THIS WEEKEND a group of determined gardeners will display the produce they have managed to harvest this year despite this summer’s extraordinary heat and lack of rain.
California Gardeners have watched many of their plants suffer, but will nevertheless hold their (slightly smaller than usual) annual Autumn Show this weekend.
“While holidaymakers and schoolchildren have enjoyed the scorching weather we have had this summer, the high temperatures and lack of rain have not been popular with gardeners,” said California Gardeners Club member Sylvia Hawes.
“Although the rainfall of the last few days has been very welcome, despite diligent watering over the summer, yields of salad and vegetable crops are much smaller than usual.
“However, by nature, all gardeners are optimists and the members will be searching their gardens for hidden gems to enter in the Club’s 61st Autumn Show.
“It will be a chance for fellow garden enthusiasts to come and talk with the members and share any tips and tricks on how to cope with the challenge of months of little or no rain.”
California Gardeners Club meets on the first Monday of the month, at California Ratepayers Hall, to hear a talk given by an expert on a subject of gardening interest.
September’s speaker is internationally respected botanist, writer and broadcaster Dr Mark Spencer.
Until recently, he was curator of botanical collections at the Natural History museum.
As well as travelling the world to further his knowledge, Dr Spencer also works as a forensic botanist, assisting the police on various missing person enquiries, murders, and other serious crimes.
California Gardeners Club Autumn Show opens at California Ratepayers Hall, on Sunday, September 6, at 2pm.
Refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon, with an auction of produce at 4.15pm.
Dr Spencer’s talk, Wild Plants in the Urban Environment, will take place at the Ratepayers Hall, on Monday, September 7, at 7.30pm.
For information, visit: californiagardenersclub.co.uk
