Dear HGS HortSoc Members,
The HGS HortSoc September Show is fast approaching, and we can’t wait to see all the wonderful exhibits and enjoy another great afternoon together.It has been a long, hot summer and we know that many of our gardens have felt the effects. The usual abundance of fruit, vegetables and flowers may not be quite what we would normally expect at this time of year – but please don’t let that put you off entering. Bring what you can! Part of the joy of the Show is seeing what our members have managed to grow, nurture and produce, whatever the weather has thrown at us.
Whether you’re exhibiting, volunteering, or simply coming along to enjoy the Show, here’s everything you need to know to get ready!
Show Details
Date of Show: Saturday, 19 September
Location: Free Church Hall, Northway
HortSoc Flower Show Public Opening Hours: 3:00 – 5:00pm
Registration for the Show – Mark Your Calendar!
We’ll be holding the exhibitor registration evening on Tuesday, 15 September from 7:00 – 8:00pm at Fellowship House.
This is your opportunity to officially register your entries for the Show, including fruit, vegetables, flowers, cooking, photography and our junior classes.
New to exhibiting? Don’t worry! Experienced members will be on hand to guide you through the process, answer any questions and make sure everything goes smoothly.
And, to help make registration a little more enjoyable, we’ll have a glass of wine waiting for you while you sign up!
If you would prefer to submit your entry form online, please complete the attached spreadsheet, save it and email it back to shows@hortsoc.co.uk. Please don’t forget to include your personal details on the form.
Lost your Show Guide? No worries! All the information you need, including classes and entry details, is available on the HGS HortSoc website. https://hortsoc.co.uk/september-show-298th-flower-show/
Show Day – Saturday, 19 September
If you’re planning to exhibit, here’s what you need to know.Show-Day Exhibitor SetupExhibitors are invited to bring their entries to the Free Church Hall, Northway, between 9:00 – 11:00am.
Please collect any necessary display items, such as vases, which, unless otherwise specified in the Show Guide, are supplied by HortSoc. You can then proceed to the Show area and display your exhibits in their appropriate classes.
For new exhibitors, setting up for the first time can feel a little overwhelming, but don’t worry – there will be plenty of people available to help and make the process as easy as possible.
Dorset Apple Cake
For our baking class, this September’s recipe is a delicious Dorset Apple Cake. Full recipe details can be found in the Show information.
Get the Kids Involved!
We have several fun junior classes for our younger members to enter, including our sunflower competition.
We’d love to see plenty of children taking part, so encourage the younger gardeners, growers and makers in your family to have a go!
Judging
Judging will take place between 11:30am – 2:00pm, so please make sure all exhibits are in place before 11:00am.
Exhibit Viewing by the Public
The Show will open to the public from 3:00 – 5:00pm.
This is the perfect opportunity to showcase everyone’s hard work, admire the exhibits and enjoy the atmosphere of the Show.After public viewing has finished, exhibitors can collect their exhibits between 5:00 – 5:45pm.
Bulb Sale – Get Ready for Spring!
We’ll also be holding our Bulb Sale at the September Show – the perfect opportunity to stock up ready for planting this autumn and enjoy a wonderful display of colour next spring.
We are expecting to have a selection of bulbs available, including: Tulips, Daffodils, Alliums, Iris reticulata and Narcissi
Do come and have a look and take home some bulbs for your garden. Availability will be subject to stock on the day.
Invite Your Friends & Family!
Please do spread the word and invite friends, family and neighbours to come along. Everyone is welcome!
Famous Teas & Homemade Cakes – Don’t Miss Out!
Our famous teas and homemade cakes will once again be available in the Free Church Hall from 3:00 – 5:00pm.
Once you’ve enjoyed viewing the exhibits, come and relax with a cup of tea and a slice of cake while catching up with fellow gardening enthusiasts.
We would also be very grateful for any baked goods you are able to bring along on the day.
Gardening Help Desk – Bring Your Plant Questions!
There will be a Gardening Help Desk for all your plant-related questions.
Whether you’re struggling with a pest problem, need advice on plant care, or simply have a gardening question you’ve always wanted answered, our experienced members will be on hand to offer advice and practical tips.
So bring your gardening questions along – it’s a great opportunity to benefit from the knowledge and experience within our Society.
Exciting Raffle – Win Fantastic Gardening Prizes!
We’ll also be holding a raffle with lots of wonderful gardening-related prizes.
Tickets are:
1 ticket for £1
10 tickets for £5
Please bring cash or a card for tickets – you won’t want to miss your chance to win!
All prizes will be drawn at 4:45pm, so do stay around to see whether you’re one of our lucky winners.
Volunteers Needed
We’re always grateful for volunteers to help make the Show a success.
If you’re able to lend a hand, we would particularly welcome help with:
Exhibit Registration: Helping to prepare exhibitor entry cards on Tuesday, 15 September for a couple of hours – wine provided!
Show-Day Volunteers: Helping with exhibitor registration, guiding visitors and generally ensuring everything runs smoothly throughout the day. If you would like to volunteer, please contact shows@hortsoc.co.uk.
We’re looking forward to another fantastic HGS HortSoc Show and can’t wait to see all your flowers, fruit, vegetables, baking, photographs and junior entries.
If you have any questions, need further information or would like to volunteer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Best regards,Robyn Price
Show Director
HGS HortSoc