s bounty in the hedgerows?

Whether your pleasure is Blackberry jam, Bramble jelly or a delicious wine, there are berries aplenty this year. And the recent rain has suddenly swelled them with juice. The best time to pick blackberries is on a dry day, they go over so quickly if they’re wet. Choose the plump, shiny ones; dull black and they’re on the turn. Happy picking ??

To ensure that you collect the fruits of your labours in the correct manner, I found this passage in ‘Gardener’s Magic and Other Old Wives’ Lore’ by Bridget Boland:

For Picking   

Before picking or digging up, the plant should always be ‘saluted’ and told for what purpose it is needed, and if possible for whom, thus pacifying it and ensuring its co-operation. Modern investigators who claim that the reactions of plants to being manhandled, or even spoken to harshly, can be scientifically registered, would probably agree that this is a wise precaution. You should spit three times on the piece you pick, and it must never be allowed to touch the ground. There seems to be a feeling that a piece picked off the ground is like carrion, unholy, with the virtue gone out of it. You should never face into the wind as you pick, or look back over your shoulder at the plant after you have done so.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 – Ellisfield Memorial Hall – 7.45pm

Talk by Carol Watson, entitled “Traverse of the Alps – 450 mile hike from Lake Geneva to Nice”. Please note that this is a change from the previously advertised speaker.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 – Cliddesden Village Hall – 7.45pm

AGM - Social Evening and Quiz. The AGM is for members only. New members are welcome to come along and join on the night. Membership is £8 per household, per year.

Bring your best gardening brains with you to the AGM this year! As well as the usual reports, messages, food and wine, we’re going to get you to think.

One of our committee members is stepping down, so there is a vacancy opening up. If you would like to be more involved in the organisation of the Horticultural Society let one of the committee know. Apart from the lectures and shows, your commitment is to attend committee meetings approximately every 2 months. For more information please contact either Marilyn (01256 462584) or Steve (01256 324707).

There is no entry charge for the AGM. Wine/soft drinks and food available – donations please.

Please let your local committee member know if you are attending by November 14 (for catering purposes).

Report (July 13, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

Where did our cool, damp climate go? With all the glorious sunshine my garden is looking decidedly brown and wilted, and now we’re all on water meters it’s not just the hosepipe ban that stops us reaching for the sprinklers. Saying that, if it had been raining for the last few weeks, we would have had that to moan about instead!

I’ve been reading a wonderful little book called ‘Gardener’s Magic and Other Old Wives’ Lore’ by Bridget Boland, so I thought I would include the odd short passage over the next few months:

To Protect the Garden
Occasionally on entering a very old walled garden you will see over the door a horse’s head carved in stone. This is the relic of a belief that dates from Roman times. ‘Some have used to put in the garden the skull of a mare or she-ass that hath been covered, with the persuasion that the garden will be fruitful’ wrote Topsell in 1607. ‘Pliny was even of the opinion that it also kept out the caterpillars.’’

So, there you have it! Carving?  Or a real skull?  I would suggest you don’t opt for the whole mare or ass, as they may eat more than they protect.

Garden Competition: judged on the 25th June

Many thanks to all who entered. Here are the winners from each category:

Combined Veg & Flower - Julia Ayscough (Farleigh Wallop)
Vegetable Garden - Adam Gilvear (Ellisfield)
Flower Garden - Andy Webb (Ellisfield)
Pots & Baskets - Michelle Ilsley (Cliddesden)
Garden Feature - David Tilley (Cliddesden)

The criteria for the Garden Competition is available on request, so you can start planning for next year if you missed this time. Please contact either Steve Bowcutt (324707) or Marilyn Smith (462584).

WHAT’S COMING UP? (Apart from the ground elder and bindweed, albeit much slower without the rain!)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5 – SUMMER SHOW – CLIDDESDEN VILLAGE HALL

A chance to enter prize produce from the garden and/or your favourite images from your cameras. Or, just go along and view the best efforts of others. For further details of the classes, the Show Schedule can be obtained from any member of the Committee.
Superb refreshments are on offer at minimum cost, so a good afternoon can be had for all the family.
Staging is between 9.20am and 10.40am and public viewing is between 2.00pm and 3.30pm, immediately followed by the presentation of awards.
EDITOR: Please note that the Summer Show is now being held on a SUNDAY.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 – Ellisfield Memorial Hall – 7.45pm:
Talk by Gerald Ponting, entitled LADIES SMOCKS & BACHELORS BUTTONS – WILD FLOWERS & THEIR STORIES

Gerald Ponting is a writer, photographer, publisher and lecturer who regularly speaks at groups across central Southern England. His topics encompass stone circles, Shakespeare, Sicilian/Cypriot/American flora, and many others. With such a wealth of skills and experience we are hoping this will be a fascinating and enjoyable evening.

As always our meetings are open to everyone. Entry for members is £1, non-members £2. Tea/coffee and biscuits are available, donations on the plate please.

If you haven’t been to the Ellisfield Memorial Hall recently, it has undergone quite a re-vamp.  French doors lead onto the lovely grassy area at the back, the kitchen has been thoroughly modernised, new heaters for when the sun finally goes away AND the decorators were in in July.

It’s a lovely place for meetings, the slope makes access easy for everyone and the road is quiet at all times. As this is our last lecture of the year we hope to see as many people there as possible.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 – Cliddesden Village Hall – 7.45pm: AGM and Social Evening

This meeting is for members only. No entry charge for the AGM. Wine and food available – donations onto the plate please. Please let your local committee member know if you are attending by November 14 (for catering purposes).

Report (June 12, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

Have you ever noticed how the plants in your garden grow at a nice steady pace, but the moment you turn your back the grass is 2 feet tall, and the weeds are grinning smugly from every corner? Gardening is certainly a labour of love, a little like painting the Forth Bridge - never ending, but ultimately rewarding.

We had a busy month with the Horticultural Society too, here’s a round-up, and then a look ahead to July & August.

PLANT SALE: As always, our grateful thanks to the landlord and staff for letting us use the garden of the Jolly Farmer. So lovely to be able to have a pint or a coffee while selling our plants. Not as warm a Sunday as we could have hoped for, however a beautiful mixture of vegetables, herbs, annuals as well as perennials was presented for sale. We raised a total of £218 which will go towards the lecturers and judges we have during the year. Thank-you to everyone who donated plants, and, of course, to everyone who came along and supported us.

LECTURE: We welcomed back Steve Peach to see the ‘other side’ of the work he does, with Queen Elizabeth Park in Uganda, as opposed to Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire. A fascinating insight in to work there, where the focus is on sharing skills and experience between countries, not just ‘giving’ to a charity. It’s was also nice to be in the memorial hall now that so much of the updating and improvements have been done. Lovely new heating, beautiful French doors, and an improved kitchen, make our Ellisfield meetings warmer, lighter, and cosier. We look forward to seeing more of you there now.

