Return to Ty'r Maes

 Last year, the gardening club met at Ty'r Maes Gardens in Ffarmers in late summer, and we loved the gardens so much  that we came back this May when the gloriously colourful rhododendrons, azaleas and primulas are in bloom.

It's a 4 acre garden with splendid views, two delightful lily  ponds, some new planting in an open meadow and many herbaceous and shrub beds exuberantly informal planting, full of cottage garden favourites and many unusual plants. John loves his trees – he has 200+ and has a growing area of arboretum, pergola, gazebos, and a post and rope arcade covered in climbers. As always Helen made us a yummy tea which we ate in full sun. Everything is for charity, through the National Garden Scheme.

There's always a table of plants to buy, which we took huge advantage off. 

Janette took these stunning photos which give a visceral sense of the experience. 

It was a stunning return, and if you missed it, John and Helen Brooks have their garden opening for the NGS – check your Yellow Book. Opening information:
Sunday 6 August (1 – 6pm). Admission £3.50, children free. Home-made teas.
Visitors also welcome by arrangement April to September please request teas when booking;

John & Helen Brooks 01558 650541    johnhelen140@gmail.com

If you'd like to go but can't make it this summer, try the plant sale in the autumn; 

How to Exhibit in the Rhydlewis Gardening Club Produce Show

 

 

The Rhydlewis Gardening Club Autumn Produce Show 2023 is being held on Saturday 19th August, with staging (when you bring your entries) from 10.30am until  12.00 midday and the show opens after judging at 3.30pm

Please not this change of date, and time of day. All are welcome to view the produce, flowers and home craft entries after judging from 3.30pm at the Rhydlewis Village Hall. There is no fee for admission. We hope that an afternoon show will hopefully be in the sunshine, but with all the usual delights, such as meeting old friends, refreshments, raffle, auction – and the chance of winning a prize for your exhibit.

This blogpost is 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 20p per exhibit).

You can download the schedule from the blog site, or ask for a paper copy from the Show Secretary, Jane Puddephatt, tel: 01239 851070. pudd8hp@btinternet.com or the secretary, 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. 

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 also be a small 'prize' for all under 15 entries.

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!

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.

Oddly Shaped Vegetables The only rule here is that we like a laugh on this one!

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

 Flowering Plant  Any house or pot plant, or potted garden flowering plant can be exhibited, so long as the  pot should be of no more than 12” in height

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

A single Rose to be judged on its perfume  One cut stem in a vase

 Cactus in Container

An Alpine Plant in container  

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 

A Lemon Meringue Pie  Plated with pastry crust

A loaf of white or brown bread Preferably,  make on the day of the show.  Stage on a plate

A Carrot Cake plain, but can have cream cheese iced top

A decorated Novelty Cake to be judged on Decoration only. Stage on a plate

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 "Green Tomato Chutney", 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 honey. Both clear and set is acceptable. Lidded jars are the best option.

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. Seal with paper seal and a cellophane cover and rubber band. No lids

HOMECRAFT - ARTS AND CRAFTS Children’s entries should be mostly all their own work. Adults entries should be newly crafted.

A  handmade soft toy any medium.

 Pebble Art must sit in palm of hand.

 A Small article made of wood any ‘reasonable’ size. Stay within the theme. 

BRINGING YOUR EXHIBITS TO BE STAGED

Bring your  exhibits ready to be staged. 

Bring between 10.30am and Midday on the 19th August 2023

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. 

Other exhibitors can exhibit as many entries as they wish for an overall charge of £1.

There will be help from stewards with the exhibiting. 

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

Exhibitors are then allowed in with general public at 3.30pm

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

Tree Planting at Woody's Lodge

 

Here we are (Nina and Jim Milton) as part of the volunteer tree planters, getting almost a 1000 saplings into the ground at Woody's Lodge, which will be registered as part of the Queens Canopy across the UK. 

The Tree Planting scheme falls within the Egin ( Welsh for “green shoots”) Programme which aims to support communities in Wales, in tackling climate change and is administered by the National Lottery Community Fund and supported by Wales Govt. Woody’s part in this project enabled Veterans' community, families and children to re- introduce, Wales’ native deciduous tree species, eg. Oak, Birch, Elm, Beech, Alder, Holly, Hawthorn etc .at the Farm. 

The majority of the planting introduced saplings along Penlan’s boarders and hedgerows which will increase water uptake, reduce water runoff and improving overall drainage. The Project  also improves biodiversity in terms of bird, plant and insect species on site, adding to the attraction of the Farm for future family camping and Veteran users alike.

