Flowers, Fun, Facts and First-Class Winners on the Autumn Gardening Club Programme

 

FLOWERS, FUN, FACTS & FIRST-CLASS WINNERS; A ROUND UP OF GARDENING CLUB NEW FOR LATE SUMMER AND AUTUMN.

The Rhydlewis Gardening Club has been on its travels again, starting with a joyful coach trip to Llwyngarreg. This beautifully tended 4 acre garden near Whitland was full of flowers in July and the weather really showed off their colours. The gardens are owned and tended  by Liz and Paul O’Neil  and part of the National Garden Scheme. After our long trip, we needed the tea and delicious selection of cakes on offer! It was warm enough to enjoy our treats in the garden.

 

Afterward, Paul  O'Neil

guided us round the gardens, explaining how they gardened and naming the plants and trees. This trip was open to friends and family, and it was voted a lovely garden and a magical afternoon trip.

.

THE FLOWER AND PRODUCE SHOW was held on the 27th of August and we were surprised at the number of wonderful entries after such a mixed spring and summer. The Show Secretary, Jane Puddephatt, said; 

"Members dug deep to produce an amazing display of color and variety which kept our judges Bob and Rannveig Wallis very busy." Thanks to Barry the photographer for taking these marvellous pics of the winners, which appeared, with Jane's write-up of the event in the local paper, Teifi News, and on the Cambrian News Online.

Category Results in Full are at the bottom of the blogpost

On Tuesday September 24th, 7.30pm we had our annual round-table discussion. This time we looked at “PESTS AND DISEASES”.  Members mostly wanted to talk about how we all cope with pests and plant disease and how, in our different ways, we address the problems. Sue Edmunds gave us a really interesting short talk on the problem of slugs in the garden, and  how to approach this and still to do the least damage to the fragile eco system. She came up with some very interesting ways of combatting these slimy invaders.  Come and tell us your tips and tricks, and find out how others deal with these problems, including copper bands, nematodes, caffeine repellant planting and garlic! We had a short Friends and Foes Quiz along with the raffle and refreshments. 

The  Prize Draw was announced. This is a great chance to win one of three electric propagators for greenhouse or indoor use. Tickets are £2 each; contact Nina for details if you want to have a go. or come to the next two meetings! The Draw winners will be announced at the end of the Winter Party in November. 

This month, on Tuesday October 29th 7.30pm, we have 

HOUSEPLANTS FOR BEGINNERS

Ruth Bramley from Farmyard Nurseries, will give an illustrated talk on how to care for your houseplants, covering the vast variety of plants that can be brought inside to be enjoyed. Do bring along any ‘difficult’ houseplants that you may have, and of course your questions on houseplant gardening. There will be chance to examine the prizes of propagators, and buy tickets for the Draw, and as always, there will be a raffle and refreshments. 

On Tuesday November 28th this year, we will complete  our 2024 meetings with a festive meeting––THE WINTER PARTY.

This  perennial celebration is the chance for you to enjoy each others company. Refreshments will be provided, but do feel free to bring your own contributions of nibbles and your choice of drinks to make this a great evening where we can relax and chat about gardening and anything else!  Just for fun, we're going to have a session of Gardening Bingo, so hold on to your gardening hats as you go for the stupendous prizes! 

Here are those up-coming dates again, for your diary.

October 29th 7.30pm

HOUSEPLANTS FOR BEGINNERS

Tuesday November 28th, 7.30pm

WINTER SOCIAL EVENING

Tuesday January 28th,   2025 7.30pm

AGM 

The first meeting next year; please come along and be an active part of the AGM of your gardening club. Please bring your subscription fee of £10. New members welcome and the 2025 programme will be available.

