Tiverton Garden Club

Annual General Meeting report

2012-02-05T15:18:00.000Z

The Chairman opened the meeting and then reported on another successful year for the club. He highlighted the events from 2011 and ran through what was planned for 2012. Reports from the Treasurer, Show Secretary and Garden Visits sub-committee were read out and questions from members were answered by the Chairman.

The election of officers was done and an election of two exisitng committee members. Jim & Margaret Grose, who were stepping down from the committee were thanked for their hard work in the last three years. Two new committee members were nominated and proposed and voted to join the committee.

The evening ended with an digital audio visual slide show highlighting the club's events in 2011 and presented by Ros Nichols.

Annual General Meeting tonight

2012-01-31T11:01:00.001Z

It is the Club's Annual General Meeting tonight at The Memorial Hall, Angel Hill, Tiverton at 7.30pm.

The new programmes for 2012 and membership cards will be available. The annual subscription remains at £5 per person.

Anyone who is unable to make the meeting but wishes to join please send a cheque made payable to Tiverton Garden Club with a sufficiently stamped self addressed envelope to the Chairman, Tim Nichols. (Email the "Contact Us" button on the right hand side for the address if you haven't got it please).

Time permitting, once the business of the evening is finished, Ros Nichols will show some digital images of some garden club events which happened in 2011.

Christmas Social & Prizegiving

2011-12-19T20:25:00.000Z

The Occasional Singer with volunteer hand bell ringers

Best decorated parcel competition entries

2011 Flower Show prize winners

The Christmas Social and Prize-giving evening at The New Hall was a success yet again. Members enjoyed a delicious buffet supper and followed with entertainment by The Occasional Singers

Christmas Luncheon

2011-12-12T20:53:00.000Z

This year's Christmas Luncheon was a Oake Manor Golf Club near Taunton when members enjoyed a Christmas feast and a fun raffle.

Christmas Coffee Morning tomorrow

2011-11-28T09:36:00.002Z

From 10am at The Memorial Hall, members are invited to join fellow members and friends for a coffee and browse the festive goodies on offer on the bring and buy stall, the cakes and produce stall, and the Christmas flower arranging stall.

The Club Calendar will be on show and Ros will be taking orders for the calendar she says it is "the best yet"! With her own images and some from Denis Shand and Val Payne the calendar showcases images taken at Garden Visits during 2011.

Also on sale will be the competition bulbs to grow on next year's Spring Flower Show.

Please come along and support if you are able.

Festive Flowers Bloom

2011-11-17T11:34:00.002Z

Maggie Roberts and Tim Nichols showed their floral arranging expertise to a packed Memorial Hall audience at the November meeting. Between the talented pair they demonstrated six Festive Flower arrangements, sharing tips and techniques.

Maggie used hesian and wire with gold chrysanthemums for her first arrangement. A snow scene was created for her second arrangement using artificial snow crystals, white roses and silver leaves. For her third arrangement, she used red roses and pink gerbera and made an all-round line arrangement around red ting ting.

Tim's first arrangement used a oblong charger as a base and had a candle with red spray carnations for a simple table arrangement. For his next arrangement he used a posy pad of oasis foam and carved out a round hole and placed a bottle of wine in it. He then did a tapestry style arrangement using lots of different types of foliage and then added flowers: white roses, lilac freesias, an orimental cabbage to compliment the colour scheme. For his final arrangement he used a large basket to be put on a fire place and used white lillies and red roses.

Vice Chairman, John Bennett thanked Maggie & Tim for an inspiring evening which showed everyone how to do simple flower arrangements at Christmastime.

Proceeds of the raffle and refreshments were donated to the club's nominated charity: The Mardon Rehalbilitation Centre, in the sum of £300.

Charity evening next week

2011-11-03T17:09:00.000Z

Don't forget that November's meeting on Tuesday the 8th is all in aid of charity. The Mardon Centre in Exter who specialise in rehabilitation for brain injuries is our nominated charity for 2011 and all proceeds of the raffle and refreshments will be donated to it.

Tim Nichols and Maggie Roberts will be demonstrating "Festive Flowers", so please join us for what will be a fun filled evening at The Memorial Hall. If you are not a member, there is a £1 entry fee. What a bargain!

Hedgehog talk changed

2011-09-24T02:25:00.001+01:00

It is with much sadness I have to report that Elizabeth Dyas has cancelled her talk on hedgehogs due to ill health.

We have managed to get replacement speakers for Tuesday 11th October. Local couple Prissie & Denis Holwell will give an illustrated talk on The Dutch gardens Keukenhof.

Forthcoming Trip to Tyntesfield House & Gardens

2011-09-21T15:28:00.001+01:00

Tiverton & Heathcoat Photographic Club are running a coach trip and Chairman, Bette Delling, says that there are still seats available to National Trust property Tyntesfield House & Gardens which Garden Club members can go on. On Sunday 9th October, leaving Kingdoms Coach garage at 8am, with various pickups along the way. Please contact Ros Nichols, who will pass on details to Bette, as soon as possible if you would like to join us.

The coach fare is £7.50 and entrance to the House & Gardens is free to National Trust members and £11.50 to non members. The aim is to get to the property by 10.30am so we have plenty of time to view and explore. This is what the National Trust say:

Spectacular Victorian Gothic Revival house with gardens and parkland

A fine Victorian country house created by one of England’s richest commoners, William Gibbs, who built his fortune on fertiliser.
Spiralling turrets and pinnacles adorn the roof, ornate stone carvings and church-like windows complete the Gothic look, giving the feel of a mysterious, fairytale mansion. Terraced lawns give way to spacious parkland scattered with hundreds of trees collected by the family, and a glorious walled kitchen garden beyond.
Four generations of the Gibbs family called Tyntesfield home, filling it with both the splendid and the ordinary – from fine porcelain and fabulous textiles, to picnic sets and ice skates.
Unusually for a stately home this one displays its wears and tears and that’s what makes Tyntesfield truly unique. Come and see the progress that has been made on this groundbreaking restoration project. The house now has a new roof, is free of scaffolding and our new Home Farm Visitor Centre is open – try out our new shop, Cow Barn restaurant, interactive wildlife hub and garden shop.

An invitation from the Mid Devon Natural History Group

2011-09-12T12:54:00.000+01:00

On Friday 21st October 2011 the Mid Devon Natural History Society are having a talk entitled "The Worms in your Garden".

This talk is being given by Dr Roger Avery, one time head of the Zoology
department at Bristol University.

The meeting is at 7.30pm at St Georges Hall, Tiverton, and no charge
is made for first time visitors.

As this is a subject that may be of mutual interest, the Club would like to
cordially invite any of your members who would care to come along.

Autumn Flower Show report

2011-09-05T12:15:00.036+01:00

Despite difficult weather conditions during the summer there were some beautiful blooms on show at The New Hall for the Club's Autumn Flower Show.

Entries were down in the decorative section but there was still an high standard of exhibits to see. Principal winners were Tim Nichols; Ros Nichols; Emma Nichols; Jean Webb and Pat Cyprus. The Award of Merit went to Jean Webb for her Pretty in Pink arrangement, which also won the new special class trophy The Bethany Hope Memorial Cup.

In the Childrens' section the winners were Paige Nichols & Jessica Ridgeway.

In the Cut Flowers section the principal winners were: Alby Berry, Chad Stone, Mary Sedgbeer, Peter Billing, Margaret Grose, Pat Cyprus, Ann Crawford with Peter Billing winning the Award of Merit for a vase of Annual flowers.

