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ELSTEAD GARDEN CLUB - AGM
The Chairman Denis Holmes gave a positive report on Elstead Garden Club with a better financial position mainly due to the increase in membership, we now have 93 members. There had been very interesting speakers at the monthly meetings which had greatly contributed to the clubs continuing success. The three shows had been well supported but he urged all members to have a go, as they are great fun and you can learn a lot from exhibiting. He thanked all the committee and regular helpers for their hard work during the last year.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Denis Holmes was re-elected as Chairman and Susan Holmes as Secretary. Catherine Deaville will be the Show Secretary for 2006. The rest of the committee was voted in on block with the exception of Diana Terry who will fill the vacancy left by Gillian Drew.
THURSLEY ROAD PAVILION LANDSCAPING
Jane Henderson, who has been working closely with the building team on the new pavilion, showed the members some preliminary plans for enhancing the pavilion and car park area. This includes screening along the Thursley Road, Beacon View Road, borders in front of the pavilion and the secure area for children. The scheme would include a Woodland area to encourage wild-life and shrubs that will be in the shade of trees. Under planting of shrubs will help to keep the weeds down and a wild flower area will add interest and encourage insects. The committee will look further into the plans to see what the Garden club can do to help with this scheme.
SHOWING TIPS
Keith Pierce, who starting showing in 1951, gave his tips on successful showing and stated that everyone has something in their garden that they could show. He keeps a cardboard box in his shed which includes a brush for cleaning vegetables as soon as they are pulled or dug up from the ground, twine, show vases, a sharp knife, scissors and coffee lids which are ideal for displaying round vegetables such as onions.
When showing three blooms make one of the flowers slightly taller than the other two, so that one is higher up in the vase. Scrunched up newspaper put into the container will help to keep the blooms in place. Pick flowers the night before and change the water regularly. Ice cubes in the water will hold them back and make them look fresher. Take care in transporting to the show. It is better to pack flowers into boxes with newspaper as support, and arrange them at the show venue.
Pull or dig up vegetables in advance of the show but don't cut the tops off until the morning of the show. Bend over the tops and tie them down . Place the tied down side to the front on the table. His final tip, be prepared, start looking in the schedule now and think about what you are going to show for next year. Good Luck.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a successful new year, especially in your garden.
Diana and Richard Terry
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