Latest Society News & Events 2025
Take a look at what the society did in 2024
Trips by Private Car
We now have to charge non members an extra £2 per person to join us for the day of the trip. This is to ensure cover by our insurance.
Please pay on booking and forms will be distributed to complete name/ address on the day of the trip.
2025 October News & Autumn Show Results
(View the photo gallery)
The Barham & District Horticultural Society Autumn Show took place on Saturday 13 September 2025 at Barham Village Hall. After a rainy morning the hall brightened up in the afternoon with the exhibits looking their best. The number of entries was in line with last year but fewer than earlier years. After a long hot summer with little rain it had been a challenge for some to grow the quantity of vegetables that have been produced previously. The central table was a mass of cut flowers, foliage, dahlias and some stunning indoor plants and succulents.
There were less entries this year in the floral art classes. The arrangements with autumn fruits, berries and foliage were of note and the class for a miniature arrangement was well supported and showed creativity and flare.
Despite the long dry summer the central table was an inspiration with each vase lovingly arranged to show off the grower's blooms at their best. The dahlias always impress and the colours and forms did not disappoint. The foliage class had a high number of entries with clever use of shape and texture. In the afternoon the sun trickled in as the doors opened and the exhibitors returned and visitors entered.
We are keen to encourage the next generation of gardeners and bakers and always include several children's classes. This year they were invited to make a gingerbread man and an animal created out of vegetables. The gingerbread men were delightful and the animals outstanding. Well done to those who participated.
This year the Nailbourne Scout Group offered to provide and serve teas. They arrived with a wonderful selection of home baked cakes and looked after our visitors throughout the afternoon. Thank you to the Scout Group for their contribution.
Our next talk is on Wednesday 8 October at 7.30pm at Barham Village Hall. Paul Bagshaw, Head Gardener at Goodnestone Gardens will be giving a talk entitled "Ramblings of Goodnestone". Will it be roses? will it be walks ? come along to find out. We hope to see you there.
The following prizes and cups were awarded.
Names (Alphabetical by surname)
Results (Shown as number of firsts, seconds and thirds)
| Name | 1st |
2nd |
3rd |
Name | 1st |
2nd |
3rd |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W Atherton | 5 | 5 | 5 | W Gillard | 4 | 2 | 0 | ||
| J Borgioli | 1 | 1 | 0 | A Goody | 2 | 2 | 0 | ||
| A Clough | 4 | 6 | 3 | L Goody | 7 | 6 | 3 | ||
| J Cracknell | 3 | 3 | 0 | J Kitchenham | 4 | 5 | 0 | ||
| A Crocker | 0 | 1 | 1 | C Maraldo | 4 | 0 | 3 | ||
| H Croft | 5 | 4 | 3 | M Newington | 2 | 2 | 1 | ||
| J Crump | 2 | 2 | 0 | S Past | 2 | 2 | 3 | ||
| Joe Crump | 1 | 0 | 0 | I Rendell | 3 | 7 | 3 | ||
| S Crump | 2 | 0 | 2 | J Rowland | 0 | 4 | 1 | ||
| C Donnelly | 1 | 1 | 1 | K Rudge | 1 | 0 | 2 | ||
| M Donnelly | 4 | 2 | 1 | R Sampson | 1 | 0 | 0 | ||
| D Fuller | 1 | 1 | 1 | S Tyler | 2 | 1 | 0 | ||
| E Fuller | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Cup Winners as follows:
| Cup | Awarded for | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Denne Hill Cup: | Highest points Veg classes | A Clough |
| A.J. Ross Amateur Cup: | Highest points Fruit classes | A Crump |
| Banksian Medal of the RHS: | Largest Aggregate of prize money | L Goody |
| Godber Cup: | Best in Show | L Goody |
| H.E Middleton Cup: | Best Dahlia | C Maraldo |
| Jubilee Cup: | Best Rose | C Maraldo |
| Brian Wright Memorial Cup: | Best Endeavour | S Past |
| Carr Memorial Cup: | Highest points Cookery classes | J Kitchenham |
| Clarke Cup: | Highest Aggregate of points | L Goody |
| Collingwood Cup: | Highest points Onion Classes | A Clough & W Gillard |
| Cottager's cup: | Most Entries | L Goody |
| Top Tray: | Collection of Vegetables | W Gillard |
| Top Vase: | Vase of mixed flowers | K Rudge |
| Kathie Hedley Cup: | Highest points Floral Art | M Newington |
| New Exhibitor's Cup: | Most points by New Exhibitor | W Gillard |
| Potato Challenge Cup: | Most points Potato classes | A Clough |
| President's Cup: | Best Flower(except Dahlia or Rose) | I Rendell |
| School's Cup: | Boy or Girl highest points Children's classes | Jessie Crump & A Goody |
September 2025 News
The gardens seem to have enjoyed the spells of rain we have had recently and the grass is once again lush and green.
