Has Autumn Arrived Early?

Photo Credit: Julie Skelton Photography

Woke to a decidedly chilly morning with a real sense of the arrival of an early autumn. I noticed that last year’s article for September started with commentary about our unusual summer weather and wondered if each year we tend to think our weather is noticeably different or distinct but if in fact that is just Nature’s way. Perhaps being blessed with variety helps keeps us sane and ensures each year has its own distinctive challenges and successes.

Another year of extremely low rainfall has certainly stressed hundreds of trees, garden plants and our wildlife. The challenge has been to water wisely – less frequent but good soaking to ensure the roots continue to push deep into the ground. Water basins full of grey water from washing vegetables, hands, rinsing dishes, etc. have all been dutifully dumped on plants. Yes, it has come to that in our household at least. I would love to say my kitchen garden has been a resounding success this year but it has been a mixed bag. Beetroot at last, after a dire year in 2024, with success both from starting in the greenhouse and transplanting as well as direct sow. I swear I didn’t do anything different from last year except probably water a little more consistently in the early stages. Sweet peas started out with such promise but short stems and blooms that only last a few days to their early demise in August has left me hunting for other sweetly scented blooms. Honestly, I think I’m being punished for the abundance last year. And so it goes!

Hascombe Open Gardens

This summer the Society’s Centenary celebrations included nearly 20 private gardens opening in Dunsfold and Hascombe over June and July. DHHS and the Friends of Hascombe were thrilled to see so many visitors out and about in Hascombe mid-July for their open gardens’ day. What a fine collection of colourful, diverse and beautifully maintained gardens for everyone to enjoy. Huge thanks to the Dwyers and all the Friends of Hascombe for organising the day and sharing these wonderful gardens with us. Such a treat and a demonstration of how much knowledge, passion and commitment there is to gardening in our lovely villages. Again, thanks to all these owners for opening their gates to members and local visitors. It was a great privilege to be able to see these private spaces and everyone’s own interpretations of how to define them with plants.

And now that we know that lots of people in the village grow roses, annuals, vegetables, etc. we will expect you more than ever to enter the horticultural shows! No pressure but perhaps just a spot of encouragement to join in the fun. Our Main Horticultural Show takes place on Saturday, 13 September. Please do have a go at entering and we promise to help with any questions you might have if exhibiting for the first time! Don’t forget that we also have a class for children 16 years and under.

Horticultural Society’s Main Show

13 September

The Winn Hall, DunsfoldDoors Open 2pm with Awards at 3.30pm

Tea, coffee & homemade cake

You can find the classes online under Shows on our website or pick up a list of class and entry forms at the Dunsfold Village Shop.  Entries are due by Thursday 11 September no later than 5pm.  Staging takes place Saturday morning from 8-10am. 

Please also mark your diaries for the following dates!

The Society’s AGM

Thursday 16 October 7pm

Hascombe Village Hall

Join us for drinks and nibbles.  Following this year’s business, our talk will be on ‘Container Planting for a Year of Flowers’ with horticulturist Tim Woodland. He will be bringing along some bulbs for sale. Members free and guests £5 at the door.

Centenary Christmas Party

Thursday 4 December

The Winn Hall, Dunsfold

Our speaker this year will be Sheila Das talking about her previous role at RHS Hilltop Wisley and the creation of a landscape. There will be the usual meal, quiz and raffle