Winner and runners-up for the Wreath Competition
Thank you for all those who took part in the Wreath Competition.
We had a brilliant response and some beautifully created wreaths through out the village.
Winner: Teasdale
Runner up (2nd): Hogkins
Runner up (3rd): Barker
Thank you for all those who took part in the Wreath Competition.
We had a brilliant response and some beautifully created wreaths through out the village.
Winner: Teasdale
Runner up (2nd): Hogkins
Runner up (3rd): Barker
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BISHAMPTON & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB
The very first Kathleen Yeoman’s cup for the most promising young gardener was won by Megan Coombs.
Angela Miller scooped the Maggie Chamberlain Cup for her entries in the floral art section at Bishampton’s Summer Flower and Produce Show. In particular, she produced some lovely ideas for Strictly Come Dancing, The Good Life, and Jubilee Walk (see pic) which drew the judge’s compliments.
Elsewhere it was a clash of the Titans again with Rosemary Rickard and Pete Chamberlain vying for first place – finally Rosemary was pipped to the post with Pete the overall champion yet again to claim the Greengrow Trophy plus trophies in vegetables, fruit and pot plant sections.
However Rosemary was a worthy runner-up winning four cups – The Chairman’s Challenge Cup; the Hiller Challenge Cup (Flowers); the Country Cakes Cup (Photography), and Bishampton Stores Cup for Home Produce.
The Four Acres Challenge Cup for the tallest sunflower was one by Huw Mclelland and the Bevington Challenge Cup for the longest runner bean by How and Eden Miller.
The show was well attended with 257 entries for the 74 categories.
The accounts for this year’s Open Gardens event in June which was the Club’s most successful to date, yielded a healthy profit with £300 donations being presented to the Midlands Air Ambulance and Evesham & Lurcher Greyhound Trust.
The Club’s next two meetings will be Diane Bateman on 4th October doing a talk on Fascinating fungi followed by Paul Williams on 1st November presenting on Potatoes, Petunias, Peppers and Poisons.
Visitors to the talks which start at 7.30pm at Bishampton Villages Hall, are very welcome with an entry fee of just £2 per person. For further information, see our website at www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk, email [email protected] or telephone 01386 861438.
The very first Kathleen Yeoman’s cup for the most promising young gardener was won by Megan Coombs.
Angela Miller scooped the Maggie Chamberlain Cup for her entries in the floral art section at Bishampton’s Summer Flower and Produce Show. In particular, she produced some lovely ideas for Strictly Come Dancing, The Good Life, and Jubilee Walk (see pic) which drew the judge’s compliments.
Elsewhere it was a clash of the Titans again with Rosemary Rickard and Pete Chamberlain vying for first place – finally Rosemary was pipped to the post with Pete the overall champion yet again to claim the Greengrow Trophy plus trophies in vegetables, fruit and pot plant sections.
However Rosemary was a worthy runner-up winning four cups – The Chairman’s Challenge Cup; the Hiller Challenge Cup (Flowers); the Country Cakes Cup (Photography), and Bishampton Stores Cup for Home Produce.
The Four Acres Challenge Cup for the tallest sunflower was one by Huw Mclelland and the Bevington Challenge Cup for the longest runner bean by How and Eden Miller.
The show was well attended with 257 entries for the 74 categories.
The accounts for this year’s Open Gardens event in June which was the Club’s most successful to date, yielded a healthy profit with £300 donations being presented to the Midlands Air Ambulance and Evesham & Lurcher Greyhound Trust.
The Club’s next two meetings will be Diane Bateman on 4th October doing a talk on Fascinating fungi followed by Paul Williams on 1st November presenting on Potatoes, Petunias, Peppers and Poisons.
Visitors to the talks which start at 7.30pm at Bishampton Villages Hall, are very welcome with an entry fee of just £2 per person. For further information, see our website at www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk, email [email protected] or telephone 01386 861438.
Landscape Design and Construction Talk - 1 February 2017
BGC have pulled out all the stops with this year's programme starting with a serious look at design and landscape principles for your garden by professionals Rupert Keys and Ruth Gwynn from Keyscape Design & Construction on Wednesday 1st February.
Whether you've a large or small plot, we should all have a plan and Ruth and Rupert are well placed to guide us, having one numerous RHS medals including coveted gold medals at Chelsea, Hampton Court, Malvern and Gardeners World Live.
2017 promises to be a really exciting programme with a really mixed bag of talks by experts including Bob Flowerdew on 5th July, Neil Cook from Hanbury in March, florist Toni Smith in June, and visits to Hanbury Hall in April, and to Waterperry and Oxford Botanic Gardens at the end of July.
On Sunday, June 18th from 11am-4pm we'll be hosting our triennial Open Gardens event so please let us know if you would like to open your garden, or volunteer in any way. We were blessed with good weather last time so fingers crossed the heavens will smile on us again.
Talks are held on the first Wednesday of the month at the Villages Hall, starting at 7.30pm – admission free to members and £2 to visitors. Copies of the Annual Programme and Spring Show are available now or downloadable from our website www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk.
For any information please email [email protected] or telephone Pete on 01386 861438 or speak to a committee member. (Rosemary Rickard, Bob Teasedale, Sue Ellis, Nicki Merrett or Lesley Miller).
BGC have pulled out all the stops with this year's programme starting with a serious look at design and landscape principles for your garden by professionals Rupert Keys and Ruth Gwynn from Keyscape Design & Construction on Wednesday 1st February.
Whether you've a large or small plot, we should all have a plan and Ruth and Rupert are well placed to guide us, having one numerous RHS medals including coveted gold medals at Chelsea, Hampton Court, Malvern and Gardeners World Live.
2017 promises to be a really exciting programme with a really mixed bag of talks by experts including Bob Flowerdew on 5th July, Neil Cook from Hanbury in March, florist Toni Smith in June, and visits to Hanbury Hall in April, and to Waterperry and Oxford Botanic Gardens at the end of July.
On Sunday, June 18th from 11am-4pm we'll be hosting our triennial Open Gardens event so please let us know if you would like to open your garden, or volunteer in any way. We were blessed with good weather last time so fingers crossed the heavens will smile on us again.
