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
FROM:
Robert"Greenfingers Walker"
MARCH 2026
Spring is coming and I have seen snowdrops, aconites , helebores winter flowering jasmine and honeysuckle as well as daffodils in flower outside.
It is getting lighter and very tempting to go out when the sun shines to sow and plant but there may be some bad weather and frosts still to come. If you do wish to get an early start it is beneficial to use some form of protection such as plastic or glass cloches or fleece. Just sow a few seeds and hope that they grow, keep the remainder for later sowing.
If you have a protected area such as as greenhouse or somewhere indoors, you can sow into modules so that germination can occur. After this has occurred the seedlings can be moved outside when conditions are suitable.
Routine tasks include keeping paths clear, removing weeds (they do grow during the winter! ), checking stored fruit and tubers. You may wish to finish pruning trees and bushes before the birds start to nest.
Do get outside when the weather is suitable and enjoy the garden.
Do maintain the garden and cut the lawn when appropriate, remove weeds, clean paths and remove old growths from bushes.
Remember to enjoy the garden. It should not become a burden
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
TALKS FOR YOUR DIARY
ALL TALKS ARE IN THE VILLAGE HALL AND COMMENCE AT 8PM. DOORS OPEN 7.30PM
15th April - Mark Dobell "The Modern Kitchen Garden".
20th May - Hannah Neale "Drought Tolerant Plants".
16th Sept - Barry Newman "A Year on the Allotment".
21st Oct - TBC
Friendly Network
Connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts and build lasting friendships.
President
Sandra Gilbert, BEM
Vice Presidents
Myrtle Ballard Sheila Rapley Ciss Denyer
Robert Walker
Committee
Chairman: Sheila Rapley
Vice Chairman: Robert Walker
Secretary : Annie Fernie
Treasurer: Martin Lacey
Membership Secretary: Elizabeth Baker
Programme Secretary: Georgia Lacey
Archivist /Website: Ben Baker
Committee Member: John Marshall
SPRING 2026 SCHEDULE
Ut eu sem integer vitae
Schedule Spring Show 2026
Saturday 4th April in the Chiddingfold Village Hall. Show opens at 11:30am.
Tea, Coffee and Cake available
Judging begins at 10am
W.C.G – Worshipful Company of Gardeners
Division 1.
Ramsnest Rangers Cup. Jack Talbot Trophy
Class:
Daffodils/ Narcissi
- 1 Vase one yellow bloom 1 stem
- 1 Vase Large Cup 1 stem
- 1 Vase Large Cup 3 stems
- 1 Vase Small Cup 1 Stem
- 1 Vase Small Cup WINSON TROPHY 3 Stems
- 1 Vase Double 1 Stem
- 1 Vase Double, can be mixed 3 Stems
- 1 Vase Split Corona 3 Stems
- 1 Vase Mixed W.G.C.DIPLOMA 8 stems
- 1 Vase any type Narcissi 3 stems
- 1 Vase Miniature types, 1 or more varieties 3 stems
- 1 Vase Multiheaded, any variety 1 stem
- A pot or bowl of growing Daffodils/Narcissi 1 stem
OTHERS
- A pot or bowl of grown tulips 1 stem
- 1 Vase Tulip, one bloom 1 stem COOPER CUP
- 1 Vase Tulips, one variety 3 Stems COOPER CUP
- 3 Vases ( 1 each of the following list) : W.G.C.DIPLOMA
- Daffodils/Narcissi: ( 3 stems 3 of one type: Trumpet, Large Cup or other than Large Cup)
- Tulip 3 Stems
- Wallflowers
- Any other cut flowers or shrubs of one variety
- Vase cut blooms of any other bulb, corm, tuber or rhizome not already included in classes 1-13 3 stems
- 1 Vase Polyanthus/Primroses 3 stems
- Vase of flowering shrubs &/or trees, one or more varieties 3 stems
- Camellias – Cycle of Bloom, on board provided from the bottom up in the order: one full bloom, one perfect stage ½ to ¾ open), one in bud stage (one or two petals beginning to unfurl. (W.G.C.DIPLOMA)
- Camellia, flower with leaf on one stem
- Camellias, 3 flowers on board provided
- Rhododendron – 1 head
- Rhododendron/Azalea florets on board provided THYE ROSE BOWL
- Clematis. 3 flowers on a board provided THYE ROSE BOWL
- Pansies/Violas 6 blooms on board provided , mixed THYE ROSE BOWL
- Pansies/Violas, 3 blooms on a board provided, one variety THYE ROSE BOWL
- Hellebores, 6 blooms on a board provided DOROTHY BROWN TROPHY
- 1 Foliage pot plant – max 30cm internal diameter pot
- Flowering pot plant – excluding Orchids, max 300mm internal diameter pot
- A container of one or more cacti/succulents, max 300mm internal diameter pot
- 2 pot plants (2 flowering – 2 foliage, or 1 of each, excluding Orchids
- 1 flowering Orchid
- A vase of mixed Spring garden flowers and foliage for all round effect. (Own container may be used) DIANA HART TROPHY
- A container of growing Spring Flowers excluding classes 13 and 14
- 3 Sticks of Rhubarb
- Any other vegetable ( judged on quality of presentation only, not points)
DIVISION II
FLOWER ARRANGING W.G.C. FLORAL ART CERT.
Wash all roots and clean brassicas. Lettuces, cabbages and cauliflower must have 76mm of stalk showing. Beet and carrots must have 76mm of leaf stalk showing
41.Medium Class “Springtime” Space 600mm
42. “ Movie with Title”
Props allowed Space 750mm
JACKSON-GILL TROPHY
DIVISION III
CHILDREN ONLY
Must be the child’s own work.
Please state age at date of show and fix to the exhibit
45. Up to 4 years: A model made from playdough or plasticine.
CHILDREN’S TROPHY
46. 5-7 years “ A Lego Model”
SPRING SHIELD.
DIVISION IV
COOKERY
All food should be covered with a transparent cover
Use Village Hall plates. No paper plates
All preserves, (jams and chutney/pickles etc ) must be clearly labelled with contents and dates in full. Pickles and chutneys should be at least 2 months old . Fruit curds must only be covered with a waxed disc and cellophane. Jars must be filled to the top
DOROTHY WHALE TROPHY
50. Jar of Seville Marmalade
51. Coffee Walnut Sponge
52. 6 Anzac Biscuits SEE RECIPE BELOW
53. 4 Cheese Scones
PHOTOGRAPHY
AWARD OF MERIT
(Not previously exhibited)
All photos must be suitably mounted on a card with preferably a 25mm border, maximum print size 220mm x 150mm
61. Springtime
62. A spring flower
63. Wildlife
64. Water
SPRING SHOW RECIPE
ANZAC BISCUITS
5 oz (150 g) soft margarine
1 rounded tablespoon golden syrup
6 oz (175 g) granulated sugar
3 oz (75 g) self-raising flour
3 oz (75 g) desiccated coconut
4 oz (100 g) porridge oats
Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4. Lightly grease 2 baking trays.
Measure the margarine, syrup and sugar into a pan and heat gently until melted. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Mix well until blended then spoon about 36 slightly flattened mounds well apart on the prepared baking trays.
Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 10 minutes until they have spread out flat and are lightly browned at the edges. Leave to cool on the trays for a few moments. Carefully lift off with a palette knife and finish cooling on a wire rack.
Get in touch
information@chiddingfoldhorti.co.uk