Hopefully this will encourage the plants and vegetables to flourish ready for the autumn show on Saturday 13th September. Please do take a look at the details on our website and consider submitting an entry or two. There are also classes for children, including a photograph of an animal, a vase of flowers, a gingerbread man and a vegetable animal.
Entries should be placed in the box in the Village Store by Tuesday 9th September. They will be accepted after this date and until midday on Thursday 11th September but the entry fee will be £1 per item.
Children's classes are free and they just need to turn up on the day between 9 and 10.30 with their entry.
We look forward to seeing you there, from 2pm either as a triumphant gardener/cook/ floral artist or photographer…or just to support your local community and enjoy some refreshments.
We held a Social Evening on July 23rd which took us to Cuba. Whilst enjoying a glass of wine and some nibbles, we were given a talk by Jane Scotchmer. Jane gave us a thoroughly fascinating talk about her trip, together with her husband, to Cuba. This included a lot of history about the politics of Cuba, as well as some humorous antics and events they encountered whilst there.
Our next talk will be on 8th October at Barham village hall starting at 7.30pm. This will be a talk by Paul Bagshaw who is the head gardener at Goodnestone Gardens. He will talk about 'Ramblings of Goodnestone'. Members and non-members are welcome, with a nominal charge for non-members.
September 2025 Gardening notes
Days after I wrote last Months article a hose pipe ban was announced and immediately after the ban came into force we had many days of rain!
One of the greatest joys of gardening is growing new plants you have propagated yourself either to increase your own stock or to give to friends, relatives or to plant sales in the spring. Whatever the method, and no matter how many times you repeat it, the sheer elation and pleasure when those first shoots begin to appear never diminishes.
There are four basic and easy-to-master ways of propagating from your existing stocks:
1. By collecting and sowing seeds - methods of collecting seed vary but the basic aim is to gather as many as possible at exactly the right time on a dry sunny day. Different flowers and vegetable seeds have different sowing requirements but all should be kept in a paper bag or envelope in a cool dry place until the sowing time.
2. By taking root cuttings - many gardeners feel uncertain about which plants can be reproduced from roots, yet common-sense observation gives us some clear indications. Look no further than the suckering lilac bush, or the forest of fresh young acanthus shoots that spring to life where we have carefully taken out the parent plant. Some plants produce offspring or clones from their roots very efficiently!
3. By taking stem cuttings - plants such as penstemons, diascias, osteospermums, bedding verbenas and many of the late flowering salvias carry on producing flowering shoots until autumn frosts. However, they are often doubtfully hardy. The best way to keep them in your garden is to take soft-stem cuttings now.
4. Dividing herbaceous perennials - many perennials benefit from division every 2-3 years as they can become 'unproductive' in the centre. If you dig up the whole plant and carefully break away the healthy outside you can often make around 4 new plants.
There is lots of information on propagation techniques available in books, on-line or on television programmes such as Gardeners World. If you are an RHS member you also have access to their Advisory Service which I can thoroughly recommend.
September is the ideal time to plant spring bulbs such as crocus and daffodils. Tulips can be left until October/November or even December before being planted.
If you would like to have a tree in your garden or plant, or move, existing shrubs September is a good time to do it. Remember trees and shrubs will need a good watering weekly until established.
Enjoy your garden.
August 2025 News
Members of the Society have enjoyed two excellent events since the last report and we are looking forward to our Autumn Show on Saturday 13th September.
