I seem to be starting each month\u2019s contribution with a comment about the amount of rainfall we have been experiencing and this month\u00a0is no different. July has seen large amounts of rainfall delivered in heavy doses combined with a drop in average temperatures. Apparently, this is due to The Jetstream being further south than one would ordinarily expect at this time of year. Let\u2019s hope it decides to head north before too long. This change in rainfall and temperature has had a beneficial effect on the garden with all crops, vegetables and flowers growing really well.<\/p>\n
\u200bAs I write, there are only four weeks to the annual flower show. The prime purpose of the show is to encourage participation in the horticultural classes thus ensuring the success of the event. You\u2019d be surprised at the number of visitors who look forward to seeing the exhibition of produce, many comparing what is on show with their own efforts at home and picking up ideas as to what could be grown in their garden. The drive behind the publication of these monthly tips is the wish to get more participation and if you have been following some of them you will now need to know what you should be doing in the run up to the show.<\/p>\n
\u200bAs far as vegetables are concerned:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u200bIf you have not yet bent over the growing tops of your onions, now is the time. After about ten to fourteen days, lift the onions out of the soil and leave to dry off before gathering for storage\/exhibition. Shallots should be lifted now if not already done so and left to dry off in a warm weather proof location. Continue picking other produce to ensure they do not run to seed which will encourage the plant to stop further production and may leave you without anything to show on the due day.<\/p>\n \u200bFor flowers:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u200bIt is much the same regime. Continue to dead head regularly and if you are thinking of showing any, disbud multiple budded stems leaving only one to grow on. This should ensure a much better specimen for exhibition.<\/p>\n \u200bA few days before the show, armed with a copy of the schedule and a pencil, take a walk around your garden and tick off those classes in which you wish to enter. Don\u2019t be put off if some of your produce is what you consider not to be up to standard. Growing conditions will have largely been the same for everyone entering and even a less than perfect exhibit can still win an award.<\/p>\n Complete the entry form included with the schedule and ensure you submit this before the cut off time as shown in the schedule. You will be issued with an entry ticket for each exhibit.<\/p>\n \u200bOn the morning of the show you will need to start early with the aim of getting your exhibits tabled in the marquee before the cut off time of 10am when judging will commence.<\/p>\n \u200bDig and collect your exhibits. Ensure they are clean with no trace of soil. Use some damp cotton wool or a very soft toothbrush to clean them, being careful not to damage any specimens. Onions and shallots should have their foliage removed prior to exhibition to about two or three inches (5 to 8 cms) for onions and one inch (3 cms) for shallots, bent over and tied neatly with a piece of raffia. To save time on the day, it is best to do this a few days beforehand.<\/p>\n \u200bA few tips on exhibiting:<\/strong><\/p>\n Generally, it\u2019s all about catching the judge\u2019s eye:<\/p>\n Specifically<\/p>\n \u200bAs for fruit:<\/p>\n \u200bI think that\u2019s enough to be going on with. Don\u2019t forget, it\u2019s a local show designed primarily for members and non members from the vicinity of Wellow. Above all, it is meant to be enjoyed by all who take part. Don\u2019t feel that your produce is not up to standard. You may well be surprised by what wins an award. It\u2019s about participating and maintaining a tradition that is now 68 years old. Please enter as much as you can and help us all to have a terrific and enjoyable show.<\/p>\n \u200bGood luck to everyone.<\/p>\n Alex \u00a0– August 2017<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I seem to be starting each month\u2019s contribution with a comment about the amount of rainfall we have been experiencing and this month\u00a0is no different. July has seen large amounts of rainfall delivered in heavy doses combined with a drop in average temperatures. Apparently, this is due to The Jetstream being further south than one … Continue reading Tips from Alex – August 2017<\/span> \n
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