This is a lovely time of year when our gardens burst into colour. If you have photos of your garden or any special plants, please share them with us by sending them to shows@budhs.org.uk and we will post them on the web-site. Here are some to begin with.
The tulips have been delightful this year.
Azaleas and acers are at their best now.
A shady border.
Apple blossom.
One of our members, Steve, sent us this lovely picture of freesias from his garden in Preston. He says they smell as good as they look.
He has also found out that Dorset Seaweeds is based at 56, Putton Lane, Chickerell. Seaweed extract was mentioned by the panel at our March meeting as being good for roses. Not far to go when things return to normal.
Let’s hope this weather lasts and we can use this extra time at home to enjoy our gardens
We have decided today to cancel the Spring Show due to the virus. We think it is the sensible course of action to take in order to safeguard any vulnerable members, exhibitors and visitors.
Hopefully things will have settled down by August when we can look forward to our Summer Show.
There are signs of Spring already with snowdrops, crocuses and early daffodils appearing all around us.
Our February meeting was very well attended when Clive Groves came to talk about violets. It was very interesting to hear about his family’s involvement with violets, going back to his grandfather. Clive holds the national collection and it was surprising to hear that there are many different colours. He has bred several new varieties and named them after his family members. A fascinating talk.
Our March meeting, on the 5th, will take the form of a Gardener’s Question Time.
We have three local horticulturalists on the panel. If you have a question, please write it on the form provided on the night and pop it in the pot. Questions will be picked from the pot and answered by each panelist in turn.
The Spring Show takes place on 21st March at the Memorial Hall. Full details on the ‘Shows’ link.
The A.G.M. is on 2nd April. We would be very pleased to welcome new committee members. We especially need a minute secretary and someone willing to organise the tombolas at the shows. It would help for us to know if you are interested by 21st March. Contact any committee member or see us at the show, if you need more information.
Members met on 5th December for our final meeting of 2019. The evening began with a Quiz compiled by Shaun Vallard, while the meal was being prepared. Everyone then tucked in to a turkey supper followed by a mincemeat slice with clotted cream.
A festive raffle completed a very enjoyable evening.
There will be no members’ meeting in January but the committee will meet to decide on speakers for next year (September onwards). If there is a subject that you are especially interested in, please let us know before 14th January.
Happy Christmas and New Year to all and we look forward to seeing you on February 6th, when Clive Groves will be speaking about The Secret World of Violets.
Violets
July has come around so it is time to start thinking about our Summer Show on August 17th. We are always pleased to welcome new exhibitors as well as our ‘regulars’. See the ‘Shows’ link for full details.
We are enjoying glorious weather and our gardens are looking beautiful. Her are a few examples.
View of the summerhouse, Buckland Ripers.
Deutzia in full bloom
This orchid has flowered again after 4 years!
Special Awards
Daffodil Championship Salver and Medal for Best Daffodil Exhibit, Ray Hayward. Best Bloom in Daffodils (Cape Cornwall), Darlene Hayward. Diploma for Best Vase, Daffodils, Mark Read. Diploma (Judge’s discretion), Eric Pickard.
Silver Cup, Best Exhibit, Other Cut Flowers, Silver Trophy, Class 23 and the Benson Cup, Highest Points, Sections 1 – 6, Bill Howarth. Spring Show Cup, Runner-up, Sections 1 – 6 and the Ladies’ Spring Cup, Darlene Hayward. 
Silver Salver, Best Exhibit Pot Plants, Mark Read. Grandshaw Cup, Highest Points, Pot Plants and Golds Shield, Best Exhibit, Bulbs in Pots, Bill Howarth. Society Rose Bowl, Best Exhibit Floral Art, Brenda Woodsford. 
Novice Shield, Highest Points, Novice Section, Dot Emblen. Ridgeway Cup, Highest Points, Propogation, Bill Howarth. Prospect Cup, Highest Points Cookery and Preserves, Christine Warner. Nottington Cup, Best Handicraft, John Restorick.
Downer Cup, Best Photographic Print, Meg Rolfe. Junior Cup, Highest Points in Children’s Classes, shared by Lizzy and George Gant and Evie May Warner.
On March 7th, Mark Read gave us an excellent talk on growing vegetables. He covered all aspects including sowing, feeding and combating pests and diseases. He ended by answering members’ questions.
March 9th brought the D.F.H.S. A.G.M. at Kingston Maurward. Joy Everington stood down as Secretary and Treasurer after many years and Ann Brown was elected in her place. Joy has given valuable service to the Federation and was presented with a bouquet and a beautiful glass vase in appreciation of her dedication.
Our Spring Show on the 16th was a great success attracting 220 entries from 40 exhibitors. There were plenty of visitors to see the excellent exhibits and to sample the tea and cake.
A few of the exhibits, more images on the results page.
Please be aware that the A.G.M. and Members’ Mini Show will be held at the Memorial Hall, Victoria Avenue, Upwey and not at the school. The hall will be open from 7pm for bringing entries.
Our May Meeting was very well attended when Jan Willment gave an excellent talk and demonstration on hanging baskets. She suggested which plants thrive best and what compost to use. While talking, she filled three kinds of basket, all beautiful. She kindly donated one to the raffle with the winner choosing from the three.
Next was our Plant Sale at the Memorial Hall on May 13th. There were plenty of customers so hopefully our funds will be boosted.
June 1st was a beautiful day for our visit to The Walled Garden at little Bredy. We began with a lovely cream tea before exploring the garden.
The scones were home-made served with delicious strawberry jam and clotted cream.
We then proceeded to the garden which didn’t disappoint.The borders were filled with perennials with butterflies and bees being very busy.
It was soon time for a sit down and Colin and Sheila found the perfect spot.
We now look forward to enjoying our own gardens through the summer and preparing for the Summer Show on August 19th.