LOOKING AHEAD

LECTURE BY PHIL BLOCKLEY: “ALL ABOUT BEES” (Thursday, July 12 at Cliddesden Village Hall - 7.45pm)

One of our own members presents an evening ‘buzzing’ with information about bees. With the importance of bees being quite often overlooked this is a meeting well worth attending.  And hopefully Phil will have some of the sweet stuff with him on the night! All are welcome at our evening meetings.  Entry:  Members £1, non-members £2. Refreshments available – tea/coffee, biscuits (donations please).

SUNDAY 5th AUGUST – SUMMER SHOW (Sunday, August 5 at Cliddesden Village Hall)

Our second show of the year. Entry forms and show schedules are still available from any committee member. Fruit, flowers, vegetables galore. Flower arrangements and photographs. As well as the delicious home-baked cakes for sale. Non-members are welcome to come along in the afternoon from 2.30pm to see the exhibits, sample the cakes and join in the raffle.

Report (May 10, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

‘Bring me sunshine’. The weather has turned gloriously warm, blue skies overhead, and the temperature is rising. So, the ground is turning to concrete, pots & baskets are drying out, it’s too hot to work in the garden … If we didn’t moan about the weather we wouldn’t be British!

Our eclectic climate has brought on an amazing combination of spring blooms this year, with daffodils & tulips in full colour side-by-side. And, bluebells are once again carpeting the woods and filling the air with fragrance. Which is a definite improvement on the smell of the oil-seed-rape!

LOOKING AHEAD

So with everyone beavering away clearing weeds, edging borders and cutting grass, I hope you’ll take time to enjoy what is on offer from the Horticultural Society in the next few weeks.

PLANT SALE (1.00pm Sunday, May 13 at The Jolly Farmer pub in Cliddesden)

Fill a gap in the border, donate extra plants, enjoy a beverage in the pub garden. All proceeds from the plant sale go towards securing our speakers for next year’s programme.

‘THREE VILLAGES’ BEST GARDEN COMPETITION (Monday, June 25)

Looking at such things as hanging baskets and features of interest, our members take great pride in showing off their talents and achievements. For more information on how to enter the Best Garden Competition, please contact either Steve Bowcutt (324707) or Marilyn Smith (462584).

LECTURE BY PHIL BLOCKLEY: “ALL ABOUT BEES” (Thursday, July 12 at Cliddesden Village Hall - 7.45pm)

One of our own members presents an evening ‘buzzing’ with information about bees. With the importance of bees being quite often overlooked this is a meeting well worth attending.  And hopefully Phil will have some of the sweet stuff with him on the night!

All are welcome at our evening meetings.  Entry:  Members £1, non-members £2. Refreshments (tea/coffee and biscuits) available - donations please

Report (April 9, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke

“Irish Coast-to-Coast Walk” Lecture (on Thursday, March 29)

Whoever said Ireland was just green was very mistaken! Our speaker took us on a 300 mile virtual walk across the stunning Irish countryside, with some delicious looking pictures of tea & cakes on the way.

We have such a variety of talks throughout the year, it’s always worth coming along – you never know what you’ll find out.

Spring Show (on Sunday, April 8)

Snow, freezing cold, rain … All ideal conditions for a bumper crop of daffodils, tulips and spring flowers (hahaha).

Despite the unfavourable weather our members managed to display some amazing blooms and, if the number of flowers exhibited were a little down, the domestic sections were up. Delicious, and decidedly sinful looking cakes, biscuits and pastries were up for judging; even more were available to enjoy with a cuppa.

Beautiful creations of a different sort in the handicraft sections show what hidden talents are lurking in our midst. Such a lot of time and effort goes into these pieces, every one is so individual.

And for our young ones – daffodils in a bra will stick in the memory! And, the yummy sweets too!

Many thanks to everyone who came along, whether you were exhibiting or visiting. A lot of hard work goes into the organising of the shows, and your support is greatly appreciated.

The winners of the Cups are as follows :

Shurgold Challenge Cup: D & E Rampton
Bill Richards Challenge Cup: S. Foster
Blyth Challenge Cup: P. Gould
Challenge Cup: J. Bowcutt
Don Prince Challenge Cup: B. Gilvear

Congratulations to them all and also well done to all the entrants who keep this very pleasant event going every year.

LOOKING AHEAD

Plant Sale (Sunday, May 13  - The Jolly Farmer, Cliddesden (from 1.00pm)

Our fundraising plant sale. This is our major fundraiser for the year, so if you are splitting down, potting on, or have extra seedlings PLEASE don’t throw them away! Contact one of the committee for collection; or drop them off to your village representative in the week before the sale.

Then come down on the day to grab a bargain and fill a gap in the border. Everyone is welcome to come and support us. And, if the weather is nice, the pub garden is a lovely spot to enjoy a beverage while you peruse the plants.

“The Ugandan Connection Community - Conservation In Action” Lecture (Wednesday, May 23 - Ellisfield Village Hall (from 7.45pm)

Steve Peach returns as our speaker, following on from his talk last year about Queen Elizabeth Country Park. At that time he mentioned the close ties that the park has with the conservation in Uganda, and tonight we see this work in action ‘from the other side’. Judging by his last visit, this should be a really interesting evening.

All welcome, members £1, visitors £2,  refreshments available on the night (donations please), and raffle.

Report (March 22, 2018) - Written by Claire Cooke

Hello from Claire!

Eddie Rapley, our usual pen-to-paper man, is at present unwell and unable to pass on all our news. We all wish him a speedy recovery. In the meantime, I will be trying to fill his shoes and keep you all updated. What’s on with the Society for the next month or two?

Thursday, March 29 at Cliddesden Village Hall, starting at 7.45pm:

A lecture, entitled “Irish Coast-to-Coast Walk”. Join us and our speaker in a countryside journey across the Emerald Isle. Entry for members £1.  Guests £2. Tea/coffee, biscuits provided – donations please.
We always welcome visitors to our meetings, and new members can join on the night.

Sunday, April 8 at Cliddesden Village Hall, public viewing from 2.00pm:

Spring Show – please note the show is being held on SUNDAY, not Saturday as in previous years. Entry open to members only – see show schedule for details. If you are a member and don’t yet have your schedule please call Claire Cooke (381504) or Pat Gould (381280).
Open to the public from 2.00pm. Come along and see what we do! Not just flowers & vegetables. Cookery, craft and children’s classes.

Sunday, May 13 at the Jolly Farmer, starting at 1.00pm:

Our fundraising plant sale. This is our major fundraiser for the year, so if you are splitting down, potting on or have extra seedlings PLEASE don’t throw them away! Contact one of the committee for collection; or drop them off to your village representative in the week before the sale. Then come down on the day to grab a bargain and fill a gap in the border.
Everyone is welcome to come and support us. And, if the weather is nice, the pub garden is a lovely spot to enjoy a beverage while you peruse the plants.