Category Results in Full: White Potatoes 1st. Janette Sharman, 2nd. Gary Soltys; Coloured Potatoes 1st Gary Soltys, 2nd.Janette Sharman; Beetroot 1st, Carrie Davies; Marrow, 1st, Sarah Taylor, 2nd, Gary Soltys; Runner Beans 1st, Janette Sharman, 2nd, Erica Knight; Pods of peas, 1st, Ann-Marie Dewhurst, 2nd, Carrie Davies; Onions, 1st, Janette Sharman, 2nd, Jim Milton; Shallots, 1st, Jim Milton; Tomatoes, 1st, Gary Soltys, 2nd, Marj Fogg; Cherry Tomatoes, 1st, Joy Wason, 2nd, John Piggott; Cucumber, 1st, Joy Wason, 2nd, Janette Sharman; Longest Runner Bean 1st. Erica Knight 2nd. Anne Tod; Best Comic Vegetable, 1st, Janette Sharman; Collection of 6 Vegetables, 1st, Janette Sharman, 2nd, Carrie Davies; Bunch of 5 mixed herbs, 1st, Janette Sharman, 2nd, Gemma Cohen; Cooking Apples, 1st, Carrie Davies, 2nd. Rob Taylor; Dessert Apples 1st. n/a 2nd. Jim Milton; Vase of 3 Dahlias, 1st, Jacqui Harries, 2nd, John Piggott; Vase of 3 Hydrangeas, 1st, John Piggott and Gary Soltys, 2nd, Ruth Potter; Vase of 6 Sweet Peas, 1st, Gary Soltys, 2nd, Ann-Marie Dewhurst; Vase of 6 Garden Flowers, 1st, Erica Knight, 2nd, Joy Wason; An arrangement for a Golden Wedding Anniversary, 1st, Marj Fogg; Arrangement A Summer Gift Hand Tied Arrangement, 1st, Joy Wason 2nd. Nina Milton; Photograph A Stunning Summer Landscape, 1st, Sophie Heath, 2nd, Jane Puddephatt; Photograph Something Fluffy, 1st, Jane Puddephatt, 2nd, Rob Taylor; Painting My Garden, 1st, Jim Milton, 2nd, Jim Milton; Metre of Bunting, 1st, Jacqui Harries, 2nd, Sophie Heath; An Article of Hand Made Jewellery, 1st, Jacqui Harries, 2nd, Carrie Davies; Handmade Greeting Card, 1st, Carey Jones; Sausage Rolls, 1st, Nina Milton, 2nd, Marj Fogg; A loaf of Brown or White Bread, 1st, Marj Fogg, 2nd, Marj Fogg; A cake made with a vegetable not Carrot, 1st, Sophie Heath, 2nd, Marj Fogg; Decorated Cup Cakes, Nina Milton; Novelty Biscuits, Sophie Heath; Jar of Jam or Jelly 1st, John Piggott, 2nd, Carrie Davies; Jar of Relish, 1st, Marj Fogg, 2nd, Nina Milton; Childs Class Item Made from Recycled Material, 1st, Jazmine Jones and Georgia Heath; Child's Class Glove Puppet, Georgia Heath.

High Summer Sunshine for the Garden Visit

    

Our coach trip to Llwyngarred Gardens for 25 members and friends of the gardening club was huge fun. 

Everyone seemed to enjoy the gardens...not to mention the tea and cake which was on offer whenever we chose. Some wandered the garden first, others went for refreshments after quite a long trip down, thanks to a diversion from the A40 roundabout. Thank heavens for our coach driver, who was magnificent, safely depositing us at the entrance and getting us all
back to our home destinations.

The sun was high in the sky and shone with an intensity; people were glad of the shade that the lawn area allowed. Liz and Neil, who garden almost single-handedly, are a warm-hearted couple who welcomed us in and gave us a very interesting tour of the gardens. Llwyngarreg opens only for the National Garden Scheme, so all donations go to good causes. 

The garden features many unusual plants that love its mild climate, including agapanthus bamboos, blue Himalayan poppies, rhododendrons (sadly over) and magnolias. A spring-fed stream flows around the garden with a pretty 'Monet' bridge to cross. The summer borders were still still colourful at the end of July, with Hedychiums and Salvias.  I loved the spectacular living willow sculptures.

There were very impressive gravel terraces, formal raised pool and a pretty sunken garden where one could sit in tranquility. There were many tender and exotic gems and wonderful autumn colour was already promised with the beautiful, very tall Acers.  

The vegetable plot was impressive. I don't know many veggie gardeners who have had results like the ones in the picture this year! Well done Neil, who I think is the veg gardener. 

