WELCOME

Welcome to our Gardening Club Rhydlewis and District Gardening Club has been around since the time of Adam and Eve. In fact, it is believed that one of our members planted and tended the very apple tree that gave rise to the pair being expelled from the garden!!

Whether this urban myth is true or not, the club is here to encourage, improve and extend the members' knowledge of all branches of horticulture. It is open to everyone and new members are all always welcome to come along.

Our activities during the year include a varied programme of talks and social events, summer garden visits, a plant sale, social gatherings/bbq and an annual open show in August.


Tuesday, 2 September 2025

RHYDLEWIS GARDENING CLUB QUESTIONNAIRE 2025.

 

Darren Ship, at his talk
 "How to Get more Flavour from Your vegetable crop"
Hello Gardeners!

Whether you're a regular attender of the Gardening Club in Rhydlewis, or a less regular one, or not yet a member, we'd love to know your views and ideas on how you'd like your club to be. If you'd like a word doc of this questionnaire, just email me  You can add any further thoughts at the bottom of the questionnaire.


RHYDLEWIS GARDENING CLUB QUESTIONNAIRE 2025.

(tick as appropriate)

  1. How long have you been gardening?


  1. What type of gardening best describes you?

       Vegetables…………………………………………………

 Flowers………………………………………………………

 Indoor plants………………………………………………

 Organics …………………………………………………….

 Landscaping…………………………………………………

 Hydroponics…………………………………………………

 Containers…………………………………………………….

 Environmental………………………………………………

 Wildlife………………………………………………………….

 Other ……(Please state)…………………………………


  1. What would you most like to learn more about


  1. What activities do you enjoy the most within the club

 Guest speakers………………………………………….

 Shows……………………………………………………….

 Hands on workshop………………………………….

 Group projects…………………………………………

 Plant/seed swaps…………………………………….

 Garden tours……………………………………………

 Social Gatherings………………………………………

        Others………(Please state)…………………………… 




  1. How often would you like the gardening club to meet


  1. W hat time do you think is the best time for club to meet



  1. Would you be willing to host the clubs summer party



  1. Do you enter the clubs shows



  1. If not, what would it take to enter the shows


  1. What additional classes would you like to see in the shows



  1. Would you be interested in joining the committee


  1. Can you think of anything that could improve the club



  1. Are you a member of the club


  1. If not, what would encourage you to join


  1. Did the offer of free seeds encourage you to attend the AGM


Yes

No


Would such an offer encourage you to attend the 2026 AGM




Monday, 4 August 2025

A Club Visit To Dyffyrn Fernant near Fishguard



“You open the gate to a garden as you would open the first page of a new book, with the hope of living a moment of happiness in the discovery of a place, a story, a human adventure, a time to dream, away from the bustle of everyday life, dream and escape……a moment outside of time”

Christina Shand came to give us a talk in 2024; Between a  Bog and a Hard Rock. She explained how she and her husband David started this garden from complete wilderness in 1996, and how, over the years since then, she was inspired to  create the gardens, despite dealing with various inhospitable environments. Expansion followed slowly but steadily. Problems included lack of top soil, abundance of rock, marsh, bog and underlying thick blue clay. All of these Christina tried to turn to advantage and the result is Dyffyrn Fernant, in Pembrokeshire; a garden  belonging to its rural surroundings––modern yet attached to the ancient past––naturalistic in its planting as well as exotic and stylised in parts.

The Gardening Club visited on July 209th, and found a very wide variety of environments, and a


delightful selection of plantings, as well as a lovely wild area to walk through. The abundance of seating places was  inviting and the library was a great idea; if you come on your own on a sunny afternoon, having taken your time and to investigate, you could choose a volume and sit in the sun with coffee (and cakes, on our part), and just enjoy the surrounds...and the other visitors, also doing the same. Dog are welcome on leads, and the club paid for the entrance fee...perhaps the only drawback is that it is now one of the more expensive gardens in the area. 