Report (February 11, 2018)

The first Lecture of the year ("Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and the Gardens of Israel" by Alan Martin) was a great success. We had quite a few guests and we have one new member, which is always gratifying. The lecturer was very amusing and informative with personal anecdotes of the places he showed us in the slide show of the area. His knowledge of the flora he had photographs, as well as the description of the soil and growing conditions was  clear  and very revealing. He has other talks which hopefully he will return and give us another  interesting evening. (Thanks for the report Claire.)

The next lecture (March 29 at Cliddesden Hall at 8.00pm)) is by Carol Watson on a coastal walk across Ireland. The Spring show at Cliddesden follows quickly on April 8th.

It is nice to see the carpet of snowdrops in Ellisfield and also the crocuses telling us that Spring is not too far away. The Cherries are acting like March Hares by defeating Chelsea away and then getting well beaten by Huddersfield.

Thank you all, once again, for supporting the Committee by your attendance at the Events during the year - long may it continue.

Report (January 18, 2018)

Having not written for a couple of months I wondered how to start the New Year and the first thought which came into my head was Cherries 2 - Arsenal 1 but, apart from the name which could be to do with plants etc., this item of news is of no real interest so I won't mention the occasion again in this report.

The lecture on January 25 at Cliddesden is by Alan Martin, entitled "Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and the Gardens of Israel". I will report in February on it's content.

The Membership Cards have now been printed so you will shortly be visited by a Member. The cost for the family is £8. New members are always welcome so if you have a friend who would like to join now is the time to join to get the whole year's value.

The Seed Catalogues are still available and remember the cost is Half the normal price.

Happy New Year
Eddie Rapley

Report (October 12, 2017)

The last Lecture of the year on “Composting and Recycling Your Garden Waste” was very informative. I understand that the Lecturer was fairly quiet and some of us strained to hear the words of wisdom. Maybe the use of the microphone system could be used so that all may benefit.

The latest news from our Chairman advises us that the catalogues should be with us this week and can then be collected from Marilyn. One can also order direct from Suttons Seeds but to get the benefit of this local Society you will have to quote our discount code which is GS116l3D. You will be offered a 50% discount on your order and will be charged £1.99 for postage and packing. So get a catalogue from Marilyn or go to the Suttons Seeds Website and use our Discount Code.

The last event of the year will be the A.G.M. to be held at Ellisfield Village Hall at 7.45pm  on Wednesday. November 29. It is listed as the A.G.M. and Social evening and it is more talk than chalk, and the normal fare and drinks are provided to make the evening a pleasant affair.

Any ideas for next year are always welcome from the assembled throng and hopefully we will have a reasonable Agenda for your interest next year.

On a personal note it was nice to see that at last the steps and a rail may be provided at Southlea and will enable the older and more infirm to attend meetings. After 50 years on Southlea it will be nice to get out in the evenings.

Hope to see you all at the A.G.M.

Report (September 13, 2017)

I hope the trip to Wisley was successful and the last Lecture for the year was well attended. The only new meeting now is the A.G.M. in November when the usual social side takes over quite rapidly from the reports for the year. The Catalogues for the New Year will be with us shortly when you can all start planning for the new year. Having seen at the Summer Show what can be produced I am sure this will spur us on to do similar success next year. Having seen recently the Makeovers to a variety of gardens I must admit I do feel stirrings to improve the garden and the catalogues will certainly help with ideas for future projects.

Remember the date for the A.G.M. in Ellisfield at 7.45pm is Wednesday, November 29.

Report (August 12, 2017)

An interesting Lecture was given by Jennifer Carter on “The Gardens at Butchart and Alaska” but unfortunately the dates coincided with the start of the Holidays and the attendance was rather low. One hopes that the last lecture of this year does not clash with other events when Kevin Mason will be giving a Lecture on "Composting and Recycling" at 7.45 p,m. on Thursday, September 28, at Cliddesden Village Hall . Remember that Lectures are open to you and your friends. All are welcome.

The results of good composting was evident at the Summer Show in August when the produce was on show. The entrants increased this year and the quality was excellent. The visitors increased this year so a good day as had by all.

The winners were spread among the members so the cleaning of the trophies will not be too arduous for just the one winner.

September's event is the trip to Wisley and those wishing to go should contact Marilyn before the 17th so that she can allocate the tickets. We are limited to numbers.

August 2017: Summer Show

The list of Trophy/Cup winners is as follows:

Joseph Bone Cup (Best Vegetable Collection): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Frankham Cup (Large Onions): Steve Bowcutt
Barker Trophy (Best Rose): Andy Webb
Harold Greenyer Cup (Most Points Vegetables): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Lay Challenge Cup (Most Points Flowers): Eddie & Diane Rampton
Farleigh & Hurstbourne Cup (Best Flower Exhibit): Eddie & Diane Rampton
EB Hooper Cup (Most Points Flower Arrangements): Diane Rampton
Nita Abbott Cup (Runner-Up Flower Arrangements): Doreen Ilsley
Children's Challenge Cup (Best Children's Exhibit - Under 7): Genna Cooke
Elsie Prince Challenge Cup (Best Children's Exhibit - 7 & Over): Archie Gilvear
Ivy Cannon Family Challenge Cup (Best Photograph): Debbie & Seumas Foster
Countess of Portsmouth Trophy (Most Points in Horticultural Classes, Spring & Summer Shows): Eddie & Diane Rampton
Banksian Medal (Most Points in Horticultural Classes, Summer Show): Adam & Tracey Gilvear

EDITOR: Congratulations to all the winners. However, as this IS the Ellisfield website, a special round of applause for Adam & Tracey Gilvear, Andy Web, Genna Cooke, Archie Gilvear and Debbie & Seumas Foster.

Report (June 18, 2017)

The last Lecture in May on the The Owl Academy was a great success especially the Flying Barn Owl who flew from member to member at their teacher’s command. The audience were impressed with the content of the Lecture but were dismayed at the practice of sending young barn owls (killed for their carcasses) abroad for experimental purposes. This led to the information of how the Wild Life Trust do everything in their power to stop this practice, which not only affects Barn Owls but other species as well, including Blackbirds. Mike Savage is a very passionate member of the Wild Life Trust and this does show and hopefully will encourage others to get involved.

The Best Gardens will be judged on June 19. Thankfully for the last 50 years I've had the pleasure of living opposite the Meadow in South Lea so it has been an extra bonus to the garden - long may it continue. There are no Garden Visits in June but Wisley Tickets have been reserved for Sunday 17th September and can be obtained through Marilyn beforehand. There are only 20 tickets, so first come first served. The collection point is at the Ticket Office at Wisley at 2.00pm and once you have the tickets you can go anywhere in the Gardens - you don't have to stay as a Group.

We have a Lecture at Ellisfield Village Hall on Wednesday 26th July at 7.45pm. The Lecture is by Jennifer Carter on "Canada, Alaska and Butchart Gardens".  Having visited them with friends from Seattle twenty years ago I can thoroughly recommend them.

In August (Saturday 5) we have our Summer Show and details can be obtained from any Committee Member.  Entries can be admitted on the day from 9.30am until 10.30am. The Venue is at the Cliddesden Millennium Village Hall and the Public are welcome to visit the Show between 2.30pm and 3.30pm when Awards will be made and Cups presented. Refreshments will be served as usual.