In the Shrubs and Trees section the principal winners were: Peter Billing, Rachael Hart, Ann Crawford, Jean Webb and Jean Bennett with Peter Billing winning the Award of Merit of a vase of flowering shrubs.

In the Pot Plants section the principal winners were: Mary Coles, Peter Billing, Margaret Grose, Chad Stone, John Mears, Jean Bennett, Ann Crawford with Jean Bennett winning the Award of Merit.

In the Members Plant Growing Competition we had a record number of entries which made it hard work for the judge. The winner was Pat Cyprus; second Jean Webb & third Rachael Hart.

In the Photography section the principal winners were Angela Parrott; Cathy Mosscrop and Ros Nichols and

The Award of Merit went to Angela Parrott for her Garden Tools.

The Jubilee collection class proved a tightly contested competition with the winning points going to Ann Crawford with Pat Cyprus a close second.

Committee Members and Judge Paul Fonnereau

Chairman Tim Nichols with Angela Parrott

Tim with Jean Webb

Pat Cyprus with her winning Chocolate Cosmos

Jean Bennett with her Award of Merit

Peter Billing with his Award of Merit

Many thanks to the judges: Ginny Addison-Smith; Paul Fonnerau from Cove Garden Nursery and Peter Sluman.

August Coach Trip

2011-08-25T12:26:00.005+01:00

Members were meant to visit Killerton House & Gardens this month but it was changed at the last moment and instead the coach went to Otter Nurseries & Sidmouth for the day.

Photos by Val Payne:

The new season starts soon

2011-08-12T08:55:00.004+01:00

On Tuesday 30th August our guest speaker will be Roger Stuckey from Exmouth who will be giving us an illustrated talk on "A Miscellany of Bulbs". The meeting starts at 7.30pm at The Memorial Hall, Angel Hill. Non members fee £1.

Monica will be collecting Flower Show entry forms as the closing date for entries is the next day!

The Aututmn Flower Show is on Saturday 3rd September at The New Hall, Barrington Street. Exhibitors can start staging from 9am to 10.45am. The show is open to the public at 2 o'clock.

There will refreshments and a produce stall so why not come along and look at the exhibits and enjoy a cuppa, a piece of homemade cake and a chat. It is free to enter if you are member and only 50p for non members.

Still places left on the trip to Otter Nurseries & Killerton

2011-08-11T08:54:00.000+01:00

Monica tells me that there a few places left on the trip to Killerton with a stop at Otter Nurseries next Thursday - the 18th - if anyone is interested.

Please contact Monica on the telephone number on your card if you are interested.

Gardening Questions at Rackenford Manor on Tuesday 9th August 2011

2011-08-05T09:12:00.000+01:00

The Event is in aid of Mid Devon Day Hospice – Post Hill, Tiverton

Gardening Questions at Rackenford Manor on Tuesday 9^th August 2011.

Gardens open from 4.30pm. Gardening questions answered by panel of experts hosted by Sarah Chester of BBC Radio Devon and Anne Swithinbank, gardening writer and broadcaster, also featuring Michael Hickson, former Head Gardener at Knightshayes and the winner o f the RHS Victoria Medal of Honor.

Gardens open from 4.40pm

Your questions answered from 6.30 – 8.00pm in marquee.

Bring a picnic to enjoy in the garden or marquee.

Pay Bar 6.00pm – 9.30pm

Light live music by the Revellers ( a trio) 8.00pm – 9.30pm

Tickets £10 to include complimentary drink. Available either from Hospiscare, telephone 01392 688020 or from any of the Hospice Charity shops or from

Elizabeth d'Erlanger

Hensleigh Cottage, Tiverton, Devon EX16 5NH | Tel: 01884 254653

Champions!

2011-07-26T00:01:00.001+01:00

Ros & Tim Nichols - Mary Tucker:the marquee organiser - Phil & Rachael Hart

The Garden Design Team

Joan the land girl with the winning trophy for specialist feature marquee and champion certificate for best marquee in show

We are the champions!

Member's individual exhibits

2011-07-25T19:21:00.000+01:00

Four members entered the individual flower arranging class at Mid Devon Show. Make Do and Mend was the title.

Emma Nichols

Tim Nichols was awarded second prize

Maggie Roberts

Ros Nichols

Competitve Class result

2011-07-24T19:14:00.001+01:00

THe Club's exhibit was awarded third prize in the competitive club class "Dig for Britain" at Mid Devon Show

Mid Devon Show Club competition exhibit

2011-07-22T21:16:00.000+01:00

Maggie Roberts and Tim Nichols with the Garden Club's flower arrangement for the Club competitive class "Dig for Britain". What a fabulous job they did. Also helping was Ann Steer and Emma Nichols.

(Results will be known tomorrow)

Mid Devon Show garden exhibit

2011-07-22T20:48:00.000+01:00

Set up day at Mid Devon Show - Dig for Britain with a Union Jack planted with bedding plants and some cut flowers to fill in and Joan the land girl with her wheel barrow of veg from the veggie patch.

Well done to the Design Team - Janet & Peter Billing; Rachael Hart; John & Jean Bennett and Tim & Ros Nichols.

Visit to The Garden House

2011-07-21T20:43:00.000+01:00

Members enjoyed a sunny day at The Garden House this July. Here are a few photos taken by Val Payne.

2011 Holiday Montage

2011-07-20T21:44:00.001+01:00

The Holidaymakers

2011-07-11T19:48:00.000+01:00

Ickworth House & Garden

2011-07-09T19:40:00.004+01:00

Somerleyton House & Gardens

2011-07-07T19:38:00.001+01:00

A coffee stop in Lowestoft

2011-07-06T19:36:00.000+01:00

A ride on the Mid Norfolk Railway

2011-07-05T19:33:00.000+01:00

Peter Beales Rose Garden

2011-07-04T21:04:00.000+01:00

Oxburgh Hall & Gardens

2011-07-02T20:55:00.000+01:00

Bressingham

2011-07-01T14:58:00.002+01:00

Home of the Bloom family, here is a photo of the original Foggy Bottom.

Great Yarmouth

2011-07-01T14:57:00.001+01:00

The setting sun on the pier up the road from our hotel on the first night.

Mobile magic

2011-07-01T12:35:00.001+01:00

Testing to see if I can write a post from my phone

Members return from a successful holiday

2011-06-29T20:28:00.000+01:00

Members spent a wonderful week staying at The Burlington Palm Hotel in Great Yarmouth last week. Visiting 5 gardens and a journey on a steam train all went down well. A optional trip to the theatre proved popular too. Not much rain to speak of and 5 very diffent gardens.

Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum on Monday
Oxbugh Hall and Gardens on Tuesday
A trip to the theatre in Gorleston on Tuesday evening
Peter Beales Rose Garden and a journey on the Mid Norfolk Railway on Wednesday
Somerleyton Hall and Gardens on Thursday
Dancing in the hotel on Thursday evening
Ickworth Hall and Gardens on Friday

Photos from members will follow - I will keep the gardens in separate posts.

Holiday Preparations

2011-06-10T13:51:00.000+01:00

The Tiverton Garden Club sub committee who organises the day trips and holidays met this week to discuss the final arrangements for the Club's annual holiday. A return visit to Great Yarmouth and visiting 5 gardens in Norfolk and Suffolk.

All we wish for now is nice weather and I will report with pictures when we get back.