Talks are held on the first Wednesday of the month at the Villages Hall, starting at 7.30pm – admission free to members and £2 to visitors. Copies of the Annual Programme and Spring Show are available now or downloadable from our website www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk.
For any information please email [email protected] or telephone Pete on 01386 861438 or speak to a committee member. (Rosemary Rickard, Bob Teasedale, Sue Ellis, Nicki Merrett or Lesley Miller).
Youngsters Gardening Challenge - 20 June 2016
Budding gardeners are being invited to compete to produce the tallest sunflower and the longest runner bean to win a cup at Bishampton Gardening Club’s annual Summer Show on Saturday 13 August.
Last year’s winner of the Four Acres Challenge Cup, Charlotte Perry from Wyre Piddle, grew a sunflower, an amazing 3 metres tall; while the winner of the Bevington Challenge Cup, Freddie Martin from Charlton romped home with his runner bean measuring 43 cm.”
This year’s challenge is part of the children’s section of the Summer Show, which has five classes in total apart from the giant flower and vegetable, including a fruit and/or vegetable monster; a miniature garden; and a seed mosaic.
The Show itself takes place at the Villages Hall, Broad Lane, Bishampton and the schedule invites entries for a breathtaking 77 categories in total including floral art, photography, craft, home produce, home-made wine - as well as those for keen gardeners of flowers, fruit and vegetables.
Chairman Pete Chamberlain said: “We would really like to encourage more children to get involved in gardening and this is an ideal opportunity for them to have a bit of fun during the summer break and get parents and grandparents along too.
“There really is ample opportunity for anyone and everyone – amateurs and experts from a range of skills and hobbies to just have a go. There are twelve trophies up for grabs which the winner gets to keep for a year and their name is engraved on it for ever.”
Entries for the sunflower competition, which is judged in situ with those in the pots and containers section, must be submitted by Friday 5 August by telephoning Pete on 01386 861438. Entries for the other classes are due on Friday 12 August at the Villages Hall, Bishampton between 6-8pm. All entries cost just 20p each.
To obtain a copy of the Summer Show schedule, email [email protected]; download a free copy from the website at www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk; or telephone 07854 362318.
Budding gardeners are being invited to compete to produce the tallest sunflower and the longest runner bean to win a cup at Bishampton Gardening Club’s annual Summer Show on Saturday 13 August.
Last year’s winner of the Four Acres Challenge Cup, Charlotte Perry from Wyre Piddle, grew a sunflower, an amazing 3 metres tall; while the winner of the Bevington Challenge Cup, Freddie Martin from Charlton romped home with his runner bean measuring 43 cm.”
This year’s challenge is part of the children’s section of the Summer Show, which has five classes in total apart from the giant flower and vegetable, including a fruit and/or vegetable monster; a miniature garden; and a seed mosaic.
The Show itself takes place at the Villages Hall, Broad Lane, Bishampton and the schedule invites entries for a breathtaking 77 categories in total including floral art, photography, craft, home produce, home-made wine - as well as those for keen gardeners of flowers, fruit and vegetables.
Chairman Pete Chamberlain said: “We would really like to encourage more children to get involved in gardening and this is an ideal opportunity for them to have a bit of fun during the summer break and get parents and grandparents along too.
“There really is ample opportunity for anyone and everyone – amateurs and experts from a range of skills and hobbies to just have a go. There are twelve trophies up for grabs which the winner gets to keep for a year and their name is engraved on it for ever.”
Entries for the sunflower competition, which is judged in situ with those in the pots and containers section, must be submitted by Friday 5 August by telephoning Pete on 01386 861438. Entries for the other classes are due on Friday 12 August at the Villages Hall, Bishampton between 6-8pm. All entries cost just 20p each.
To obtain a copy of the Summer Show schedule, email [email protected]; download a free copy from the website at www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk; or telephone 07854 362318.
New trophy for ‘Most Promising Young Gardener’ at Village Show - 7 August 2017
Enthusiastic young gardeners can try their hand at winning a brand new gardening trophy, thanks to a generous donation by a Bishampton resident.
The Kathleen Yeoman’s Cup was sponsored by Irene Johnes, a longstanding villager in memory of her sister, to encourage children and young people to get involved in gardening.
The cup is one of three aimed especially at young people in the Summer Flower & Produce Show* on Saturday 19th August.
The other two - the Bevington Challenge Cup for the longest runner bean, and The Four Acres Challenge Cup for the tallest sunflower.**
Children’s classes also ask for:-
Entries for the event are free and must be registered on Thursday evening at the Villages Hall, 6-8pm. Exhibits must be staged on the morning of the show between 9-11am and the event runs from 2-4 pm topped off with an auction and raffle. Admission to the event is 50p (free for exhibitors).
A copy of the schedule is available from the Village Stores, by telephoning 01386 462527; downloading from the website www.bishamptongardeningclub/events; or emailing [email protected]
Ends
*The Summer Flower & Produce Show has 11 categories, and 74 classes including flowers, vegetables, fruit, floral art, pots and containers, home produce, home made wine, craft, photography
**Entries for the sunflower class (and pots and containers), need to be notified by telephoning Pete Chamberlain on 01386 861438 as soon as possible as these are photographed and judged the week before the show on 12th August.
Enthusiastic young gardeners can try their hand at winning a brand new gardening trophy, thanks to a generous donation by a Bishampton resident.
The Kathleen Yeoman’s Cup was sponsored by Irene Johnes, a longstanding villager in memory of her sister, to encourage children and young people to get involved in gardening.
The cup is one of three aimed especially at young people in the Summer Flower & Produce Show* on Saturday 19th August.
The other two - the Bevington Challenge Cup for the longest runner bean, and The Four Acres Challenge Cup for the tallest sunflower.**
Children’s classes also ask for:-
- a fruit or vegetable monster;
- a miniature garden in a seed tray 9” x 14” (228 mm x 355mm);
- and a decorated egg box (6 egg size).
Entries for the event are free and must be registered on Thursday evening at the Villages Hall, 6-8pm. Exhibits must be staged on the morning of the show between 9-11am and the event runs from 2-4 pm topped off with an auction and raffle. Admission to the event is 50p (free for exhibitors).
