Results from the Plant Sale, Borde Hill outing, Open Gardens galore, getting ready for the Summer Show on 18th July

We had a tremendously successful Plant Sale on Saturday 7th May at Five Ashes village hall. The queue snaked all the way along the car park from 8.30 for those keen to bag their favourite items.

Three hours of preparation of the Hall on Friday afternoon paid off handsomely as it was stocked with goodies ready for the invasion.

Once the doors opened at 9.00, it was a dash to the tables - “better than a Harrods’ Sale” as one attendee put it! By 11.00, virtually nothing was left - but - why did no-one want lettuce this year??! Over 300 tomato plants vanished in no time. Queues were long but good-humoured and we have plans to improve the waiting times to pay next year.

After expenses, we netted a surplus of just over £2,300 which is a truly fantastic result and sets us up well for the year ahead. The Shedders also sold lots of stuff. Thanks to everyone who came to support, bought plants or helped out, it means a lot. Next year we will be back at the same venue and we aim to have even more homegrown plants!

However, we are getting very short of space in which to grow them all… If any of you green-fingered souls out there would like to help us out by growing on some young plants for us in your greenhouses or cold frames at home next spring, please get in touch… just click on the email link chair@mayfieldhorticulturalsociety.org.uk

The Plant Sale team with some of our volunteers

More Open Gardens to visit in June

Open Gardens season continues apace with loads opening in June, the traditional month whilst roses are in full bloom…In Mayfield, the Bonfire Society gardens are open from 1.30 till 5 this coming Sunday 7th June, when 5 gardens in East Street and Sandy Lane will open their gates to visitors; there are some new ones amongst the selection this year. Entry £7.50, children under 16 free. Dogs welcome on a short lead in most gardens. Homemade teas are also available at one of the gardens. Support this event and help the Bonfire Society raise the money they need to put on the Carnival in September.

Also this Sunday the 7th, Tidebrook Manor in Tidebrook will be open once more, in aid of Carillon Cottage (the ‘Mayfacs equivalent’ in Wadhurst), 2 till 6. If you haven’t been yet, it’s a must. There are also other gardens open in Wadhurst on both the 6th & 7th, same timings. Your ticket gives you access to all. Click on www.carillon-cottage.org.uk/open-gardens for tickets and information, or you can pay at the gate at Tidebrook Manor. £12 for the weekend or day ticket £7.

Make an afternoon of it and visit them all!

On 12th and 13th June, Wadhurst Park will open for the NGS, entry £7. Beautiful gardens, meadows etc within the 800 hectare estate.

Quarry Wood Farm & Tilsmore Farm in Newick Lane will also be open again for the second time this year for the National Gardens Scheme, on 13th June, 11 till 5, entry £8.

Borde Hill Outing

Wednesday 3rd June

We are all looking forward to our outing to Borde Hill on Wednesday 3rd June. It’s fully booked with a waiting list. Our organiser, Suzanne Bowe, will be in touch with everyone going before the event with final details of timings, car sharing etc.

Summer Show

Not long now till one of the best-loved events in the Mayfield calendar: the Mayfield Summer Show on Saturday 18th July at Mayfield Scout Hall, sponsored by Mayfield Horticultural Society.

If you’ve never been before, come and take a look between 2 and 5 at all the different exhibits in the Scout Hall, enjoy the heady scent of sweet peas, roses and other summer flowers in the Hall, and marvel at the pristine vegetables on show. Enjoy a homemade tea from the Friends of Mayfield Primary School!

If all this sounds interesting and you’d like to get involved, pick up a schedule in the village from the Post Office, Sew Inspired or the Flower House, or view it online at our website www.mayfieldhorticulturalsociety.org.uk.

You don’t even need to be a gardener! Yes, there are a lot of flowers and vegetables, but there are also categories for exquisite craft exhibits, baking and preserving, photography, flower arrangements as well as children’s classes: there’s something for everyone. It’s FREE to enter!

The Horticultural Show Team loves welcoming new exhibitors. We’re thrilled when someone new enters, wins a rosette or even a cup! Last year, we had several first time winners, which was very exciting. Who knows, it could be YOU or YOUR child/grandchild this year! Prizegiving is at 4.30.

We were all new to showing once, and it’s fun, so we go out of our way to help. Any questions, email showcommittee@mayfieldhorticulturalsociety.org.uk. More next month…