Ros

Garden Visit to Broomhill Sculpture Garden

2011-05-14T13:48:00.006+01:00

Members enjoyed a trip to north Devon for a visit to Trelawny Garden Centre at Barnstaple before visiting Broomhill Scupture Garden just outside Barnstaple.

A hot buffet lunch was provided which members enjoyed before wandering around the paths of the garden to see the varied, often strange, sculptures.

A sunny afternoon saw many members sitting on the terrace sipping tea whilst chatting to each other.

Coffee Morning Success

2011-05-13T14:01:00.003+01:00

The Spring coffee morning and plant sale proved successful for the club last week. A steady flow of members and friends stopped by for a cuppa and view the many plants for sale.

The members plant competition plants - Chocolate Cosmos supplied by Cove Garden Nursery were on sale. There are still a few left - please contact Tim Nichols if you want one.

The raffle was popular as was the bring and buy.

Brian Carlson's Practical evening

2011-04-30T13:40:00.000+01:00

"Hanging Baskets, Tubs and Pots" was the title of the talk given to members by Brian Carlson of Willand. He started his demonstration with a hanging basket, giving members advice on his recommended size of the basket, which is easiest to take care of. He then went on to show us his way of lining and filling the basket, the best mixture of soil and a selection of plants to use to give the best effect. Tubs and pots followed and advice given on planting, illustrated with pictures of all three containers including award winning items.

The audience very appreciative and many questions were asked. The main advice he gave was to water containers once a day and twice a day in hot weather and deadhead regularly.

The Chairman, Tim Nichols, thanked Mr Carlson for his interesting and informative talk.

April Talk tonight

2011-04-26T14:02:00.004+01:00

Brian Carlson from Willand is our guest speaker tonight at 7.30pm at The Memorial Hall. Discussing "Hanging Baskets and Container Plants, he will be bringing some young plants for sale.

Guests entrance fee is £1 & free to members.

Plants for Shade by Paul Fonnereau

2011-04-26T13:53:00.003+01:00

Paul Fonnereau, one of the new owners of Cove Garden Nursery visited the Club to give an interesting talk on his subject "Plants for Shade", illustrated with slides. He started by giving us the causes and features of share, then went on to suggest ways of improving the situation. Next he described how many plants have adapted over the years, to cope with the problems, the slides giving us an insight as to how this has been achieved. The final section of his talk gave us plant selections which are suitable for difficult shady, damp and have these areas in our gardens.

The evening finished with a question time, plant sale and usual cup of tea.

April talk

2011-04-18T16:51:00.002+01:00

Don't forget the next evening talk will be held on Tuesday 26th April at The Memorial Hall, Angel Hill commencing at 7.30pm. Brian Carlson from Willand will showing and discussing how to plant and grow successful hanging baskets and containers.

Please come and join us - free entry to members and & £1 for guests (which is refunded if you decide to join).

Information from the newly formed Dulverton Garden Club

2011-04-18T09:00:00.000+01:00

A new garden club has opened in Dulverton.

Here is some information:

Fri 10th June The Garden House Trip (Favorite Garden of Carol Klein)
Members £20 & Non Members £23 (Inc. Coach, entrance & Intro)
£10 deposit required. Departure from Exmoor House Dulverton at 11am, please arrive 15 mins before departure.

Sun 26th June Secret Garden of Dulverton 10am - 5pm
The 4th year of the highly successful open gardens; At least 16 Dulverton gardens will be open of which 8 are new this year. The main donation will be to The Youth Club. Programmes can be brought for £3 in advance from the Post Office or £4 on the day. On the day refreshments will be available in the Town Hall.

Mon 18th July David Austin's Roses Trip
Members £30.50 & Non members £33.50 (Inc. Coach, entrance, tour, high tea & a 10% discount voucher). £10 deposit required. Departure from Exmoor House Dulverton at 9am, please arrive 15 mins before departure.

Sat 20th August Dulverton Flower & Produce Show, 2pm in the Town Hall. Visitors welcome, auction 4pm, raffle & refreshments will be available.

If any would like to join us for any of these activities, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Amanda Bardgett
(events co ordinator for Dulverton Gardening Club)

Phone: 01398 371659

Hardy Orchid Weekend - 7th & 8th May at Newton Abbot

2011-04-11T15:43:00.001+01:00

Hardy Orchid Weekend at Burnham Orchid Nursery
Forches Cross Newton Abbot
Sat/Sun 7th & 8th May

Hardy Terrestrial orchid expert Jeff Hutchings from Laneside Hardy Orchid Nursery in Lancashire will be visiting the Chelsea Gold Medal winning Burnham Orchid Nursery at Newton Abbot for the weekend.
He will be bringing a selection of specimen show plants for visitors to see and offering for sale the widest selection of outdoor orchids available in the country. These specimens will include a pot of the rare British Native Slipper Orchid, until recently represented by one wild plant in Yorkshire.
At 11.30 each morning he will be giving a talk on how to grow these beautiful orchids in your garden or meadow and from 2.00 to 3.00 pm each day will be holding a clinic answering questions, giving advice and repotting customer’s hardy orchids.
Why not take the opportunity to learn about hardy orchids, including our own British native orchids, take refreshments in the coffee shop and then wander round the exotic tropical orchids offered by Burnhams.
Jeff has run Laneside from its inception in 2002 and has built up a reputation for providing good quality legally grown terrestrial orchids to customers throughout Europe. The 2011 catalogue lists over 150 different species and hybrids, providing orchids for any type of garden situation.
He regularly exhibits at RHS and other major shows and gives talks all round the UK. Later this year he will be guest speaker at an orchid weekend in Germany.
His book, “Growing orchids in a British garden” has sold over 750 copies during the last three years and provides simple information on what to grow and how to grow them.
Last year he provided orchids for the wildflower meadow on top of one of the Olympic village buildings and has been involved in numerous native planting schemes.
You can contact Jeff Hutchings via his website: http://www.lanesidealpines.com

Spring Flower Show Results

2011-04-03T16:43:00.014+01:00

Committee, stewards and judges on Saturday
photo taken by Keith Stone

The Tiverton Garden Club’s Spring Flower Show on Saturday filled The New Hall with colour and fragrance. The early spring sunshine brought bumper blooms in many classes for the many visitors.

The judges complimented the exhibitors on the high quality and hard work put into the presentation of their exhibits.

The results were as follows:

In the Decorative Section the principal prize-winners were Tim Nichols, Angela Cottrell and Alby Berry. Tim Nichols won the Award of Merit for his ‘Royal Honeymoon Destination’ exhibit. Alby Berry won the special award for the novice class ‘A Royal Wedding Breakfast’.

The winners in the Children’s’ Sections were Paige Nichols and Milly Green.

In the Cut Flowers Section the principal prize-winners were Alby Berry, Chad Stone, Ann Crawford, Rachael Hart, Mary Smith, Margaret Grose, Mike Long, Angela Parrott and Bette Delling with Chad Stone winning the Award of Merit for a vase of narcissi.

In the Shrubs and Trees Section the principal prize-winners were Ann Crawford, Monica Seatherton, Sue Sharpin and Jean Bennett, with Jean Bennett winning the Award of Merit for three sprays of pink camellias.

In the Pot Plant Section the principal prize-winners were Mary Coles, Jean Bennett and Jim Grose, with Jean Bennett winning the Award of Merit for a beautiful cyclamen.

The Members Competition for a pot of Rip Van Winkle narcissi, provided by the Club, was won by Chad Stone who won the Sue Gollop Trophy.