Firstly we had a wonderful Saturday afternoon visit to the stunning garden of Carolyn and Kevin Hunt. They have utterly transformed a largely lawned and sloping space into a cleverly planned and executed riot of colour and exquisite planting. There were also cooling ponds and water features to linger by and a Gardener's World worthy fruit and vegetable plot. There was an added bonus of the chance to enjoy the garden next door belonging to John and Laurie Charles. They have cleverly developed their long and narrow garden into a delightful series of rooms including a spectacular deck over a large well-developed pond.
A huge thank you to them, and Kevin & Carolyn, for opening their gardens to members and providing delicious cakes and much appreciated cups of tea on such a warm afternoon. Both gardens will be open via the NGS next month so there is still a chance to visit and enjoy them.
In early July, members had a really great morning with Laura Brady at The Wonky Parsnip Farm at Brogdale Farm. Despite the hot, dry weather, Laura is managing to grow and produce a great variety of vegetables. Folk came away inspired to try some new herbs and vegetables in their own gardens.
We now look forward to our Autumn Show on Saturday 13th September. Please consider entering your fruit, veg, flowers, cookery and photography and there are also classes for children.
2025 Autumn show entry forms
2025 Autumn Show Rules and classes
Entries should be placed in the box in the Village Store by Tuesday 9th September. They will be accepted after this date and until midday on Thursday 11th September but the entry fee will be £1 per item. All are welcome to view the Show entries and winners during the afternoon and refreshments will be served.
August 2025 Gardening notes
It seems this year is to be one of extremes of weather, we have had excessive early heat followed by thunderstorms with brief spells of torrential rain which makes maintaining a beautiful and productive garden challenging!
As I ponder gardening tasks for August I reflect on the emails and pleas, via the media, from South East Water to use water wisely. Like most gardeners I have many water butts and reuse water from the house whenever possible - I have certainly increased the number of steps I take walking round the garden with buckets, bowls and watering cans! Inevitably some plants will be showing signs of being under stress however it is important only to water if absolutely essential and then ensure that the water is sufficient to reach and saturate roots. Lawns may well be parched and brown, this should not cause concern as the first autumn rains will quickly restore them to their original colour and vitality.
August is a time of transition but borders need not be dull. Already late flowering perennials are making a show and colourful annuals have many weeks yet to run. One of the most important tasks in August is to deadhead plants to keep them blooming.
Many of my early sowings of lettuce, rocket and spinach 'bolted' during the first heatwave so now is a good time to use any space you have cleared to sow mini leaves, kale, lettuce and rocket for the autumn.
If you have grown your own fruit, vegetables and herbs one of the great pleasures is harvesting and eating the produce within hours - nothing tastes quite like it. Supermarkets and websites often publish seasonal recipes if you need inspiration and most produce can be frozen if you have a glut!
It is the time of year to order spring bulbs so if you have plant catalogues take the opportunity to get a cup of tea or a glass of something, find a cool shady spot to sit and plan any alterations and planting schemes for the spring! During your deliberations you may also want to consider adding a tree or two to your garden. There are lots of beautiful ornamental trees available for every size of garden and lovely fruit trees as well. In the spring of 2024, I decided to plant 6 cordon fruit trees along a pathway, 2 pears, 2 apples and 2 plums. The blossom was beautiful and already fruit is forming. I am looking forward to eating the fruit in September.
Enjoy your garden
July 2025 News
As well as being busy in the garden weeding, fighting pests, trying to guess what the weather is going to do, some of our members have also found time to enjoy a couple of outings this past month.
Firstly, we had a lovely day at RHS Wisley, which has something to offer all gardeners from beginners to the experienced. A newly opened exhibition of the old laboratory, with stories of plant and seed collectors, plant breeding and the development of pesticides certainly was thought provoking.
There is literally a world of plants to be explored at Wisley, including a striking jade vine, in the glasshouse, in bloom especially for us! From beautiful rose gardens, exotic vegetables, mixed herbaceous borders, woodlands bursting with ferns plus wildlife including herons, baby goslings and parakeets there really was something for everyone.