This gardens is a must-visit; a real hidden gem that offers inspiration for gardeners with smaller plots. Even the non-gardeners among us had a lovely time. 

Overall, a huge vote of thanks to Liz and Neil from our members, and a especial thank you from one of our members, who is blind––Neil has invited her and her companion back to have a guided tractor ride around the whole site. 

If you were unable like to visit and would like to make your own trip,  Liz and Neil say this about the gardens:

"We made a decision to change a 2-acre field into garden in 2000, and this has now reached maturity. Even in the winter months, there are flowers such as scented Mahonia and witch hazel, Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ and many Hellebores that only the keenest gardeners ever see!

There is bamboo tunnel with a Japanese entrance gate to the garden, into a shelter belt begun in 2007. Beyond can be seen a long, curved hedge in the centre of the main garden, near a bed of deciduous azaleas containing trees such as Liqidamber and Nyssa. Visitors cross a stream emanating from springs on either side of the house, which were converted into a series of cascades planted with candelabra Primulas, dwarf Rhododendrons, and tender perennials such as Astelia, Colocasia and Crinum lilies.

Down the east side of the field is a 40m border of mixed perennials and shrubs and below this is a woodland area with Acers, Rhododendrons, bamboos and an area containing mainly long-needled pines (P. patula grown from seed in 1999 is 40’ tall), with naturalised Fritillarias. At the bottom of the garden it is boggy, giving plenty of opportunity for colourful Primulas of many species, ferns, blue Himalayan poppies (on raised peat beds), Ligularias, Iris and wet-loving trees Metasequoia and Taxodium. Centrally placed are the Low Walk borders with shrubs and Rodgersia, many Rhododendrons, Pittosporums, Fuchsias and Cotinus. Foliage colour is varied here and autumn brings particular delights with many trees chosen for their flaming colours. At the top of the two borders is a monocot bed, dominated by jungly Miscanthus floridulus enlivened by masses of Dieramas.

Facing the house, the Magnolia garden is to your right, above the potager. Here also are large-leaved Rhododendrons, aquilegias and hellebores. A wall to the right beyond the house has been planted with alpines, above a gravel area where more Mediterranean plants thrive. A large polytunnel supplements fruit and vegetables from the potager. This is a spacious garden which repays the plantsman who cares to linger. Sounds are important, with water babbling, chimes here and there and the bamboo deer-scarer. 

Children will enjoy the living willow structures, which include a “monkey cage”, a dome and 2 benches. Attention
has been paid to the need to label trees and shrubs, if only so that the owners can keep track of the many plantings. A ‘Tropical Bed’ was added in 2013 and well-drained gravel terraces surround the conservatory, including a collection of succulents. The sunken garden for more exotics is now mature and above this a bed is dedicated to species Salvias.

Benches are thoughtfully provided at intervals around the garden and children may enjoy swings, dens, underwater giant and mermaid and hiding in the jungly Miscanthus!

The newest project is above the polytunnel where the orchard is supplemented with a young arboretum underplanted with bulbs and framed by wavy beds of grass and wildflowers."

 

PARTIES AND GARDEN VISITS: A MISCELLANY OF EVENTS

 Hello gardeners!

Summer is proving to be rather damp and chilly, with moments of warm sun which personally, I'm grabbing with both hands...to sit and enjoy. It's actually easier to garden when it's cooler, although not easier when it's raining!

Last month we enjoyed our party, at Gary and Jane's house and garden, Llainfran Fach,. Gary gave us a wonderful tour of his small holding –  the wild areas, lily ponds, poly tunnel and  we all fell in love with the  goats, donkeys, duck, hens, sheep and alpacas.

Here are the pictures of the party;

At the end of this month we have our garden visit. We're offering you free  a place in our coach if you are a member, and welcome plus one visitors. Llwyngarreg is a 4 acre garden near Whitland, owned by Liz and Paul O’Neill and part of the National Garden Scheme. We will be guided round the gardens, with tea and cake afterward. Costs, £10 per person (if you can’t stay for cake, it’s £6). We are meeting in Rhydlewis Village Hall Car Park at 2.30 pm (not 3, as previously stated. 

