Hurst Green Gardening Club: Didn't We Do Well? Victory - Again

The whole hall. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those
who took the time to exhibit - and to those who took the time to
organise and help out at the show!

Hoorah for Hurst Green Gardening Club! Last week saw our annual Challenge against Godstone Gardeners' Club, held this year on "away turf" at the White Hart Barn in Godstone. Having won in 2014, we were not expecting a positive result this year, particularly as we had no home advantage, but we can report that Hurst Green won again! For those of a statistical frame of mind, the final score was Hurst Green - 76 to Godstone - 61. This 15 point lead, (described rather kindly by Jane as "close" - Ed) when our Club is significantly smaller and was not on home ground, was remarkable, and is testament to the competitiveness and ability of many of our members.

The daffodil classes in this year's show.

Regardless of the actual outcome, however, the real purpose of the show is to allow two local clubs to have a social get-together, and to foster good relations between us, while giving both sets of members some lovely displays to gawp at - and they were very much gawpable (Is this a word? - Ed) this year with entries in all classes including doubles and miniatures. So, to Godstone, a special "thank-you" for your hard work in staging the show and organising a wonderful buffet during the judging! This was a very enjoyable evening, and we would also like to extend our thanks to all those members (of both clubs) who exhibited or just came along for the evening, as without the entries and the visitors these show events would be nothing.

Tulips and pot classes

And, to all those who did not manage to make the show, or who may be nervous at showing their
blooms for the first time, please do take the plunge into showing and attending. As a local club, our shows are not aimed at RHS national quality displays, but at a realistic local level, and "growing-and-showing" is rather addictive once you start, and not at all hard - every person has at least one item that is suitable for show, even if you think that you do not. It is also wonderful for members to see plants and varieties that they do not know, and might like for themselves - without entries, shows like this will die out, and we really, really think it would be a shame if that were to happen. The Spring Challenge had some extra classes introduced this year (cut tulips and single daffodil stems) specifically to allow even novices to have a go, and to ensure that there was a good spread of entries regardless of the weather, and all of our shows have classes that are suitable for novices and the more experienced alike. Best of all, and the point of it all, is that they are enjoyable and great fun!

So, please do speak to our Show Secretaries, Jilly and Jeremy, or any other member of the committee for some advice on how to get started. After two years' defeat in a row, we will need all your entries next year, as we are sure that Sylvia will not be taking this lightly and will be dragooning her troops into a win next year - unless we stop her again! We are wanting the hat trick...