Report (April 13, 2017)

March ended with an excellent talk by Steve Peach on “The Life and Times of a Ranger”. The range and the satisfaction given by his employment would have made any younger person envious. His  involvement in the landscape and the conservation of the wildlife was complete  and his world wide experiences, especially in Africa, showed total commitment. As he said "I do get rather involved so tend to extend the lectures a little!". It was well worth the small contribution to costs by members and non-members for the evening. We  have been very fortunate with our lectures this year.

Quickly following the Lecture was the Spring Show which, despite the decimation of many daffodils in the week previous, lived up to its usual standards. The flowers were a joy to see, the food looked rather tempting and the Art and Craft showed a competent skill by many. It would be nice next year if a few more entries were in the Painting classes because I know there are a great number of Artists in the Horticultural Society. We were pleased to see that the total entrants for all the classes were only down by one on last year.

The winners of the Cups are as follows :

Shurgold Challenge Cup: D & E Rampton
Bill Richards Challenge Cup: S. Bowcutt
Blyth Challenge Cup: C. Cooke
Challenge Cup: J. Bowcutt
Margaret Hooper Challenge Trophy: F. Cooke
Don Prince Challenge Cup: G. Cooke

Congratulations to them all and also well done to all the entrants which keeps this very pleasant event going every year.

Future events include the PLANT SALE on Sunday May 7th at The Jolly Farmer (in the garden), opening at 1.00pm. Any plants from members for sale should be brought by 12.30 for display purposes. The pub is open for libations.

Members, friends of members or Tom, Dick and Harry are all invited to spend their odd pounds, which will contribute to our funds.

Finally in May we have Mike Savage lecturing on "The Owl Academy". Should be a Hoot! This is at Cliddesden Village Hall at 7.45pm. on May 25th.

Report (March 13, 2017)

Daffodils are here again making my garden and everyone's gardens things of beauty and a joy for a month - by which time of course the Show will be here! No further comment.

Before that the Lecture by Steve Peach will have taken place in Ellisfield at their Village Hall on Wednesday, the 29th March at 7.45 p.m. where we hope a good turnout will be interested in the Life and Times of a Park Ranger.

April brings the first Show of the Year where the Committee are following the tradition of last year by Not asking for Entry Forms to be admitted before the Show Day. Exhibitor Cards can be found at the back of the Show Schedules. Any problems with these arrangements can be solved by ringing the Secretary Marilyn Smith on 462584 or e-mail on willow.ms@btinternet.com. All classes are free to all members and children (except where specified). The Schedule for the day Saturday, 8th April at Cliddesden Village Hall is as follows:

9.20am to 10.40am: Staging exhibitors must vacate the Hall for the Judges to judge by 10.40am.
2.00pm to 3.30pm: Public Viewing
3.30pm: Presentation of Awards.

Offers to clean the hall  after the show will be greatly appreciated. Now is the time to show your friends that you have more than one talent so get out the cooking bowl, gardening trowel or paint brush and surprise them.

Hope those seeds are growing ready for the Plant Sale at the Jolly Farmer on the 8th of May.

Have a month of interesting hobbies and have a good Spring.

Report (February 13, 2017)

The first Lecture of the year by Carol Watson was well attended and from a report by Steve Bowcutt was well presented and well received. He writes:

"She gave us lots of colourful slides of her annual Caribbean holidays over the last five years. She has visited a different island each year and treated us to Barbados, Dominica, and Grenada and St. Kitts. Lovely  slides with an entertaining, humorous and at times educational commentary . We saw the unusual and rare cannonball tree which has to be fenced when it is fruiting because of the danger of falling fruit (hence the name). We also saw a number of enslaved persons huts, these can be moved and known as chattels. So when a slave moved he took his ‘goods and chattel’, apparently this is the origin of the phrase.”

Report (January 11, 2017)

A belated Happy New Year to you all. The festivities being well and truly over we can now sit down and plan our Horticultural year ahead.

I hope that you all managed to get the advice regarding the lecture on the January 26 and have now all got the updated copy of the program for the year. In order to help alleviate changes to our program at short notice, our Chairman would appreciate it if you would let him have your e-mail address (if you have one) so we could then advise you instantly. The lecture on January 26 will be “Colours of the Caribbean” by Carol Watson and should be well worth attending. Don't forget all are welcome so don't  phone a friend - just bring them.

Reminder 2. Please remember to plant some extra seeds again so that the Plant Sale on Sunday May 2 will be increased by your annual generosity to help us swell funds.

Our next evening meeting, after the January 26 one, will be on March 29 on the “Life and Times of a Ranger” from the Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Should  be interesting.

Finally, remember that everyone is welcome to our Meetings so don't phone a friend - Bring Them.

Report (October 13, 2016)

Our last lecture of the year was by Dr Alick Jones on September 28th at Ellisfield on "Weeds - Can We Ever Win?". It was full of interesting facts including the depth the roots can stretch, like the root of the weed elder having been discovered in the deepest layer of soil in the new underground in London. The audience numbers were not great but I suppose dark evenings are not conducive to venturing forth into the countryside.

The Committee hope that there will be a full house for the AGM at Cliddesden Village Hall on Thursday 24th November at 7.45pm when you can participate with your ideas for the coming year, enjoy the refreshments and renew old acquaintances. If you are a newcomer to our three villages and would like to test the water before joining for next year, now is the time to take the first step.

Some of the Committee are standing down as they feel after a long stint it is time for new blood to invigorate the Society. The commitment is not too onerous (and the refreshments at Committee Meetings help the meetings go with a flow). So please think seriously about carrying on a valued asset to our community

I am pleased to see that the Hampshire teams are all settling down in their respective  Leagues. The only problem with my Cherries being in the top League is that they don't have as many games to watch. Have to spend more time reading the Horticulture Magazines ...

See you at the AGM.

Report (August 18, 2016)

The Summer Show lived up to its normal high standard, though there were a few fewer entries this year. It was nice to see some of our younger members participating and achieving success, they must have realised that the Olympics was just around the corner and so they had to do their best. The list of winners make some familiar reading and some have a few more Cups to clean this year. Congratulations to all who took part.

The Show had been preceded by an unexpected lecture by Faustina Boya on the Neem Tree of South Africa. It was a fascinating lecture on the tree’s properties and we all experienced the taste of it (Hmm!! - an acquired taste) and the feel of it on our skins. It cures all types of illnesses and is a boom to the countries who have access to it.

We now have a lull until our next lecture on Wednesday, September 28, at Ellisfield on the “Weeds, Can we ever win?”.

Committee Members : The Committee would appreciate some help from some new volunteers to join the Committee. One does not need to be a Wiz kid on Gardening and the commitment is not too great. Ideal for someone who loves gardening. Does not have to be a Cherries supporter!