For those of you who like  closer to Carmarthen, the Bronwydd Gardening Club has an active programme too. Their Annual Show this year will take place on Saturday August 17th and I have a list of the categories if anyone would like to enter. 

Then on September   17th  Abel Pearson (Glasbren) talks on Permaculture.

All meetings take place at Bronwydd Hall 7pm for a 730pm start.

Hoping to see you on Tuesday 30th July for the garden visit, 2.30 at the hall.

GARDENING CLUB BRINGS A RIOT OF COLOUR TO THE SPRING SHOW

Rhydlewis and District Gardening club held their annual spring show on 26 March and the village hall was turned into a stunning display of Spring colours. Despite the difficult winter for gardeners the club members rallied round to fill the hall with flowers, artwork and homecraft to give international judge Rannveig Wallis a hard time to chose her award winning exhibits.

Winner of the most points in classes 1-17, Best exhibit in Classes 1-14 was Jane Soltys, well done Jane.

Artisan Award for most points in Classes 18-31 was a draw between Jane Soltys and Sophie Heath.

Winner of the' Club members only Prize' for narcissi,  The Pam Hufferdine Trophy,  went to. Jim Milton

Here are the full results;

1. Single daffodil Div. 1 1^st. Nina Milton 2^nd.Ann Todd 
2. Single Daffodil Div.1 any colour 1^st. Jane Soltys
3. Cupped Narcissus Div. 2 & 3 1^st. Jane Puddephatt 2^nd. Jane Puddephatt
4. Double Narcissus Div. 4 1^st. Nina Milton 2^nd Nina Milton
5. Narcissus div.5-12 1^st Jane Soltys 2^nd. Michael Lloyd
6. Pot of bulbs in bloom 1^st. Marg Fogg 2^nd Jane Soltys
7. Vase of Spring flowers 1^st. Dilys Davies 2^nd Nina Milton
8. Tulips 1^st. Jim Milton 2^nd Nina Milton
9. Camellia 1^st. Janette Sharman 2^nd. Jane Soltys
10. Flowering plant in a pot 1^st. Jane Soltys 2^nd. Ann Todd
11. Cut spray of flowering tree or shrub 1^st. Nina Milton 2^nd. Jenny Archibald
12. Dish of floating Hellebore heads 1^st Jane Soltys 2^nd. Janette Sharman & Gwen Thomas
13. Posy of Primula 21^st. Janette Sharman
14. Vase of decorative Foliage 1^st. Jane Soltys 2^nd. Erica Knight 
15. Club members only The Pam Hufferdine Trophy 1^st. Jim Milton
16. Table Centrepiece  No entries
17. Floral Basket arrangement 1^st. Gwen Thomas
18. A fascinator 1^st. Sophie Heath
19. Snow scene Photo 1^st. Vince Taylor
20. Snow scene painting 1^st. Jim Milton 2^nd. Jim Milton
21. Decorated egg 1^st. Georgia Heathe 2^nd. Jane Soltys
22. Handmade farm animal 1^st. …2^nd. Jane Soltys
23. Face mask made from paper plate 1^st. Jane Soltys 2^nd. Georgia Heath
24. A wedding inviatation Card 1^st. Jane Soltys
25. 4 Jam Tarts 1^st. Sophie Heath 2^nd. Marg Fogg
26. 4 hot cross buns 1^st. Sophie Heath 2^nd. Jane Soltys
27. A filled Chocolate Sponge cake 1^st. Marg Fogg 2^nd. Nina Milton and Sophie Heath
28. Bowl of homemade fudge 1^st. Jane Soltys 2^nd. Sophie Heath
29. Most creative Jelly 1^st. Sophie Heath 2^nd. Jane Soltys
30. Jar of Curd 1^st. Marg Fogg 2^nd. Nina Milton
31. Jar of Marmalade 1^st. Nina Milton

Well done to everybody who made this show a colourful event and congratulations to all the winners.

Hope to see you all at the Produce show on 27 August.

Jane xx

THE SPRING SHOW 2024; your full schedule and staging advice.