In the Photography Section the principal prize-winners were Ros Nichols and Alec Crawford with Alec Crawford winning the Award of Merit with his photo of ‘A Sculpture’ taken in Tewksbury Abbey.

Finally, the Jubilee Class was won by Tim Nichols with 26 points for a collection including a flower arrangement, a specimen narcissi and a photograph. A close second was Ros Nichols with 25 points and third was Pat Cyprus.

The Committee would like to thank the judges, Colin Barrow, Val Maunder and Keith Stone for their time and hard work.

Chad Stone with granddaughter

Jean Bennett with her beautiful cyclamen

Jean Bennett with her pink camellias

Alec Crawford with his winning photo

March Meeting & Flower Show entries

2011-03-28T14:00:00.003+01:00

Tomorrow night, Tuesday 29th March will bring guest speaker, Paul Fonnereau from Cove Garden Nursery to the club discussing Plants for Shade. He has promised to bring a selection of plants for sale too.

The talk starts at 7.30pm at The Memorial Hall, Angel Hill, Tiverton, Devon,
EX16 6PE.

Wednesday is the last day for entries for the Flower Show on Saturday - 2nd April at The New Hall.

Tiverton Allotment Association

2011-02-03T15:06:00.000Z

Tiverton Allotment Association
Spring Talk
Guest speaker: David Loder: local horticultural consultantand adviser to the Devon Community Council's community gardens project, examiner for the RHS and garden and landscape designer
Composting & gardening top tips
18th February 2011, 7:00pm
Venue: Racehorse Public House, WellbrookStreet, Tiverton
Entry is free for paid up members of the TAA.
Non-members are welcome but a £1 charge will made at the door
Booking is not required just turn up any time after 6:30pm
For information on joining the TAA please call the Secretary on 254559

Welcome to 2011

2011-01-31T13:56:00.002Z

The 2011 Annual General Meeting went well last week with all officers and committee being re-elected. The Chairman summed up another excellent year for the Club and hoped that the Club would continue to thrive in 2011.

The new programmes and membership cards are now available with the annual subscription now being £5 each.

The discount scheme on gardening products with Heard and Sendell, Cove Garden Nursery and The Old Well Garden Centre continues as before.

The 2011 Garden Club Calendar

2010-11-04T13:50:00.003Z

Ros Nichols is currently putting together the finishing touches to the 2011 Garden Club calendar. Orders will be taken at the next meeting and the Coffee Morning on Tuesday 30th November. Images from the 2010 Garden visits will form the images for each month.

Spring Show Bulb Growing Competition

2010-11-03T13:55:00.001Z

Bulbs are available now for the members competition at next year's Spring Flower Show on Saturday 2nd April 2011.

Get them at the next meeting on Tuesday 9th November or the Coffee Morning on Tuesday 30th November.

Five double narcissi Rip Van Winkle bulbs have been purchased for members to grown in a 2 litre pot. Costing just £1.50 - have a go and see what you can grow.

Garden Visits Summer & Autumn 2010

2010-10-30T13:38:00.003+01:00

Sorry for the absence of posts for a while. I will endeavour to play catch up now.

July's Garden Visit was to Hidcote Manor in Glouchestershire.

August saw a visit to Bennett's Water Garden near Weymouth. A charming garden based around 3 lakes all with a variety of different coloured water lillies.

In September we visited the Bishop's Palace at Wells. It was a beautiful sunny day and some members went on a guided tour while others wandered the gardens at their own pace. Artistic sculptures were scattered around the grounds and beautiful relections of the neighbouring Abbey could also be seen.

For October and autumn colour we visited the small Dorset village of Mintere and the hidden gardens at Minterne House. With the visit planned for the last week of October we did wonder whether it would be too late but it turned out to be perfect timing for beautiful Acers and Beeches amongst many others. After a circular walk around the extended gardens and following a stream and pond some members visited the neighbouring church. We then set off some very narrow lanes to the even smaller village of Poyntington for a cream tea provided by the local WI.

Shady Ladies & Damp Damsels by Sally Gregson

2010-10-15T13:48:00.001+01:00

October's evening talk was by Sally Gregson who runs a small nursery near Wookey in Someset. The evening proved to be an informative and interesting discussion on shade loving plants and those who preferred damp conditions.

Tiverton Carnival Flower Fairies & Friends Success

2010-09-20T13:55:00.018+01:00

WE WON! Yes, our float and walkers won the best local entry class in Tiverton Carnival on Saturday. We are so delighted. The atmosphere was brilliant and our greatest thanks goes to those who helped and supported us in any way share or form.

Our theme was the flower fairies and friends we find at the bottom of the garden and here are the photos:

Autumn Season commences

2010-09-05T13:38:00.000+01:00

The first of the autumn season of talks proved very popular with over 70 people attending. John Bennett, vice-Chairman addressed the audience and introduced the speaker, John Randall from the Devon Wildlife Trust who gave us his very informative talk on the Butterflies of Devon. It was surprising to learn about the number of different species but a little sad that, because of changes in habitats and climate, so many were dwindling in numbers. It was intriguing to see how each butterfly went through its life-cycle and Mr Randall explained the minimal difference between butterflies and moths, being basically the shape of the antenna.
Of special interest were his details of the large Blue which was virtually extinct in 1979, but which has been reintroduced and is now thriving in certain sites on Dartmoor. A result!

The vice Chairman thanked Mr Randall and he proceeded to answer questions over a welcome cup of tea. The next meeting is on 5th October and speaker will be Sally Gregson with talk entitled "Shady Ladies and Damp Damsels".

Garden visit to Kew Gardens

2010-08-25T13:56:00.002+01:00

A few photos from the visit to Kew

Visit to Hampton Court Palace

2010-08-12T22:53:00.007+01:00

Here are a few of the photos I took and thebrilliant photo of the deer in the park is by Val Payne.

Three days in the South East inc Wisley

2010-08-09T09:55:00.012+01:00

A few photos from Wisley

42 members recently enjoyed a lovely weekend in the south east of England. We stayed two nights in a hotel at Shepperton and visited three completely different gardens.

An early departure from the coach station on the first day and a straight forward no delay journey meant we got to our first destination early. RHS Garden Wisley. A dry pleasant afternoon with sunny intervals greeted us in the south east.

The second day allowed us a full day at Hampton Court Palace.

Finally after breakfast on the final day we arrived at Kew Gardens at 10 o'clock and were there for six hours to wander freely.

A surprise meal on the way home ended a fabulous three days.

Pictures to follow from Kew and Hampton Court.

Mid Devon Show success

2010-07-28T10:19:00.010+01:00

Our exhibit at the Flower and Garden Marquee at Mid Devon Show was a great success. Keeping with the theme of the show, Meadow and Grasslands, we put together a stunning exhibit, even if I say so myself!

The stars being a collection of meadow flowers grown by Peter Billing and a pretty garden border of traditional cottage garden flowers grown by Ann Crawford.

Rachel Hart, Mary Smith, Janet Billing, Jean & John Bennett all gathered plants in pots, cut greenery and mechanics to build up the scene. Pictures of sheep from Watermans, turf kindly supplied by Edenvale Turf together with plastic wood pidgeons made by Janet sat on Rachel's house gate.

The Marquee was rewarded by winning the Leisure section for the best marquee, so congratulations to Marquee organiser/co-ordinator, Mary Tucker and the other exhibitors.

Thank you to all who made this exhibit possible. You did the Club proud. Thank you also to all stewards on the day of show.

