Horsley Garden Society celebrated its centenary this year!
Horsely Garden Society has celebrated its centenary this year. Although they were affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1924, recent research suggests that there has been an active horticultural society in the Horsley area for 161 years, so a celebration was overdue.
They had two major events to mark the occasion – the Centenary Spring Show and Tea, and were hosts to the BBC’s Gardeners Question Time.
The society has activities throughout the year, and the centenary tea and show replaced the well-attended annual spring show and supper. The lovely display of spring flowers and winter vegetables was held on a beautiful April afternoon, when Bob Flowerdew addressed a packed hall in East Horsley, over tea and champagne.
In June, the BBC visited the hall to record two editions of their gardening programme. Over 140 participants were invited to put their questions to the team of James Wong, Pippa Greenwood and Juliet Sargeant, capably chaired by Kathy Clugston. There were some very interesting answers to questions.
This year they have also enjoyed lectures on a wide range of garden-related topics. Most recently, Janet John from the Wild Flower Society gave an entertaining talk on flowers that can be found beyond the garden.
They have held a number of workshops including a seed sowing event which provides seedlings sold at the plant sale in May. This popular event provides a chance to get a head start on the growing season with a diverse range of flower and vegetable seedlings as well as more mature plants and perennials.
A flower-arranging workshop just before the summer show in July resulted in some attractive centenary-themed arrangements at an enjoyable event. The show is an opportunity for members to exhibit their flowers, fruit and vegetables and enter home craft classes such as cakes, jams and marmalade. Children’s entries are especially welcome, and there are silver cups for the winners.
They visited a member’s garden in Clandon in July, had a talk on Gertrude Jekyll in October and the AGM, quiz and wine and cheese evening in November.
Membership of this friendly society is open to residents of East and West Horsley and their environs. New members are very welcome and they are delighted to include children and people new to gardening. Numbers of members are growing and we are grateful for the efforts of the chairman and committee for enabling Horsley Garden Society to promote its philosophy of education, enjoyment and community, into the future.