We’re so pleased to announce that we will be hosting a recording of Radio 4’s popular gardening programme on Tuesday 21st March 2023 at St. Barbara’s Church Hall. Recording will be from 6 – 8pm. Click here for further details.
We were sad to hear that one of our members – Jill Hodgkins – passed away on January 1st 2023.
A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on January 27th 2023 at Canley Crematorium Charter Chapel @ 10:45am
Our condolences go to all her family and friends.
On Monday 15th November 2022 two of the founding members of the Earlsdon Gardening Club retired after an impressive 26 years on the committee.
Liz Campbell and Denis Crowley were part of the group that founded the club in 1996 with Denis taking on the role of Treasurer and Liz organising social events. They’ve undertaken these roles with dedication and enthusiasm ever since and have been pivotal in building and maintaining the success of the club.
In 1997 Liz also became the local organiser for the NGS Open Gardens scheme and has built this into a popular local event every May. Liz and Denis’ garden has always been one of the highlights of this event, helping to raise over £50,000 for charity over the years.
Another successful venture that continues every September is the Earlsdon Flower and Produce Show. Denis was instrumental in starting this up in association with the local allotment societies and has been a keen (and successful) competitor ever since.
In the Spring of 2011 Liz and Denis visited Myton Hospice at Walsgrave to look at the garden there. A lot of work was needed to make the gardens look attractive for the patients and so with a small team of volunteers Liz and Denis started the work of creating something special. That work continues today thanks to the volunteers and gifts of plants and equipment from local people, plus donations of cash from the takings at club raffles and the coin jar.
Its not always apparent just how much goes on behind the scenes to run a successful club and all the other associated activities such as outings, holidays, the produce show and open gardens, nor how much forethought and effort Liz and Denis have put into these hidden activities. In recognition of this the Club took the opportunity to present them with gifts on behalf of members past and present and express their gratitude for all their dedication over the last 26 years.
A big thank you to those members who entered flowers, fruit and vegetables into this years produce show at St Barbara’s Church. Despite some concerns that there would be lots of empty tables, the event was a success as you can see from these photos.
Several plot holders entered produce for the very first time, which, unless you’ve had a little experience is rather daunting. It was really pleasing to see the faces of those who won certificates and also to witness the fist pumping in one case!
So, here’s a date for 2023 – Saturday 2 September will be the next produce show. If you would like to have a go at growing some bigger and better vegetables do have a look at the King’s seed catalogue that is now available from the trading shed. Certain varieties are highlighted as suitable for exhibition. They also taste good as well!
Well done everyone
Beechwood Committee
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.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the new monthly competition and helped to make it such a colourful display. It certainly met with the approval of this month’s speaker. Our first winner was Tracy at her very first meeting!
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