A copy of the schedule is available from the Village Stores, by telephoning 01386 462527; downloading from the website www.bishamptongardeningclub/events; or emailing [email protected]
Ends
*The Summer Flower & Produce Show has 11 categories, and 74 classes including flowers, vegetables, fruit, floral art, pots and containers, home produce, home made wine, craft, photography
**Entries for the sunflower class (and pots and containers), need to be notified by telephoning Pete Chamberlain on 01386 861438 as soon as possible as these are photographed and judged the week before the show on 12th August.
Salvia talk - November 2016
We were treated to an information-packed, humorous, and well-delivered talk by Leila Jackson of T3 nurseries, talking about her passion for salvias (abutilons and other perennials) on Wednesday, 2nd November.
Leila had visited us two years ago following which a group of us had visited her nursery in Leominster, a family run business, where she currently holds the national collection of abutilons. She has very much involved her two children aged 11 and 14 to help out with the many shows at which she now exhibits across the country.
Her collection of salvias is now growing too with 160 plants of this amazing plant which belongs to the lamiaceae (dead nettle) family; sub-family nepetoideae (nepeta); and genus mentheae (mint). Leaves vary but the plant has a common feature which is a square stem. The red salvias, so common in municipal bedding arrangements, have been superseded by their taller and infinitely more beautiful cousins.
This vast species come from three distinct regions – Central and South America, Central Asia and East Asia and total around 600-800 types in a range of striking colours including white and yellow, although these are rarer. Salvias can come in the form of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and annuals so some need more TLC than others. They respond well to being pruned in spring which should result in getting more flowers and it’s a good idea to take cuttings to increase stock. Even when they’ve finished flowering their bracts are attractive.
A feature of the flowers is a large upper lip and two lower ones. Common varieties are Hot Lips, Amistad (purple), Eldorado, Stony Pink, Mulberry Jam; Wendy’s Wish, and Blue Enigma. Some of the salvias of the involucrata and guarantica variety, feature tubers and these are of the more tender variety as if the tubers get wet in the winter they can rot so they need to be lifted in winter like dahlias or well protected. Shrubby salvias can get woody and leggy so Leila advised a hard prune in Spring back to 5-6” followed by nipping out the growing tips with a haircut in August to get the best out of the plant.
Leila finished her talk with a whistle-stop run through of some of her favourite perennials, including the lemon giant cephalaria, eryngium to provide late season colour and interest; the many varieties of sanguisorba; asters such as Michaelmas daisy; echinacea, rudbeckia, persicaria (bistort); new varieties of clover, campanulas, and one which many of us didn’t know – baptisia australis – a hardy lupin-like perennial which flowers over a long period so a must for next year’s shopping list!.
Leila’s passion for flowers shone through her talk and certainly inspired the audience who were lucky enough to enjoy her talk.
We were treated to an information-packed, humorous, and well-delivered talk by Leila Jackson of T3 nurseries, talking about her passion for salvias (abutilons and other perennials) on Wednesday, 2nd November.
Leila had visited us two years ago following which a group of us had visited her nursery in Leominster, a family run business, where she currently holds the national collection of abutilons. She has very much involved her two children aged 11 and 14 to help out with the many shows at which she now exhibits across the country.
Her collection of salvias is now growing too with 160 plants of this amazing plant which belongs to the lamiaceae (dead nettle) family; sub-family nepetoideae (nepeta); and genus mentheae (mint). Leaves vary but the plant has a common feature which is a square stem. The red salvias, so common in municipal bedding arrangements, have been superseded by their taller and infinitely more beautiful cousins.
This vast species come from three distinct regions – Central and South America, Central Asia and East Asia and total around 600-800 types in a range of striking colours including white and yellow, although these are rarer. Salvias can come in the form of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and annuals so some need more TLC than others. They respond well to being pruned in spring which should result in getting more flowers and it’s a good idea to take cuttings to increase stock. Even when they’ve finished flowering their bracts are attractive.
A feature of the flowers is a large upper lip and two lower ones. Common varieties are Hot Lips, Amistad (purple), Eldorado, Stony Pink, Mulberry Jam; Wendy’s Wish, and Blue Enigma. Some of the salvias of the involucrata and guarantica variety, feature tubers and these are of the more tender variety as if the tubers get wet in the winter they can rot so they need to be lifted in winter like dahlias or well protected. Shrubby salvias can get woody and leggy so Leila advised a hard prune in Spring back to 5-6” followed by nipping out the growing tips with a haircut in August to get the best out of the plant.
Leila finished her talk with a whistle-stop run through of some of her favourite perennials, including the lemon giant cephalaria, eryngium to provide late season colour and interest; the many varieties of sanguisorba; asters such as Michaelmas daisy; echinacea, rudbeckia, persicaria (bistort); new varieties of clover, campanulas, and one which many of us didn’t know – baptisia australis – a hardy lupin-like perennial which flowers over a long period so a must for next year’s shopping list!.
Leila’s passion for flowers shone through her talk and certainly inspired the audience who were lucky enough to enjoy her talk.
Summer Flower and Produce Show 2016
This year’s Summer Flower and Produce Show on Saturday 13 August 2016 proved a real hit with the local community – and even some ‘foreigners’ – all the way from Birmingham! A constant buzz of activity continued throughout the afternoon, with plenty of tea and cakes being consumed in the process.
Once again, undefeated champion Pete Chamberlain, walked away with the Greengrow Trophy as overall winner; and hot on his heels with the second highest points in the Show, Rosemary Rickard won the Chairman’s Challenge Cup, as well as the Hiller Challenge Cup for the flower section.
The PJ Nicholls Challenge Cup for vegetables again was won by Pete Chamberlain as was the Treasurer’s Trophy for fruit – hardly surprising when you consider he is the proud owner of a four acre orchard!