 Woody's Lodge are now begining to develop their new polytunnel, as well. The weather help up starting this project, but they are looking forward to getting stuck into the fitting out with benches and raised beds and focusing on some growing this coming spring, with a broader Growing Project at Penlan for a more sustainable future. This project was funded by Proceeds of Crime, and the polytunnel was supplied by 5 Star Poly Tunnels, build by James and team from Arb-Yr-Arth Tree Care of Aberaeron.

Woody’s Lodge is a Welsh charity.

It's aims are to serve  veterans of the Armed Forces, Reserves, Emergency
Services, and their families. They provide an inviting meeting space for veterans to re-engage with life, their families and their communities. They especially help with all the problems, physical, mental and emotional, that service veterans encounter, and bereavement help for families.

The history of Woody's Lodge is recent, but passionate. In 2012, Royal Marine and member of the Elite Special Boat Service, Paul “Woody” Woodland lost his life in a training exercise, before he was due to return for a second tour of duty in Afghanistan. Woody was born, bred and schooled in Penarth, South Wales, and had always wanted to be a Royal Marine. Once he completed his Armed Forces career, his dream had been to build a log cabin where he would be able to live with his family, peacefully and in safety.

Woody’s dream of owning a log cabin after his service became the inspiration for Woody’s Lodge. After 3 months of refurbishment, the first Woody’s Lodge opened. It was set within quiet green spaces where it had calming viewsof the Bristol Channel and offered a safe, peaceful and familiar surrounding for veterans and their families.

Penlan Farm is the newest 'Woody's Lodge' in Wales and hopes to cater for some big projects. It is located just off the B4571 within the boundaries of Penrhiwpal.  This includes some leisure and recreational activities, training and networking, with plans for training facilities. The farm benefits from two grants that will have a phenomenal impact on its growth and development.

Rhydlewisonians might know this stretch of land better as Penlan Farm.For people who haven't been in the neighbourhood for too long, Penlan was owned by Jane and Richard Cain for some years, and run as the centre for Penlan Perennials Nursery.  The following owners, Mr and Mrs Murphy gifted  the land to Woody's Lodge as they were impressed with the work they were doing.

Woody's Lodge is happy to show interested parties around Penlan Farm grounds, and to hear from people interested in volunteering. Contact Richard Rose at richard@woodyslodge.org. 

The Spring Show March 2023

 

The Rhydlewis and District Gardening club held its Spring show on 28 March 2023. After a long and difficult winter for growers and a sharp spring frost only the night before the show, members rallied round to present to our judges Bob and Rannveig Wallis a fabulous selection of produce to ponder over. Competition was fierce and awards keenly fought over and everyone had a most enjoyable evening of entertainment.

There are four 

Spring Show awards 

as well as individual 

category firsts and seconds.

SPRING SHOW AWARDS

Best exhibit from Classes 1-14, The Derrick and Barbara Calow Memorial shield Janette Sharman

The Artisan shield , most points in classes 18-26 Jane Soltys

The Pam Hufferdine Trophy, Class 17, Melanie Williams

Overall Winner of Classes 1-6, 

Janette Sharman and Nina Milton

Thanks particularly to the Judges, Bob and Rannveig, to the Show Secretary Jane Puddephatt, and to our President, Jenny Archibald...and everyone to helped make the show a success. 

Look out for the write-up in the Tivyside Tuesday April 18th Edition.

