DESPITE a hot and dry summer, Caversham gardeners presented a magnificent display of autumn produce at their annual exhibition.
Caversham Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show at Emmer Green Primary School was a great success, say the organisers.
Visitors were immediately greeted by a magnificent display of dahlias and roses that were much admired, while tables brimming with fine displays of fruit and vegetables reflected the gardeners’ hard work.
Most of this year’s winners admitted that success, with the hot and dry weather everyone has experienced, was down to a lot of extra work.
Caroline Johnson, of Balmore Park, who won four trophies, including the most points in the roses section, said: “The quality of entries was very good this year.”
Denise Elton from Reading, who won three trophies and the Jubilee Shield for the most points for the vegetables, fruit and flowers, said that it had been a difficult season and believed her success was down to a lot of hard work and extra care for her plants this year.
Eileen Joyce, who won the Devon Cup for the most points in floral art enjoyed friendly rivalry with fellow member Ann Briggs, and was pleased to come out on top this year.
One of her displays, inspired by Treasure Island, showcased her creativity and included a small chest with some gold and silver coins.
Young gardeners Ambrose and Herne Thackeray, 11 and13, of Caversham Heights, were very pleased to win two of the under-13 novice classes.
Ambrose, who won first prize for her red devil apples, said: “We have had to keep watering our apple tree, almost every day.”
Herne enjoyed growing Cosmos from seed this year, and said: “I’ve been watering them and dead-heading them to encourage new flowers, and it’s all about picking the best flowers for the show.”
In the handicraft section high-quality entries in the photography classes provoked visitor discussion as people enjoyed choosing their favourites.
Show secretary Gwyneth Rowlands was pleased that 41 people entered 315 entries across all the classes.
Encouraged by this year’s high number of entries Caversham Horticultural Society would love to see more children taking part, and would like to invite more people to try their hand at floral art.
Members can benefit from a trading shed with supplies and advice, and can attend monthly talks on a variety of topics, some in person and others online.
The group’s next meeting will be on Wednesday October 15 when Richard Anderson will be discussing unusual gardening tools.
It will take place at Caversham Baptist Church Hall from 7.30pm
All are welcome.
Entry is free for members, and £3 for visitors and refreshments are available after the talk.
For information, visit: caversham-horticultural.org.uk