SPRING SHOW

TUESDAY 26th MARCH 2024

RHYDLEWIS VILLAGE HALL

STAGING FROM 3.00pm UNTIL 5.00pm

SHOW OPENS AT 7.30pm

RAFFLE AND REFRESHMENTS

(Donations for raffle greatly appreciated)

AUCTION OF DONATED EXHIBITS

OPEN TO ALL EXHIBITORS  (except class 15)

Entry Fees

Members of Rhydlewis Gardening Club & Children under 12 – Free

Non- Members of Rhydlewis Gardening Club – £1 flat fee regardless of how many entries

RULES

Unless otherwise stated, exhibits in classes 1 - 13 should consist of one variety only. 

Unless otherwise stated, exhibits in classes 1 - 14 should consist of fresh plant material and displayed in a container or vase supplied by the exhibitor.

Classes 1 - 15; all exhibits must have been grown by the exhibitor. 

Help will be given with staging and classification if needed.

Rhydlewis Gardening Club cannot be responsible for anything left in the hall after the Show. If necessary, label vases and containers.

ANY OBJECTION TO AN EXHIBIT MUST BE MADE TO THE SHOW SECRETARY ON THE NIGHT OF THE SHOW.

In the event of a dispute the committee reserves the right to inspect gardens and, if necessary to disqualify.

JUDGES

Rannveig & Bob Wallis

 –Flowers and Floral Art—Homecraft – Art and Craft

AWARDS

1. FLORAL WINNER – Most Points in classes 1-17

2. THE DERRICK AND BARBARA CALOW MEMORIAL AWARD

 – Best Exhibit in classes 1-14

3. ARTISAN AWARD – Most Points in classes 18 - 31

4. PAM HUFFERDINE TROPHY – Best Exhibit in class 15

For further information please contact the Show Secretary

Jane Puddephatt 01239 851070 

or the secretary Nina Milton 01239 851096/07962781146

Please see website for schedule copies http://rhydlewisgardeningclub.blogspot.co.uk/

                                        

THE FULL SCHEDULE; 

FLOWERS

Single Daffodil - 3 blooms, 1 variety, all yellow (Div 1)

Single Daffodil - 3 blooms, 1 variety (Div 1)

Large or small-cupped Narcissus - 3 blooms, one variety (Divs 2 and 3)

Double Narcissus (including Daffodils) - 3 stems, one variety (Div 4)

Narcissus - any other - 3 stems, 1 variety (Divs 5 to 12)

Bowl or pot of Bulbs in Bloom - any one variety

Vase of Spring Flowers - not more than 6 varieties

Tulips - 3 stems, one variety

Camellia - 1 bloom

Flowering Plant in a pot - under 24ins (60cms) high, including pot

Flowering Tree or Shrub - cut spray from one variety

Dish of Floating Hellebore Heads

 A posy of Primula (including primrose, polyanthus, cowslip etc.)

A Vase/Container of Decorative Foliage – not more than 8 varieties

CLUB MEMBERS ONLY

 A pot of  Jetfire Narcissi, grown from bulbs supplied last autumn

FLORAL ART

A table centrepiece incorporating at least one candle - not to exceed 12ins (30cms) overall

A floral basket arrangement entitled, ‘Happy Birthday’ - size optional

(Categories 16 and 17 can include non-plant accessories, fruit, vegetables and purchased plant items)

ART, CRAFT & PHOTOGRAPHY

Fascinator any material natural or artificial

‘A Snow Scene’ - a photograph not exceeding 12 x 18ins (30 x 46cms) – can be framed, mounted or unmounted

‘A Snow Scene’   A Painting in any medium Not exceeding 12 x 18ins (30 x 46cms) – can be framed, mounted or unmounted

 Decorated egg (any size, any medium)

Handmade farm animal (any medium, any size)

 A Face mask made from a Paper Plate

 A wedding invitation card

HOMECRAFT

 4 Jam Tarts

4 Hot Cross Buns

A Filled Chocolate Sponge Cake

Bowl of homemade Fudge cut into pieces

Most Creative Jelly

A Jar of Curd

A Jar of Marmalade

ADVICE

Please ensure all exhibits conform to schedule requirements.