I see that the Guardian and the Telegraph are following the Newsletter by giving a Report on Cherries News and to have them on the Box on two consecutive Sundays is a good way to start the year.

Enjoy the rest of the Summer Holidays and see you in the Autumn.

August 2016: Summer Show

The list of Trophy/Cup winners is as follows:

Joseph Bone Cup (Best Vegetable Collection): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Frankham Cup (Large Onions): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Barker Trophy (Best Rose): Andy Webb
Harold Greenyer Cup (Most Points Vegetables): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Lay Challenge Cup (Most Points Flowers): Eddie & Diane Rampton
Farleigh & Hurstbourne Cup (Best Flower Exhibit): Eddie & Diane Rampton
EB Hooper Cup (Most Points Flower Arrangements): Pat Doel
Nita Abbott Cup (Runner-Up Flower Arrangements): Doreen Ilsley
Children's Challenge Cup (Best Children's Exhibit - Under 7): (no entries)
Elsie Prince Challenge Cup (Best Children's Exhibit - 7 & Over): Oliver Webb
Ivy Cannon Family Challenge Cup (Best Photograph): (no entries)
Countess of Portsmouth Trophy (Most Points Horticultural Spring & Summer Shows): Eddie & Diane Rampton

EDITOR: Congratulations to all the winners. However, as this IS the Ellisfield website, a special round of applause for Adam & Tracey Gilvear, Andy Web and Oliver Webb.

Report (June 14, 2016)

It's raining, my roses are blooming, the sound of bat on ball and of course Tennis getting in to full flow tells me it must be June.

The lecture in May by Gerald Ponting was very illuminating and showed the island in all its glory. The floral displays were a joy to behold and the work done by the Islanders to recover from the devastating floods earlier in the year were very commendable. I could see why Madeira is a tourist attraction every year. An excellent talk by Gerald.

This month we will have the Best Garden Competition on June 27th and the results will be announced in next month's Report.

In July, the lecture on Owls has been postponed and it has been replaced by "Neem - The Power of Africa" and the lecture will be by Faustina Bayo. I understand that this is a fascinating lecture on the Neem tree which is very important throughout Africa. It is the source of natural remedies for many medical complaints and the talk will cover interesting tales for its use. It will be at the Cliddesden Village Hall at 7.45pm as usual. Everyone is welcome and there will be a small charge as usual.

In August, we have the Summer Show on August 6th. Get your Programmes from one of the Committee Members or contact Stephen or Marilyn for details. Once again a chance to see what success others have and enter your own plants, vegetables or Craft work in the various sections. Remember that without your contributions there would be no Show.

Remember that if you are not a member of the Horticultural Society (Gardening Club ) you are welcome to join at any time and your one fee enters all the family for all events. We are however open to visitors for all Lectures and Shows but of course to enter any of the Competition one has to be a member.

Report (May 12, 2016)

Sunday, May 8th, turned out to be a beautiful sunny day for the Plant Sale at the Jolly Farmer and it was good to see so many members turn up to buy the plants. Thanks are offered to all who contributed not only in the provision of the plants but also the purchase of them. Thank you also to the Jolly Farmer for the use of their garden and facilities. I understand the beverages were also very acceptable too.

On May 25th at Ellisfield Village Hall we are booked to have a Slide Show on "The Pride of Madeira" by Gerald Ponting and having never been there it will be interesting to see how it compares with my hometown. The Best Garden Competition will take place in June so hopefully the weather will stay kind for all the entrants. Details can be obtained from the Committee.

I understand there will be some Garden Visits to be arranged for June but details are not finalised at this date but … Be Prepared.

Have a good summer gardening.

Report (April 12, 2016)

The Spring Show  was the first chance of the year to show some of the produce from the gardens; some of the products from the kitchens and of course some of the results from the various crafts on which some of our members spend their free time. This year the entries were slightly down but in general a good turn out was achieved. Visitors did not take as much advantage of the cakes on offer as usual but having sampled one of the delicious cakes I will be back for more next year.

The Challenge cups winners are  as follows ;

The Shurgold Challenge Cup for highest number of points in the Horticultural Classes were Dianne and Eddie Rampton
The Bill Richards Challenge Cup and a Certificate of Merit was for the best single Bloom in the  Classes 1-5 was Steve Bowcutt
The Blyth Challenge Cup and a Certificate of Merit for Domestic entrants was Claire Cooke
The Challenge Cup and a Certificate of Merit for Best Exhibit in the Arts and Crafts Sections was won by Eddie Rapley
The Margaret Hooper Challenge Trophy for children up to the age of 6 was  G. Cook.
The Don Prince Challenge Cup for children aged 7 to 12 was won by B. Gilvear

Congratulations to all the winners and also to all who took part.

As Danny Willett remarked on winning The Masters on Sunday "I am enjoying this Win but after a break I must now concentrate on the next Tournament" so the Spring Show has passed and we now look forward to the next event on our calendar which is the Plant Sale on May 8th at THE JOLLY FARMER in the garden. The Sale starts at 1.00pm and any welcome gifts from members for the Sale will be warmly welcomed by the Committee from 12 Noon on the day. So I guess it’s a Bring and Buy Sale for some.

The other event in May is a Slide Show on Wednesday May 25th at 8.00pm in Ellisfield Village Hall by Gerald Ponting on "The Pride of Madeira". I have been told it is a lovely island so now is the chance to see it.

I hope it will be as successful as the Geoff Hawkes Lecture in March on the History of Mill Court Gardens. I was told that this was a fascinating hour on the history of the House and the Gardens and another successful lecture to add to our list.

Report (February, 2016)

The first lecture of the year was a fascinating wander through the memories of Mrs Read who not only described the meanderings the River Meon from its bubbling source to the sea but added in the historical details of villages along the way and her own family's connection with the area. For those of us who take the Motorways for speed it reminds us to take time to wander through our lovely countryside and villages, and it's all free.

Report (January, 2016)

Happy belated New Year Greetings to all our green fingered members. I am a little late with my Greetings but that is the privilege of old age. As I sit at my desk I find also that there are 17 Christmas cards still to deliver - Woe is me!

The Committee have once again prepared a full program for the year from March to September and having paid the Sub of £8 per household the whole family can take part. There is a Lecture in January on " The River Meon from its Source to the Sea" by Geoff Reid. The lecture is on the 28th January in Cliddesden Village Hall at 7.45pm. Hopefully our Posters will bring in a good audience. The next Lecture is on March 28th in Cliddesden by Geoff Hawkins on "The history of Mill Court Gardens".

The Committee have Catalogues for the new season and they hope that any surplus plants will be donated to our Sale in April as any profit will go to pay expenses  for the year. Remember that Subs are now due and the one Sub of £8 pays for the whole household for the year.

Now with the winter weather coming in I must hunker down and concentrate on the Cherries and the Pompey results until May. I know that Cherry Pie has been replaced by Humble Pie in the restaurants around these Grounds. Only a rumour.

A final reminder that our Spring Show takes place in April and if you have a talent to share, such as Cooking, Art or Handicrafts this is the time to exhibit your skills.

