Over the last two years, gardens, more than ever, have been recognised as our sanctuaries. Gardening behind the privacy of our own hedges or fences is a wonderful way to enhance our physical and mental sense of wellbeing in an outdoor, safe space.
When we need to further our growing knowledge we can turn to magazines, books, radio, TV programmes, and the plethora of online information.
There is, though, great benefit derived from actually bringing people together to talk about gardening, to share gardening experiences, and the successes and challenges of crops and flowers grown.
Joining a local gardening group or horticultural society and enjoying talks, events, and planning local projects, brings like-minded gardeners together. Plants provide a great opportunity to engage with others who share a common love of gardening and a chance to gain new knowledge and skills as well as discovering new plant varieties.
There is nothing better than learning about new plants from someone who has grown them and who can share their hands-on knowledge. At a local club, everyone lives nearby and shares the same challenges of climate, soil, and pests.
Gardeners love to swap advice as freely as they offer plant cuttings and seeds and the kinship of a local gardening group or horticultural society can create lasting friendships, brought about through a common love for plants, gardening, and growing.
Gone is the image that Horticultural Societies are full of stuffy botanists, they are a welcoming haven for expression and creativity, keen to embrace new and inexperienced gardeners as well as seasoned professionals.
One such society which will celebrate its Diamond Jubilee in 2022 is the Busby and Clarkston Horticultural Society.
The Society’s roots go back to 1947, when the Busby Horticultural Society was formed on the south side of Glasgow. It proved to be a very successful organisation and flourished over the succeeding years. A move was made to Clarkston in 1962 with Clarkston added to the organisation’s name and Clarkston Halls used as a base.
During its life, the Society has prospered and is now an established entity in the community, supported by local residents and businesses. Links have been forged with like-minded local and national groups through the Scottish Gardeners’ Forum and the Society now has a website and Facebook group to keep local gardeners up to date with their activities.
The Society aims to encourage best practice in gardening, involvement in various community projects where feasible, and is a socially active group. There are no over-bearing horticultural experts – the accent is always on fun, interest, knowledge, and camaraderie.
Activities that are on offer include an exciting selection of Winter Talks by knowledgeable speakers covering a wide range of topics, summer outings, pot plant competitions, an annual dinner, and of course the highlight of the Annual Flower Show held in Clarkston Halls on the first Saturday of September each year.
There is a current membership of around 150, with an organising committee of 10. It is the Committee’s aim to build on this solid base and to be forward-looking in addressing issues that would be beneficial to both the Society and the local area.
Society President Fergus Cumming remarks, “We are always trying to encourage new members to join, particularly younger ones, maybe first-time gardeners willing to learn. There are many lovely gardens in the local area and we would ask folk to get in touch to share their knowledge or to learn from other local gardeners. Our talks provide the opportunity to ask gardening questions if you are new to horticulture, or indeed if you just have a problem.”
The cost of annual membership is only £5 per person and, like most local horticultural societies and gardening groups, represents excellent value for money in the benefits and enjoyment gained. Next year will be the Society’s Diamond Jubilee, 75 years in existence, and plans are in hand to ensure that the event is well celebrated. For further information, please contact the President, Fergus Cumming, by e-mail at info@bachs.co.uk.
Make a resolution for the year ahead to find your local gardening or horticultural group and use your love of gardening and growing to engage with others who share a common interest. You never know how much it will help you and your garden grow!