In the pot plants section, joint winners of the Committee Trophy were Rosemary Rickard and Tim Goodwin, while Chrissy Rushworth won the Maggie Chamberlain Trophy for her stunning floral art designs, including an imaginative Olympic Torch. Liz Teasedale meantime, swept the board with her home produce, including a delicious ‘seriously rich chocolate cake’ containing no less than six eggs, and was awarded the Bishampton Stores Challenge Cup for her efforts. The Village Craft Trophy was awarded to Jan Lloyd; and in the photographic category,
Tim Goodwin once again scored top marks, winning the Country Cakes Challenge Cup.
In the children’s section, Oliver, Ruby and India Stearne won the Four Acres cup for the tallest sunflower; with Freddie Martin winning the Bevington Challenge Cup for a second year running with his longest runner bean.
Pete thanked everyone for coming along to the Show and hoped it would encourage more entries next year.
The Club’s next event is a private afternoon visit to Bourton House Gardens near Moreton-in-Marsh on Wednesday, 31st August, by car share starting promptly at 2.30pm at the venue. Anyone wishing to join the group should email [email protected] as soon as possible to guarantee a place.
The September 7 meeting will be a presentation by lecturer and botanist, Timothy Walker called ‘Bordering on Insanity – creating an all-year-round border’. The talk starts as usual at 7.30pm at the Villages Hall. Members free, visitors £2. More details about the Club are available on www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk.
This year’s Summer Flower and Produce Show on Saturday 13 August 2016 proved a real hit with the local community – and even some ‘foreigners’ – all the way from Birmingham! A constant buzz of activity continued throughout the afternoon, with plenty of tea and cakes being consumed in the process.
Once again, undefeated champion Pete Chamberlain, walked away with the Greengrow Trophy as overall winner; and hot on his heels with the second highest points in the Show, Rosemary Rickard won the Chairman’s Challenge Cup, as well as the Hiller Challenge Cup for the flower section.
The PJ Nicholls Challenge Cup for vegetables again was won by Pete Chamberlain as was the Treasurer’s Trophy for fruit – hardly surprising when you consider he is the proud owner of a four acre orchard!
In the pot plants section, joint winners of the Committee Trophy were Rosemary Rickard and Tim Goodwin, while Chrissy Rushworth won the Maggie Chamberlain Trophy for her stunning floral art designs, including an imaginative Olympic Torch. Liz Teasedale meantime, swept the board with her home produce, including a delicious ‘seriously rich chocolate cake’ containing no less than six eggs, and was awarded the Bishampton Stores Challenge Cup for her efforts. The Village Craft Trophy was awarded to Jan Lloyd; and in the photographic category,
Tim Goodwin once again scored top marks, winning the Country Cakes Challenge Cup.
In the children’s section, Oliver, Ruby and India Stearne won the Four Acres cup for the tallest sunflower; with Freddie Martin winning the Bevington Challenge Cup for a second year running with his longest runner bean.
Pete thanked everyone for coming along to the Show and hoped it would encourage more entries next year.
The Club’s next event is a private afternoon visit to Bourton House Gardens near Moreton-in-Marsh on Wednesday, 31st August, by car share starting promptly at 2.30pm at the venue. Anyone wishing to join the group should email [email protected] as soon as possible to guarantee a place.
The September 7 meeting will be a presentation by lecturer and botanist, Timothy Walker called ‘Bordering on Insanity – creating an all-year-round border’. The talk starts as usual at 7.30pm at the Villages Hall. Members free, visitors £2. More details about the Club are available on www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk.
BISHAMPTON GARDENING CLUB
Bishampton Gardening Club’s first meeting of the year on Wednesday, February 3, will feature a talk on ‘My Favourite Things’ by avid gardener Glenis Dyer.
A long-retired college lecturer in Business Studies, her presentation will cover a number of her favourite plants including clematis, peonies, daphnes, hellebores and hostas.
She and her husband have opened their garden in Welford near Stratford for the National Gardens Scheme for the past 30 years, and virtually all the topics covered feature plants in their own garden. Glenis will also be opening her garden on 21 February for snowdrops,
(http://www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/find-a-garden/garden.aspx?id=8613) and for the rest of the year for groups by appointment.
The 2nd March talk will feature the national holders for the collection of Irises – Gill and Alan Whitehead, on ‘Some History, Some People, Some Plants’ followed by the annual Spring Show on Saturday, 2 April.
More information can be found on the Club’s website at www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk , by emailing
[email protected] or telephoning the Chairman, Pete Chamberlain on 01386 861438.
All talks take place on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm at the Villages Hall, Broad Lane, Bishampton WR10 2LY and are free to members, and £2 for visitors.
Bishampton Gardening Club’s first meeting of the year on Wednesday, February 3, will feature a talk on ‘My Favourite Things’ by avid gardener Glenis Dyer.
A long-retired college lecturer in Business Studies, her presentation will cover a number of her favourite plants including clematis, peonies, daphnes, hellebores and hostas.
She and her husband have opened their garden in Welford near Stratford for the National Gardens Scheme for the past 30 years, and virtually all the topics covered feature plants in their own garden. Glenis will also be opening her garden on 21 February for snowdrops,
(http://www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/find-a-garden/garden.aspx?id=8613) and for the rest of the year for groups by appointment.
The 2nd March talk will feature the national holders for the collection of Irises – Gill and Alan Whitehead, on ‘Some History, Some People, Some Plants’ followed by the annual Spring Show on Saturday, 2 April.
More information can be found on the Club’s website at www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk , by emailing
[email protected] or telephoning the Chairman, Pete Chamberlain on 01386 861438.
All talks take place on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm at the Villages Hall, Broad Lane, Bishampton WR10 2LY and are free to members, and £2 for visitors.
Chris Beardshaw and The English Garden talk - Wednesday 4th November 2015.
The photo was taken before his one and a half hour talk to a packed house at the Villages Hall, Bishampton where over 100 people attended to hear his talk (he last visited Bishampton Gardening Club in 2008).
Chris is holding a copy of his latest book '100 Plants that almost changed the world' from which he drew some amusing anecdotes including the Romans' introduction of stinging nettles to create warmth and combat arthritis.
His talk on The English Garden, was comprehensive starting for man's need to craft, sculpt and create the landscape in an effort to make a 'heavenly space on earth'. Chris spoke about the early landscapes from Egypt in 1500 BC and their cruciform structure; through the Islamic 7 levels of consideration for making a perfect garden; and then into the very formal French and Italian styles as man attempted to control nature.