RHS NARCISSUS CLASS Divisions  For Flower Schedule Entries 1 to 5:

Division 1 - One flower per stem with the trumpet as long as, or longer than petals

Divisions 2 & 3 - One flower per stem with the trumpet shorter than petals

Division 4 - Includes ALL doubles – one or more flowers per stem

Divisions 5 to 12 – Includes; Triandrus, Cyclamineus, Jonquilla, Tazetta, Poeticus, Bulbocodium, Collar, Papillon and all other daffodil 

Display each entry to it's best within the guidelines Follow the guidelines for size and number very carefully to avoid disqualification. 

FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 

Flowers and other arrangement items can be purchased or home-grown. Follow the height and/or width rules carefully. Be sure to reflect the theme.  Judging will focus on the aesthetic of the arrangement and quality of the natural ‘ingredients’.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Display each entry to i's best within the guidelines

Follow the guidelines for size and number very carefully to avoid disqualification. 

Ensure the art and craft items are newly made, preferably especially for the show.

CHILDREN'S ENTRIES. 

We encourage children's exhibits in all classes, but the child must have been actively involve in the growing or making of the exhibit in the 60 day period mention above (where appropriate). Children's entries will be judged alongside without favour, but there will be a small 'prize' for all under 15 entries.

HOMECRAFTS

Jar of Marmalade/Curd  ––  any fruit in a one lb  jar. Seal with paper seal and a cellophane cover and rubber band. No lids. Labelling: only the contents of the jar should be on the label (i.e. SEVILLE MARMALADE)

All cakes, sweets, etc: choose your own recipe to be judged alongside others. Display prettily on your own chinaware (although plates and dishes are available from the kitchen area) 

BRINGING YOUR EXHIBITS TO BE STAGED

Bring your  exhibits ready to be staged during STAGING FROM 3.00pm UNTIL 5.00pm

There's a side table you can 'dump' your exhibits on while putting them in the correct places. 

See the show secretary (just inside the door ) to book in prior to staging your exhibits. 

There will be help from stewards with the exhibiting. 

The hall will be cleared at 5 pm prompt to allow judging to commence.

Exhibitors are then allowed in with general public at 7.30pm

Good Luck Everyone – look forward to seeing you on the day!

Trees, Bees and St David's Daffodils!

 

Hello all gardeners in the Rhydlewis district 

and a happy St Davids day to you al!

Firstly, here's an update from our Chairperson's Garden.

Well February has been a little wet and I would imagine most of you have had a chance of doing much in the garden other than swimming.

The talk on the 27^th February was well supported, and Paul Toft gave an interesting and insightful discussion on trees in our gardens.

The seed swap table went well and is something we are planning to do every meeting. We also plan to run these at community cafe so if anyone has seeds they can donate to encourage some others to get in to gardening that would be a great help.

I am also looking to do a plant sale for the gardening club on the April 13^th at the community cafe so if anyone has any plant they can donate to help this would be great . please let me know.

I myself have been starting to sow some seeds chillies, peppers, aubergines, onions, spring onions beetroot dispite the colder weather they seem to be doing okay.

Jobs for march 

Tidy the veg plots up ready for the impending planting

sowing

cauliflowers

red cabbage

peas

tomatoes

celery

parsnips

shallots

potatoes and carrots at the end of the month

Keep well and if anyone has any question please let me know

Thanks Paul, that's quite a lot to keep us going, especially as our gardens might be lying under a blanket of unexpected snow this morning!

You can contact Paul via the Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1205516119526419

Having checked the greenhouse, I came into get warm and enjoyed a video on identifying bumblebees. In our garden, we have lots of bee residents and visitors, and almost always these are bumbles, not honeybees. This YouTube video isn't long, but you can get  more information, including wall charts, from the charity. Go to https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/identify-a-bumblebee/. 

The next meeting is the Spring Show, 31st March 2024. Check your bulbs  in  pots; the skill is to keep them budding until the flower just before the show! 

And now is the time to start on some handicraft or other, ready to submit for the Handicraft entries. There's plenty of arts and  crafts to choose from this year, so pick one or two of the ideas and enjoy working on them in front of a blazing fire. Better than telly!