A smaller group attended an Aromatherapy Workshop at Anna's Country Flowers near Shottenden. After a tour of the beautiful cutting garden and poly-tunnels , we learnt about the benefits and effects of the various scents from herbs and flowers and how they have been used throughout history. We tested our own noses too and learnt how to make smudge sticks and also created a small posy of scented flowers to take home.
This month, we have a visit to The Wonky Parsnip with owner and enthusiastic vegetable grower Laura Brady.
Our annual Summer Social evening for members is also taking place on 23rd July at Barham Village Hall.
And don't forget to nurture your potential prize winning flowers, fruit and vegetables for our Autumn show in September.
Happy Gardening!
July 2025 Gardening notes
High summer with all its glory. Time to reap the fruits of your labour, be that a bountiful harvest or a relaxing fragrance filled space to enjoy. Or maybe things have not gone quite to plan, in which case be kind to yourself and celebrate the smaller successes in your plot this year.
Summer brings with it the need for horticultural maintenance tasks, watering, weeding, harvesting crops at their best and dead heading are the common ones. Grass growth slows in the heat, lawn mowing can be less frequent now, as long as you can cope with a few straggling grass stems and maybe some clover or daisy flowers- the bees will thank you. Remember setting the blades a little higher will help the lawn withstand drought better.
How is the colour looking in your patch, there are plenty of flowers for late colour, dahlias, chrysanthemums, gladioli, phlox, gaura, marigolds to name a few. Have a look round friends gardens for inspiration. Kent has lots of lovely gardens to visit, making a lovely day out and an opportunity to get new ideas for your own garden.
Lots of colour can be added to your garden growing annual or perennials from seed, or if you are feeling ambitious some shrubs are also available to grow from seed. The autumn is a good time to grow hardy plants for the following year including annuals such as nigella, sweet peas and marigolds. Start them off in pots or modules and then overwinter them in a sheltered area. Now is the time to research and make your purchases ready for September planting.
If you are a member of the RHS you get the opportunity to order up to 10 packets of seeds harvested from RHS gardens for £10, a wonderful opportunity if you want to try growing something different.
How is the wildlife in your garden, are you lucky enough to see hedgehogs, do you have bats flying through in the evening and birds nesting. If not, it's easy to increase the wildlife sharing your patch. Provide water and dense planting or hedges for shelter, single flowers for pollinators, remove the use of pesticides and allow leaf litter to collect under trees are a few simple steps you could take, Kent wildlife has lots of ideas see www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/wilder-gardens scroll down the page for information leaflets.
Most importantly make sure there is time to enjoy the long evenings, a BBQ or a glass of something cold shared with friends or family.
June 2025 News
Our annual plant sale once again proved to be very successful and well attended- a big thankyou to everyone who contributed and/ or purchased plants and seedlings.
In May, Alfie Gay gave us an inspiring talk about Jumping Downs, Barham, taking us through the year and describing the flora and fauna found there. The 14 acre site, an old motorcycle track, is managed by the Jumping Downs Trust. Ancient woodland transitions into chalk down land, and wildflowers thrive in their natural habitat. They support a great variety of insects, including the only green butterfly to be found in the UK, the Green Hairstreak.
As the year progresses cowslips and orchids can be seen. Cows and sheep help conserve the land by grazing at the end of the summer.
The area is open to the public for all to enjoy, but the Trust asks that dogs are kept on a lead.
In July, we have a visit to The Wonky Parsnip and tour with founder Laura Brady. Our trips are open to non members details: Car trip to Wonky Parsnip - Tour of the Vegetable Garden
The committee would love to welcome some new members, please contact us via the website to find out more.
Happy Gardening !
June 2025 Gardening notes
Summer has arrived, actually it arrived in May this year and I hope you have already enjoyed some time relaxing in your garden.
June is a beautiful month lots of flowers think roses, lilies and scent. Adding a scented plant near the door, under a window or next to a seating area maximises your appreciation of it. There are plenty to choose from. Climbers- honeysuckle, roses, star jasmine, although that is a little tender so needs a south facing position and some protection in winter. Shrubs osmathus or elaeagnus, both have insignificant flowers and evergreen foliage, lavender or philadelphus- not all varieties of these shrubs are scented so choose carefully, also daphne. Annuals nicotiana, evening primrose, night scented stock or Brompton stocks. Then of course there are roses.
