Celebrate the Charm of Local Flower Shows

As we step into the enchanting world of horticulture, let’s pause to celebrate the remarkable efforts of local horticultural societies like the Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society. Their upcoming Autumn Flower Show on October 19 is a tribute to the passion that keeps these traditions alive. There was once a time when five societies filled the area with vibrant shows, but today, only three remain. Despite the decline, these events continue to bring together a community, showcasing the beauty of seasonal blooms and homegrown produce.

Local flower show showcasing stunning blooms and vegetables.

These events are reminiscent of popular competitive TV shows, showcasing impressive displays along with baking, pickling, and handcrafted items. However, the atmosphere at local flower shows couldn’t be more different. There’s a warmth and intimacy missing from the often commercialized versions on screen, fostering friendships and community spirit. Yet, as the older generations begin to step back, the sustainability of these treasured events relies on attracting new volunteers and committee members.

The Autumn Show at the Hampstead Garden Suburb was a true celebration of the harvest. Chris Page from the society highlighted how fulfilling it can be to engage with neighbors, stating, > “If only people knew how engaging it is to volunteer in the running of neighbourly activities, life would be better.”

Happily, a fresh influx of younger members is set to inject new life into these established traditions. Visitors to the show were greeted with stunning dahlias, bursting with color, and an array of lush vegetables that testified to a fruitful growing season despite the late start. A live performance by the Grimsdyke Band added to the atmosphere, reminding us of the culture and community behind these horticultural endeavors.

Vibrant dahlias on display at a local flower show.

A few weeks later, at the Muswell Hill Horticultural Society Show, attendees marveled at the diversity of blooms, including sunflowers, hydrangeas, and a spectacular collection of seedheads. Suzy Marshall’s First Prize exhibit, a delightful vase of mixed flowers, was perfectly highlighted by the radiant September sun. Speaking about her winning bloom, she mentioned, “The biggest, most showy dahlia is called ‘Labyrinth’.”

The creativity didn’t stop there; Gary Sycamore’s arrangement titled “Mellow Fruitfulness” included an eye-catching mix of Sunflower ‘Earthwalker’, Verbena bonariensis, as well as seasonal fruits like apples and grapes, all beautifully arranged with hops and Turk’s Turban squash. Such creativity and color contribute to the overall tapestry of tradition that makes local flower shows special.

Creative arrangements that capture the essence of autumn.

The Highgate Horticultural Society’s show, held on September 29, was another highlight of the season. As I watched the judge assess the displays early in the morning, the shift of blooms from summer to autumn was striking. With Michaelmas daisies, rudbeckias, and helianthus now in full bloom, the transitions of the growing year were evident.

As we progress into mid-October, colder temperatures remind us that the gardening year is drawing to a close. The forecast of frosty nights in Highgate serves as a gentle nudge to complete our autumn gardening tasks.

Essential Autumn Gardening Tips

As local gardeners prepare for the change of seasons, there are some key tasks you should tackle:

• Harvest Remaining Potatoes: Left in the ground too long, they risk becoming a feast for other creatures. Harvest ASAP!
• Plant Spring Bulbs: As temperatures drop, ensure you plant spring blooms and protect them from pesky squirrels.
• Add Color to Your Windowsills: Miniature cyclamens are a delightful choice that will bloom beautifully through the season.
• Prepare Ponds for Fall: A net over your pond will help catch falling leaves, subsequently turning them into nutritious leaf mould.

With participation in community events like these and diligent gardening, the love for seasonal gardening and pickling will surely thrive. So grab your tools and get involved—there’s always something rewarding waiting in your garden!

Tasks to prepare your garden for the autumn chill.