Happy pondering.

Report (November, 2015)

Having been without a car for seven months it was so nice to have my wheels back to be able to get out into our beautiful countryside and enjoy the Autumn colours. They were so vibrant and compared very favourably with the Blue Ridge mountain scenery which I enjoyed many years ago. Horticulturally, we enjoyed an excellent final lecture to our year when Dr Alick Jones gave us an insight into what we are doing as a nation to preserve some of our native species and the danger of not doing anything to preserve our feathered friends from extinction.

We have our A.G.M. Coming soon (Wednesday, November 25 at Ellisfield) and the Committee will have the pleasure of preparing for another year of planning the Sales, the Shows and the Lectures for 2016. (I also do believe that Christmas is getting closer as the Raffle Tickets are coming with increasing rapidity and more profusely every year and the Gardeners can look back on the successes of this year and prepare anew for next year's triumphs.)

I, personally have the worry of watching my "Cherries", knowing of course that they will eventually start scoring again and moving up the Table - just as Pompey are doing.

The Committee wish you all a very happy Christmas and a very fruitful New Year.

August 2015: Summer Show (report by Steve Bowcutt)

This show was a success, with friendly weather and a good turn out of exhibits & people. Trophy winners are listed below but a few highlights we should mention:

Eddie & Diane Rampton really went for it exhibiting in virtually every class and coming away with a number of the major trophies.
Adam & Tracy Gilvear took the major prizes in the vegetable section, their collection is worthy of special mention as is the quality of their potatoes.
The other branch of the Ramptons seem to have inspired Pat Rampton who had the best floral arrangement.
The Cooke family cleaned up in the children's section and Stephen Hudson had the best photograph.

The list of Trophy/Cup winners is as follows:

Joseph Bone Cup (Best Vegetable Collection): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Frankham Cup (Large Onions): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Barker Trophy (Best Rose): Pat Doel
Harold Greenyer Cup (Most Points Vegetables): Adam & Tracey Gilvear
Lay Challenge Cup (Most Points Flowers): Eddie & Diane Rampton
Farleigh & Hurstbourne Cup (Best Flower Exhibit): Seumas & Debbie Foster
EB Hooper Cup (Most Points Flower Arrangements): Pat Rampton
Nita Abbott Cup (Runner-Up Flower Arrangements): Pat Doel
Children's Challenge Cup (Best Children's Exhibit - Under 7): Genna Cooke
Elsie Prince Challenge Cup (Best Children's Exhibit - 7 & Over): Fletcher Cooke
Ivy Cannon Family Challenge Cup (Best Photograph): Stephen Hudson
Countess of Portsmouth Trophy (Most Points Horticultural Spring & Summer Shows): Eddie & Diane Rampton
Banksean Medal (Most Points in Horticultural Sections): Eddie & Diane Rampton

EDITOR: Congratulations to all the winners. However, as this IS the Ellisfield website, a special round of applause for Adam & Tracey Gilvear, Seumas & Debbie Foster, Fletcher Cooke and Genna Cooke.

July 2015: Lecture: The Wonders of Antarctica

This was a most interesting talk and slide show of a trip that didn't go strictly according to plan. Nevertheless, it was well presented and it entertained the members.

June 2015: Best Garden Competition

Congratulations go to the following members:

Ellisfield
Debbie and Seumas Foster for gaining 1st place in the Combined class, a 2nd in the Vegetable class and a 3rd in the Flower Class.
Adam Gilvear for gaining 1st place in the Flower class.
Jacqui and Tony Matthews for gaining a 2nd place in the Flower class and a 3rd place in the Pots & Baskets class.

Cliddesden
Pat Doel for gaining 1st places in the Flower and Features classes and a 3rd place for the Combined class.
Michelle Ilsley and N Riley for gaining 1st place in the Pots & Baskets class.
Doreen and Dennis Ilsley for gaining 2nd places in the Combined, Feature and Pots & Baskets classes and a 3rd in the Vegetable class.

April 2015: Spring Show

The Spring Show was very well attended and the number of  entries were up to par. The Cups were won by the following members:

The Shurgold Challenge Cup for Most points in Horticultural Classes - Stephen and Avril Hudson
The Bill Richards Challenge Cup for Best Single Bloom in Narcissus Classes - Steve Bowcutt
The Blythe Challenge Cup for Most points in Domestic Classes - Pat Gould
The Challenge Cup for the Best Exhibit in Art & Craft Classes - Judith Richards
The Margaret Hooper Challenge Trophy for the Best Exhibit under 7 years of Age - Genna Cooke
and the
Don Prince Challenge Cup for Best Exhibit under 12 years of Age - M. Pennington

Our congratulations to them all and all those who took part.

(In addition, here is a review from Jacqui Matthews' BazGaz Community News article on Farleigh and Ellisfield)

Trophies were awarded to prize winners at last Saturday’s Spring Show: Ellisfield’s Archie Gilvear was MasterChef baking the ultimate Chocolate Brownies.

Pat Gould, once again, just beat daughter Claire Cooke to become this year’s Domestic Goddess producing a mouth-watering array of bakes, jams and chutneys, while Pat’s granddaughter Genna won The Margaret Hooper Challenge Cup with her beautiful arrangement of spring flowers and a door plaque for her bedroom. Judith Richards retained The Challenge Cup for best exhibit with an amazing stump work passion flower.

January 2015: Lecture (Geoff Read: "Mini-Beasties")

Our first lecture of the year was a great success when 30 people turned out on a wintry night to see our little companions on this planet of ours and we were entranced and amazed to see Marwells retired Zoo Keeper show a selection of his little friends. The Chameleon which spent most of the evening snuggled up on the back of his neck after making friends with the assembled throng. They were allowed to touch and stroke him/her, followed by the Australian green stick insect made famous in one of Harrison Ford's films of The Lost Arc.

Insects followed from a Millipede with 110 legs (of Dr No's film) to the "Hissing Bug" beloved of small boys because of its interesting noises. The Leopard Geko which loves sand followed by the Tarantula - which lived up to everyone's expectations. It was interesting to see the skin of a Tarantula which had bitten his wife in its life time. Finally we had the sight of two Madagascan cockroaches in his hand and being stroked on their backs. The evening finished with the usual refreshments and I could see that an evening with these small insects had not affected anyone's appetite!

August 2014: Summer Show

The  Summer Show seems to get better every year and this year was no exception with seemingly more entrants, more people receiving the Cups and more children taking part - all good news for the future. As we are constantly reminded to take more exercise and eat more veg and fruit our members must be heeding this information and getting out in the gardens more. A good day was had by all, from competitors to visitors.