If you choose a plant with single flowers, it will feed the insects too, and many evening scented plants will attract moths.
The risk of frost is over so tender veg such as courgettes and tomatoes can be planted out, do make sure any plants grown indoors are transitioned to outside gradually (hardening off). Either by putting them out in the day and back inside at night, or out in the day and covered by fleece at night, just for a week.
Keep sowing crops such as beetroot and carrots, a short row every week to prevent a glut. Pull the tip of a trowel or hoe along the soil to make a shallow drill, water into the drill and then sow seeds into it before covering should give seeds a good start.
Perhaps try growing mange tout or sugar snap peas they are easier than peas and crop quicker. Mice do love the seeds so you may get better success growing groups of them in a pot and then planting the entire pots out spread along the support you provide. Check the packet as different varieties need different height support.
If the weather continues to be dry then watering will need to be on your 'to do' list. Remember a good soak every couple of days is better than a sprinkle every day. Veg in the ground may need watering to get best results, in the flower beds established plants should be OK unless it's very hot and dry. Pots, veg and new planting should be the priority.
The long evenings give opportunity to potter in the garden after work, alternatively take the time to sit in the garden with a glass of something cold!
May 2025 Gardening notes
Here we are in spring, or is it early summer. Either way it's a beautiful time of year. All fresh new growth, flowers and promise of warm summer evenings (we hope).
There is lots to do, so pace yourself. Pottering in your garden is supposed to be a relaxing hobby not a chore. If you are finding it all too much then time to adjust your garden to lower maintenance or get someone to help. Perhaps some raised beds would make it easier with less bending- although they do need more watering. Reduce weeding by planting through a weed suppressing membrane, or add mulch to a weeded area. Alternatively go for dense planting.
Choosing plants which don't need much maintenance is another way to reduce work. This can be shrubs, spireas like Bridal wreath are reliable as are forsythia, there are plenty of others. Look for the award of garden merit (AGM) on the label. Or some evergreen euonymus which come in many different shades and sizes, the lower growing ones can be useful ground cover. Or perennials which gently spread, Iris Sibirica is tolerant of many soils and sites although happiest in sun, or Jerusalem sage with lovely yellow flowers and architectural seed heads. Visiting other gardens is a good way to get inspiration, or have a chat with a gardening neighbour and find out what looks after itself in their garden. Watering is another area which can create work. This can be reduced by having less pots and having those you do have in a saucer and planted with drought tolerant plants. As always watering in early morning or evening is most effective. When planting something new, soak the plant first, then fill the planting hole with water, allow it to drain, plant and then water in. This gives a plant the best chance of success. Even better add a layer of mulch as well.
If you are not trying to minimise work then now is the time when a veg plot is coming into its own. Keep sowing little and often for carrots and beetroot etc. Later this month the risk of frost will pass and the tender veg like courgettes can be planted out. Keep tying in clematis and other climbers to keep them attached to their supports. Keep on top of weeds by hoeing every week- preferably on a sunny day.
Summer bulbs such as alliums are in full swing- perhaps add some more in autumn. Bees love them.
News April 2025
Gardens and gardeners are stirring and we are at last seeing a bit of sun although temperatures are very low. Snowdrops, hellebores and daffodils are telling us that spring is coming.
On 12 February Laura Brady from The Wonky Parsnip gave a talk to the Society. Laura has created a specialist market garden business, it started on a 3-acre site at Chartham and she has now taken on 15 acres at Brogdale, near Faversham. She focusses on growing heritage and exotic vegetables, herbs and edible flowers and supplies farm shops and restaurants. Skinny rainbow carrots, purple potatoes, Cuca melons, baby courgette, Tomatina a limey flavoured tomato, Chioggia beetroot to name but a few. Electric daisies with small button heads that have a numbing effect in the mouth are used in sorbets and cocktails. Laura works a rotation system with the land divided into 4 sections one for each season. In July we have a car trip to Laura's farm arranged by then the land will be in full production.