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES 

FLOWERS

1. Single daffodil yellow Div. 1, 1st Dilys Davies, 2nd Nina Milton

2. Single Daffodil other Div. 1, 1st. Sue Sewell, 2nd Nina Milton

3. Large or small cupped Narcissus div.2 &3, 1st Gary Soltys, 2nd Melanie Williams and Gemma Cohen

4. Double Narcissus div.4, 1st Nina Milton, 2nd Michael Lloyd

5. Narcissus any other Div.5-12, 1st Michael Lloyd, 2nd Erica Knight

6. Bowl or pot of bulbs in bloom, no award

7. Vase of Spring flowers, 1st. Jenny Archibald, 2nd. Michelle Brown

9. Camellia 1 bloom, 1st. Liz Hardy, 2nd Gemma Cohen and Gary Soltys

10. Flowering plant in pot, 1st. Michelle Brown 2nd. Nina Milton

12. Flowering tree or shrub cut spray, 1st. Liz Hardy 2nd. Sue Edmunds

13. Cactus or succulent, 1st Gemma Cohen

14. Dish of hellebore heads, 1st. Janette Sharman 2nd Janette Sharman and Erica Knight

FLORAL ART

15. Posy of Primula, 1st. Janette Sharman

MEMBERS CATEGORY

17. Club members pot of narcissus, 1st. Melanie Williams

ART, CRAFTS AND PHOTOGRAPHY

18. Garden Life Photo, 1st Erica Knight, 2nd. Erica Knight

19. Decorated egg, 1st Jane Soltys

21. Pencil sketch of UK wild animal, 1st Janette Sharman, 2nd. Sue Sewell

22. An Easter card, 1st. Jane Soltys 

HOMECRAFT

23. 4 Hot cross buns, 1st n/a 2nd. Jane Soltys and Marj Fogg

24. 4 jam tarts, 1st n/a, 2nd Nina Milton

26. Swiss Roll, 1st Nina Milton 2nd. Marj Fogg

Bees in your Garden; a Talk by Jonathan Sainsbury

 

Bees in your Garden

On Tuesday 28th February, Jonathan Sainsbury gave a wonderful talk on 'Bees in your Garden.' Lots of great advice on all sorts of bees and what they need to keep pollinating our plants.

Here are some of the fascinating parts of his talk. 

Using scientific evidence, our extensive experience and the records of gardeners and beekeepers, we've selected a range of year-round flowering Plants for Pollinators to tackle the decline in pollinator numbers.

Look for the Plants for Pollinators symbol when searching our find a plant database, or use the Plants for Pollinators filter, to see the selection of plants.

The Plants for Pollinators lists can be downloaded below:

• Garden Plants (261kB pdf)
• Wildflowers (253kB pdf)
• Plants of the World (178kB pdf)

The lists are reviewed by RHS staff. In 2022, the most extensive review of the lists was initiated, it is expected to take 18 months to complete. Relevant research is being evaluated and observations or requests for changes to the lists are being considered. This may result in plants being added or removed from the lists. The previous update was August 2019 (download the list bel0w).

• Changes made to Plants for Pollinators in 2019 (43kB pdf)

To suggest changes to the Plants for Pollinators lists please email our team.
 

Discover how to use native and non-native plants to benefit pollinators and other invertebrates in gardens through findings from RHS Plants for Bugsresearch.

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Using the Plants for Pollinators logo

The RHS Plants for Pollinators registered trademark is available for use by the horticultural trade and groups that want to promote the initiative.

Complete the registration form to download the Plants for Pollinators logos. You will also get access to the guidelines document and terms and conditions on the use of the trademark.

Register to use the logos

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Plants for Pollinators replaces Perfect for Pollinators

One of the biggest problems for pollinators is a lack of flowering plants, especially those packed with pollen and nectar, so in 2011 we launched the Perfect for Pollinators logo to encourage gardeners to grow more of them. We care passionately about our bees, hoverflies, butterflies and other pollinators and believe gardens play an important role in reversing their decline. The brand has never resulted in any profit for the RHS.

We have been reviewing the logo after research found that some labelled plants contained traces of pesticides. While the RHS encourages responsible growing practices, it cannot, as a charity, police how hundreds of thousands of plants are grown each year within the horticultural trade. Rather than get rid of the brand altogether – which would undermine efforts to boost pollinator numbers - we are changing the name to Plants for Pollinators. This new name better reflects the significance of the logo; showing gardeners those flowering plants that are attractive to pollinators without commenting on the way in which they have been grown.

We anticipate that the process of rebranding may take some years as we work with the industry to ensure a smooth transition. In the interim we urge gardeners to continue to look to the logo as a guide to what plants will support pollinators in their gardens as we must continue to help these vital insects.

One of the RHS’s key objectives is to help gardeners to garden responsibly and grow more plants; for instance, we promote non-chemical means of control for gardeners and provide extensive advice on alternatives to pesticides. For those that prefer to have more confidence that the plants they purchase do not contain pesticide residues we have created a list of organic nurseries. We are also eager to continue to work with the horticultural trade and Government to establish how assurance schemes and supply chains can be improved to help buyers and gardeners make informed decisions, such as including information at the point of sale about how plants have been grown.

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What else can I do to help pollinators?