The audience heard how the growth of international travel to the Far East and beyond influenced some of the early plant enthusiasts landscapers such as Inigo Jones to break free from the regimental lines and introduce a more natural approach. More exotic plants were brought in from abroad and the repeal of the Glass Act and streamlined production opened up many more possibilities for plant choices. Famous gardeners, such as Gertrude Jekyll, became renowned for their use of swathes of colour and overflowing borders which are so admired by keen gardeners today.
He summarised by saying that the English garden is a combination of the formal and informal, of masculine and feminine where the still formal structure of grass walkways are softened and complemented by overflowing borders of colour.
England, Chris said, hold more open gardens than anywhere else in the world and we should be looking at what developments we can make next to enhance our claims to fame in this area.
His presentation was applauded enthusiastically as he is clearly a man in love with his subject.
The photo was taken before his one and a half hour talk to a packed house at the Villages Hall, Bishampton where over 100 people attended to hear his talk (he last visited Bishampton Gardening Club in 2008).
Chris is holding a copy of his latest book '100 Plants that almost changed the world' from which he drew some amusing anecdotes including the Romans' introduction of stinging nettles to create warmth and combat arthritis.
His talk on The English Garden, was comprehensive starting for man's need to craft, sculpt and create the landscape in an effort to make a 'heavenly space on earth'. Chris spoke about the early landscapes from Egypt in 1500 BC and their cruciform structure; through the Islamic 7 levels of consideration for making a perfect garden; and then into the very formal French and Italian styles as man attempted to control nature.
The audience heard how the growth of international travel to the Far East and beyond influenced some of the early plant enthusiasts landscapers such as Inigo Jones to break free from the regimental lines and introduce a more natural approach. More exotic plants were brought in from abroad and the repeal of the Glass Act and streamlined production opened up many more possibilities for plant choices. Famous gardeners, such as Gertrude Jekyll, became renowned for their use of swathes of colour and overflowing borders which are so admired by keen gardeners today.
He summarised by saying that the English garden is a combination of the formal and informal, of masculine and feminine where the still formal structure of grass walkways are softened and complemented by overflowing borders of colour.
England, Chris said, hold more open gardens than anywhere else in the world and we should be looking at what developments we can make next to enhance our claims to fame in this area.
His presentation was applauded enthusiastically as he is clearly a man in love with his subject.
Grassroots - 6 August 2015
Bakers wanted for Bishampton bake-off!
BBC bake-off enthusiasts are invited to try their hand at making cakes for a more local show next week when Bishampton holds its annual Summer Show on Saturday, 15 August.
But 'Yummy scrummy carrot' and coffee cakes, apple pie and ginger biscuits are not the only options budding bakers can enter to win an accolade in the home produce section. Jams, chutneys and homemade wine are also included for aspiring Mary Berrys.
The Show is not just for budding bakers either. A total of 74 classes are open to exhibitors including craft, photography, and floristry as well as vegetable, fruit and flower sections, with two prizes - Top Tray and Top Vase -sponsored by popular Gardening News magazine. Children too have their own special section.
The event is organised by RHS-affiliated Bishampton & District Gardening Club at the Villages Hall from 2-4pm with entry at just 50p. (children and exhibitors free).
Chairman Pete Chamberlain, who has been with the club since it set up in 2002, (and makes a mean chutney himself) said; "We really want to get everyone involved no matter what their skills or hobbies are. It's a great afternoon at a lovely rural show for exhibitors and visitors alike to come and enjoy themselves.
"And this year we have some free additional free activities with the Wychavon Roadshow in the field alongside including a climbing wall and circus skills."
More details are available from the Summer Show schedule which is available to download from the website at www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk/events. Entries (20p each, children free) need to be registered on Thursday 13 August, 6-8 pm at the Villages Hall Broad Lane WR10 2LY; email info@bishsmptongardeningclub org UK or telephone 01386 861528.
Ends
Media information from Lesley Miller, 07854 362318.
Bakers wanted for Bishampton bake-off!
BBC bake-off enthusiasts are invited to try their hand at making cakes for a more local show next week when Bishampton holds its annual Summer Show on Saturday, 15 August.
But 'Yummy scrummy carrot' and coffee cakes, apple pie and ginger biscuits are not the only options budding bakers can enter to win an accolade in the home produce section. Jams, chutneys and homemade wine are also included for aspiring Mary Berrys.
The Show is not just for budding bakers either. A total of 74 classes are open to exhibitors including craft, photography, and floristry as well as vegetable, fruit and flower sections, with two prizes - Top Tray and Top Vase -sponsored by popular Gardening News magazine. Children too have their own special section.
The event is organised by RHS-affiliated Bishampton & District Gardening Club at the Villages Hall from 2-4pm with entry at just 50p. (children and exhibitors free).
Chairman Pete Chamberlain, who has been with the club since it set up in 2002, (and makes a mean chutney himself) said; "We really want to get everyone involved no matter what their skills or hobbies are. It's a great afternoon at a lovely rural show for exhibitors and visitors alike to come and enjoy themselves.
"And this year we have some free additional free activities with the Wychavon Roadshow in the field alongside including a climbing wall and circus skills."
More details are available from the Summer Show schedule which is available to download from the website at www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk/events. Entries (20p each, children free) need to be registered on Thursday 13 August, 6-8 pm at the Villages Hall Broad Lane WR10 2LY; email info@bishsmptongardeningclub org UK or telephone 01386 861528.
Ends
Media information from Lesley Miller, 07854 362318.
Grassroots - November 2014
Martyn Cracknell's talk on pruning fruit and decorative trees
It’s not often you have a few trees as part of an illustrated talk but presenters could take a valuable leaf from Martyn Cracknell’s book who told the audience about how to go about pruning decorative and fruiting trees on November 5.
The talk was informative and funny, without over-reliance on Powerpoint slides and hinged on ‘know your plant and how it behaves naturally’. There were no hard and fast rules apart from choosing a good day to do it on, and looking at the tree from all angles before tackling the job in hand. Reasons to prune included the ‘3 Ds’ – diseased, dead and damaged.
