This summer has been so unusual – or least it seems that way to me. We have gone from one short period of sweltering heat to extended cool patches when you wonder why you even bothered to get out your summer clothes. But what would we do if we weren’t able to complain about the weather?
Talk about the kitchen garden for starters! Many of us have a go at growing some vegetables and cut flowers in our garden during the summer months. Results seem to have been extremely mixed for many this year, including for me. Three direct sowings of beetroots and carrots have yielded probably 2-3 beetroot and some fairly miserable looking carrots. At the end of July, I gave up and resigned myself to eating beans and courgettes – both of which I now have in abundance. Luckily beans are probably my ‘desert island’ vegetable! I have enjoyed the most amazing sweet peas this year! I tried two new varieties – Route 66 and Gwendoline in addition to my normal Matucana. They have all been outstanding and highly scented. Nothing like bringing in a sweet-smelling bunch of sweet peas into the house. As we admire our blooms, remember that now is the time to start thinking about tulips and other early spring bulbs for containers around the house. Hopefully you kept notes of your successes and failures so you can try something different next year.
Rory Dryburgh, head gardener at Titsey, provided inspiration for trying new varieties, particularly squash, kale, roses and cut flowers in the amazing walled kitchen garden. We had the pleasure of visiting Titsey in early July and were rewarded by an insightful and informative guided tours of the house and garden. Titsey is one of the oldest surviving large estates in Surrey, having been acquired by John Gresham, previously Lord Mayor of London and part of the most prominent merchant dynasties in Tudor England, in 1535.This impressive property passed through several generations of the Gresham family and then onto the Leveson Gowers through marriage. The estate is still in private hands but held through a foundation established to preserve it for the public’s benefit. It is well worth the trek!
In August, members enjoyed the beautiful garden of Sally & Philip Frederick in Chiddingfold. Huge thanks to Sally for opening her garden and providing such delicious refreshments. There was much to admire at Beckhams from the beautiful borders, bountiful kitchen garden, colourful hot borders and newly established wilderness/shady borders. Everyone delighted in the free-ranging hens and the opportunity to sit and admire the views.
Now is no time to rest, however, as the approaching cooler and shorter days mean it’s time to get hedges cut, shrubs pruned, areas of long grass cut back and flowers dead-headed to prolong their bounty as long as possible. I don’t know about you but I enjoy pruning hedges and shaping box balls! Everything looks so neat and tidy and there is a sense of organisation and form once again.
Looking forward we have several fantastic events for members and the larger community to enjoy. The first is our Main Horticultural Show on Saturday, 14 September. We hope to welcome more first-time exhibitors to the Show. Please do enter and have a go! We will help you so do let us know if you have any questions or need advice on how to exhibit.
Horticultural Society’s Main Show
14 September
The Winn Hall, DunsfoldDoors Open 2pm with Awards at 3.30pm
Tea, coffee & homemade cake
You can find the classes online under Shows on our website or pick up a programme at the Dunsfold Village Shop. Entries are due by Thursday 12 September no later than 5pm. Staging takes place Saturday morning from 8-10am.
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