Garden Visit to Hidcote Manor Garden

2010-07-25T09:45:00.001+01:00

July's garden visit was to the National Trust's Hidecote Manor Garden in Gloucester.

From what I have heard the roses were magnificent. Hopefully I will get some photos to show at some point.

The National Trust's Website describes the garden:
"The twisting lanes of the Cotswold countryside lead to one of the most inventive and influential gardens of the 20th century. Hidcote Manor Garden, with its structure of outdoor 'rooms', linked by vistas and furnished with all sorts of topiary, recalls both the English garden style and the European connections of its creator Major Lawrence Johnston. Laid out over 70 years ago an astonishing variety of effects have been created. Hedges, walls, water and paving were all combined to create a garden that has its origins in the Arts and Crafts movement. Profuse and 'jungly' planting, rich colour and texture, contrast with areas left deliberately plain to give calm and restful intinterludes, so increasing the impact of the garden's lavish and exciting progression."

Garden Visits in The Lake District

2010-06-23T21:33:00.004+01:00

47 members have just returned from a week's holiday organised by the Tours sub-committee to The Lake District. Staying at The Cumbria Grand Hotel in Grange-over-Sands, we had a great week.

Wall to wall sunshine and six garden visits with a cruise on Lake Windermere too, it was a fun filled and hectic week.

A collage of the best images:

Garden Visit to Greenway House

2010-06-13T21:04:00.003+01:00

A short boat cruise along the River Dart from Dartmouth to Greenway House jetty was enjoyed by members on a bright sunny day.

Photos supplied by Val Payne:

Garden visit to Kilver Court Garden

2010-05-13T12:35:00.007+01:00

May's garden visit was to the secret gardens of Somerset at Kilver Court, Shepton Mallet, open to the public for the first time in over a century. In the 1800's the gardens were open to factory workers as an oasis of tranquility and nature.

Roger Saul has now unlocked the doors against a backdrop of a listed viaduct, the gardens lawns frame a millpond, a boating lake and a formal parterre creating a perfect place to relax.

An overcast day did not spoil the delight of members in this gem of a garden.

May Coffee Morning

2010-05-12T14:27:00.006+01:00

Members and visitors enjoyed an informal chat over refreshments at the Coffee Morning held at The Memorial Hall yesterday. The Bring & Buy, Cake Stall and Raffle were well supported. Member, Julia Robinson had a good selection of annuals for sale and visitors filled their bags.

Plants for the members plant competition for the Autumn Flower Show were on sale. Fuchsias called Garden News, supplied by Cove Garden Nursery were snapped up.

The ladies & gent from the kitchen making the tea and doing the washing up.

The ladies taking the money for coffee & raffles

Plants being sold

Lots of chat going on

Chairman Tim with two of his helpers

Garden Visit to Abbey House Gardens

2010-05-10T20:27:00.010+01:00

April's garden visit was to Malmesbury and the home of the naked gardeners at Abbey House Gardens. Here are the photos from a glorious day in glorious surroundings. Photos provided by Ros Nichols and Val Payne:

April talk

2010-04-30T14:53:00.002+01:00

April's guest speaker was Julia Tremlett from Bickham House, Kenton who gave an informative insight into the workings of the National Gardens Scheme in Devon. With such enthusiasm she showed many photos of the gardens in the scheme in Devon. She explained the history of the scheme and the criteria for having a garden be included within it.

2010-04-10T19:25:00.005+01:00

Following on from the results of the flower show today, here are some photos:

Christine Moore

Chad Stone

Peter Billing

Peter Billing

Tim Nichols & Maggie Roberts

The Committee & Judges

Pat Cyprus

Emma Nichols

Paige Nichols

Spring Flower Show Results

2010-04-10T18:29:00.004+01:00

Today's Spring Flower Show at The New Hall was very well supported by new and old members. The spring blooms gave a fragrant and colourful display for the many visitors, in what has been a difficult spring for gardeners.

The results were as follows:

In the Decorative Section the principal prize-winners were Tim Nichols, Angela Cottrell, Christine Moore, Jeanne Barnett and Emma Nichols. Christine Moore won the Award of Merit for her ‘Spring Wedding’ exhibit. Emma Nichols won the special award for the novice class ‘An Arrangement in an unusual container’.

The winners in the Children’s’ Sections were Paige Nichols and Jessica Ridgeway.

In the Cut Flowers Section the principal prize-winners were Margaret Grose, Chad Stone, Ann Crawford, Rachael Hart, Roger Pike, Mary Coles and Peter Billing with Chad Stone winning the Award of Merit for a vase of narcissi.

In the Shrubs and Trees Section the principal prize-winners were Angela Parrott, Jean Bennett, Ann Crawford and Peter Billing with Peter Billing winning the Award of Merit for three camellias.

In the Pot Plant Section the principal prize-winners were Ros Pike, Emma Nichols, Pat Cyprus, Stephanie Sporne, Ann Crawford and Peter Billing with Peter Billing winning the Award of Merit for a beautiful orchid.

The Members Competition for a pot of Shakespeare tulips, provided by the Club, was won by Pat Cyprus who won the Sue Gollop Trophy.

In the Photography Section the principal prize-winners were Tim Nichols, Jean Webb and Pam Pebworth with Tim Nichols, winning the Award of Merit with his photo of ‘Reflections’.

Finally, the Jubilee Class was won by Ros Nichols with 23 points for a collection including a flower arrangement, an Azalea and a photograph. Second was Janet Billing and join third was Peter Billing and Susan Gollop.

The Committee would like to thank the judges, Colin Barrow, Mary Tucker and Tony Britton for their time and hard work and all the helpers and exhibitors – new and old - for a top quality show.

Photos on the next post.

Garden Visit to Stourhead

2010-04-02T14:46:00.005+01:00

The first garden visit of the year was to Stourhead on a cold and overcast March day. Members went in search of daffodils but only found lots snowdrops and crocus.

Photos taken by Val Payne:

Mid Devon Show Planning Meeting

2010-03-25T13:34:00.001Z

Ideas are now being gathered for the Club's annual exhibit in the Garden & Flower Marquee at Mid Devon Show on Saturday 24th July.

The theme of the show and the marquee is Grassland. Anyone who can help or has any ideas please use the contact us feature at the top of the page.

There is a planning meeting on Tuesday 6th April.

March talk - A Victorian Walled Garden

2010-03-23T23:15:00.002Z

Chris Smith from Pennard Plants, near Shepton Mallet visited the Club to give an interesting talk about Tales from a Victorian Walled Garden. His nursery is based in the walled garden of Pennard House in the village of Pennard, Somerset.

He told of how the garden would have been run in Victorian times, how it was run by the head gardener and a large team of staff. He told tales of how they used to get the best produce, fruit, vegetables and flowers and amusing stories of how they used to catch mice and prolong the life of a bunch of grapes. He also stated how he had discovered the garden after many years of neglect and transformed into a working nursery.

He brought plants for sale and chatted to members and answered questions.

February talk - Gardens of Little Bridge House

2010-02-28T23:12:00.001Z

Terry Rocke from Childrens Hospice South West's respite home in north Devon, Little Bridge House came to talk and show photos of the garden. He talked with passion about its development and how it helps with the children and their families to come to stay and visit the centre.

The Club donated the proceeds of the draw and the refreshments to the charity and the gave a donation too which in total amounted to £240.

The Centre sent a very nice thank you letter.