He said it was important to know what you wanted from your tree or plant – was it for decoration, a landscape feature, or to obscure an ugly view? Does the tree flower on current season’s growth or on last year’s wood? All these questions and more Martyn said would determine how to handle pruning.
As a general rule he said, pruning should be done after flowering and it was especially vital to ensure that tools were sharp so that when the weather turns wet, this does not allow fungi or disease to get in,
The audience heard it was important to know how the tree would respond to injury as some responded better than others. Leylandii, for example if treated rather harshly, can turn brown and will not recover.
Using his real-life examples, Martyn said that the key to good plants is to ensure there is a good root structure. Consequences to avoid were creating a top-heavy and dense crown with consideration should be given to the shape of the tree. Fruit trees used to be a globe shape, but now varieties with a dwarf root stock sold in nurseries have a single central stem making them easier to harvest and trim. He also referred to bark ringing and festooning to curb the root system and encourage early fruiting as with a fig tree for example.
On the subject of fruiting trees Martyn said that the focus should not necessarily be on optimum yield since most people would never use a bumper harvest from one tree and it would be far better to have different varieties to stagger production. In general, you should prune to a shape which appeal to you, planning ahead and replacing the whole tree or plant where necessary. Care should be taken with older trees phasing the pruning over two to three years.
The talk was well attended, and Pete Chamberlain announced that the final event for the year would be the Christmas dinner on Wednesday 3rd December at the Villages Hall for which tickets were now available to both members and non-members at a cost of £16 for a three course meal.
Martyn Cracknell's talk on pruning fruit and decorative trees
It’s not often you have a few trees as part of an illustrated talk but presenters could take a valuable leaf from Martyn Cracknell’s book who told the audience about how to go about pruning decorative and fruiting trees on November 5.
The talk was informative and funny, without over-reliance on Powerpoint slides and hinged on ‘know your plant and how it behaves naturally’. There were no hard and fast rules apart from choosing a good day to do it on, and looking at the tree from all angles before tackling the job in hand. Reasons to prune included the ‘3 Ds’ – diseased, dead and damaged.
He said it was important to know what you wanted from your tree or plant – was it for decoration, a landscape feature, or to obscure an ugly view? Does the tree flower on current season’s growth or on last year’s wood? All these questions and more Martyn said would determine how to handle pruning.
As a general rule he said, pruning should be done after flowering and it was especially vital to ensure that tools were sharp so that when the weather turns wet, this does not allow fungi or disease to get in,
The audience heard it was important to know how the tree would respond to injury as some responded better than others. Leylandii, for example if treated rather harshly, can turn brown and will not recover.
Using his real-life examples, Martyn said that the key to good plants is to ensure there is a good root structure. Consequences to avoid were creating a top-heavy and dense crown with consideration should be given to the shape of the tree. Fruit trees used to be a globe shape, but now varieties with a dwarf root stock sold in nurseries have a single central stem making them easier to harvest and trim. He also referred to bark ringing and festooning to curb the root system and encourage early fruiting as with a fig tree for example.
On the subject of fruiting trees Martyn said that the focus should not necessarily be on optimum yield since most people would never use a bumper harvest from one tree and it would be far better to have different varieties to stagger production. In general, you should prune to a shape which appeal to you, planning ahead and replacing the whole tree or plant where necessary. Care should be taken with older trees phasing the pruning over two to three years.
The talk was well attended, and Pete Chamberlain announced that the final event for the year would be the Christmas dinner on Wednesday 3rd December at the Villages Hall for which tickets were now available to both members and non-members at a cost of £16 for a three course meal.
Grassroots August 2014
Annual Summer Show
The annual Summer Show on Saturday 16 August proved popular with 270 entries compared to 259 last year with the lion’s share going to fruit and vegetables. Recent storms had taken its toll on the floral displays and low numbers in the children’s section were disappointing. However, a good time was had by all and despite some unusually tough competition in the vegetable section in particular, our very own Pete Chamberlain won the day again.
An impromptu visit for a group to Bretforton Manor for an hour long guided tour by the knowledgeable head gardener proved a resounding success for both members and non-members.
Blessed with a balmy summer’s evening (how many more can we have?), on Wednesday 6 August, sixteen of us were shown around the impressive grounds of this Grade II listed manor house originally built in the 15th century, which have been redesigned and replanted over the past ten years.
The gardens were full of mixed and herbaceous borders, including striking bushes of hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’, White carpet roses, penstemones, salvias, crocosmia limpopo (an unusual orange variety), agapanthus, succulents and statuesque echiums – still drawing bees to its remaining flowerets.
The garden also contains a substantial amount of trees which are underplanted with crocuses, and topiary as well as some impressive buildings - a large former cider barn, a dovecote, aviary, and old stocks, all of which are listed.
We saw is an impressive lake full of water lilies just on the point of flowering fed by a waterfall and surrounded by plants such as ligularia, rudbeckia and bergenia; a water feature with a fountain; as well as the sizeable orchard of apples, medlars and plums next to a thriving vegetable garden the other side of a small stream.
To top it all, some of us took advantage of the very healthy plant selection which were on sale at the end of the tour. We can recommend this trip as really worthwhile and the nearby Fleece pub proved too much of a temptation to some members of the group.
The Club’s next event is a visit to Leila Jackson’s T3 nursery in Herefordshire on Wednesday 3 September leaving the Villages Hall at 9.30am on a car share basis. Entry to the nursery is free but the optional talk is £5.00. This trip will replace the normal monthly evening meeting – anyone wishing to go should email [email protected] or telephone Lesley Miller 0n 07854 362318 by Monday 25 August latest please.
Grassroots - August 2014
Visit to Bretforton Manor (see photos in the gallery)
An impromptu visit for a group to Bretforton Manor for an hour long guided tour by the knowledgeable head gardener proved a resounding success for both members and non-members.
Blessed with a balmy summer’s evening (how many more can we have?), on Wednesday 6 August, sixteen of us were shown around the impressive grounds of this Grade II listed manor house originally built in the 15th century, which have been redesigned and replanted over the past ten years.
