Rhydlewis Gardening Club Produce Show.

 

Raffle underway

The Rhydlewis Gardening Club holds their Produce Show every August; with flower, vegetable and homecraft exhibits open to all gardeners (crafters and bakers, too). It's only £2 to enter, no matter how many entries you bring, and Club Members enter absolutely free of charge. This year it was held on Saturday 19th August during the day, rather than the show opening in the evening. We think it's good to ring the changes occasionally, to see what people think, and what they prefer. 

I do think everyone would have preferred it if Storm Betty hadn't arrived the night before. Jim and I had to saw up a fallen tree up before we could set out; it was blocking a vehicle lane. Having done that, I was very grateful that I'd collected my entries the day before. People arriving told stories of flattened dahlias, battered roses and ground too soggy to dig up their potatoes. Even so, these setbacks failed to hamper club members and village gardeners from showing their prize produce.

Gardeners are always at the mercy of the weather and they had battled thought the winds and rain to gather in the best of their crops to display at this annual summer show.

Excitement at the Auction

Judges Bob and Rannveig Wallis were kept very busy pouring over all the fantastic exhibits on show and the prizes were keenly fought over. Bob and Rannveig are renown collectors and growers of dwarf bulbs – some of the members travelled to their garden in the summer to see both their glasshouses and the garden itself (and, of course partake of tea and cake courtesy of Rannveig's kitchen). Incidentally, at the end of this month, they will give a talk illustrated with a screen presentation, of their travels to exotic locations in search of colourful plants suitable for British gardens. They have travelled extensively in areas where bulbs grow, and both judge and show their displays, as well as sell them online.

 In the afternoon, people poured in to find out who had won and who had taken part.

Bob and Rannveig gave out the prizes, including a new prize category, in memory of our late Chairperson, Liz Blackler. Liz spend her life in dedication to art and craftwork, so the new prize awards excellence in these fields.

Refreshments were eagerly consumed and a raffle enjoyed. 

The traditional lively auction of produce then took place.  

It all made for a very enjoyable day.

Show Results.

Challange Prize for Most points gained in Fruit and vegetable Classes: Janette Sharman

JT Memorial Award for Best Onion: Janette Sharman

Best exhibit in Show in fruit and vegetable Classes: Marj Fogg

D&G Williams Prize for most points in Homecraft Classes: Marj Fogg

Floral Challange Prize for most points gained in Flower and Floral Art Classes: Gwen Thomas

The Liz Blacker memorial Award for most points gained in Arts and Craft: Carrie Davies and Erica Knight

1. 4 White Potatos 1st. Janette Sharman 2nd. Marion Rathbone.
   

2. 4 Coloured Potatos 1st.Janette Sharman

3. 3 Beetroot 1st. Carrie Davies

4. 3 Carrots 1st.Carrie Davies 2nd. Marion Rathbone

5. 3 Courgettes 1st. Janette Sharman 2nd. Melanie Heath

6. 4 Runner Beans 1st. Jim Milton 2nd. Erica Knight

   

7. 3 Onions 1st. Janette Sharman 2nd. Carrie Davies

8. 5 Shallots 1st. Carrie Davies 2nd. Jim Milton

9. 4 Tomatos 1st. Marj Fogg 2nd.Carrie Davies

10. 5 Cherry Tomatos 1st.Carrie Davies 2nd. Melanie Heath

11. 1 Cucumber 1st. Marj Fogg 2nd. Janette Sharman

12. Longest Runner Bean 1st. Janette Sharman 2nd. Marion Rathbone

13. Best Comic Vegetable 1st. Janette Sharman 2nd. Jim Milton

14. 
    
    Collection of 6 vegetables in basket 1st. Janette Sharman

15. Bunch of 5 mixed herbs 1st. Janette Sharman 2nd. Gwen Thomas

16. 3 Cooking Apples 1st. Gwen Thomas 2nd. Jim Milton

17. 3 Dessert Apples 1st. Gwen Thomas 2nd. Jim Milton

    
    

    18 Wild Blackberries 1st. Jim Milton 2nd. Marion Rathbone

18. 

19. Vase of 3 Dahlias 1st. Marj Fogg

20. Vase of 3 Hyrangeas 1st. Janette Sharman 2nd. Jim Milton

21. Vase of 6 Sweet Peas 1st. Anne Tod 2nd. Michelle Brown

22. Vase of 6 Garden Flowers 1st. Michele Brown 2nd. Sally Hall

23. A single Rose judged on its perfume 1st. Gwen Thomas 2nd. Anne Tod

24. A gentlemans buttonhole 1st. Gwen Thomas 2nd. Gwen Thomas

25. A Lemon Meringue Pie 1st. Marj Fogg

26. A loaf of Brown or White Bread 1st. Marj Fogg 2nd. Marj Fogg

27. A Carrot Cake 1st. Marj Fogg 2nd. Nina Milton and Gwen Thomas

28. 
    A decorated novelty cake No entries

29. 3 White or tinted hens eggs 1st. Anne Tod 2nd. Anne Tod

30. Any other domesticated Birds egg No entries

31. 1 Jar of Jam/Jelly 1st. Frank Blades 2nd. Gwen Thomas and Frank Blades
    

32. 1 Jar of Chutney 1st. Nina Milton 2nd. Gwen Thomas

33. 

