Cultivating a Love for Gardening
Welcome to the Chiddingfold Horti , we are a dedicated gardening club.
We are committed to fostering a love for horticulture within our community and provide a platform for gardening enthusiasts of all skill levels .
We share our knowledge, exchange ideas, and cultivate friendships. Our diverse range of events including plant shows and practical talks designed to inspire everyone we meet.
Join us to enhance your gardening skills, discover new techniques, and contribute to a thriving, green environment. Together, we nurture not just plants but a community of
passionate gardeners in Chiddingfold.
Our Commitment to Horticulture
Join Our Vibrant Gardening Community
Together, We Grow
We are dedicated to fostering a love for horticulture within our community.
Our events inspire and educate gardening enthusiasts.
Join a network of fellow gardeners passionate about nurturing plants and friendships.
40 plus
Active Members
5
Annual Events
3
Plant Shows Hosted
Featured Highlights of Our Society
Explore the key offerings and highlights of the Chiddingfold Horticultural Society:
Community Engagement
Chiddingfold Horticultural Society needs YOU!
Last year we celebrated 175 years of Chiddingfold Horti. A true milestone, but sadly, one that may not last much longer, because of dwindling membership and support. Despite this situation we really want to continue to engage with the gardeners of Chiddingfold.
We now have about 40 members but an average of only 15 attending our talks. This is disproportionate to the amount of time and effort taken by the Committee to arrange speakers and organize talks, a plant sale and 3 shows a year. So we wonder if it is really all worth the effort?
This article is a direct appeal to all gardeners and allotment holders in Chiddingfold to join us in 2026 and actively engage with us to learn about the pleasures of gardening.
There is a positive social side to gardening; sharing experiences of what does or does not work in our gardens and finding new plants and ways to make our gardens special .
We are building on our close partnership with St Mary’s School and there will be two themed sections at each 2026 show showing the contributions made by the pupils
with awards for the best entries. Having experienced the enthusiasm of St Mary’s School with our joint sunflower project last year we see that there is a great benefit in what we do to promote gardening.
But we understand the pressures aspiring gardeners have in raising a young family and the commitments that come with that. Time is precious .
In view of this we have joined Tendershoots, a UK gardening network which has regular on line talks on a wide range of gardening subjects. This is available to all our members who will have a timetable of regular talks and log in details. This greatly expands the talks we provide and is delivered in a convenient way to fit your timetable. It also provides 50% discounts on Suttons and Kings seeds.
We have revamped what we can offer to make membership more attractive by looking at new ways we can engage with you:
· We are improving our website with links to the RHS, National Garden Scheme, the Allotment Association and others and giving monthly topical tips from Robert “Greenfingers” Walker
· Our full Show Schedule for 2026 is now available on the website with hard copies for those who have
no access to the internet. This a great insight into what is involved in our shows.
· We are now on Facebook. Chiddingfold Horti Soc
· Discounts at local garden centres to buy those plants you hear about through Horti
· A specific e mail address for gardening questions or suggestions on topics that you may have
Please consider becoming a member and try us out for 2026. It may be the last chance to keep Chidd Horti going.
You can become members by e mailing us on our website or coming to the Village Hall on Saturday 14th February between 11am and 12noon where you can join and where our members can renew membership. Membership £10. www.chiddingfoldhorti.co.uk
Thank you.articipate in our numerous community-focused gardening events and initiatives
Expert Advice
February 2026
Robert"Greenfingers Walker"
For a change I start with three puzzles, answers at the end.
The name of what seed can have two letters removed and still be the same?
Two Anagrams
Arrange these letters to form the name of a plant and also the name of a lady
HAD PEN and MORE RIPS
The hours of daylight are starting to get a little longer so enjoy any sun but do not be fooled as there can be cold weather ahead, this can be the coldest month ! The soil is generally wet and cold so not ready for seed sowing. It is good to have some frost to break up the soil: after this benefit covering the ground with glass, cloches or fleece will help warm the soil and, perhaps, make sowing slightly earlier. When suitable conditions apply, but not if the soil is wet and sticky, it is possible to plant deciduous trees, hedges, bushes and roses, do firm the ground around them to prevent the wind from loosening them. General clearing such as the removal of any remaining leaves
Carrots can be left in the ground during winter or formed into clamps for storage. If left out they soon become limp. When kept under water they retain their snappy nature for several days.
Finish making your plans for the coming year and ensure that you have all the seeds that you may want.
Now is a good time to grow sprouting seeds indoors. Seed sprouter packs with growing instructions can be bought and germination can start within four days. Picking of the nutritious product can start in a few days.
Answers to puzzles
Pea
Daphne. And Primrose.
Enjoy your garden,
more next month!
Annual Plant Shows and Plant Sale 2026 Schedule
Chiddingfold Village Hall
SPRING SHOW
11:30am 4th April
PLANT SALE
10am to 11:15am
9th May
VILLAGE FETE
TBA
SUMMER SHOW
11:30am 20th June
AUTUMN SHOW
11:30am 5th September
Friendly Network
Connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts and build lasting friendships.
Get in touch
information@chiddingfoldhorti.co.uk