AT A recent California Gardeners Club meeting organisers jokingly said that it would be great if there could be 300 entries to their Spring Show.
“They thought that such a target would be unattainable,” said Club member Sylvia.
“How wrong they were.
“The entries poured in, with a final count of 347.
“It was a magnificent response from a record number of exhibitors, several of whom were taking part for the first time.
“Extra space had to be found to display the exhibits and the judges were given quite a task, as entries in all classes were numerous and of a very high standard.”
The standard of the entries was praised by the judges and a display of daffodils drew many appreciative comments from visitors.
Daffodil class winners and friendly rivals John Kerr and Terry Miller exhibited beautiful and unusual blooms.
“A new class, ‘My Best Daffodil’ offered a chance for gardeners to show their expertise, and the sheer variety of daffodils showed how far the daffodil has evolved since the time of William Wordsworth,” said Sylvia.
“Size, shape and colour come in a bewildering variety far from that ‘host of golden daffodils’ the poet saw.”
Lesley Hicks staged many high-quality exhibits and, amongst other successes, won the Chairman’s Challenge against strong opposition from the chairman himself.
The variety chosen this year was ‘Winston Churchill,’ which obligingly flowered in time for the show and its fragrance filled the Hall.
The recent mild weather had brought tulips into bloom a few weeks earlier than gardeners usually expect and as a result, the hall was filled with a colourful display from miniature types to larger frilled varieties.
Polyanthus, hyacinths, camellias, orchids and displays of spring blossom provided a colourful backdrop.
In the Domestic Classes Alan Taylor, representing the club’s menfolk, baked an impressive ginger cake and and Greta May was praised by the judges for her chili jam.
In the Floral Arrangement and Handicraft classes competition was strong, with many attractive displays.
Maggs Carver’s work was a clear favourite and won the Visitors Choice award for her embroidered collage.
{{{image.1763450}}}
“Many thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the day a success,” said Sylvia.
California Gardening Club members enjoy a sense of community and friendship.
{{{image.1763452}}}
They meet at California Ratepayers Hall, on the first Monday of the month at 7.30pm.
For information, visit: californiagardenersclub.co.uk