    A handmade Soft Toy 1st. Erica Knight 2nd. Erica Knight

34. A small article made of Wood No entries

35. A Photograph of a Summer Landscape 1st. Erica Knight 2nd. Erica Knight

36. Childs class An edible Necklace
    

37. 1st. Georgia Heath

Many thanks to Barry Adams (of Debbies Jewellery Newcastle Emlyn) for his fabulous photography

Hafod Estate; a Picturesque Landscape

Walled Garden, Hafod

 
On Friday 25th August a small group of us went up to the Hafod estate, a Georgian park not far from Devil's Bridge, particularly to see the Walled Garden, and the flower gardens.

In the late 18th century, Thomas Johnes built a new house in this remote location and laid out its grounds with circuit walks, allowing the visitor to enjoy a succession of views and experiences. These have been recreated after the house was demolished and the estate forgotten. It is valued as having one of the most picturesque vistas in Europe (according to the National Trust).

This was my second visit; I'd followed the 'Weatherman Walking' trail around the 200 hectare estate some years ago. We walked the trails to find its house ruins, the still-functioning church, the secret, roaring waterfall and the spectacular viewing points, from which you can see the sleepy river Ystwyth, forests, meadows and grazing sheep.  

The two acre walled garden must have looked wonderful in its day, supplying the busy kitchen with all the food it needed, but when a group of enthusiastic vegetable gardeners, included Malcom Berry, the 'Dreaded Gardener', took it over on a five year lease, it was in dreadful decline. They have worked hard in this beautifully sunny, enclosed space, to start growing for eating again.

We were greeted by Julie, who took us into one of the two large glass houses, where they had created a warm and comfy space for themselves to relax between bursts of gardening. She immediately made us all  'freshly ground coffee'. As we sipped, we asked her about the history of redeveloping the garden and she explained they were a 'Not for Profit Interest Company’. Wordy, but basically comprising six directors, with a passion and interest in gardening, but also a commitment to the financial responsibilities. "We didn't expect to be directors of anything!" she said. "But we hoped for outcomes to  the project. We like to think we're promoting  gardening as a healthy outdoor recreation for all ages. We want to be part of educating people so they can share these practices with their families, friends, and neighbours. We're conserving open space and wildlife habitat for the benefit of future generations and welcome children – in fact, my daughter and granddaughter will be arriving later."

They also hope to provide support for community members with special needs, so they too can experience the joys of community gardening, too. 

    These gardeners value their connection to the land. They use innovative organic gardening practices that enrich the soil, and our food.

    "Our first setback was to discover that the soil had dangerous amounts of lead in it; above the safe limit. Which meant that any edibles that grew in the soil (like brassicas and roots) were not safe to eat. Fruits were fine; so the apple trees, as well as legumes, tomatoes, aubergines, pepper and cucumbers, could be eaten."

That seemed like too big a blow to me, but it hadn't phased the gardeners at Hafod.

    "We've taken up the no-dig method, laying cardboard and then bringing in quality composts and soil improvers. We've created a compostable loo and use raised beds, especially inside the poly tunnel and glasshouse."

Even so, a lot of work is involved, and a team of around 6 meet regularly. They are hoping to start veg boxes soon, to supplement the grants they have received. 

We toured the garden. All around the edge are ancient heritage apple trees, and the group hope to do an apple pressing this autumn. Although the no-dig beds are fairly new, they are respondent with leeks, carrots, kale, and herbs. 

There were  cries of 'wow' as we got to the large polytunnel, filled with produce and so colourful. In the centre, they are experimenting with the 'three sisters' method; that ancient South American way of planting sweet corn, encouraging runner beans up their stalks, and allowing courgettes to grow in the shade of their roots.

The pond has been dug and created by Malcom, and is already attracting wildlife.              "The pond is going be central to our sustainable thinking in the walled garden," Julie explained. "He's planted lilies and marginal plants. Already, there are water boatmen all over it in summer." 

After a picnic in the sun, we explored the grounds to find the two flower gardens. 

Mrs Johnes' Flower Garden was begun in the 18th Century to feature plants from the Americas. By the 1930s, it  was overgrown, and in the 1950s it was further damaged by forestry activity. It has the most  wonderful  perimeter stone walls, which have been restored.The garden looks peaceful, and it is clear that it is being restored carefully, with some interesting planting. 

We then followed a tiny walkers' path up and up to a spectacular viewpoint.This is where we found  Marianne Johnes' garden. It is a walled garden on a south-facing precipice – a secret retreat and botanical space. No original plantings survive, although later exotic plants include ginkgo, yellow buck-eye and hiba, and now it is  filled with heather and ferns. Early in its history, it included a moss house and an ornamental urn by Thomas Banks, inscribed with sentimental verse by Samuel Rogers. 

