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

As the seasons wane, it’s crucial that we take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes of our community – the dedicated members of horticultural societies. Once upon a time, in the vibrant community of North London, five societies regularly hosted flower shows. Fast forward to today, and we’re left with three that continue to breathe life into the tradition. Let’s celebrate these gatherings which evoke the joy brought forth by blooms of every color as well as the bountiful harvests from our beloved gardens.

Celebrating the beauty of local flower shows
Despite the exciting spectacle of popular television gardening competitions, nothing quite compares to the charm and intimacy of our local shows. Instead of glamorous glitz, we’re faced with friendly faces and modest prizes, showcasing the heartfelt efforts of neighbors who come together to share their green-thumbed accomplishments. Yet, as we wave goodbye to another season, we feel the growing pressure on these societies to invite new faces onto their committees.

Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show

At the recent Autumn Show, hosted in the Free Church Hall on Northway, a gentle reminder resonated with me. Chris Page, one of the organizers, suggested that the entire community would thrive if more people realized just how engaging volunteering can be. Thankfully, a fresh wave of enthusiasm is on the horizon, as a new young committee prepares to energize the society.

Among the vibrant displays of dahlias and lush vegetables cradled in trugs, I was struck by the heartwarming atmosphere. Even as whispers of uncertainty floated around about the future of the show, the Grimsdyke Band played on, channeling the spirit of continuity that these events encapsulate.

Dazzling dahlias and autumn colors

Muswell Hill Horticultural Society’s Show

A couple of weeks later, I ventured to the Muswell Hill Horticultural Society’s Show located on North Bank, Pages Lane. The vibrant contrasts of sunflowers, a plethora of hydrangeas, and an exquisite array of seed heads greeted me. Suzy Marshall’s First Prize vase of Mixed Flowers was a sight to behold, lit up by the gentle embrace of the September sun. Upon speaking with Suzy, she shared the allure behind one particular dahlia variety: the magnificent “Labyrinth.”

In an inspiring homage to the season’s bounty, Gary Sycamore’s winning arrangement remarkably embodied the spirit of “Mellow Fruitfulness.” With stunning inclusions such as Sunflower “Earthwalker,” Verbena bonariensis, and delightful squashes, it was a tapestry of the season in floral form.

Highgate Horticultural Society’s Show

My journey continued with the Highgate Horticultural Society’s Show, held on the morning of September 29th at the United Reformed Chapel in Pond Square. Arriving amidst the hustle of preparation, I felt a serene moment as the judge undertook her assessments, a quiet pause before the show truly came alive. This marked my third show in a single month, and I marveled at how the flowers splendidly transformed in just a few weeks. Now, the show was dominated by the late bloomers, including Michaelmas daisies, rudbeckias, and helianthus, while the sunflowers and dahlias still held their ground.

The charm of local flower shows

Conclusion: The Changing Seasons of Gardening

Writing this in mid-October, with the frost mornings now greeting us in Highgate, a vivid transformation begins to unfold. The turning of the gardening year urges us to reflect not only on what we’ve grown but also what we hope to nurture in the future.

As we transition into colder months, let’s remember to keep our gardens thriving by adhering to a few essential tasks:

• Potatoes left in the ground still possess their edibility. However, don’t delay too long, as they aren’t the only ones with a hunger for them.
• Continue planting spring bulbs and take measures to guard them against pesky squirrels eager to dig them up.
• Adorn our window sills with colorful touches; miniature cyclamens are a splendid choice that remains vibrant.
• Net your garden ponds to capture the falling leaves, allowing them to decompose into rich leaf mold beneficial for the soil.

In embracing these community interactions and nurturing our home gardens, we not only cultivate plants but also foster connections that bring us together, enhancing our local landscapes all year round.