CLOWS TOP & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB: May for many gardeners is one of the best months in the garden, the weather is getting warmer, but beware frosts can still strike anytime. Plants that are raised in the greenhouse will need to be hardened off. It’s a daily chore, moving young plants in and out of the green house but it is worth it. Now is the time to take softwood cutting of trees, shrubs, perennials and climbers. Also don’t forget to feed flowering shrubs and roses.

The March meeting was the Spring Show, the club would like to express many thanks to Derek Walker for judging the show. The show winners were Joint 3rd Ann Hingley & Bob Marriott, 2nd Chris Cowdell, 1st and Best Exhibit won by Marion Wilson.

Also on this evening, Clows Top were the hosts for the Annual Inter-Club Quiz for the ‘Jim Greenhow’ Challenge Shield. Derek Walker was Quiz master, and there were four teams represented from Astley, Bewdley, Clows Top & Kidderminster. Congratulations were given to the Clows Top team for winning the shield with a brilliant performance.

If you’re not a member then come along and join us at one of our monthly meetings. It’s a great opportunity for you to share your thoughts, ideas and advice with other members. We have a great programme of speakers as well as Evening visits to local gardens. Our Garden Club has a very friendly atmosphere, everyone is welcome. Don’t be afraid to come along, we are a garden club not a horticulture society, the membership is only £10 pa. However, Non-members are welcome to any monthly meeting.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 23rd May, the speaker for the evening will be ‘Malcolm Mollart’ with a talk entitled ‘Creating a Year Round Garden’.

Diary Dates

Wednesday June 27, Rose & Sweet Pea Show, Cottage Gardens, Ian Nex. Wednesday July 25, Teabags, Bras & Tights, Darren Rudge. Saturday August 18, Clows Top Show. Wednesday August 22, Top Tips for your Garden, Tamsin Westhorpe. Wednesday September 26, Autumn Show, Wyre Forest. Wednesday October 24, Flowers of the Teme Valley, Stephanie Moscroft. Wednesday November 28, AGM & Members Evening.

The club meets the fourth Wednesday in the calendar month at Clows Top Victory Hall; Doors open 7.30pm, for the speaker at 8pm.

Admission Fee: Members £2 or non-members £4. Free refreshments. Magazine swop.

Further details telephone Marion Wilson 01299 270475 or email: clowstopdistrictgardeningclub@hotmail.co.uk.