We were sad to hear that one of our long-time members – June Burr – passed away recently. Our condolences go to all her family and friends.

From 13th June 2022, every club night is also competition night!

For many years we have had a table at the front of the hall where all members have been able to bring examples of colourful flowers and foliage freshly cut from their gardens. Now we’re offering the incentive of a monthly prize and we’d like as many members as possible to take part.

Simply bring between 1 and 3 stems of flowers, shrubs or foliage freshly cut from your garden, window box or patio pot. The competition will run all year so this will test your ingenuity in choosing examples which reflect colours of the season.

Stems should be displayed in a pot, vase etc. and placed on the table. There is no form filling or tickets given, so the winning entry will be lifted for the winning member to claim their prize! Whenever possible the visiting speaker will choose the winner.

The only criteria will be that the stems should be your own work! And should reflect colour in the garden.

The club was sorry to hear that Godfrey Jackson passed away earlier this month. Godfrey was a long-time regular judge at the Earlsdon Flower and Produce show, as well as judging many of the club’s annual bulb challenges. We send our condolences to his family and friends.

The Grand Final of this year’s competition is being held at The University of Warwick (Ramphall Building) on Saturday May 7th 2022 and we understand that it will be open to the public.

The event starts at 10.15 with refreshments; closing at 3.15pm.

Keep an eye on their website for more details: https://www.horticulture.org.uk/events/young-horticulturist-of-the-year-grand-final-2022/

Plant Hunters fairs have now released their 2022 calendar, featuring fairs at a range of garden venues where independent nurseries sell their traditionally grown plants. The plant fairs are also valuable fundraisers for the venues and every penny of the entrance fees goes to the venues to help them keep going after these tough times.

The entrance charges on these special days are such good value, often up to half the standard garden entry price.

Full details of all the events are on their website: www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

At February’s meeting Alun and Jill Whitehead introduced to these lovely Hidden Gardens of Herefordshire.

Ivy Croft, Ivington Green, Leominster HR6 0JN – NGS
Galanthus Gallery – closed
The Weir Garden, Hereford – NT & NGS
The Old Corn Mill, Ross-on Wye HR9 7LW – NGS
Bryan’s Ground, Stapleton, Presteigne LD8 2LP – NGS
Wilton Castle, Ross on Wye HR9 6AD – English Heritage
Brobury House, Bredwardine HR3 6BS – NGS
Court of Noke, Pembridge HR6 9HN – open by appt.
Glan Arrow, Eardisland, HR 6 9BW – NGS and Eardisland Open Gardens Weekend
Riverside, Eardisland – Eardisland Open Gardens Weekend – small
Weston Hall, Ross on Wye HR9 7NS – NGS
Titley Mill, Titley – open by appt.
Rhodds Farm, Lyonshall, HR5 3LW – NGS
Ashley Farm, Stansbach HR6 9LN – open by appt.
Long Barn, Eastnor HR8 1EL- open by appt.
The Lyndalls Not open
Lawless Hill, Sellack, Ross-on-Wye HR9 6QP – NGS
Brockhampton Cottage, Brockhampton HR1 4TQ – NGS
Grendon Court, Upton Bishop HR9 7QP – NGS
Perrycroft, Malvern WR13 6DN – NGS
Elton Hall, Elton, Ludlow SY8 2HQ – open by appt.

Alun and Jill Whitehead
Aulden Farm, Aulden, Leominster HR6 0JT
www.auldenfarm.co.uk Tel: 01568 720129

Many years ago we were told that the best way to protect our hostas from slugs was to start early, with St. Valentine’s Day being an easy date to remember.
So, whatever deterrent you use, we hope you remembered your plants as well as your loved ones ❤️