After the seemingly endless winter of 2012/13 and resultant lateness of the much awaited spring, our concerns about a lack of exhibits for the spring show were almost totally unfounded. Together with the art exhibition of ‘floral art’ staged by the Lowdham Painting for Pleasure Group, and remarkably an overall increase in flower and shrub exhibits to a total of 183, a most enjoyable and colourful spring show was held. In excess of 150 adults plus children attended the event and many positive comments were received regarding the quality and number of exhibits. We thank all those who supported the show and would welcome feedback and of course any ideas and importantly assistance for future shows.

Despite the bitterly cold and dismal day, the visit was rewarding in that we saw the wonderful display of snowdrops, hellebore and cyclamen in the gardens. We had access to the walled kitchen garden and the extensive parkland forming the estate. We had a most enjoyable lunch in a lovely room, being well looked after by the staff. The facilities included a cafeteria, restaurant, farm shop and retail outlet. We hope all who went on the trip have now ‘thawed out’ and are looking forward to more visits.

Please note that a selection of photographs are now available on the website gallery under the heading ‘Doddington Hall visit’. If you ‘double click’ on an image, you will be able to view a larger version of the photograph. Hope you like the images.

Our first trip of 2013 is planned for Sunday 24th February to Doddington Hall which is near Lincoln. We hope to see their spectacular show of snowdrops and the gardens. We will be leaving Lowdham at approx 10:30am and travelling by coach. There will also be an opportunity to look around the very popular farm shop. There will be time (we hope) for a spot of lunch in the cafe or restaurant.

All are welcome and the cost of the trip is £10 for members and £12 for non members. The price includes both the coach and entry to the gardens. We are hoping for a bright spring day, but it could be chilly so wrap up warm!

For more info. re Doddington Hall see www.doddingtonhall.com

If you would like more details or to join the trip please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Nicola Macdonald – tel 0115 966 5201 or email na246@btintenet.com

One of the benefits of membership is the 50% discount offered when ordering plants and seeds through the Society from either Dobies or Suttons. We also offer a 10% discount on other gardening items/equipment which are shown in their respective catalogues.

If you ordered anything last year and are still a member then you will receive the catalogues and order forms again this year. The discounts can make a significant saving and this gives you the opportunity to try new varieties of your favourite plants and seeds or to try something entirely new.

If you joined the Society this year and have not previously ordered through us but would like to do so, please let us know and we will send you a catalogue. Why not join the Society to get the benefit of the discounts, with the added pleasure of looking through colourful catalogues and planning for next spring and summer in the garden.