Special summer garden party celebrations

The Mearns Horticultural Society was formed in 1858 to hold an Annual Summer Show of flowers and vegetables and the early shows were often held in a garden setting.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Aug 2018, 10:25 BST
Updated 31st Aug 2018, 10:44 BST

These developed into shows open to anyone with both amateur and professional gardeners from a wide geographical area competing for prizes and cups.

With no shows during the war years, this year was the 147th show, held on a sunny afternoon in secretary Peter Watson’s garden.

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This was a social rather than competitive event to celebrate 160 years since that first show in 1858 (which was to see who could grow the largest cabbage).

There were 30 fun classes covering pot plants, flowers, vegetables, baking and photography, including three special classes for primary or nursery school children.

The show was judged by former professional gardener Finlay Robertson, who also presented the prizes.

The winners of the trophies were:

• First District Council Trophy for best pot plant – Peter Watson

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• Borland Rose Bowl for best vase of flower – Margaret Thomson

• Maitland Trophy for best vegetables – Elaine Anderson

• Charlotte B. Jamieson Trophy for best preserves – Janina G. Murray

President Mary Fyfe produced a lovely 160th anniversary cake for all to enjoy.

The Society meets from September to May.

The next session will have a very varied programme which includes talks and workshops on creating your own Bonsai; Front Garden Reorganisation; Storing and Conserving Fruit and Vegetables; Care of young plants; Pruning Shrubs and Vegetables; Christmas Decoration; Rhododendron Culture; Medicinal Plants, and the 73rd Annual Spring Show and Gardener’s Question Time.