Directly below is the show schedule, which you can work and plan from. The schedule is also downloadable if you click on the link at the top of the page. Below the schedule you will find the hints and tips that will allow you to present your very best plants, flowers, arts and homecrafts for staging on the day.

CLWB GARDDIO RHYDLEWIS A’R CYLCH

RHYDLEWIS AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

SPRING SHOW TUESDAY 31st MARCH 2024

RHYDLEWIS VILLAGE HALL

STAGING FROM 3.00pm UNTIL 5.00pm

SHOW OPENS AT 7.30pm

RAFFLE AND REFRESHMENTS

(Donations for raffle greatly appreciated)

AUCTION OF DONATED EXHIBITS

Read on for further information, especially on how to 'show' your contributions; 

FLOWERS

Single Daffodil - 3 blooms, 1 variety, all yellow (Div 1)

Single Daffodil - 3 blooms, 1 variety (Div 1)

Large or small-cupped Narcissus - 3 blooms, one variety (Divs 2 and 3)

Double Narcissus (including Daffodils) - 3 stems, one variety (Div 4)

Narcissus - any other - 3 stems, 1 variety (Divs 5 to 12)

Bowl or pot of Bulbs in Bloom - any one variety

Vase of Spring Flowers - not more than 6 varieties

Tulips - 3 stems, one variety

Camellia - 1 bloom

Flowering Plant in a pot - under 24ins (60cms) high, including pot

Flowering Tree or Shrub - cut spray from one variety

Dish of Floating Hellebore Heads

 A posy of Primula (including primrose, polyanthus, cowslip etc.)

A Vase/Container of Decorative Foliage – not more than 8 varieties

CLUB MEMBERS ONLY

 A pot of  Jetfire Narcissi, grown from bulbs supplied last autumn

FLORAL ART

A table centrepiece incorporating at least one candle - not to exceed 12ins (30cms) overall

A floral basket arrangement entitled, ‘Happy Birthday’ - size optional

(Categories 16 and 17 can include non-plant accessories, fruit, vegetables and purchased plant items)

ART, CRAFT & PHOTOGRAPHY

Fascinator any material natural or artificial

‘A Snow Scene’ - a photograph not exceeding 12 x 18ins (30 x 46cms) – can be framed, mounted or unmounted

‘A Snow Scene’   A Painting in any medium Not exceeding 12 x 18ins (30 x 46cms) – can be framed, mounted or unmounted

Decorated egg (any size, any medium)

Handmade farm animal (any medium, any size)

 A Face mask made from a Paper Plate

 A wedding invitation card

HOMECRAFT

 4 Jam Tarts

4 Hot Cross Buns

A Filled Chocolate Sponge Cake

Bowl of homemade Fudge cut into pieces

Most Creative Jelly

A Jar of Curd

A Jar of Marmalade

Entry Fees

Members of Rhydlewis Gardening Club & Children under 12 – Free

Non- Members of Rhydlewis Gardening Club – £1 flat fee regardless of how many entries

ADVICE

Display each entry to it's best within the guidelines Follow the guidelines for size and number very carefully to avoid disqualification. 

FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 

Flowers and other arrangement items can be purchased or home-grown. Follow the height and/or width rules carefully. Be sure to reflect the theme.  Judging will focus on the aesthetic of the arrangement and quality of the natural ‘ingredients’.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Display each entry to i's best within the guidelines

Follow the guidelines for size and number very carefully to avoid disqualification. 

Ensure the art and craft items are newly made, preferably especially for the show.

CHILDREN'S ENTRIES. 

We encourage children's exhibits in all classes, but the child must have been actively involve in the growing or making of the exhibit in the 60 day period mention above (where appropriate). Children's entries will be judged alongside without favour, but there will be a small 'prize' for all under 15 entries.

HOMECRAFTS

Jar of Marmalade/Curd  ––  any fruit in a one lb  jar. Seal with paper seal and a cellophane cover and rubber band. No lids. Labelling: only the contents of the jar should be on the label (i.e. SEVILLE MARMALADE)

All cakes, sweets, etc: choose your own recipe to be judged alongside others. Display prettily on your own chinaware (although plates and dishes are available from the kitchen area) 

BRINGING YOUR EXHIBITS TO BE STAGED

Bring your  exhibits ready to be staged during STAGING FROM 3.00pm UNTIL 5.00pm

There's a side table you can 'dump' your exhibits on while putting them in the correct places. 

