It has been a packed and successful summer so far for the Clays Gardening Club. June began with the club’s successful biannual Open Gardens Event, where 12 generous garden owners opened their gardens for the local community to enjoy. A village Scarecrow Competition ran alongside, adding extra fun to the weekend. Just two days later, members departed on a four-day trip to North Yorkshire.
En route to their base in Boroughbridge, they visited RHS Harlow Carr – an impressive 58-acre garden that did not disappoint. The following days included a private visit to Pilmoor Cottages near Helperby, where guests were treated to home-made cakes, as well as visits to the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, Burnby Hall Gardens, Breezy Knees Gardens, and the magnificent Scampston Hall and Walled Gardens in Malton.
In July, the club organised two popular day trips: a long-awaited visit to David Austin Roses in Shropshire, where visitors were warmly welcomed and enjoyed stunning rose gardens; and later in the month, an outing to the very first RHS Flower Show at Wentworth Woodhouse. Both trips proved very popular, attracting members and non-members alike, and the coach returned from each filled to the brim with plants.
To give everyone a well-earned break, there will be no meeting in August. Regular meetings resume on Monday 15th September at South Wheatley Village Hall (DN22 9DH), with a talk by Doug Stewart on ‘Edible Flowers’.
The autumn programme continues with the AGM and a social evening on Monday 20th October, followed by a special evening on Monday 17th November when gardening expert Martin Fish and his wife Jill will present ‘Gardening on the Menu’, combining horticultural advice with a cookery demonstration.
Doors open at 7.00pm. Entry fee is £3.00 for members and £5.00 for non-members. New visitors are always welcome. For more details, contact Christine on 07572 262172.