 


Find out more at https://dyffrynfernant.co.uk 


Monday, 30 June 2025

The Produce and Flower Show 2025

 .CLWB GARDDIO RHYDLEWIS A’R CYLCH

RHYDLEWIS AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB


Tuesday 26th August 2025


RHYDLEWIS VILLAGE HALL


PRODUCE and FLOWER SHOW



STAGING FROM 3pm UNTIL 5pm


SHOW OPENS AT 7.30pm


RAFFLE AND REFRESHMENTS


AUCTION OF DONATED EXHIBITS


For further information please contact the Show Secretary

Jane Puddephatt, tel: 01239 851070. pudd8hp@btinternet.com


or the Chair Nina Milton on 01239 851096

 email ninahare00@googlemail.com



The Schedule


VEGETABLES & FRUITS

  1. 4 White Potatoes
  2. 4 Coloured Potatoes 
  3. 3 Beetroot  (any one variety)
  4. 3 Carrots  (any one variety)
  5. 3 Courgettes  (any one variety) each not exceeding 152cm (6ins)
  6. 1 Marrow
  7. 4 Runner Beans
  8. 4 Pods of Peas. (Any variety)
  9. 3 Onions  (Any one variety) 
  10. 5 Shallots
  11. 4 Tomatoes  (any one variety)
  12. 5 Cherry Tomatoes
  13. 1 Cucumber
  14. Longest runner bean
  15. Best Comic vegetable
  16. Collection of  6 Vegetables (tomatoes can be included) to be displayed in a basket
  17. Bunch of 5 mixed herbs (names to be listed)
  18. 3 Cooking Apples (any one variety)
  19. 3 Dessert Apples (any one variety)



FLOWERS

  1. Vase of Dahlias - 3 heads of any one variety
  2. Vase of Roses - 3 stems of any one variety
  3. Vase of Hydrangeas - 3 heads of any one variety
  4. Vase of Sweet Peas 6 Stems mixed colours
  5. Vase of Garden flowers - not more than 6 varieties



 FLORAL AND VEGETABLE ART

  1. An Arrangement of summer flowers in a mug
  2. An Arrangement of salad items in a bowl



ARTS AND CRAFTS

  1. Photograph, “A Bridge ” not to exceed 10in by 8in 
  2. Photograph,  “Clouds” not to exceed 10in by 8in 
  3. Painting/drawing (any medium) “Native Wildlife”  
  4. Painting/drawing any medium “A Basket of Vegetables”
  5. Woodwork: A homemade bird box
  6. Woodwork: A wooden Mushroom
  7. Woodwork: A carved wooden item
  8. A handmade wind chime, any medium
  9. Handmade Jewellery: A Bracelet, any medium
  10. A Knitted/crochet Shawl



HOMECRAFT - BAKING & PRESERVES

  1. A Focaccia
  2. A  Fruit crumble in a foil dish
  3. A Cake made using a vegetable ingredient (not carrot)
  4. 4 decorated Cup Cakes
  5. 3 hens’ eggs: white
  6. 3 hens’ eggs: any other colour
  7. 1 jar of marmalade
  8. 1 Jar of jam - any fruit
  9. 1 Jar of jelly - any fruit
  10. 1 jar of relish


CHILDREN’S CLASSES (Under 18)


  1. 4 decorated cup cakes
  2. A Picture made from buttons and string. 



OPEN TO ALL EXHIBITORS


 BRING WHAT YOU CAN TO MAKE THIS SHOW 

AN EXCITING, COLOURFUL EVENT


Prizes

Vegetable Challenge Award: Most points gained in Vegetable and Fruit Classes  1 to 19

Best Exhibit in Show: Classes 1- 19

Floral Challenge Award: Most points gained in Flowers and Floral Art, classes 20 to 26

The Liz Blackler Memorial Award: Most Points in Arts and Crafts, classes 27 to 36 

D&G Williams Award: Most points in Homecraft, classes 37 to 46


Entries from children most welcome  

Under 18s Awards for 47 and 48


RULES

All rules, as well as suggestions for exhibiting for the Produce Show, are displayed on the Rhydlewis Gardening Club Blogsite at:  https://rhydlewisgardeningclub.blogspot.com


JUDGING By Dr Bob & Rannveig  Wallis


Entry Fees: 

Members of Rhydlewis Gardening Club – Free Entry

Non-Members – £2 Block Entry



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


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

disqualify.



How to Enter the Show: Guidelines 


The Rhydlewis Gardening Club Autumn Produce Show 2025 is being held on Saturday 26th August

STAGING (that's when you bring your entries) is open from  3pm UNTIL 5pm. 
See the show secretary (just inside the door ) to book in prior to staging your exhibits. 

