Parkstone Gardeners' Society

Affiliated to The Royal Horticultural Society, The Dorset Federation of Horticultural Societies and The Daffodil Society
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News stories for 2008  
 
 
Members Monthly Show
June 2008 Table Show
 
This month there were nine entries in total. Classes ranged from pot plants to cut flowers and one flower or stem of flowers. First, second and third prizes were awarded in each class, with the overall winner receiving the monthly cup and a £3 cash prize. This month Heather Brown was the overall winner with her Japanese Box Bonsai. Read full article.
 
Article submitted by Lesley Russell (Monthly Show Organiser) 18 June 2008.
 
Members Monthly Show
May 2008 Table Show
 
This month there were fourteen entries in total. Classes ranged from pot plants to cut flowers, floral arrangements and the most popular of all classes, one flower or stem of flowers. First, second and third prizes were awarded in each class, with the overall winner receiving the monthly cup and a £3 cash prize. This month Joy Pitcher was the overall winner with her floral arrangement of a modern design incorporating exquisite pink roses. Read full article.
 
Article submitted by Lesley Russell (Monthly Show Organiser) 21 May 2008.
 
A View from the Compost Heap (May)
Time to deal with the weeds
 
At this time of year every gardener has not enough hours in the day to do all the jobs that need his or her attention. Plant growth now is at its maximum rate, weed growth, especially if the soil is moist, is phenomenal. Keeping up with the weeding is a major task. The hoe kept working between the plants and on areas not yet planted will keep them at bay, especially if hoeing can be done while the soil surface is dry and on a sunny day. Read full article.
Article submitted by David Bassil 15 May 2008
 
The PGS Spring Flower Show
A colourful spectacle
  
A most successful spring flower show was held on the 29th March. There were 245 superb entries from adults and 81 fantastic entries from children. The principle award winner was David Bassil who won the award for the highest number of points in the horticultral classes with wondeful exhibits of Daffodils and Tulips. A full list of the awards can be found here and some photos of the day have been posted here.
Article submitted by Joan Roberts 13 April 2008
 
A View from the Compost Heap (March)
Spring is here and marks the start of the flower shows
  
A few dates for your diary: Victoria School Spring Show held in their sports hall in Lindsay Road, Poole, stages its show on Easter Saturday March 22nd from noon to 5pm. Teas, sale of plants and the school grounds open for you to walk around. The entire proceeds of this show goes to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Admission is 50p, children are free. The Bournemouth Horticultural Society hold their Spring Show on Tuesday April 1st from noon to 7pm at the St Edmund Campion Church Hall in front of the Castlepoint Shopping Centre, again admission is free and plants, cakes, etc will be on sale.  Read full article.
Article submitted by David Bassil 12 March 2008
 
A View from the Compost Heap (February)
Observations on spring flowering dates over the last twenty years or so
 
At this time of year I thought it might be of some interest to share with you a few of my observations noted over the last twenty years or so. We are continually bombarded with information about the causes and effects of global warming. Well, causes I will not go into, others far cleverer than me can do this. Read full article.

Article submitted by David Bassil 09 February 2008
 
The weeds are growing, it's time for sowing
Now that the days are visibly lengthening the gardening year starts in earnest
 
Rhubarb crowns that have been covered by tall pots or buckets for the last few weeks have now produced long pink stems ready for pulling and cooking. Please note that the leaf of the rhubarb is poisonous and must be discarded; the long stem is delicious when cooked. Why not try Joan's seasonal recipe for rhubarb crumble.
It's also time to chit potatoes for planting in late March and April. I place mine stem end down in egg boxes in a light and frost free place to produce short jointed shoots.
Article submitted by Joan Roberts 9 February 2008
 
 
Captivating Gardens of England
A talk  by horticultural speaker Rosemary Legrand

Just to let you all know that the local charity "Waggy Tails Rescue" are organising the above event on the 21st of February. A link to the event poster can be found here.
Article submitted by Joan Roberts 19 January 2008
 
 
Annual General Meeting
The AGM and American supper held in December

We trust all those who attended the AGM enjoyed the American supper and competitions.
Congratulations to Joy Pitcher on winning the Christmas Flower Arrangement Competition and to Joan Bartlett on wining first prize in the Christmas Quiz.
Article submitted by Joan Roberts 13 January 2008
 
Gardening for Fitness
Is your resolution this year to become fitter?

Research shows that gardening for 30-45 minutes most days of the week has significant health benefits, such as decreasing the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as contributing to healthier bones, muscles and joints. Elements of gardening such as digging, weeding, trimming shrubs and mowing the lawn can require the same energy requirements as other physical exercise activities such as walking, cycling, swimming and aerobics.   
Article submitted by Administrator 01 January 2008