Dear Member, 3rd May 2025, writes Helen Howard.
I hope you are enjoying this wonderful sunny, record-breaking weather. It has certainly got the growing season off to a racing start.
The Trading Shed has been doing well, keeping up with the early season rush. Despite our best efforts to obtain an early delivery, we did run out of compost at one point. Sorry if this inconvenienced anyone, but the shed is now re-stocked. In order to maintain these stocks, we are limiting sales of the natural organic compost to 3 bags per person.
Plant sales
Most weeks we have many plants for sale, at bargain prices. Committee member Liz has a table full and is on hand to discuss the plants and how best to grow them. All sale proceeds go to the running of the society. Long time member, Jan Parker also sells her plants, in aid of Naomi House, a charity very close to her heart and a very worthy cause.
These plant stalls alongside the Trading shed are a brilliant way to fill in those gaps in your border or try a new plant, for just a pound or two.
Lawns
Whilst caring for your plants, don’t forget your lawns need some TLC too. We have all sorts of fertilisers and lawn products to help you get started. They are all sold in small size packs so you buy just what you need, and have no bags of product taking up space in your shed for years to come. Yes, we all have one of those shelves, (or is it just me?)
Potato Challenge
I hope everyone’s potato is growing well. This is something new we are trying, and we are looking forward to seeing the results at the summer show, (or emailed to me beforehand, if you can’t make it).
Talks
We are looking forward to our first talk of the year on 22nd May. Richard Standing was the head gardener at Gilbert White House & Gardens in Selborne. He will talk us through the gardens and give us an insight into the life of Gilbert White. This will be an entertaining talk whether you have visited the gardens or not. Further details are attached in the PDF version of the May 2025 newsletter. I apologise, one advert did mention tea/coffee was included in the price. Unfortunately, this was not the case as we need to cover our costs. It will be £1 for tea/coffee but does include a biscuit!
We will be holding a raffle at the end of the evening. We are always in need of raffle prizes, so if you have anything suitable to donate that would be fantastic, eg. a bottle of wine or chocolates. Please drop off at the trading shed or contact a committee member for collection. We really appreciate your support in this.
Further talks coming up are on Monday 16th June, 7.30pm at the WI hall, Crookham Village. This is a talk behind the scenes with RHS show judge Helen Baker. Even if exhibiting is not your thing, this will be interesting to hear how you can get the very best out of your produce, and perhaps gain the confidence to have a go. Further details will be sent out soon to our members’ mailing list.
Our summer show is on 16th August 2025 and would be the perfect place to show everyone what you have grown this season. It includes classes for fruit, veg and flowers. Baking, photography and children’s classes are also included, so there is a class for everyone. The emphasis is on having a go and having some fun, and it is free! I will keep you posted as the show guide will be out soon.
Happy Gardening,
Helen Howard
Chair
CC&F Garden Society.
