Garden visit to Kilver Court Garden

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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: