Hilltop Gardening Club visit to RHS Cardiff Flower Show

PERHAPS Friday, April 13, was not the best date to choose for a club outing but it had been decided to visit this show and Friday avoided crowds at the weekend.

The first indication that the omen was not good was the sad death of the organiser of this day about a month ago, Kathryn Eccott bravely took over.

The second warning that things may not go well was when the coach driver had other ideas about the pickup point!

With a little help from a dog walker and a phone message from Rover the passengers were united with their coach.

All went well for a time until two cars and a load of straw collided on the M5 causing a huge traffic jam.

The coach driver cut down to Aust and the old Severn crossing bridge and good headway was made until about a mile from the show when traffic flow was nearly stationary.

Having eventually reached the showground, coffee seemed a good idea only to find that there was a power cut so there was no hot coffee and the electronic ticket scanner did not work!

We know from previous experience that club members are a stoical group and they were not to be deterred from enjoying themselves whatever happened.

It was obvious to gardeners that the bad weather recently has affected the growth of plants and flower production but there were great displays of daffodils, tulips and other spring flowers.

Herbs were well represented as were clematis and bulbs such as lilies.

There was an interesting display of wheel barrows which primary school children had filled with flowers, stones, grass, sand and built objects on the theme of “The seaside”.

One group had been down to the seashore and collected all the plastic, using it for their display.

There were stalls selling delicious food such as welsh cakes, cheese, flapjacks and ice cream.

Crafts were also represented.

Most members bought something to encourage them to get out into the garden after a winter best forgotten.

For more information about the Club go to hilltopgardeningclub.org.uk of phone Ruth Fraser on 01452 770535.