TOM COWARD

 TOM COWARD THE HEAD GARDENER AT GRAVETYE

our speaker on Wednesday 4 February

Now that we are in deep winter it is the best opportunity to really get ahead in the garden. Pruning, clearing and preparing borders are all jobs on the list that simply have to be done before the start of spring. But one of the biggest jobs we have is composting the vegetable garden, to keep a fertile and healthy soil for next year’s crops. It may not be so glamorous, but the compost heap is probably one of the most important parts of the garden. It is a cheap and effective way of disposing of waste from both the garden and kitchen and with a bit of careful management this rubbish can be turned in to “brown gold”.

In a garden the size of Gravetye, we produce vast amounts of compost material throughout the year, which we pile up in a large bay made from railway sleepers. To make good compost it is really important to get the right balance of all the ingredients- carbon, nitrogen, air and water. Much of the old border plants we cut back in the autumn are very dry and have a lot of carbon so we balance this out by adding horse manure into the mix. Quality horse manure is always difficult to find but fortunately, the love of my life is obsessed with her horse and keeps a manure pile for me with the perfect straw to dung ratio…. Romance can blossom in the most unusual places! Water is quite plentiful at this time of year but in the summer through very dry patches, it can be good to water the heap. Air is added to the heap by turning it from one bay to another with a tractor; this is the point where the quality of the compost can be inspected. If all the ingredients are in the right balance, then the microorganisms are doing their good work. This gives off a lot of heat generation and creates clouds of steam as the tractor lifts each load.

It can take several months for the compost to fully break down into beautiful fine crumbly humus and when ready, it is time for it to be spread on the vegetable garden. We only do this when the soil is dry enough as pushing wheelbarrows on wet ground can ruin the soil. For extra protection, we work off a path of scaffold planks to help prevent too much compaction. We don’t compost the whole garden every year but instead do different beds each year as part of our rotation. By composting the brassicas, peas and pumpkins each year, most beds get a dose of muck every two years. The hard part is wheel barrowing it into place and digging it in but this is a perfect workout after the excesses of Christmas.
See below as Tom talks about the Gravetye garden in winter...

STOP PRESS: A tour of the Gravetye garden is in the process of being
                                  finalised. Find out more at the meeting on 4 February. 

GRAVETYE IN WINTER

November Meeting & Terry's Birthday

We are a little behind with the postings, but at our meeting on the 5 November we celebrated the the 80th Birthday of Terry Stent, who was for many years a leading member of the Society and a keen exhibitor at shows. That competitive streak saw him win many prizes. He has eased down now and in recent years has looked after the seed order. He is looking after the 2014 requirements but will be passing the responsibility to someone else in 2015. He is seen here dealing with the candles on the cake. Congratulations Terry.

The Secret Gardens of London was the topic for our speaker Colin Jones, who also happens to be Chairman of the nearby Sanderstead Horticultural Society. No of us had any idea there are so many to view, and it has stimulated some ideas for a members trip out during 2015. Colin (on the left) is seen chatting to a member following his talk.

ANNUAL SEED ORDER

We are able to offer discounts on most items in the D T Brown 2015 catalogue (50% on packet seeds and 15% on non seed items and sundries). The offer is open to members and friends, and catalogues/order forms as well as further information can be obtained at the November monthly meeting, or by contacting Terry Stent (telephone 01883 714545). The coloured catalogue is always worth browsing.
We are delighted that Terry has decided to postpone his retirement from administering the scheme for a further year.
Please note that orders have to be with Terry by 21 November.

LODHS OCTOBER MEETING

Geoff Hawkins gave us enlightening talk on wildflowers, which comforted a lot of us in confirming that our lawns are "wildflower meadows", rather than just overrun with weeds.
Geoff is seen here chatting to a couple of members after his talk.

With the recent physical changes changes to the Red Cross Hall we have altered the seating arrangements by 90 degrees, thus allowing larger projected pictures than before, and bringing everyone in closer contact with the speaker.

Just look at this entry from Linda for the monthly competition. Another version of "Little and Large", but the the peppers were an incredible size. The winner was, however, a dahlia collection from Sandra.

WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER at 8pm

We are pleased to welcome Geoff Hawkins as our guest speaker at the Red Cross Hall, Oxted on Wednesday 1 October at 8pm. His subject will be "Wild Flowers".

 Here is what Geoff says about himself:

 In January 2012 I retired as headgardener from the private estate of Mill Court near Alton,   

 Hampshire where I had worked since 1977.
 As a head gardener running a small estate of 30 acres this meant I worked in
 greenhouses,  vegetable and fruit gardens, herbaceous and shrub borders as well as 
 looking after the trees, ponds and natural features on the estate.
 Since retiring I am available for more daytime talks and will be able to travel longer
 distances. I am still based in Alton, Hampshire.
 I have lectured at local adult education centres on gardening skills, garden design and
 growing your own fruit & vegetables.
 For over twelve years I was a regular expert on LBCs Weekend Matters along with
 Matthew  Biggs, Christeen Walkden, John Allbutt  and Jim Butress. I have also appeared
 on BBC Southern Counties Radio and Delta FM.
 It has also been good to give talks and lectures to horticultural societies, gardening clubs,  
 WI’s, Women’s Guilds, schools and various associations sharing the practical knowledge
 I have gained over the years and spreading the joy and fun of gardening.
 I am a member of the SURREY GUILD of JUDGES and LECTURERS and on the list of
 speakers for the Hampshire Federation of Horticultural Societies
 I have also been part of the team at Loseley Gardening Show with John Negus, Peter
 Mills, Paul Patton and Alan Sergeant. We hope to take the team to other shows around the
 area.
 For a little bit of light relief from the day job I have also been involved in the running of 
 Froyle Gardening Club having done two stints as Chairman and have been on the
 committee for many years. I have also taken part in 23 of the 25 pantomines produced by
 the Froyle Players. Not many bearded dames around these days.

Autumn Flower and Produce Show.

Well, those tables did get filled with about 220 entries. Well done to all the exhibitors and to Hurst Green Gardening Club for giving us such tremendous support.
Here is just a flavour of what was to be seen:

A delightful splash of colour that shows how hard exhibitors work. Congratulations to all.

How do you grow vegetables to look as good as this?

More vegetables vegetables, ready to eat.

Best entry in show

An unusual class, and a new use for an old shoe or boot.

President Roy gives out the prizes

NOT LONG, BUT HOW LONG?

The official closing date for entries to our Flower and Produce Show this Saturday 13 September is the end of the day on Wednesday 10 September. Jilly would love to here from you.
Remember, there are fun classes as well, so get out the tape measure/scales and see how big/heavy some of yours are (eg: runner bean, onion, tomato truss, marrow, potato)! Scroll down to see the full Schedule and entry form. In the meantime here is long runner bean. Is yours longer?
Good luck......