Our increasingly popular plant sale was held in the Lowdham village hall car park last Saturday. Fortunately it was a bright sunny morning, although there was a cool breeze. We had a large selection of summer bedding plants, perennials, some vegetables and herbs plus a selection of fruit bushes for sale at very attractive prices.

The sale was well attended and we thank everyone who supported the event.

Wow, what a wonderful event we had in Lowdham Village Hall last Sunday, attended by about 200 people plus lots of children. A big thank you goes to everyone who made it possible, including those who brought along their exhibits which created a fantastic display of spring flowers and shrubs. The colours and fragrances were amazing, particularly the fragrance from the falconet daffodils which were grown by members of the Society. Once again, the Lowdham Painting for Pleasure Group invited their members to bring along a selection of artwork for display, some of which was for sale.

The excellent newly refurbished and equipped village hall kitchen provided a much improved area for the ladies who served tea, coffee, cold drinks and the delicious home made cakes. Lots of visitors enjoyed the atmosphere and took time to sit and have a chat with friends. All in all, it was a lovely event and we thank everyone who came along to support us and we hope to see you at future events.

An excellent and informative talk was held on Thursday evening the 19th Feb 2015 in Lowdham W.I. hall, being well attended by 50 people, including 10 non-members of the Society. The Head Gardener, supported by photographs, some of which were images of the garden and gardeners of the Dukes of Newcastle from bygone years, gave us a ‘potting shed’ history of the garden. We were told how the walled garden was planned, maximising the position of the garden and the surrounding walls for vegetable, fruit and flower planting and sowing throughout each season. The garden now has over 130 varieties of rhubarb (not sure about the custard!), with the Head Gardener explaining it would have been a ‘very lengthy talk’ if he was to impart his extensive knowledge of rhubarb. Furthermore, there are 72 varieties of heritage apples from the East Midlands and Yorkshire, being part of the National Plant collection. The work of the National Trust gardeners and volunteers over the years in extending and maintaining the herbaceous borders, fruit and vegetable garden provides a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to experience and learn more about a walled kitchen garden.

You should make a note in your diary as we are scheduled to have a follow-up evening accompanied visit round the Clumber Park walled kitchen garden on Thursday the 25th June 2015.

We wish everyone who supports and follows our blossoming society a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2015. We thank everyone who has helped at and attended our village shows, informative talks and has joined us on visits.

The two images are from the St Mary’s Church Lowdham, ‘Community Christmas Tree Festival of Hope and Memories’ which took place on the 13th & 14th December 2014. The picture above is of the Lowdham Horticultural Society tree, entitled ‘Hope for Spring’. Hope you like it!!!

The image below is an overall view of the front of the church with the Society tree in the far left corner, doesn’t the church look wonderful decorated with the Christmas trees.

Well, I reckon that’s about all for this year, so don’t forget the talk this Thurs (18th Dec) at 7.30pm in the Lowdham W I hall, which is entitled ‘Winter Visitors’ by Mike Reid from the RSPB. No doubt this talk will ‘sow some seeds’ on the birdtable rather than in the ground……….although both possibly!

Well, look no further for your plants and seeds for 2015, as once again we offer a massive 50% discount for members who purchase through the Society.

If you are not a member it is so easy to join through this website by contacting us. If you have not previously received a seed and plant catalogue and would like one, please contact us and we will send you one.

We look forward to receiving your orders and would appreciate them being with us by the 1st December 2014.

So come on, get your ‘thinking caps’ on…………