Hampstead Horticultural Society freshens up with spring show

The revitalised Hampstead Horticultural Society celebrated a fresh start with its spring show on Saturday (April 14).

Just last summer doubts were cast over the future of the society after eight committee members stepped down.

Appreciation

But this year’s show went some way in proving that Hampstead still has an appetite for all things horticultural, with 50 people packing into All Saints Church in Childs Hill.

New chairman, Ken Ellis, who joined after reading about the society’s troubles in the Ham&High, said: “It’s not that we have come back – we have never been away – but the newspaper’s article certainly got people’s attention

“Any organisation that can attract eight new committee members has got to be in good health.

“I think people will always love gardening, that’s why I joined the society, but the article certainly did its job.”

Former chairman Margaret Scanlon, who served on the committee for a decade, scooped a clutch of prizes. She has now been appointed president.

Alongside the array of prize-winning flowers and plants, visitors were treated to flower arranging, photography and cookery classes.

Meanwhile in Muswell Hill punters were dazzled with an array of flowers, arts, crafts and photography at the spring show of Muswell Hill Horticultural Society.

The society celebrated its centenary with its 100th spring show in North Bank, Pages Lane.

Susan Bennett, a society member, won prizes for her clivia and echium.

She said: “There was the most wonderful smell when you came in – the smell of spring.

“There was such a feel of vibrancy in the room and everyone had such a lovely day.”