Celebrate the Heart of Community: North London’s Flower Shows Flourish This Autumn

Let’s Hear a Cheer for the Good Old-Fashioned Flower Show

As the vibrant floral displays come to a close this season, it’s time to celebrate the enduring charm of flower shows across North London. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Horticultural Society flower show on October 19. Flower shows are a slice of tradition, a gathering of community spirit, where the love of gardening and creativity blossom.

A Diminishing Tradition

Once, the Ham & High community enjoyed a flourishing tapestry of five horticultural societies hosting flower shows. Today, only three remain, and they speak to the dedication of those involved in nurturing these events. For two decades, these shows have gifted attendees with breathtaking displays of spring blooms, summer sunflowers, and autumn’s bounty. As we commemorate this rich history, let us applaud the individuals tirelessly working behind the scenes to keep these cherished occurrences alive.

Within the local horticultural circles, the atmosphere differs remarkably from the high-stakes, glamour-filled competitions broadcast on national television. Here, the spirit is friendly, modest prizes exchanged, and in place of extravagant manifestations, we see simple acts of camaraderie. However, these quieter moments are at risk if societies struggle to draw in fresh, enthusiastic volunteers for their committees.

At the recent Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show, held in the Free Church Hall on Northway, one member, Chris Page, remarked on the joys of volunteering. He encouraged the community to take part in local activities: “If only people knew how engaging it is to volunteer in the running of neighborhood activities, life would be better.” The good news? A group of younger individuals is stepping up to join the committee.

Celebrations at the local flower shows

At the show, dazzling dahlias and abundant vegetables displayed in trugs hinted at a successful, albeit delayed growing season. The Grimsdyke Band provided musical accompaniment as attendees admired the stunning floral arrangements.

Highlights from the Season

Just two weeks later, Muswell Hill Horticultural Society took center stage at their show on North Bank, Pages Lane. A gorgeous array of sunflowers, hydrangeas, and the stunning “Labyrinth” dahlia—as shared by prizewinner Suzy Marshall—captivated the audience. The autumn sunlight illuminated Suzy’s First Prize exhibit, a vase of mixed flowers, accentuating their beauty.

Gary Sycamore also drew attention with his First Prize arrangement titled “Mellow Fruitfulness.” His creative display featured a delightful mix of Sunflower “Earthwalker,” Verbena bonariensis, hops, and even a unique Turk’s Turban squash. It was a showcase of the season’s rich offerings, celebrating the skillful hands of dedicated gardeners.

Autumn presentations from local flower shows

Highgate Horticultural Society’s show on September 29 welcomed visitors at the United Reformed Chapel. This being my third flower show of the month, I found it heartwarming to see how the flowers had evolved. By this time in September, Michaelmas daisies, rudbeckias, and helianthus flourished, embodying the seasonal transformation. We saw a beautiful shift as the hydrangeas began to ebb, but the sunflowers and dahlias still made an enchanting appearance.

As I pen this commentary in mid-October, the frosty bite of Highgate’s nights has already begun to signal the end of a gardening year, leaving us reflective about what has transpired.

Your Gardening Guide for the Upcoming Season

As we transition into winter, there’s still work to be done outside. Here are some essential tips to prepare your garden for the off-season:

Dig up any potatoes left in the ground soon; they’re not just for us!
Continue planting spring bulbs but safeguard them fiercely against squirrels, who are also on the lookout for an easy snack.
Brighten your window sills with colorful miniature cyclamens, which are both delightful and long-lasting.
Cover ponds with nets to protect them from falling leaves, allowing the leaves to decompose naturally into rich leaf mold.

In closing, flower shows stand as a testament to community, creativity, and dedication. As we step into the quieter months of the year, let’s hold on to the spirit of gardening and the joy of nurturing our own slices of earth right from our backyards.

For more on gardening and local events, check out the gardening section here!

Let’s nurture this wonderful tradition for years to come.