The list (supplied by Steve Bowcutt) of Trophy/Cup winners is as follows:

Joseph Bone Cup (Vegetable Collection): Steve Bowcutt
Frankham Cup (Large Onion): E. Rampton
Barker Trophy (Best Rose): Claire Cooke
Harold Greenyer Cup (Most Points Vegetables): E. Rampton
Lay Challenge Cup (Most Points Flowers): Pat Doel
Farleigh & Hurstbourne Cup (Best Flower Exhibit): Claire Cooke
EB Hooper Cup (Most Points Flower Arrangements): Pat Doel
Nita Abbott Cup (Runner-Up Flower Arrangements): D. Rampton
Children's Challenge Cup (Best Children's Exhibit - Under 7): Genna Cooke
Elsie Prince Challenge Cup (Best Children's Exhibit - 7 & Over): Oliver Webb
Countess of Portsmouth Trophy (Most Points Horticultural Spring & Summer Shows): A. & S. Hudson
Ivy Cannon Family Challenge Cup (Best Photograph): J. Bowcutt

Congratulations to all the winners. However, as this IS the Ellisfield website, a special round of applause for Claire Cooke (two trophies), her daughter Genna and Oliver Webb.

July 2014: Lecture (The World of Woodpeckers)

Whether it was his name that gave him his lifetime interest I am not sure, but the quality and content was excellent. Having started to make a note of all the varieties - whiteheaded, northern rednapped, downy hairy, northern flicker, Williamson sapsucker, redshafted flicker and threetoed woodpecker - I just sat back and realised that there were a fair number of woodpeckers to see around the world and Stephen had seen a few (?) more than I had . Good lecture.

June 2014: 3 Villages Garden Competition

Class A (Combined Vegetable & Flower Garden) was won by Julia & Steve Ayscough of Farleigh Wallop
Class B (Flower Garden) was won by Janette Palmer of Cliddesden
Class C (Vegetable Garden) was won by Dan Cleeve of Ellisfield
Class D (Garden Feature) was won by Hilda & Andy Small of Cliddesden
Class E (Pots & Baskets) was won by Debbie & Seumas Foster of Ellisfield

Congratulations to all the winners. (However, as this IS the Ellisfield website, a special round of applause for Dan Cleeve and Debbie & Seumas Foster!)

April 2014: Spring Show

Out of the hills came the O’Dills with their daffs ready for the competition at the Spring Show and what a good display it was again this year. I had been looking at the daffs in my garden for the past month hoping that they had not flowered too early but we were very fortunate not to have the snow ruin our show. The Committee are always delighted when the members take part as it takes the planning the details worth while. So many thanks to you all for your support.

The Chairman reports that there was an increased entry this year (with no empty classes), new exhibitors and the number of children taking part had increased. All good news for the future of the Society. The winners were:

The Shurgold Challenge Cup for Most points in Horticultural Classes - Eddie Rampton (27 points)
The Bill Richards Challenge Cup for Best Single Bloom in Narcissus Classes - Steve Bowcutt
The Blythe Challenge Cup for Most points in Domestic Classes - Claire Gould
The Challenge Cup for the Best Exhibit in Art & Craft Classes - Judith Richards
The Margaret Hooper Challenge Trophy for the Best Exhibit under 7 years of Age - Lorna Turberfield
and the
Don Prince Challenge Cup for Best Exhibit under 12 years of Age - Ffion Turberfield

January 2014: Lecture (Vegetables for Beginners)

The first Lecture of the year went off very successfully, with a good attendance to set the year off on its Horticultural Way.

Our Lecturer, Kelvin Mason, covered all the essential details on getting the best results from our vegetable gardens and he mixed wit and humour into a very interesting talk. The reasons for double digging, the removal of rebel weeds, the size of the beds (4 foot two inches), the importance of not stepping on the earth and the necessity of watering (or not watering) have all reinforced old knowledge and will inspire a few endeavours in our splendid attendance.

It will be interesting to see the results in this year’s shows.

November 2013: Annual General Meeting

"Another year of success (or maybe failure and dashed hopes and despair at Nature’s fickle ways) sees the gardeners in our Three Villages full of optimism that 2014 will be the year that those seeds we plant will turn into days of triumph - well, maybe.

"We finished the old year with our normal convivial AGM, when a new face, Claire Cook from Ellisfield, took over the position of Treasurer as I, after 19 years filling the space, decided that it was time to hand over the money to someone else. I wish her well and am sure she will be as pleased to receive your £7 Sub for the year as I have been in the past.

"Our first Lecture of 2014 will take place on January 30 in the Cliddesden Millennium Village Hall (beginning at 7.45pm) when the subject will be “ Vegetables for Beginners” . Those who have been growing vegetables for some time will most probably learn a thing or two as well ...

"The programme for the rest of the year is being finalised and will be on your Membership Cards.

"I have been asked to remind those faithful members who produce plants for sale at our Spring Plant Sale that we really do count on your very valuable contributions and also from any other member who may have produced too many plants for their gardens. The Funds raised help the Society to keep the Annual Sub down to its present level and enable us to pay for the Lectures and Venues used during the year.

"To those of you who are new to the Villages, the Society is a very friendly group of people who like to socialise as well as discuss Gardening matters and will befriend and be patient with those without green fingers like me. We do have two shows during the year when we can also display our other talents - such as Painting, Cooking and Photography. We all compete in a very friendly(?) rivalry.

"So ... see you on the 30th January."

October 2013: Joint meeting with the Candover Valley Gardening Club

The Fun Table Quiz which took place at Preston Candover Village Hall was a very enjoyable evening where one of the prizes was won by a few dedicated garden viewers from our Society, who could identify most of the places on view. Honours were eventually evened out when Preston Candover won the other prize for horticultural identities of veg and flowers. Wine and edibles were consumed and it was a very pleasant way to end the year.

September 2013: Talk - Gardens of the Italian Lakes

A captivating display of slides of the Italian Lakes by Richard Thornton made for a pleasurable evening’s viewing to end the Lectures for the year. Memories of camping in 1959 in Lake Como were revived when Betty and I were just a little younger.

The lectures always seem to have an extra interest for me and this time it was the crack, splatter and pop sounds which accompanied some of the slides. Alas it was not until the end that I found out it was the microphone reacting to the car keys in Richards pocket as he wandered back and forth. Another mystery solved.

August 2013: Horticultural Society Summer Show (Report by Jacqui Matthews)

HORTICULTURAL dynasties in the making:

Last Saturday’s summer show had more than 250 entries (100 more than last year) and four local families did particularly well. Emma Ilsley won the Elsie Price Challenge Cup for Best Entry in the children’s class for aged seven and over, producing the most beautiful necklace made from vegetables, and mum Michelle won first prize for the best hanging baskets in the ‘best gardens’ competition.

Oliver Webb won first prize in the under-sevens class for his beautiful pot of marigolds and dad Andy won the Barker Challenge Trophy for best rose bloom.

The Gilvear family will be busy polishing silver trophies all winter – Adam won cups for best vegetable garden, best large onion, longest runner bean, and highest number of points in vegetable classes and the whole show, while sons Archie and Basil won second prizes in the children’s classes for their age group.

Fletcher Cooke won the Children’s Challenge Cup for his display of grasses in a jar, while sister Dariah and granny Pat Gould must be given first prize for delicious refreshments, enjoyed by all visitors.

