Celebrating the Splendor of Local Flower Shows
As the gardening season draws to a close, let us take a moment to appreciate the charm and camaraderie fostered by local horticultural society flower shows. On October 19th, communities across North London celebrated the seasonal shift with displays that showcased a vibrant array of flowers and produce.
These events are not just competitions; they encapsulate the warmth of community spirit and the rich traditions of horticulture. Unlike the glitzy, high-stakes competitions we often see on television, local flower shows are imbued with a sense of friendship, modest awards, and old silver trophies that tell tales of yesteryear. However, the future of these cherished events hangs in the balance, as societies face challenges in attracting new members to their committees.
At the Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show, held at the Free Church Hall on Northway, committee member Chris Page expressed the importance of involvement:
“If only people knew how engaging it is to volunteer in the running of neighbourly activities, life would be better.”
Fortunately, the community is responding positively; a surge of younger members is set to rejuvenate the committee, bringing fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm to the society. Meanwhile, the show itself dazzled visitors with stunning dahlias and a bountiful display of vibrant vegetables, signaling a gratifying harvest despite a somewhat delayed growing season.
Stunning dahlias on display at a local flower show.
Two weeks later, the Muswell Hill Horticultural Society hosted its annual show on Pages Lane, where vibrant sunflowers, hydrangeas, and a stunning collection of seedheads stole the spotlight. Of particular note was Suzy Marshall’s First Prize exhibit—a vase of Mixed Flowers—gloriously illuminated by the golden September sun. During my conversation with Suzy, she highlighted a particularly impressive dahlia variety known as “Labyrinth,” renowned for its size and visual appeal.
Similarly, the Highgate Horticultural Society hosted its show on September 29th in the cozy basement of the United Reformed Chapel in Pond Square. Arriving in the morning, I encountered a serene atmosphere as the judge commenced her evaluations amidst the last-minute preparations. It was wonderful to take in the seasonal transition reflected through the flowers, featuring eye-catching Michaelmas daisies, rudbeckias, and a slight reduction in hydrangeas compared to earlier shows. Yet, the sunflowers and dahlias remained resplendent, showcasing the beauty of autumn gardening.
Gardening Tips for the Season
To complement your gardening endeavors as we transition into winter, here are a few tips to consider:
- Harvest any potatoes still in the ground; they should remain edible for a while, but it’s best to dig them up soon!
- Continue to plant spring bulbs, but be sure to offer them some protection from pesky squirrels.
- Brighten your home with colourful additions like lovely miniature cyclamens that last beautifully.
- Take the time to net your ponds to capture falling leaves, allowing them to create nutrient-rich leaf mould as they decompose.
Colorful bulbs ready for planting in the garden.
The commitment shown by local horticultural societies serves as an inspiration to all gardening enthusiasts. As we applaud the hard work and dedication of those who organize these shows, we are reminded of the importance of community gardening. Let’s continue to foster this spirit, inviting new members to join the horticultural journey, ensuring the legacy of these flower shows thrives for generations to come.
