BISHAMPTON’S Spring Show saw Rosemary Rickard snapping at the heels of reigning champion, Pete Chamberlain this year for the Spring Challenge Cup with just one point between them, at the colourful event on Sunday, 9th April.

Eighteen of us took the opportunity to visit Hanbury Hall, on Sunday 23rd for an enjoyable guided tour by head gardener, Neil Cook, who had given the first talk of the year. We were all bowled over by Neil’s enthusiastic, informative talk, peppered with his amusing delivery. It was fascinating to see the different parts of the garden he had spoken about, and the tasks he and his team are faced with to keep up with the breathtakingly immaculate layout, including the sunken parterre and the ribbon border, vegetable and fruit tree gardens, the bowling green, the Wilderness and the walled garden with its organic produce. No doubt we’ll all be going back to see how the garden develops with a new pair of eyes!

The year is certainly galloping ahead with our Annual General Meeting scheduled for May 3rd, followed by some valuable advice from Pete Chamberlain on how to get the best from your exhibits well in advance for our Summer Show on 19th August. A seasoned plantsman and exhibitor, Pete regularly sweeps the board not only at our own shows, but various local ones around the district, so his tips will be worth their weight in gardening gold!

In the same vein, we will be seeing expert Toni Smith, demonstrating how she interprets the floral section of our annual Summer Flower and Produce show on June 7th when she takes up the categories of last year’s particular tasks.

Don’t forget Sunday June 18th - when we’ll be holding our Open Gardens, complete with shuttle bus, refreshments and plant sales.

We’re also taking bookings for our two ‘biggies’ this year – a talk by TV and radio presenter, and organic gardener, Bob Flowerdew on Wednesday, July 5th; and our annual coach trip to both Oxford Botanic, and Waterperry Gardens on Sunday 23rd. Tickets for Bob will be £10 for members; £15 for non-members; and for the trip £25 per person for all. We’re expecting a stampede so get your ticket booked as soon as possible! Emailrjteasedale@hotmail.com or telephone 01386 462527, or info@bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk, telephone 07854 362318.

LESLEY MILLER