The above is the Ellisfield & Farleigh Wallop report by Jacqui Matthews for the Basingstoke Gazette, published Thursday, August 8.

The list of Trophy/Cup winners is as follows:

July 2013: Lecture on William Kent and precursors to the English Landscape Movement

Joanna Kent gave a most excellent lecture on William Kent (no relation) and the history of English Landscaping since the 17th Century.

I was not only impressed with the information given but amazed at her dexterity in mounting the stage in the dark at least ten times to point out various points of the gardens on display. The agility of the young know no bounds these days.

June 2013: Evening Visit to Two Acre garden at “Walden”, Common Hill, near Medstead

A glass of wine, seventeen members present and a view across the field of sheep happily nibbling round the distant bushes was the introduction to our visit to Walden in Medstead. A summer evening in rural Hampshire with clouds slowly passing in the evening sunlight was indeed a pleasant way to end the day.

Walden’s owners confess to not being “gardeners” but love gardening and love to plant and watch the results of their work. They have succeeded remarkably well. Their contributions to many Charities with the National Gardens Scheme have surely been worth all the hard work they have put in to the garden.

We strolled past the restored rockery with its plants of hardy flowers, herbs and alpines to combat the bad weather. The centre bed has two sections including Margaret Merrill roses, Poppies, Verbena and Lilies and in the north section drought resistant plants of thistles, grasses and sedums. Further beds contain many mature plants and the whole garden is a delight. A wander among the lawns seeing the whole garden leads us to the many seated areas, where more nibbles and (for the lucky car passengers) another glass of wine, enabled us to view the wonders of the Hampshire countryside all the way to Winchester to complete our evening in memorable fashion.

The sheep were still around the same bushes and one realises that they are very life like sculptures! (A visit to Specsavers may be required, I fear.)

June 2013: Horticultural Society’s “Three Villages Best Garden Competition” Results

The results of this competition are as follows:

Combined (Flower & Vegetable) Garden
   Pat Doel, Cliddesden
Flower Garden
   Hilda Small, Cliddesden
Vegetable Garden
   Adam Gilvear, Ellisfield
Feature
   John Lurcock, Cliddesden
Pots & Baskets
   Michelle Ilsley and Nick Riley, Cliddesden

May 2013: Plant Sale

Despite the refurbishment of the Jolly Farmer taking place, limiting the passing trade for the sale, the regular members turned up and their contributions made it a worthwhile day. Our green-fingered members who contributed the plants should feel that their labours have been appreciated and the final total has helped the Society’s funds.

April 2013: Spring Show

Spring Show Day arrived with sunshine and the daffodils in my garden finally woke up from their winter sleep. It was too late for me to enter my daffs but with over 170 entrants for various classes of flowers, domestic excellence and craft and art, the day turned out to be another successful event for the Horticultural Society making their preparation endeavours worthwhile.

Entrants were from the very young - under 7 to the more mature -me - and I am sure that whether it was a “Highly Commended Certificate” or a “Challenge Cup”, we all had a good day. I had to miss the Afternoon Show to view some Cherries blooming in Bournemouth, but the following list is of the most successful entrants on the day :

The Shurgold Challenge Cup for Most points in Horticultural Classes - S and A Hudson
The Bill Richards Challenge Cup for Best Bloom in Narcissus Classes - A. Cooke
The Blythe Challenge Cup for Most points in Domestic Classes - Pat Gould
The Challenge Cup for the Best Exhibit in Craft Classes - M. Pennington
The Margaret Hooper Challenge Trophy for the Best Exhibit under 7 years of Age - Harry Gould
and the
Don Prince Challenge Cup for Best Exhibit over 7 years of Age - Emma Ilsley.

I was also advised that new members Eddie and Dianne Rampton did very well with their entrants this year.

Our thanks to all those who entered and we look forward to a bumper number of entrants in the Summer when hopefully our weather will have made amends for the cold Spring.

Jan 2013: Talk by Andrew Woolley on the Ashe Park Gardens Project

The talk by Farleigh’s Andrew Woolley, outlining his involvement leading the Ashe Park Gardens Project, was well attended by 30 members. Whilst excellent photographs gave a good insight into the challenges, the progress can be experienced first-hand when the gardens open to visitors in the summer. The society hopes to arrange a visit.

November 2012: AGM followed by a Social Evening.

The AGM was well attended by members from all three villages.

The Treasurer presented the accounts for the year ending September 30, 2012 which showed that the “profit” (£136) and the bank balance (£1,091) were both a little better than the previous year. The meeting agreed with the suggestion that the Membership Subscription (due in January) would remain at £7 per household.

The Chairman then recapped the year’s talks, visits and Shows and thanked all the committee members for their hard work.

There then followed the Election of Officers, with the main change being that Meg Freeman (Ellisfield) replaced Julia Ayscough (Farleigh) as Vice Chairman, although Julia remains on the Committee. Pat Doel (Cliddesden) was also voted onto the Committee (the new make-up of which is reflected in the list above).

There was a general discussion regarding the 2013 Programme of Events and the chairman promised that it would be finalised soon.

In the Any Other Business agenda item, Paul Turner (Ellisfield member) informed everyone of the new Ellisfield website and requested the committee that he be kept informed of events and visits (etc.) so that the Society’s page can be as up to date as possible. He also asked members to send him photos for inclusion on the website. Digital images can be emailed to him at paul.turner@ellisfield.com and if anyone wants to lend him “real printed photos” (which will be scanned and handed back) to phone him on 381269.

The meeting then ended and everyone gathered for a little wine and soft drinks, some good food and even better conversation (see picture).

October 2012: Quiz Night with Candover Valley Gardening Club.

The quiz night began with an informative talk by PC Andy Reid. He introduced the history of the local force and how the equipment they use evolved over the decades. The weight of the early radios and lamps were surprisingly heavy. The quiz was accompanied by a delicious spread of food supplied by the committee and much fun was had by all. Our thanks go to Eddie for organising the quiz and to Doreen for the never ending raffle!

The Society organises a regular programme of visits, illustrated talks (with expert speakers) and Shows throughout the year. Evening meetings are held in Ellisfield’s Memorial Hall and in Cliddesden’s Millennium Village Hall, usually from 7.45pm (£1 for members and £2 for non-members).

New entrants, expert or novice, to our Annual Shows are always very welcome.

Annual subscription is just £8 per household. Members can also benefit from discounts on seed and other garden supplies (see below). If you would like to know more, contact any of the following Committee members:

TRADING

Sutton Seeds - orders taken each year from September, closing date mid December, contact Marilyn Smith (01256 462584)
Parkers Plants - orders taken each year from May, closing date August, contact Steve Bowcutt (01256 324707)

2021 EVENTS PROGRAMME

All evening meetings: £1 for Members and £2 for Guests

REPORTS AND EVENT REVIEWS

This section goes back to October 2012. Please use the right hand scroll bar to view earlier reports.