Temperatures are starting to fall in September but we may get an Indian summer. There is, however, even the possibility of an early frost so be prepared to give protection if required.
It is a good time to remove any dead heads on roses, dahlias and other flowering plants. Some may need the support of stakes to prevent  damage in any high winds. Seeds of hardy annuals and biennial can be sown together with sweet peas to give plants next year. Bulbs, to flower at Christmas, can be planted and kept in the dark until green shoots appear.
In the vegetable area potatoes should be dug up and onions lifted, dried and stored. Chard, kale, spinach and carrots can be sown and Japanese onions planted: over wintering lettuce may need cloches for protection in cold spells. Any green tomatoes can be made into chutney or stored in a drawer to ripen, if kept with a banana this speeds the process.
Strawberry plants can be bought and planted in a new bed. Apples and pears should be picked just before being fully ripe if you wish  to store them: I wrap in newspaper to stop any possible infection spreading and they ripen and last for several months. Pick any remaining soft fruits.
Now is the time to prepare a place to store fallen leaves which can provide a mulch or benefit the soil. Old plants should be removed as they can harbour slugs and be added to the compost heap. Keep going with the usual activities of lawn cutting and weeding and enjoy the garden
Robert  'Greenfingers'  Walker

The Chiddingfold Horticultural Society is 175 years old

Chiddingfold Horticultural Society was formed in 1850 and is one of the oldest organisations in our village. At that time , Queen Victoria had been on the throne for 13 years and it was a decade that saw the opening of the Great Exhibition, the beginning of the Crimean War, publication of Darwin’s Origin of Species and the first opening of fish and chip shops in England.

In the years since its formation, , the Society has represented the gardeners of Chiddingfold supporting 3 shows each year; Spring, Summer and Autumn. Originally the shows gave the owners of the large houses and their gardeners the chance to show off their produce and win prizes for the best specimens of their cultivation skills. Over the years this village tradition has been continued stopping only for two world wars and COVID.

The Society has accumulated 37 trophies , given by past members, to present to the winners of specified classes, ranging from flower types and arrangements to vegetables, cookery and crafts. These are variously awarded at the shows, together with RHS awards.

In the early years the shows were hosted by the owners of the “grand” houses, but in recent years the Village Hall is where the shows and talks take place. Talks organized for members began in earnest in the 1950’s and are still held during the year. Trips to gardens in the UK and even to the tulip fields of Holland ,were organized in the past, but sadly these have been discontinued due to a declining membership and lack of support.

At its peak, in the 1950/60’s, it had a membership of about 300, but this has now dropped to below 50 members. So, on a sobering note, unless more people join and support us, Chiddingfold Horticultural Society may not continue.

But in our 175th year, all is not lost. St Mary’s School responded with great enthusiasm when we approached them earlier in the year and asked them if they would like to help celebrate our 175th Anniversary.

Over 212 sunflowers seeds have been planted by the pupils and they are each aiming to grow a sunflower as close to 175cm ( or taller) as possible for a grand display at our Autumn Show. “Horti” supplied the seeds and the pots and will be giving a prize for the tallest and the shortest sunflower.

The children also painted pictures of sunflowers which were seen and greatly admired at the Chiddingfold Fete held in June. The Committee wore Victorian themed costumes at their stall and sold plants, grown by members, and strawberries kindly donated by Hall Hunter of Tuesley Farm.

What of the future? Well, if the splendid support of St Mary’s is anything to go by there is a spirit in Chiddingfold that will provide a few more years of the Society. We are currently considering ways to embrace new technology so we can engage with a wider Chiddingfold audience. A visit to our website www.chiddingfoldhorti.co.uk might be your next step to get involved in gardening in Chiddingfold and experience the benefits that Horti membership can bring.

Ben Baker

Committee Member