Cultivating a Love for Gardening

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