It has been a busy few weeks out and about. Our society Spring Show  on 6 April was a great success and we were delighted to welcome Lady Carolyn Elwes from nearby Colesbourne Park to present the prizes.

Our President David Richards with Lady Carolyn Elwes

Famous for her wonderful snowdrops including Galanthus ‘Elwesii’, Lady Carolyn was charming and interested in all the exhibits. She kept nipping back to her car with plants she had bought on the way round the hall!

Last week it was off to Syon Park in London for the ‘Gardening Against the Odds’ Awards because I had nominated my friend and our society’s Vice President, Chris Evans, in recognition of the wonderful work he does at his nursery where he created the Butterfly Garden eleven years ago to use horticulture and recycling skills to enrich the lives of  disadvantaged young people. The award was presented by the very charming and attractive Duchess of Northumberland, famous for the wonderful garden she has created at Alnwick Castle.

Next week I have been invited to a ceremony at Dundry Nurseries in Cheltenham when Chris Evans will also be presented with the British Empire Medal by Dame Janet Trotter, the Queen’s representative in Gloucestershire. Chris is a modest man and is rather overwhelmed by all the attention but it is well deserved.

It’s all go! I don’t have enough time for gardening. Actually, that’s not true…I have lots of time and it’s coming along nicely. Just look at these Ballerina tulips.