Laura graduated from Harper Adams agricultural college and has travelled extensively finding unusual ingredients that she can grow in the UK. Her career started by working for large scale vegetable producers supplying supermarkets. She shocked us with the revelation that some vegetables are harvested and then stored for up to 6 months to ensure continuous supply. Sadly, the supermarkets prioritise shelf life, cost and appearance ahead of nutrition and taste. The vegetables grown by Laura are both organic and full of flavour and can be enjoyed via the vegetable boxes she produces. She also holds plant sales with the next one taking place during the Brogdale Easter festival on 18th, 19th and 20th April.
On Wednesday 9 April at 7.30pm Rachel Castle from Swallowfields Nursery returns to talk about the history and cultivation of Primula Auriculars. This will be followed by our popular annual Plant Sale at Barham Village Hall on Saturday 26th April. The plant sale starts at 10.30am. If you are dividing herbaceous plants or have rooted cuttings, fruit or vegetables plants to spare please bring your donations to the hall between 8.30 and 10.00am. We look forward to seeing you there.
Gardening notes for April 2025
Finally, growth is more consistent and frost a rare threat. Enjoy the sunshine and dodge the showers is the way to go.
Early flowering shrubs should be pruned immediately after flowering. Remove dead and crossing branches first, then prune according to the species usually removing some older branches and those growing in the wrong direction. Remember to prune above a bud with a cut sloping away from that bud. The new branch will grow in the direction the bud is facing.
Seed potatoes should be in now, draw soil over the shoots as they grow (earthing up). Tender veg like beans can be planted indoors, wait until May to plant direct outside. Why not try home grown leeks, they are lovely harvested small and cooked in cheese or white sauce. Plant seeds into plugs or pots now, plant out into a veg plot when big enough to handle easily. Plant so they are deeper than in the pot to maximise the white section. Many crops are best planted little and often lettuce, beetroot and carrots for example. There are some varieties particularly suitable for container growing, look out for the information on the seed packets.
If you have a new bed to fill, annual seeds can give beautiful and economical colour. Cornflowers, poppies, candytuft, marigolds, Californian poppies are all reliable in a sunny position.
Did you get round to mulching beds, it will help with weed suppression and retaining water. If you can't mulch the whole bed, target roses, shrubs and your veg patch.
It's a busy time for wildlife with the breeding season in full swing. Birds will benefit from food and water for washing and drinking. Hedgehogs would love some meaty cat or dog food.
If you have a suitable space, putting in a pond would be amazing for wildlife and give you a restful spot to watch dragonflies and frogs. Do make sure its safe for any children and give easy access to ensure no drowned wildlife.
Its nice to plan some colourful pots for near the house, lilies can be beautiful and scented, or maybe some shorter single dahlias for late summer colour. Choose plants to match your site and the time you have. Fuchsias are happy with some shade, lavender needs full sun. To reduce time watering choose drought resistant plants and larger pots which hold more moisture.
April is a busy month, the garden growing before your eyes, so do take time just to sit and watch spring unfurl.
News Update March 2025
In February around 60 enthusiastic gardeners welcomed back the ever popular Steve Edney of The No Name Nursery. Steve works with the Royal Horticultural Society on plant trials and chairs the Herbaceous Plant Committee. Last year Steve and his partner carried out 61 talks around the UK, Europe and Ireland, won a coveted gold medal at Chelsea and a Cultural Commendation Certification awarded by their peers. Talking about Drought Tolerant Plants may seem a little strange in February but spring is only round the corner. Steve explained that in reality he is talking about the dry, and hot, Summer garden in this country, because these plants also have to contend with the British winter and you could get led astray into planting species from around the world that might succumb to the winter wet. Steve illustrated his talk with slides of the plants in his long border at home, of the border he recently created at Canterbury Cathedral and pictures of the species of plants he has grown and recommended, many varieties new to the audience. Pencils and notebooks were much in evidence. Talk inevitably turned to Snowdrops and the amazing prices special bulbs can fetch, the most ever paid for one bulb being £1850!
