“Keep them in shape”

Some of Philip’s plants

At our September meeting we had the welcome return of Philip Aubury former Director of Birmingham Botanic Garden to give a masterclass on the art of pruning. He explained in a very understandable way the “why, what, when and how” including practical demonstrations and some useful tools. We were particularly intrigued by his Darlac Snapper for longer-reach pruning and deadheading, which can also hold the cut stems or blooms.

After Philip’s talk and Q&A session he drew our raffle and judged the monthly competition which as you can see from the photos had some beautiful entries again, with Jean taking 1st place, Pia 2nd and Denise 3rd. Then we enjoyed refreshments browsing the good range of plants that Philip had brought for sale as well as some charming greetings cards painted by his wife. There was also our usual recycling/spare plant table. If this is your first visit to the site for a while please scroll down below the photos to see the previous post about our Annual Show!

Lis Aubury’s lovely greeting cards
Jean’s Pyracantha
Pia’s dahlia
Denise’s sunflower
All the monthly competition entries

2024 Annual Show

Beautiful single roses in Class 1
Ivy presenting the Tom Ethelstone Memorial Trophy to Anita Harper

Our Annual Show on Saturday 31st August was a great success in spite of a challenging growing season. There was a beautiful display in the hall, with several first-time entrants and very close scoring. Steve Wroe won the Lewis Cup for the most points in the vegetable classes, presented by Jonathan on behalf of his parents Alan and the late Val Lewis. Anita Harper retained the Tom Ethelstone Memorial Trophy for the most overall points, presented by Ivy Evans on behalf of Sue Ethelstone.

Jonathan presenting the Lewis Cup to Steve Wroe

The show was open for public viewing from 2.30 with all our visitors also enjoying the delicious donated homemade cake with their refreshments, and the hall was buzzing! Thank you to all our helpers and to everybody who entered and supported the show, also to our exhibitors who generously donated their vegetables and fruit to the Burntwood Be A Friend Community Store on Sankeys corner, gratefully received by volunteers in the shop. Please scroll down to see more photos on this post then have a look at lots more of this wonderful day across all the classes on our Gallery , all taken by our members, including the lucky raffle prize winners with their spoils!

Scrumptious scones in Class 43
Outstanding onions
Burntwood Be A Friend volunteers receiving the produce
A superb display across all the flower classes