Exhibitors who join or have joined the Rhydlewis Gardening Club can exhibit as many entries as they wish free of charge. Non-members are charged £2 per person, for as many entries as they wish. 

The SHOW OPENS AT 7.30pm, when all are welcome to view the produce, flowers and home craft entries after judging at the Rhydlewis Village Hall. There is no fee for admission, and refreshments will be available  with all the usual delights, such as meeting old friends,  raffle, and possibly an auction – as well as the chance of winning a prize for your exhibit!

Below you will find the lowdown on how you can exhibit; anyone can enter this show, whether or not you're a member or if you live outside the area. (Non-members pay £2 per person).

You can find the schedule above, or ask for a paper copy from the Show Secretary, Jane Puddephatt, tel: 01239 851070. pudd8hp@btinternet.com or the Chair, Nina Milton on 01239 851096 email ninahare00@googlemail.com

This blogpost will help you to correctly enter the show – rules, guidelines and further information.

RULES

The show committee reserves the right to refuse any entry without giving any reason or explanation

All exhibits must be owned by the exhibitor and cared for by them for at least 60 days prior to the date of the show

Each exhibitor is responsible for compliance with the rules governing each class entered. If an error is noted at any time it may be corrected by the stewards, but they are under no obligation to do so

So long as you have grown the exhibit you can enter it in your own name, even if others are also exhibiting from the same garden

The above rule does not apply to floral arrangements or homecraft

The judges decision is always final

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

For the purposes of this show, a 'vase' means any suitable container for displaying flowers. 'Pot" means suitable contain in which to grow a plant 

Any objection to any exhibit must be made to the show secretary on the night of the show

The show committee is not liable for compensation for loss or damage

CHILDREN'S ENTRIES. 

Children can enter any category, but will be judged alongside the adults. In the categories for children, we'd love to see entries from children that is everyone under 18. 

GUIDELINES FOR EXHIBITING CORRECTLY

VEGETABLES AND FRUIT

All smaller items, and all classes with more than one item needing staging, should come on your own plate or other base.

In close competition, arrangement may be the deciding factor. 

Potatoes: Choose equally matched tubers with shallow eyes, free from from skin blemishes. Wash tuber with a soft sponge. Stage with the rose end outwards

Beetroot: Select one variety, even sized, avoid discolouration at the base of root or more than one tap root. Remove small side roots. Take care in washing. Trim foliage tidily. 

Carrots choose good specimens -- soak at time of lifting to minimise damage. Trim foliage. Arrange neatly. 

Marrow Wipe clean and stage direction on the show bench. It is better to choose young fruits

Courgettes  Choose equally matched fruits of no more than 6" long. Stage flat with or without flowers still attached.  

Runner Beans Select uniform pods of shape and colour in one variety. Arrange on plate or on the bench. Aim to leave short portion of stalk on each pod

Pods of Peas. Choose equally matched pods. Holding pods up to the light will reveal internal damage and number of peas. Arrange on plate

Onions Choose equally matched onions. Tops should be neatly tied, preferably with raffia, and roots neatly trimmed back to basal plate. Do not over-skin

Shallots Stage as separate bulbs not as a cluster. Tops should be neatly tied, preferably with raffia, and roots neatly trimmed back to basal plate. Do not over-skin. Stage on dry sand in shallow container.

Tomatoes. Select uniform fruit of shape and colour in one variety.  Stage on a plate, calex uppermost

With vine tomatoes, cut the truss carefully near to main stem. Both immature and mature fruits can be shown, but at least 1/3 should be fully ripened

Cherry Tomatoes. Select uniform fruit of shape and colour in one variety.  Stage on a plate, calex uppermost

Cucumber Look for a wcll-shaped barrel. Display flat on show bench

Longest Runner Bean Although the longest bean may win,  the judges reserve the right to also look at quality and shape.

Collection of Vegetables 6 varieties are needed. Tomatoes and other fruit-type vegetable are eligible

Best Comic Vegetable Anything goes here. The only rule here is that we like a laugh on this one!

Collection of Culinary Herbs: Pick early in the day and chose the best samples of each herb. Display in a vase or on a tray, and include a paper or card list of all herb names.