Annual General Meeting

2010-02-01T12:33:00.001Z

At the recent Annual General Meeting, Club officers reported that 2009 had been another successful year for the Club with all activities being well supported. Officers relected were: Chairman - Tim Nichols; Secretary - Ros Nichols; Treasurer - Carol Beer; Show Secretaries - Maggie Roberts for Spring and Monica Seatherton for Autumn. The committee were also re-elected: Sue Atkins; Maureen Coldham; John Bennett; Margaret Grose and Jim Grose.

The first meeting of the new year is on 23rd February, when Terry Rocke will give a fully illustrated talk on the Gardens of Little Bridge House in aid of Childrens Hospice South West.

Anyone wishing to join can come along and pick up a programme and membership card for the annual subscription of £3. Show Schedules for the Spring Flower Show on Saturday 10th April will also be available at the meeting.

Sorry for the lack of posts

2010-01-25T11:12:00.002Z

Message from the Secretary:

Sorry for the lack of posts at the end of last year. I will endeavour to bring everything up to date after the AGM which is tomorrow night at 7.30pm at The Memorial Hall.

All welcome - subscription £3 - programme for 2010 available.

Christmas Social Evening & Prizewinners

2010-01-03T16:24:00.000Z

Our President, Lady Amory, presented the following trophies at our well attended annual prize-giving and social evening.

The winners were:
The COCHRANE Memorial Trophy for the Highest aggregate Decorative Section - Mrs Christine Moore
The BRITTON Perpetual Challenge Cup for the Second Highest Decorative Section - Mrs Ros Nichols
The CHAIRMAN’s Cup, kindly donated by Tim Nichols, for Children aged 6 years old and under - Jessica Ridgeway
The KINA HARWARD Perpetual Challenge Cup for Children aged 7 years old and over - Paige Nichols
The SMALLS Perpetual Challenge Cup for Miscellaneous Cut Flowers - Mrs Margaret Grose
The MORRIS Memorial Trophy for Highest aggregate Cut Flower Section - Mr Alby Berry
The MARY MARKER Perpetual Challenge Cup for Shrubs, Trees & Climber Section - Mrs Ann Crawford
The ERIC SHAPLAND Perpetual Challenge Cup for Pot Plant Section - Mrs Sue Gollop
The JACK BRAY Trophy for Garden Photography - Mrs Margaret Grose
The JUBILEE TROPHY for the Collection Class - Mr Tim Nichols
The Crystal Rose Bowl for the best exhibit of Roses - Mrs Margaret Grose
The Sue Gollop Spring Trophy - Mrs Rachael Hart
The Betty Keeble Autumn Trophy - Mr Peter Billing
The FRANCES BOWDEN Memorial Trophy for the Second Highest aggregate - all sections - Mrs Margaret Grose
The AMORY Perpetual Challenge Cup for the Highest aggregate - all sections – the winner by one point - Mr Alby Berry
Finally The new COLIN UPHAM Memorial Special Photography Class - Mrs J Webb

Christmas Coffee Morning

2009-12-03T13:10:00.000Z

The Christmas Coffee Morning and Bring & Buy Sale was hailed a success by the Committee.
A constant stream of visitors enjoyed refreshments, social chat and a lively raffle.
The helpers were presented with plants in appreciation of their support.

Photos to follow........

November Talk

2009-11-20T13:37:00.007Z

Maggie Tim

Christmas arrived early at the November evening talk at Tiverton Garden Club when Chairman, Tim Nichols and committee member Maggie Roberts demonstrated some Christmas flower arranging.

A huge audience enjoyed watching Maggie's first modern arrangement using a goldfish bowl, some water crystal gel and some battery operated lights with some orange flowers followed by Tim's basket arrangement using traditional red colours and some baubles.

For Maggie's second arrangement she used a metal stand and some white lillies and roses and blue sea holly with a white candle and Tim did a table arrangement on a gold charger with a gold candle and yellow flowers.

For Maggie's third arrangement, she used a metal frame with a square mesh and brighly coloured flowers to create a collage using wool as well as foliage and flowers. Tim's third arrangement used a metal frame in the same of a tree with four candles. He decorated a interlocking wreath ring with white carnations, roses and chrysanthemums.

The arrangement were then raffled which 6 luck members of the audience won.

Garden Visit to Lukesland Gardens

2009-11-19T13:29:00.004Z

For the October garden visit, members visited The House of Marbles for a refreshments on the way to the south Devon garden of Lukesland near Ivybridge.

Lukesland lies on the edge of Dartmoor in a small valley with a brook cascading from its source through ponds and over waterfalls into the River Erme. The mainly woodland garden has flowering shrubs, trees and lots of wildlife.

Members enjoyed a sunny autumnal day and home made cakes in the tea room.

October Talk

2009-11-18T13:18:00.001Z

At the October meeting, the guest speakers were Michelle & Eric Heard who run Cheristow Lavendar Farm near Hartland, north Devon. They gave members a hands on demonstration and talk of how to cultivate, grow and explain the uses of lavendar.

They expalined how they had developed their farm over the last few years and is now open to the public along with a little tea room serving interesting receipe combinations of preserves and cakes made with lavendar.

Catching up........

2009-11-18T13:17:00.002Z

Apologises for the gap in posting information. I will endeavour to bring the blog up to date as soon as possible.

Thanks for looking.

Ros

Garden Visit to Saltram House and Garden

2009-09-24T21:52:00.006+01:00

For September's Club's garden visit we took a trip to south Devon. Firstly stopping at Endsleigh Garden Centre for coffee, browsing and shopping we arrived at Saltram House in glorious autumnal sunshine. A beautiful day was spent admiring the cyclamen in Lime Walk and the splendor of the parkland surrounding a grand house.

Here are some photos:

Autumn Flower Show results

2009-09-06T19:09:00.005+01:00

Following on from the photos posted yesterday here are the results:

The Autumn Flower Show was a great success thanks to members exhibiting flowers and foliage after a very difficult summer for gardeners. A wealth of visitors and members enjoyed the colourful array of entries in all sections.

In the Decorative Section the principal prizewinners were Ann Steer, Christine Moore, Tim Nichols and Stephanie Sporne. Christine Moore won the Award of Merit for her ‘An arrangement using orange flowers’. Stephanie Sporne won the special award for the novice class ‘An arrangement in a glass container’.

The winners in the Childrens’ Sections were Paige Nichols and Jessica Ridgeway.

In the Cut Flowers Section the principal prizewinners were Sue Gollop, Alby Berry, Ann Crawford, Peter Billing, Margaret Grose and Rachael Hart, with Alby Berry winning the Award of Merit for a vase of three decorative dahlias.

In the Shrubs and Trees Section the principal prizewinners were Alby Berry, Jean Bennett and Ann Crawford with Alby Berry winning the Award of Merit for a vase of mixed flowering shrubs.

In the Pot Plant Section the principal prize-winners were Norah Mears, Peter Billing, Margaret Grose, Sue Gollop, Jean Bennett and Chad Stone with Chad Stone winning the Award of Merit for a beautiful tuberous begonia called Power Puff.

The Members Competition for a Gerarium, provided by the Club, was won by Peter Billing.

In the Photography Section the principal prizewinners were Sylvia Frost, Bob Frost and John Bennett with Sylvia Frost, winning the Award of Merit with her photo of ‘A Sky’.

A new class in memory of coach driver Colin Upham was to enter a photo from a Club event and this was won by Mrs Jean Webb who had taken a photo on a garden club visit.