• Allow lawn ‘weeds’ to flower by cutting less often 
• Provide water for pollinators
• Avoid using pesticides wherever possible and never spray open flowers
• Provide nest sites for wild bees

More advice on how gardeners can help our declining bees and other pollinators

Spring Show 28th MARCH 2023

CLWB GARDDIO RHYDLEWIS A’R CYLCH

RHYDLEWIS AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

SPRING SHOW

TUESDAY EVENING

28th MARCH 2023

RHYDLEWIS VILLAGE HALL

STAGING FROM 3.30pm UNTIL 5.30pm

(Judging from 5.30 to 7.30 – no entry to show until 7.30)

SHOW OPENS AT 7.30pm

RAFFLE AND REFRESHMENTS

AUCTION OF DONATED EXHIBITS

RULES

• Unless otherwise stated, exhibits in classes 1-14 should consist of one variety only
• Unless otherwise stated, exhibits in classes 1-14 should be of fresh plant material and displayed in a vase or container supplied by the exhibitor
• Unless otherwise stated, exhibits in classes 1-14 all exhibits must be grown by the exhibitor
• Rhydlewis Gardening Club cannot be held responsible for anything left in the hall after the show. If necessary, label your containers
• In the event of a dispute, the committee reserves the right to inspect gardens and, if necessary, to disqualify.
• ANY OBJECTION TO AN EXHIBIT MUST BE MADE TO THE SHOW SECRETARY ON THE NIGHT OF THE SHOW

• OPEN TO ALL EXHIBITORS (EXCEPT CLASS 26)

  
  

  Entries fees: 

  Members of the Rhydlewis Gardening Club: free

  Non-members: £2.00 fixed entry fee

  
  

  HELP WILL BE GIVEN WITH STAGING IF NEEDED

For further information please contact the Show Secretary

Jane Puddephatt 01239 851070

or the secretary Nina Milton 01239 851096/07962781146

FLOWERS

1. Single Daffodil (Narcissus Division 1) - 4 blooms, 1 variety, all yellow 
2. Single Daffodil (Narcissus Division 1) - 4 blooms, 1 variety
3. Large or small-cupped Narcissus (Divisions 2 & 3) - 4 blooms, one variety
4. Double Narcissus (including Daffodils) (Division 4) - 4 stems, one variety
5. Narcissus - any other (Division 5 - 12 ) - 4 stems, 1 variety
6. Bowl or pot of bulbs in bloom - any one variety
7. Vase of spring flowers - not more than 6 varieties
8. Tulips - 4 stems, one variety
9. Camellia - 1 bloom
10. 10. Flowering plant in a pot - under 24 in. (60cm) high, including pot
11. 11. Carnivorous plant in a pot - under 24 in. (60cm) high, including pot
12. 12. Flowering tree or shrub - cut spray from one variety
13. 13. Cactus or succulent mixed or single varieties  24in (60cm) high inc. pot
14. 14. Dish of floating hellebore heads 

FLORAL ART

15. 15. Posy of primula (including primrose, polyanthus, cowslip etc)
16. 16. Easter bonnet decorated with seasonal bloom

(Categories 15 & 16 can include non-plant accessories, fruit, vegetables, and purchased plant items)

CLUB MEMBERS ONLY

17. 17.  A pot of narcissus, grown from bulbs supplied last autumn by the club

ART, CRAFT AND PHOTOGRAPHY

18. 18. ‘Garden Life’ a photograph, not exceeding 12” X 18” (30cmX46cm), can be framed, mounted or unmounted.
19. 19. Decorated egg (any size)
20. 20. Pin cushion (any medium, any size) 
21. 21. A pencil or charcoal sketch of a any British wild animal (not to exceed 12in (30cm) by 18in (46cm)
22. 22. An Easter card (A5 max)

HOMECRAFT

23. 23. 4 Hot-cross buns
24. 24. 4 Jam tarts (homemade shortcrust pastry)
25. 25. Bowl of homemade fudge cut into cubes
26. 26. 1 Swiss roll (undecorated)

SPRING SHOW AWARDS

THE FLOWER CUP

 Overall winner of classes 1-16

 DERRICK AND BARBARA CALOW MEMORIAL CUP 

the best exhibit from a Club Member in Classes 1-14

THE ARTISAN SHEILD 

Most points in classes 18-25

PAM HUFFERDINE TROPHY

Best exhibit in class 17

The Royal Horticultural Society classification into divisions. 

Division 1 is distinguished by having one flower per stem and the trumpet as long as, or longer than, the petals (the classic trumpet daffodil, e.g. ‘KIng Alfred’, ‘Golden Harvest’ or ‘Mount Hood’).

Divisions 2 & 3 include most singles with one flower per stem with a trumpet shorter than the petals

Division 4 includes ALL doubles – one or more flowers per stem

Division 5 to 12 include single jonquils, tazettas, Narcissus triandrus hybrids (like ‘Hawera’), Narcissus cyclamineus hybrids (like ‘Dove Wings’ and ‘Jenny’), Narcissus poeticus hybrids