The gardens were full of mixed and herbaceous borders, including striking bushes of hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’, White carpet roses, penstemones, salvias, crocosmia Limpopo (an unusual orange variety), agapanthus, succulents and statuesque echiums – still drawing bees to its remaining flowerets.
The garden also contains a substantial amount of trees which are underplanted with crocuses, topiary as well as some impressive buildings - a large former cider barn, a dovecote, aviary, and old stocks, all of which are listed.
We saw is an impressive lake full of water lilies just on the point of flowering fed by a waterfall surrounded by plants such as ligularia, rudbeckia and bergenia; a water feature with a fountain; as well as the sizeable orchard of apples, medlars and plums next to a thriving vegetable garden the other side of a small stream.
To top it all, some of us took advantage of the very healthy plant selection which were on sale at the end of the tour. We can recommend this trip as really worthwhile and the nearby Fleece pub proved too much of a temptation to some members of the group.
Visit to Bretforton Manor (see photos in the gallery)
An impromptu visit for a group to Bretforton Manor for an hour long guided tour by the knowledgeable head gardener proved a resounding success for both members and non-members.
Blessed with a balmy summer’s evening (how many more can we have?), on Wednesday 6 August, sixteen of us were shown around the impressive grounds of this Grade II listed manor house originally built in the 15th century, which have been redesigned and replanted over the past ten years.
The gardens were full of mixed and herbaceous borders, including striking bushes of hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’, White carpet roses, penstemones, salvias, crocosmia Limpopo (an unusual orange variety), agapanthus, succulents and statuesque echiums – still drawing bees to its remaining flowerets.
The garden also contains a substantial amount of trees which are underplanted with crocuses, topiary as well as some impressive buildings - a large former cider barn, a dovecote, aviary, and old stocks, all of which are listed.
We saw is an impressive lake full of water lilies just on the point of flowering fed by a waterfall surrounded by plants such as ligularia, rudbeckia and bergenia; a water feature with a fountain; as well as the sizeable orchard of apples, medlars and plums next to a thriving vegetable garden the other side of a small stream.
To top it all, some of us took advantage of the very healthy plant selection which were on sale at the end of the tour. We can recommend this trip as really worthwhile and the nearby Fleece pub proved too much of a temptation to some members of the group.
News Release - 22 May 2014
The Dos and Don’ts of Seasonal Gardening – by horticulturalist Ken Whittaker
Bishampton & District Gardening Club are hosting a talk by Ken Whittaker, a horticulturalist and florist experienced in the field of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture on Wednesday 4 June at the Villages Hall, Bishampton.The talk offers an insight into the Dos and Don’ts of Seasonal Gardening from an expert.
Ken is a show judge and speaker, and has been involved with many gold award winning exhibits at Chelsea, Tatton, Harrogate to name but a few - both as a judge and an exhibitor.
Ken also had a regular local radio question and answer programme for many years and is a fieldworker for The Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens ( FCFCG). He is also a judge and for The Green Flag Award scheme. The talk starts at 7.30pm and is free for Club members and just £2 for visitors. The event also features a raffle and refreshments. There is free parking and disabled access.
For more information visit www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk; email [email protected] or telephone 07854 362318
ends-
News Release - June 2014
Not to be missed! - Bishampton Open Gardens
Visitors to Bishampton Open Gardens on Sunday 22 June, will be in for a treat with a packed programme of no less than thirteen gardens, a nature reserve, a lake, and a church flower festival on offer for the afternoon.
Proceeds from the event, which is being organised by Bishampton & District Gardening Club, will be donated to West Midlands Air Ambulance and the Acorns Hospice.
Tickets are priced at just £5 with a free shuttle bus operating throughout the afternoon from 1-5pm from the Villages Hall, in Broad Lane.
The gardens vary from modern, landscaped versions to the more traditional cottage gardens throughout the village, and so offer something of interest to everyone. A variety of plants will also be available to buy, and at Court Farm there will be an opportunity to enjoy cream teas.
St James’ Church will be decked with an array of colourful floral arrangements on a summertime theme, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers.
And volunteers from Hereford and Worcestershire Master Composters scheme will be attending the event to give visitors information on how to start - or improve on – their composting skills.
Pete Chamberlain, Chair of the Club, said: “We’re crossing our fingers for good weather as it is a great opportunity to have a look at other people’s ideas and enjoy gardens at their best. We believe that we have something special to offer – given that we have such a wide variety of gardens and attractions to look at – including one garden with beehives!
“We hold this event every two years are very grateful to the garden owners for volunteering their properties for charity, and we hope that we get a good turnout to make it all worthwhile.”
For more information about Bishampton & District Gardening Club see www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk or email [email protected]
-ends-
Not to be missed! - Bishampton Open Gardens
Visitors to Bishampton Open Gardens on Sunday 22 June, will be in for a treat with a packed programme of no less than thirteen gardens, a nature reserve, a lake, and a church flower festival on offer for the afternoon.
Proceeds from the event, which is being organised by Bishampton & District Gardening Club, will be donated to West Midlands Air Ambulance and the Acorns Hospice.
Tickets are priced at just £5 with a free shuttle bus operating throughout the afternoon from 1-5pm from the Villages Hall, in Broad Lane.
The gardens vary from modern, landscaped versions to the more traditional cottage gardens throughout the village, and so offer something of interest to everyone. A variety of plants will also be available to buy, and at Court Farm there will be an opportunity to enjoy cream teas.
St James’ Church will be decked with an array of colourful floral arrangements on a summertime theme, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers.
And volunteers from Hereford and Worcestershire Master Composters scheme will be attending the event to give visitors information on how to start - or improve on – their composting skills.
Pete Chamberlain, Chair of the Club, said: “We’re crossing our fingers for good weather as it is a great opportunity to have a look at other people’s ideas and enjoy gardens at their best. We believe that we have something special to offer – given that we have such a wide variety of gardens and attractions to look at – including one garden with beehives!
“We hold this event every two years are very grateful to the garden owners for volunteering their properties for charity, and we hope that we get a good turnout to make it all worthwhile.”