Finally, the Jubilee Class was won by Tim Nichols with 25 points for a collection including a flower arrangement, a vase of mixed variegated shrubs and a photograph. A close second was Alby Berry with 24 points.

The Committee would like to thank the judges, Eddie & Pat Sherwood from Crediton for their time and hard work and all the helpers and exhibitors – new and old - for a top quality show.

Autumn Flower Show

2009-09-05T20:46:00.010+01:00

Here are a few photos from today's Autumn Flower Show held at the New Hall.
Report will follow shortly.

At 8am this morning the hall looked like this

Show secretary and committee doing the paperwork

Judge Eddie Sherwood inspecting the exhibits

Maggie Roberts trying to hide from the camera

Doreen & Sue ready in the kitchen to serve the refreshments

Paige Nichols with her winning collage

Sue & Maureen selling draw tickets

Visitors looking at the exhibits

Alby Berry with Award of Merit winning shrubs

Alby again with Award of Merit winning cut flowers

Margaret & Jim Grose greeting visitors

Happy onlookers

Chad Stone and his Award of Merit winning pot plant

Sylvia Frost and her Award of Merit winning photograph

Christine Moore and her Award of Merit winning decorative floral art arrangement

Inspecting the exhibits

Monica and Stephanie Sporne - winner of the novice award for floral art

Monica & Christine Moore

Monica & Alby

Monica & Chad

Monica & Sylvia

Peter Billing with the winning geranium in the member's class

Monica happy that the day is over!

Sweet Peas by Phillip Kerton

2009-09-03T20:44:00.001+01:00

Our first meeting of the Autumn season saw Phillip Kerton and his wife Joyce from Bridgwater visit the club to talk with a passion about sweet peas.

He gave a good crowd of members a history of how he started to grow sweet peas to show and then start his specialist nursery. He explained how he growed and cared for them and then arranged them at the various Flower Shows throughout the season including Chelsea.

After his talk he answered members questions about soil content and storing of seeds and other growing tips.

New Season starts next Tuesday

2009-08-28T08:41:00.001+01:00

Philip Kerton from Bridgewater will visit the Club on Tusday 1st September to discuss how to grow Sweet Peas. We meet at 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall, Angel Hill.

The Autumn Flower Show takes place on Saturday 5th September at The New Hall, Barrington Street. Entry forms should be with the Show Secretary by Wednesday 2nd September.

Anniversary Tours lunch at Barnstaple

2009-08-27T21:34:00.004+01:00

Here are just a few photos taken at the Anniversary lunch in Barnstaple taken by Ros Nichols & Val Payne. The lunch was in celebration of 10 years of successful holidays organised by the present sub committee.

Garden Visit to RHS Garden Rosemoor

2009-08-20T21:24:00.005+01:00

For August the Club took a scenic drive through the Devon countryside to visit RHS Garden Rosemoor in North Devon. The sun shone all day and members enjoyed the flowers, plants and landscape. Here are few photos taken on the day.

Mid Devon Show Exhibit

2009-07-27T12:58:00.007+01:00

click on photo to make it bigger

After a very wet week in the run up to the show we were ready to set up on the Friday morning. Vehicles were packed and ready to assemble our exhibit. When we arrived at the showground at 9am on the Friday we were told the show had been cancelled. Two hours later we had a phone call to say it was on again.

So after a false start we arrived at the showground at around 12 noon and in just over 3 hours our team had done a wonderful job of creating a typical back garden with a strong recycling theme.

With thanks to the design team : Ros & Tim Nichols; Janet & Peter Billing ; John & Jean Bennett and Mary Smith & Carol Beer.

Grateful thanks to Andy Hilton of Hilton Carpet Service for providing the van to carry everything from the garden shed door to trays of plants both on the Friday in the mud and on Saturday evening when everything was dismantled.

Many thanks to Ann Crawford and Ken Howe for providing cut flowers and pot plants and to various members for providing greenery.

Garden Visit to Marwood Gardens

2009-07-20T12:58:00.003+01:00

July's garden visit was to Marwood Gardens in North Devon.

Peter & Sue Sharpin kindly provided the photos:

Sandringham

2009-06-29T19:59:00.003+01:00

Photos from our visit to Sandringham, Norfolk

The church at Sandringham

Monica admiring a planted urn

Carol & Norma with the golden budda

The west garden at Sandringham

The lake with the house in the background

Blickling Hall

2009-06-28T19:53:00.001+01:00

Photos from our visit to Blickling Hall, Norfolk

Annual Holiday to Norfolk

2009-06-27T12:56:00.009+01:00

A great success is the conclusion from members who went on this year's holiday to Norfolk. We stayed in Great Yarmouth at the Burlington Palm Hotel on North Drive. A family run hotel.

Here are some of the many many photos we took at the gardens we visited:

Philip's coach at Felbrigg Hall

The walled garden at Felbrigg

Felbrigg Hall

Bressingham Gardens

Dingly Dell

The Gallopers

White Deer at Houghton Hall

Art in the walled garden at Houghton Hall

Fire & Water

Garden Visit to Compton Castle

2009-06-11T21:27:00.006+01:00

The Club's June visit was to south Devon and the National Trust property of Compton Castle. A romantic fortified house was built over 500 years ago. Members are seen here enjoying the courtyard garden in the afternoon sunshine and in the rose and knot gardens.

And afternoon tea was enjoyed at Castle Barton opposite:

Garden Visit to Dewstow Hidden Gardens & Grottoes

2009-05-07T20:59:00.001+01:00

The May Garden Visit was a first time Club visit to Dewstow Hidden Gardens and Grottoes in Monmouthshire in South Wales. A dry sunny day with some cloud greeted us when we arrived.

Described as one of the most exciting horticultural finds of recent years. The Edwardian gardens were created by Henry Oakley who commissioned landscapers Pulham & Son to create a unique garden with underground grottoes and tunnels. However, during the 1940's the garden was filled in and land reverted to working pastureland. It wasn't until the land was purchased in 2000 by the Harris family that initial investigation discovered steps leading down to a buried garden. Now the only Grade I listed garden in Wales it has been fully restored and newly planted.

Members comments were "what a delight, a hidden gem, a totally different garden".

Entrance to the north gardens and grottoes

One of the pools in the north garden

The Lion Grotto

Fairies do live at the bottom of the garden

Barry Cleaves emerging from one of the grottoes.

More views of the north garden

Views of the south garden

Dewstow House

Ann Steer with Millie, the dog of the owners.

WOW 1000 hits

2009-05-06T20:18:00.000+01:00

We have reached a milestone in our blog history. Over 1000 visitors - that is so brilliant and makes my job worthwhile. Thank you to members, followers and visitors.

Ros

Spring Coffee Morning

2009-05-05T16:17:00.000+01:00

Members and friends enjoyed the Club's spring coffee morning today. Plants, cakes and bring and buy stalls were popular with the visitors.

Carol, Mary & Sue take care of the draws

Jean, June, Olive & Doreen take charge of the refreshments

Member's Plant Competition

2009-05-02T14:36:00.006+01:00

It's the Spring Coffee Morning on Tuesday 5th May at The Memorial Hall at 10am. Plants will be on sale for the Autumn Flower Show Plant Competition.

This year it will be a Horizon Geranium called Deep Scarlet. This is a prolific flowering zonal Geranium producing deep scarlet flowers.

At the Coffee Morning there will be two plants stalls, a bring and buy stall and a cake stall too! So come along for a drink, a biccie and a chat too!