On Wednesday 12 March our next guest speaker will be Laura Brady from The Wonky Parsnip. The Wonky Parsnip is a small farm sited at Brogdale, specialising in weird and wonderful fruit and vegetable production. Laura will give an illustrated talk about their work at the Wonky Parsnip, what they grow and how they grow it. After hearing all about their remarkable business there is an opportunity to see what they do on our organised trip on Friday 4th July. Booking details in our programme and on the website.
Our annual coach trip is on Wednesday 28th May when we will be travelling to RHS Wisley, where you will be able to spend the whole day exploring this hub of horticultural excellence. With 240 acres, the gardens offer something for everyone. To book your place complete the form in your annual programme or on our Website. Non-members are welcome for an additional £5.00.
We hope you are all getting ready for our popular Plant Sale at Barham Village Hall, on Saturday 26th April. We always welcome any spare plants or vegetable seedlings you may have and would like to donate to our sale.
Gardening notes for March 2025
As I write it's turned cold and wet and spring seems a long way off. However if you venture outside you can see the first spring flowers and the buds are swelling. If you don't have many spring flowers make a note to add some bulbs in the autumn. March is a time of hope and new beginnings so wrap up warm and get outside for a potter. Its time to clear the old stems of perennials before the new shoots get tangled in the old. Make sure you dig up any perennial weeds as you clear.
Bare root perennials and dahlias will be available in the garden centres, DIY stores and some bargain superstores. Look for packs with no growth and no signs of mould. Its not always easy to see so there is some risk. There is also the chance that the flowers may not be the colour on the pack. These bare root plants can be a cheaper way of filling your garden with colour so I think are worth trying. I have had good success growing peonies from bare roots, potting them up so they can make strong growth before I put them into the border.
Its also a time to finish the pruning of roses and clematis and free standing apples and pears.
Many seeds can be sown this month but take it steady, if you sow before the germination temperature is reached you will be waiting longer and the seeds may rot if they are too wet.
Birds will be nesting this month, if you have a pet why not put out the fur from grooming, the chicks will be kept extra snug with a fur lined nest.
If you have a veg plot its worth making a plan so you know what you can fit into the space and when you need to plant seeds either indoors or into the ground. Don't forget that some veg need protection from frost so don't be too keen to plant them out. All the information you need should be on the seed packet.
Look out for early bees and see what flowers they are feeding on, no bee friendly flowers in your garden? Add some crocus or one of the many spring flowering shrubs, choose one with the perfect for pollinators symbol.
Later in March it should be dry enough for the first lawn cut of the season, the smell of cut grass reminds me of summer days.
News Update February 2025
On the 8th January the horticultural society held it's AGM, the evening started with the usual business of an AGM. We then had a lovely social time with a quiz, a raffle some light refreshments and of course a competition for spring posies.
The society has a great range of activities planned for the year. Talks are included in your membership of £7 along with some discounts.
Below are some of the upcoming events. Talks are mainly at Barham village Hall starting 7.30pm. See the Calendar of events for details.
We would love to welcome new members, no gardening knowledge required. Details and membership form can be found here.
If you are already a society member it would be extremely helpful to our committee if you renew your membership as soon as possible. Also once renewed please come along to our next talk to collect your membership card and program (even if you can't stay for the talk).
Visitors are welcome to come along to talks for the small payment of £2.
Gardening notes for February 2025
As I write it has turned very cold which is expected for February too. I hope you had fleeced vulnerable plants or moved them into a frost free place. There's a positive side to a cold snap, it will kill off some of the pests and give us an excuse to spend time indoors perusing the seed catalogues. If you are a member of the horticultural society you get 50% off Suttons seeds.
The gardening year starts into gear this month, with seeds sorted, purchased and a sowing plan made. Early sowings in a propagator or on a bright and warm windowsill. Tomatoes and aubergines need a long growing season, there are others which can be planted now- check the back of the packet.
Plug plants are another way to add colour more economically, remember that they need space, light and for many no exposure to frost.
