FROME Selwood Horticulture Society had its first meeting since March 2020 in August.
Jane Norris, Press Officer for the society said, “Following the lifting of restrictions for meeting in public, August saw the Frome Selwood Horticulture Society come out of its Covid-19 imposed hibernation, with its first meeting since March 2020.
“Then, Christine Brain, Head Gardener of the National Trust Garden at Barrington Court spoke about Mixed Borders: now Chairman Ray Carver welcomed the fifty or so ‘hardy perennial’ members who had tentatively come out of dormancy.
“President Victoria Turner gave a heart-warming address. She acknowledged with gratitude and affection the lives of five stalwart members who had passed away since we had last met: Denise Bull, John Trawford, Ken Cook, Dougie Pickworth and David Wilcox. All were much respected for their company, let alone their various growing and showing skills, or graphics and technical wizardry.
“Just as the seasons change so do committee members, and long serving membership officer Sue Robinson handed over to Sue Leather the spreadsheet for the 140 or so members, and in return was thanked most sincerely and presented with a bouquet of flowers.
“Amazingly, and rather as a metaphor for the indomitable spirit and optimism of gardeners, over forty colourful and flourishing geranium plants were returned having been brought on from plug plants. These were judged by members with Bob Gallup coming first, Val Norvall second and Victoria Turner third. Alison Martin gained the much-coveted wooden spoon!
“A flower related quiz by Dave Moon exercised the brains as a prelude to resuming talks again in September. New members are welcome to join this 45-year-old club. No experience or expertise is required, just a desire to enjoy good company and celebrate green shoots of new beginnings.”
Programme for the second Tuesday of the month at 7.15pm at Critchill School: BA11 4LD:
• Sept 14th: Putting your garden to bed
• Oct 12th: Hedgehogs
• Nov 9th: Victorian Head Gardener
• Dec 14th: Christmas Decorations
For more information, please contact Jane Norris on 0777 620 8531 or see Facebook.