Here's what the experts say:

Geranium Horizon Deep Scarlet
With it's unrivalled branching habit and uniform flower growth, Geranium Horizon is one of the best performing upright Geraniums available. Fast growing, this Geranium is ideal for bulking out flower beds and planting up containers. It is also one of our best selling varieties of bedding plant!

Mid Devon Show Planning Meeting

2009-04-28T18:40:00.000+01:00

A meeting will be held on Monday 11th May at 7pm at The A Room at the Royal British Legion Club, Angel Hill to plan the Club's exhibit at this year's Mid Devon Show which is due to held on Saturday 25th July.

The theme of this year's show is Sustainable Energy. Any member wishing to help is welcome to come along to the meeting.

April Talk

2009-04-22T21:29:00.004+01:00

On a warm sunny spring evening, our speaker was Karen Dutton from The Met Office. Karen explained that her talk would cover a short history of The Met Office, how the business works and a discussion on climate change. She began working for the Met Office 22 years ago as a support scientist.

The Met Office was the brain child of Admiral Fitzroy and it was founded originally in 1854. It was in 1919 when Lewis Fry Richardson began forecasting in using mathematical equations. In 1964 it was an agendy under the Air Ministry and then the Ministry of Defence. In 1990 it became a Next Steps agency, a step away from government ties. In 1996 it began trading almost independently and in 2003 it moved to its current location in Exeter. It was the largest IT move in Europe and it came in on time and on budget.

She carefully explained what was need to do a weather forecast. On a daily basis the Met Office processes data of 10 million observations and 100,000 million bits of data. A computer was first used in 1964 and the current one has just been upgraded so it will process in 20 minutes what the capacity of a home computer would take 5 years to process..... This is now what is needed for forecasting and provide more local weather systems.

It is the world's leading centre for predicting climate change. Its customers include the Ministry of Defence; The Cabinet Office for emergency response and the Civil Aviation Authority. It provides reports to local government agencies to help with winter road maintenance; for offshore exploration; the energy industry; the water industry and environment agency.

They are now working closely with a new department of the Environmental Agency to provide data for flood defences to help with the national infrastructure of the country to run efficiently.

It has ties with the Department of Health to detect heat and cold spells to help with patients health.

Energy demands fluctuate depending on the weather so it works closely with the National Grid.

One of our members, Colin Cochrane had emailed The Met Office regarding TV forecasting and the time given to national and local TV weather slots. Karen kindly gave a personal response explaining about the different business models of the various TV stations.

Finally she explained about climate change. The change being a long term change and it was 90% "our" fault. It had been noted that lawns were being cut two weeks earlier than in the 1990's and this is just one of the indicators of change. Globally there had been observed increases in temperatures. Finally she said the temperatures seen in the long hot summer of 2003 would become the norm by 2040.

Her final comment and slide revealed that forecasting the weather was like driving a car backwards being directed by someone looking out the back window.

Several members asked Karen varied questions and included short lessons in chemistry, physics and mathematics.

More Lanhydrock Photos

2009-04-16T21:06:00.002+01:00

A view from the woodland walk

Beautiful blossom surrounding the church

The tulips in the formal gardens to the side of the house.

Garden Visit to Lanhydrock

2009-04-16T21:04:00.006+01:00

The first visit of 2009 was to Lanhydrock House and Gardens, near Bodmin, Cornwall. A full coach took new and exisiting members was a great success. The beautiful spring National Trust gardens were at their best.

Lanhydrock was the home of the Agar-Robartes family until 1969. After a fire in 1881 the Jacobean house was refashioned to create a Victorian home with the latest technology.

Tours leader Monica with members

The gardens were planned by George Truefitt in 1854. They surround the house and provide colour all year round but in spring a magnificent display of rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias fill the air with fragrance.

The estate covers 900 acres and is a romantic pastorial backdrop to the house and there are many footpaths to explore in the woodlands.

One of the magnolias in full bloom.

Val Diggle on one of the scooters available for the disabled to use.

Spring Flower Show results

2009-04-05T10:30:00.013+01:00

The Tiverton Garden Club Spring Flower Show on Saturday at The New Hall was very well supported by new and old members. The spring blooms gave a fragrant and colourful display for the many visitors.

Show Secretary Maggie Roberts with Judges and some of the Committee

Overall view of the hall

Jubilee Class exhibits

Pot Plant Classes

Shrubs & Trees section Classes

Decorative Classes

Cut Flowers - narcissi

The results were as follows:

In the Decorative Section the principal prize-winners were Ros Nichols, Christine Moore, Mary Wilson and Rachael Hart. Christine Moore won the Award of Merit for her ‘Spring Green’ exhibit.

Christine Moore with her winning Spring Green exhibit

Rachael Hart won the special award for the novice class ‘A petite arrangement in an egg cup’.

Rachael Hart's winning exhibit

The winners in the Children’s’ Sections were Paige Nichols and Jessica Ridgeway with their arrangements in a Child's Wellie Boot.

In the Cut Flowers Section the principal prize-winners were Alby Berry, Mike Long, Rachael Hart, Roger Pike, Stephanie Sporne, Angela Moore, Ros Pike, Mary Smith and Margaret Grose with Margaret Grose winning the Award of Merit for a vase of small cupped narcissi.

Margaret Grose with her winning narcissi

In the Shrubs and Trees Section the principal prize-winners were Angela Moore, Mary Coles and Ann Crawford and Jean Webb with Jean Webb winning the Award of Merit for three camellias.

Jean Webb with her winning camellias

In the Pot Plant Section the principal prize-winners were Ann Steer, Mike Long, Sue Gollop. Stephanie Sporne and Mary Coles with Mike Long winning the Award of Merit for an azalea.

Mike Long with his winning azalea

The Members Competition for a pot of Minnow narcissi, provided by the Club, was won by Rachael Hart who won the Sue Gollop Trophy.

Rachael Hart with her winning Minnow's

In the Photography Section the principal prize-winners were John Mears, Margaret Grose and Jenny Blake with Margaret Grose, winning the Award of Merit with her photo of ‘Spring has Sprung’.

Margaret Grose's winning photo

Finally, the Jubilee Class was won by Tim Nichols with 24 points for a collection including a flower arrangement, a vase of pansies and a photograph. Second was Ros Nichols and third was Maggie Roberts.

The Committee would like to thank the judges, Chad & Ann Stone and Fred Willitts for their time and hard work and all the helpers and exhibitors – new and old - for a top quality show.

Refreshments were served by Sue Sharpin & Doreen Long;

March Talk by Gavin Haig

2009-04-02T13:02:00.004+01:00

The speaker for the March meeting was local surgeon Gavin Haig who gave an illustrated talk on the "Celebration of Trees, Birds, Hedgerows and Butterflies" with slides taken at his Spillifords, river side garden.

A large group of members and friends were treated to an informative talk about how humans need nature to achieve a well balanced lifestyle. He discussed many plants which give the basis of treatments for various ailments, including the benefits of stinging nettles.

He explained how he believed that Devon is a stunning county with loveliness all around, if we just looked around us. He showed photos of trees, nest boxes and birds accompanied by bird song on tape. He showed many varieties of butterfly and their food supply in the woodland margin of his 4 acre wildlife garden, which he opens as part of the National Garden Scheme.

He showed photos of flowers growing in hedgerows and explained how the Devon hedgerow is home to many wildlife homes. He developed a picture of Trees, Hedgerows, Birds & Butterflies which played a big part visually as we bonded with nature.