There is pruning to be done this month, roses and free standing apples and pears and many other fruits – but not stone fruits such as plums. Consult the RHS website or a gardening book. The basic rule is remove dead, diseased, damaged and crossing branches first and then prune to encourage flowers/fruit according to the plant type. Winter pruning should ideally be finished before the plants start to grow. Always make the pruning cut with sharp bladed secateurs just above a bud. Cut above a bud facing in the direction you would like the new stem to grow to control the shape of the plant. Its also time to prune climbers, wisteria stems pruned in the summer should now be pruned to 2 buds to encourage flowering, summer flowering clematis should be pruned now, the later your variety flowers the harder its pruned, again consult RHS or a book. Spring flowering clematis need little pruning, follow the rule for spring flowering shrubs to prune immediately after flowering.
Mulch plants to provide food and lock in moisture, prioritise new, struggling or prized plants. Mulching roses will reduce black spot.
Have you got all your hedges trimmed ready for spring and the start of the nesting season?
Check birds boxes are secure and clean of old nesting material, which may harbour pests. Continue to provide food and water, their small size means birds lose heat quickly and need calories. Think about also providing natural food, seeds and berries, having ground cover (plants, mulch or leaves) giving home to insects.
Above all enjoy any bright days, they are a promise of spring.
News Update January 2025
The final talk of the year was given by Jo Arnell on Autumn and Winter Shrubs / Structure in the Winter Garden. Jo encouraged us to think carefully about the attributes of a plant before purchase; she told us that she "interviews" prospective plants asking them if they fit at least three of her criteria, these might be shape, size, seasonal colour, fragrance etc. It was an entertaining evening and despite being a cold dark winter's night attendance was good.
The Annual General Meeting of the Society will be held on Wednesday 8 January 2025 at 7.00pm at Barham Village Hall. Light refreshments will be provided after the formal business concludes. The AGM is also an opportunity to renew your membership for 2025. If you are not a member you can apply using the Online membership form. Individual membership is £7 and family membership is £14. In addition to a full calendar of events membership provides a discount on seed purchases from Suttons and a discount on plant purchases at local garden centres. If you cannot attend the AGM subscriptions can be paid online to our bank account. Details are provided in this year's programme.
The first event of 2025 is a talk by Steve Edney on Drought Tolerant Plants. This is taking place at 7.00pm on Tuesday 12h February at Barham Village Hall.
Gardening notes for January 2025
Happy New year.
Hopefully you had gardening successes in 2024 and maybe have lessons learnt. I am definitely going to keep on top of weeding- little and often, oh and do more succession planting. Although I think I may have said that before.
January can be a deary month, making plans for spring can make it seem closer. On bright days a walk round your plot observing what is starting to bud. Enjoying winter colour and scent can remind us that a garden can be enjoyed year round- just add extra clothes!
Many gardens open to the public will have areas focused on winter colour, hardy cyclamen coum, winter flowering heather (more tolerant of alkalinity than their summer flowering cousins) are commonly planted. Snowdrops and aconites will be flowering soon. Many of the shrubs flowering now are scented to attract insects. Its not just flowers which can lift the spirits. Think of the dog wood midwinter fire or the trunks of silver birch lit up with a low winter sun. In a smaller garden ornamental grasses such as miscanthus are bleached a lovely oatmeal colour and look beautiful in winter sun or caressed by gentle breezes.
There's still work to be done, raking leaves off the lawn can keep you warm and save the lawn turning to mud. Remove perennial weeds such as brambles, but minimise walking on borders to avoid compacting wet soil. Check ties on trees and climbers making sure they are secure without constricting. Brush snow off conifers to prevent damage. Although the yew hedges at Walmer Castle famously have snow damage to thank for their interesting shape. Leave perennial stems standing, they provide winter structure for us, habitat for insects and potentially seed for birds.
Remember wet and cold kills more plants than cold alone so go easy on watering in green houses or cold frames. Keep some horticultural fleece handy to protect vulnerable plants during cold snaps.
If you have a propagator, you can get ahead with seed sowing for those plants benefiting from a long growing season such as tomatoes or just to get earlier flowers/crop. Don't forget tender plants will need continued protection, so curb the desire to plant too much.
Keep bird baths and feeders topped up- remember to clean both, the density of birds using them can cause a build up of harmful microbes.
Its not a busy month in the garden, so enjoy the time to observe and plan. It will get busy soon enough.
Wednesday