The results of the Summer Show 18th August 2012 have now been published on our Summer Show 2012 page. Thanks to all who entered and those who came along on the day.

A visit has been arranged for Wednesday  15^th   August 2012 , starting at 6.00pm, to the world famous Chilli Farm at West Bexington, Bridport.

The farm is easy to find. Stay on the main coastal road to Bridport until you see the Bull Pub at Swyre and then turn left. Follow the road a little way down  and the Chilli Farm is on the left hand side, just before Tamarisk Farm. Hope to see lots of you there.

Don’t forget our Summer Show on the 18^th August at Broadwey Memorial Hall. Cakes and tombola prizes gratefully received.

The day of the walk around Tamarisk Farm had arrived. The weather up to 4.30pm had been fine, then it started to rain. Gently at first.
People were asking
” Is the walk still on?”
Yes was my answer. I didn’t think a farmer would worry about a few spots of rain. An intrepped band of horticulturists began the walk, which turned out to be a very enjoyable and informative evening.

Adam Simon, the farmer, led the walk and his knowledge and enthusiasum quickly made
us forget the rain. Simon’s approach to farming made you stop and think. It may not be practical for the demands of the consumer today, but we still need farmers to create and maintain for future generations an alternative to intensive farming.

Simon Adam showed, through conservation, how you can farm side by side with nature instead of fighting it.

The wild flowers, including several species of orchids,in his meadows brought back memories from childhood, when you were allowed to pick and bring home prized specimens to press and put into books.

The two hour walk ended with a very much appreciated cup of tea in the farm kitchen. Logs burning in the grate, dogs asleep in front of the fire and horticulturists drying out. A perfect summer evening in England!

The AGM took place in April and the entire committee were re-elected. Membership fees remain the same at £6 per person per year. Mark Read judged the member’s mini show and gave advice on how to grow peppers, begonias and pelargoniums.

The Society held their annual plant sale in May and it was a great success. Everybody brought big bags and they went home full. The refreshment stall was really busy with people chatting and admiring their purchases. Advice was freely given and experiences shared. We made over £250 in just over an hour, so a big , big thank you to everybody who donated plants and helped on the stalls.

On 14th June 2012, Ellen Simon from Tamarisk Farm, is showing members around her organic farm at West Bexington, DT2 9DF. The walk begins at 6.00pm. If you think the walk may be too hard come anyway and sit in her lovely garden and listen to the silence.

One of our members is also trying to organise a visit to The Pepper Man , who also lives at West Bexington. No details yet, but watch this space.

Don’t forget the next plant sale is this Saturday 5th May 2pm at the Memorial Hall, Victoria Avenue, Upwey.

Broadwey & Upwey Horticultural Society March meeting newsletter

More seeds needed for Plant Sale
Could you sew a few more seeds this year with a view to bringing them in for the society to sell at our plant sale on May 5th 2012.

April brings a very exciting event to the society’s calendar – The AGM combined with the mini show, for members only on Thursday 19th April 2012.

The business of an AGM will be to appoint; a President, Vice-President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and a committee of fourteen with the power to add to their numbers. Nominations for any of the above positions must be lodged with the society’s secretary, Mrs Sheila Seal, before 12 March 2012, together with any other items for the agenda.

We are very fortunate that the officers of your society are willing to stand for another year. We would though like to see new faces on the committee because they bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm. We meet once a month on the second Tuesday at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.

An evening trip to Poundbury Garden Centre has been arranged for Thursday 26^th April 2012 (6.45-7.00pm start) Members to find their own way there, or perhaps car share?

The Spring show was held last Saturday 17th March 2012 at the Memorial Hall in Upwey. There were lots of fantastic entries in the show and we were honoured that His Worship the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Mr G Winter was available to give out the special awards.
Details of the winners are on the Spring Show 2012 page.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday 1st March, Carl Dallinson will be speaking about Floral displays in Weymouth and Dorset.

We’re getting ready for our Spring Show which is being held on Saturday March 17th. There are 9 sections each with several classes to enter. If you’d like more details please visit our Spring Show 2012 page where you can download the full schedule.