Apples Display with stalk on a shallow receptacle


FLOWERS

 These must be grown in the garden of the exhibitor. 'Vase' means container for flowers

Vase of Dahlias   Select 3 heads of any one variety, uniform in shape and colour, displayed in a vase

Vase of Roses  Select 3 heads of any one variety, uniform in shape and colour, displayed in a vase

Vase of Hydrangeas  Select 3 heads of any one variety, uniform in shape and colour, displayed in a vase

Vase of Sweet Peas Select 6 stems of good quality to display in one vase

Vase of garden flowers  Select no more than 6 varieties and arrange in a vase.


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’.


HOMECRAFT - BAKING 

You can follow the recipe of your choice; judging will be on appearance, taste and closeness to the description on the Schedule.

3 brown hens’ eggs/3 White or tinted hens’ eggs. At least one of your eggs will be cracked open to look for imperfections and uniformity

PRESERVES

 These must be exhibited with a label that states nothing more than the type of contents; i.e "Strawberry Jam", with no other recognisable wording or symbols.

Jar of jam - any fruit  Use a one lb  jar. Seal with paper seal and a cellophane cover and rubber band. No lids

Jar of jelly any fruit usually allied to jelly making.  Use a one lb  jar. Seal with paper seal and a cellophane cover and rubber band. No lids

Jar of Marmalade  any fruit  used for marmalade.  Use a one lb  jar. Seal with paper seal and a cellophane cover and rubber band. No lids

Jar of chutney  any fruit or vegetable can be used.  Use a one lb  jar. It's important that there is a good set. Seal with paper seal and a cellophane cover and rubber band. No lids

HOMECRAFT - ARTS AND CRAFTS 

Adults entries should be newly crafted.

Children’s entries should be mostly all their own work.


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

Monday, 28 April 2025

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE RHYDLEWIS GARDENING CLUB––TALKS, VISITS, SHOWS, PLANT SALE

 


RHYDLEWIS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB CLUB 

GARDDIO RHYDLEWIS A’R CYLCH 


UP-COMING EVENTS TO ENJOY


TALK THIS WEEK:

THE NO-DIG METHOD 


 WEDNESDAY 30th APRIL, 7.30pm 

Rhydlewis Village Hall 


Come and enjoy Stephanie Hafferty’s talk on how to  garden without using your spade! Stephanie has appeared on Gardener’s World and writes for gardening magazines. As this is such an interesting and special event, please do bring your friends and relations. You can find more about her, and her dedication to no-dig gardening at https://nodighome.com.  PLEASE NOTE THIS IS ON A WEDNESDAY EVENING. 

Everyone welcome at our talks, visits, workshops, socials. Entry: members free – £3.00 visitors. Raffle and refreshments-

FFD: contact Nina Milton 07962781146 Email: ninahare00@googlemail.com.  


 BANK HOLIDAY SATURDAY 3rd MAY 2025 10am to 4pm

THE FLOWER MEADOW

LLAIN MANAL, PENRHEWPAL SA445QH 

presents

The GREEN THUMB HORTICULTURAL DAY



RHYDLEWIS GARDENING CLUB WILL BE THERE WITH OUR PLANT SALE STALL; PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT US; BRING YOUR DONATIONS AND GRAB THE BARGAINS!


PRIZE DRAW WINNER REVEALED AT 3PM




Tuesday July 29th GARDEN VISIT 3pm


MEMBERS GO FREE 

TO OUR SUMMER GARDEN VISIT!


RHYDLEWIS GARDENING CLUB is offering free entrance to members wishing to go on the garden visit to Dyffryn Fernant Gardens this year. 



Christina Shand gave us such an interesting talk last year –

BETWEEN A BOG AND A HARD ROCK – about how she was inspired to  create her garden. 


The Garden Visit this year will allow members to see these special and highly regarded gardens. But she has recently had to raise her entrance fee to £10 pp. So,  to allow all members to be able to enjoy her gardens, we are going to subsidise the entry fee. 


These lovely gardens are at; Llanychaer, Fishguard SA65 9SP the Gardens are signed from the A487, 3 miles east of Fishguard and the Grid Reference is SM 994 371. We will be organising car shares and lifts for those in need of one. 


There is a Library, where coffee & hot drinks are available, so if it is a nice day, do also bring a picnic (which can be eaten in the library).   Further details from  Nina Milton 07962781146 

Email: ninahare00@googlemail.com.   


NB: MEMBERS CAN JOIN AT ANY TIME