See the show secretary (just inside the door ) to book in prior to staging your exhibits. 

There will be help from stewards with the exhibiting. 

The hall will be cleared at 5 pm prompt to allow judging to commence.

Exhibitors are then allowed in with general public at 7.30pm

Good Luck Everyone – look forward to seeing you on the day!

A New Year in the Garden

Happy New Year; Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

Hope you had a very good midwinter, with lots of nice gardening presents.

It's almost too cold to venture into the garden at the moment, but I think many of us are trying, because at least it's dry and the puddles and lakes from the continuous downpours are draining away...for a while at least. 

So while you're warming your toes by the fire and have your laptop handy, why not send in some pictures of your garden from last year for our Page 'Member's Gardens' – send to me at ninahare00@googlemail.com. Or upload them to our Facebook page and let me know I can also use them on this blog.

It's also time to order your seeds. Don't forget that our Suttons Seed Club is still up and running, which brings down the price of Sutton Seed packets by 40% Just email Nina or Jim. 

But also have a look at The Welsh Seed Hub. A very small co-operative of local growers and seed collectors who put very good quality products up on this community site. Heritage varieties abound and the seeds seem to always come good. They are currently selling over 40 varieties of Welsh grown seed on the Open

Food Hub produce

Food Network.  Here's the link; https://openfoodnetwork.org.uk/hwb-hadau-cymru-wales-seed-hub/shop

I do hope you can all make it to the AGM.  The club always starts the new year with the Annual General Meeting which is being held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 30th January 2024.If anyone would like to see the agenda ahead of time, just let me know. I can send a copy by email.

The AGM gives you the opportunity to rejoin the club, by paying your subscriptions, which remain at £10 per person for the year; an absolute bargain! 

The new 2024 Programme, which will last you through to November, will be available to take home and you can pick up a copy of the Spring Show Schedule. Check through it now, so that you'll have the opportunity to indulge in some of the art and craft  categories through the rest of the winter.

Both the Spring Show Schedule and the 2024 Programme are also available on this blog site, at their own pages; look to the top of the home page and click on the appropriate link. 

If you are growing narcissi for the PAM HUFFERDINE TROPHY, now might be the time to check them, to see if the shoots are peeking though the soil. Don't forget you want them to be in perfect bloom at the end of March.

This year, at the AGM, as a trial run, we're going to be offering the refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits),  as soon as you arrive at 7.30, allowing you to gossip with friends old and new before the meeting begins. We are looking for feedback here, let us know afterwards if you liked having your cuppa first, or prefer the traditional method, which is to chat and sip after the event is over. 

As always, there will be a raffle, and this time we're selling one ticket for £1 rather than selling in strips. We're offering some great raffle prizes to start this brand new year. But we are indebted to you, the members for bringing us raffle prizes, which really help keep the club solvent. Now is the time of year to rifle through the gifts you had only weeks ago, but know you'll never use; other people may love them!

We will also be sending the financial reports for 2023 by email attachment; this saves paper (and so trees) and allows everyone to look at them at their leisure, rather than trying to read while the meeting proceeds. It will give you time to examine the accounts and get back to treasurer Jim Milton with any queries you may have.

At the AGM, we will be asking for new ideas for meetings and talks, so if anyone would like to suggest a subject, or have something they would like to offer, or know of a good speaker we can engage, do bring the details with you, or let me know ahead of time so that we can add it to the agenda.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the 30th. 

  LOOKING AFTER THE TREES IN YOUR  GARDEN.

One month later, on the Tuesday 27th February we have our first speaker of the year.

Kicking off at  7.30pm we have respected local tree surgeon Paul Toft. He will give us hands-on talk abut the care you can give the trees in your garden, but they small or large, be they old or young, be they cherished or tolerated. Bring your tree related questions, particularly around pruning, disease and any worries about felling or maintaining the health of your trees.