We were quite pooped by the time we reached these dizzy heights, and the pretty white bench was perfect for a quick recovery.

You can see what the gardeners at the walled garden have been doing by going to their Facebook Page, which shows the spectacular harvest and the things they have for sale. Go to https://www.facebook.com/HafodWGG

The family were very interested in the natural world, and helped found the The Linnean Society of London in the 18th Century. This is the world’s oldest active society devoted to natural history. Founded in 1788 by Sir James Edward Smith (1759–1828), who was its first President, the Society takes its name from the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778) Some interesting details can be found here; https://linnean-online.org/63190/#?s=0&cv=0

The Rhydlewis Gardening Club Produce Show Saturday 19th August 2023

 

 

The Rhydlewis Gardening Club Autumn Produce Show 2023 is being held on Saturday 19th AUGUST 2023 in the 

RHYDLEWIS VILLAGE HALL All welcome to view the produce, flowers and home craft entries after judging from 7.30pm at the Rhydlewis Village Hall. There is no fee for admission to the show and we’re offering refreshments, a raffle, an auction of donated entries – and the chance to have a chat with your neighbours.

This blogpost will help you to correctly enter the show – rules, guidelines and further information. Anyone can enter this show, whether or not you're a member or if you live outside the area. (Non-members pay £2 per exhibiter).

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

Or you can cut and past this schedule from this blogpost:

CLWB GARDDIO RHYDLEWIS A’R CYLCH

RHYDLEWIS AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

PRODUCE SHOW

Saturday 

19th AUGUST 2023

RHYDLEWIS VILLAGE HALL

STAGING FROM 10.30am UNTIL 12.00pm

SHOW OPENS AT 3.30pm

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 secretary: 

Nina Milton on 01239 851096 email ninahare00@OPEN TO ALL EXHIBITORS

 BRING WHAT YOU CAN TO MAKE THIS SHOW 

AN EXCITING, COLOURFUL EVENT

Prizes

Challenge Prize: Most points gained in Vegetable and Fruit Classes

Best Exhibit in Show: Winner of the Yellow Card (Veg&Fruit)

Floral Challenge Prize: Most points gained in Flowers and Floral Art 

The Best Onion Prize  First Prize in Class 9

Roses Award: Winner of Class 24 

D&G Williams Prize: Most points in all  Homecraft Classes

RULES

All rules, as well as suggestions for exhibiting for the Produce Show, are displayed below this schedule on this blogpost; scroll down. 

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.

Entries from children most welcome

VEGETABLES & FRUITS

1. 4 White Potatoes
2. 4 Coloured Potatoes 
3. 3 Beetroot.  (any one variety)
4. 3 Carrots  (any one variety)
5. 1 Marrow
6. 3 Courgettes  (any one variety) each not exceeding 152cm (6ins)
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)
20.  3 Pears (any one variety)
21.  8 Wild Blackberries

FLOWERS

22. Vase of Dahlias - 3 heads of any one variety
23. Vase of Roses - 3 stems of any one variety
24. Vase of Hydrangeas - 3 heads of any one variety
25.  Vase of Sweet Peas 6 Stems mixed colours
26. Vase of Garden flowers - not more than 6 varieties
27. A single Rose to be judged on its perfume
28. A Cactus in Container
29. An Alpine Plant in container

FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 

30. A Gentlemans buttonhole 
31. A Floral arrangement with the theme ‘Coronation’ not to exceed 24” H. and 24” W.

HOMECRAFT - BAKING 

32. A Lemon Meringue Pie
33. A loaf of white or brown bread
34. A Carrot Cake
35. A decorated Novelty Cake to be judged on Decoration only
36. 3 brown hens’ eggs
37. 3 White or tinted hens’ eggs
38. Any other domesticated birds egg.  3 - bird to be named
39.  1 Jar of jam - any fruit
40.  1 jar of honey
41. 1 jar of chutney

HOMECRAFT - ARTS AND CRAFTS

42.  A  handmade soft toy any medium 
43.   Pebble Art Must sit in palm of hand
44.   A Small article made of wood
45. A photograph, “Summer Landscape” not to exceed 24in by 24in  can be framed or unmounted
46. Art work in any medium “ A tree in full summer leaf” not to exceed 24”x24”

CHILDREN’S CLASSES

47. An animal made of Vegetables  (Child to be under 16)
48. An edible necklace (Child to be under 16)

                                                              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 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

Collection of Vegetables 5 varieties are needed. Tomatoes and other fruit-type vegetable are eligible

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

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

 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 cut flowers  Select no more than 6 varieties and arrange in a vase

Tree or shrub for flower, fruit or foliage effect   One cut stem to be staged directly on the bench

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 - PRESERVES

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

Labelling only the contents of the jar should be on the label (i.e. Raspberry Jam)/

BRINGING YOUR EXHIBITS TO BE STAGED

Bring your  exhibits ready to be staged. 

Bring between 10.30am and 12 midday on the 19th August

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 12 midday prompt to allow judging to commence.

Exhibitors are then allowed in with general public a 3.30 in the afternoon

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

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;