For more information about Bishampton & District Gardening Club see www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk or email [email protected]
-ends-
News Release - 22 May 2014
The Dos and Don’ts of Seasonal Gardening – by horticulturalist Ken Whittaker
Bishampton & District Gardening Club are hosting a talk by Ken Whittaker, a horticulturalist and florist experienced in the field of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture on Wednesday 4 June at the Villages Hall, Bishampton.
The talk offers an insight into the Dos and Don’ts of Seasonal Gardening from an expert.
Ken is a show judge and speaker, and has been involved with many gold award winning exhibits at Chelsea, Tatton, Harrogate to name but a few - both as a judge and an exhibitor.
Ken also had a regular local radio question and answer programme for many years and is a fieldworker for The Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens ( FCFCG). He is also a judge and for The Green Flag Award scheme.
The talk starts at 7.30pm and is free for Club members and just £2 for visitors. The event also features a raffle and refreshments. There is free parking and disabled access.
For more information visit www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk; email [email protected] or telephone 07854 362318
-ends-
News release March 2014
Bishampton Spring Show reminder
Gardeners, florists and spectators are being reminded that there are just days to go to Bishampton’s annual Spring Show organized by Bishampton & District Gardening Club.
The Show takes place on the evening of Wednesday 2 April at the Villages Hall, Bishampton, and with 28 individual categories, there is plenty of opportunity for amateurs and experts alike to have a go at winning one of the prizes at just 20p an entry.
Daffodils, tulips and spring blooms feature in four sections and the overall winner will be awarded the Members Spring Show Challenge Cup with a trophy for the runner-up. Last years champions were Pete Chamberlain, followed by Jenny Baldwin.
Entries should be registered at the Hall between 6-7pm on 2 April with staging taking place from 6-7.30pm. Trophies will be presented at 8.30pm. A copy of the programme is available from the Village Stores or by emailing [email protected] , telephoning Pete Chamberlain on 01386 861438 ,or downloading a copy free from the website www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.
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Grassroots – February 2014
Our first meeting of the year got off to an interesting start with florist Toni Smith providing an interesting demonstration of her skill using supermarket bunches.
Starting off with an arrangement using a ‘Hogarth Curve’ she quickly fashioned orange carnations, cream and orange gerbera, hard ruskus and fern into a striking arrangement in no time at tall.
Toni’s ‘training’ apparently was just six lessons with a florist which got her hooked – and she is now very much in demand to provide floral demonstrations.
During the next hour and a half, she deftly completed five arrangements in total, one a modern arrangement using a church candle, red carnations, viburnum, eleagnus and carnations; then a tall display of giant pink gerbera, fatsia, bergenia and euonymus.
Her final arrangement was a grouping of different flowers to portray a spring scene with purple stocks, pink tulips, daffodils, hebe, and ivy on a posy pad which was really pretty.
The event was well supported and the displays were raffled off at the end of the evening. The Club’s next event is a visit to Colesbourne to see the snowdrops on Sunday 23 February with a car share arrangement.
Tickets for our March highlight – a talk on her life and times by BBC personality, plantswoman and author, Christine Walkden are going fast – so don’t miss out. 7.30pm on Wednesday March 5. Tickets just £8 for non-members, £6 for members.
Our first meeting of the year got off to an interesting start with florist Toni Smith providing an interesting demonstration of her skill using supermarket bunches.
Starting off with an arrangement using a ‘Hogarth Curve’ she quickly fashioned orange carnations, cream and orange gerbera, hard ruskus and fern into a striking arrangement in no time at tall.
Toni’s ‘training’ apparently was just six lessons with a florist which got her hooked – and she is now very much in demand to provide floral demonstrations.
During the next hour and a half, she deftly completed five arrangements in total, one a modern arrangement using a church candle, red carnations, viburnum, eleagnus and carnations; then a tall display of giant pink gerbera, fatsia, bergenia and euonymus.
Her final arrangement was a grouping of different flowers to portray a spring scene with purple stocks, pink tulips, daffodils, hebe, and ivy on a posy pad which was really pretty.
The event was well supported and the displays were raffled off at the end of the evening. The Club’s next event is a visit to Colesbourne to see the snowdrops on Sunday 23 February with a car share arrangement.
Tickets for our March highlight – a talk on her life and times by BBC personality, plantswoman and author, Christine Walkden are going fast – so don’t miss out. 7.30pm on Wednesday March 5. Tickets just £8 for non-members, £6 for members.
New Release - 30 April 2014
Hear propagation tips from an expert
May’s talk at the Villages Hall, Bishampton will feature hints and tips on how to maximize your plant stocks from an expert.
Ian Nex, who used to work at Birmingham’s famous Botanical Gardens, will be presenting his ‘Spring into Life’ talk about ways to propagate cuttings from plants you already have in your garden, or may have access to through friends’ plants.
The talk, on Wednesday, May 7, will follow a brief Annual General Meeting which starts at 7.30pm, when existing committee members will stand down or be re-elected. The Society is currently looking to increase its membership, and is actively seeking a Club Secretary, amongst other roles. Anyone interested can come along to the meeting or email [email protected] or telephone the current Chair, Pete Chamberlain on 01386 861438
Attendance is free for members, just £2 for members, with free parking at the hall and disabled access. The usual raffle and refreshments will be of offer.
For more information about the Society, including forthcoming events, please see the website at www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk
Hear propagation tips from an expert
May’s talk at the Villages Hall, Bishampton will feature hints and tips on how to maximize your plant stocks from an expert.
Ian Nex, who used to work at Birmingham’s famous Botanical Gardens, will be presenting his ‘Spring into Life’ talk about ways to propagate cuttings from plants you already have in your garden, or may have access to through friends’ plants.
The talk, on Wednesday, May 7, will follow a brief Annual General Meeting which starts at 7.30pm, when existing committee members will stand down or be re-elected. The Society is currently looking to increase its membership, and is actively seeking a Club Secretary, amongst other roles. Anyone interested can come along to the meeting or email [email protected] or telephone the current Chair, Pete Chamberlain on 01386 861438
Attendance is free for members, just £2 for members, with free parking at the hall and disabled access. The usual raffle and refreshments will be of offer.
For more information about the Society, including forthcoming events, please see the website at www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk