September 2026 – Annual Flower & Produce Show ’26
Hi everyone,
We had a fabulous day and the weather was perfect. The hall looked fantastic and full of colour, not only with the flowers and plants, but with the vegetables as well, it was a joy to be seen.
We were amazed at how many entries we had, considering the hot summer we have had. The Photography, Arts and Crafts, Floral Art and Domestic were also looking fabulous.
I wish to thank all the Committee for the hard work and dedication beforehand and during yesterday to make it again a special day.
The members who all helped set up on Friday and clear away yesterday, we could not have coped without you, a huge thanks, we are so grateful.
Everyone who donated a cake, all of you who helped serve the tea, coffee and cake in the afternoon, clear away, what can I say, a fantastic team effort by everyone. We are so lucky to have you all as members, and for those that always volunteer to help, certainly without the dedication from everyone, we could not continue.
Finally, a big thank you to our generous raffle donors: Morrisons, Keter, Thompson and Morgan, Webbs Garden Centre and Tesco.
Looking forward to seeing you all on Thursday, we have Lucy Hartley, her topic is “Not just in my garden-nurturing a shared ecosystem”
Best Wishes,
Pat xx
PS. This years winners and photos can be found Here
August 2025 – Annual Flower & Produce Show ’25
It was great seeing so many people at the show, and can I please thank everyone for their help, and the lovely cakes that were provided by so many.
The day was a great success, and the room looked beautiful and so full of colour, despite the very dry hot summer we have had, which led to fewer entries from last year.
A lot of work went into the success of the day, from many months beforehand, right up to the end of the show. The commitment of all the volunteers to enable this to happen was amazing – so a huge thanks to all.
Alan Bailes did us proud presenting all the rosettes and trophies, so a huge thanks to him, I don’t think he has ever had so many photographs taken – pictures Here.
Kind regards to you all.
Pat
Chair
July 2025 – Liz’s Garden
A visit to Barnt Green to see this beautiful garden by Liz. A great time enjoyed by all.
Pics coming soon.
March 2025 – Annual Flower & Produce Show ’25
With the sun tentatively showing its face, thoughts turn to our annual show, which is just around the corner.
Behind the scenes activities in organising this popular event are ongoing – but you can now download the programme along with adult and children entry forms – HERE.
August 2024 – Annual Flower & Produce Show ’24
We had a fantastic day for our annual event and the weather was brilliant, which is always a huge bonus.
The entries we had were of such a high standard right across all the sections, everyone went to so much effort to make it such a special day for our 80th Anniversary. To look across the hall before the judges came, it was just a special moment to see everything looking so perfect with the different colours and textures of so many flowers, vegetables, and with all the children’s entries, it was fantastic.
The meeting room with all the Art, Crafts and Photography, well I was blown away with the skill so many of you have.
It was our privilege to have Professor Sir Keith Porter come and present the Certificates and Trophies, he did an amazing job and was so personable with everyone he met, thank you so very much. Keith, as he likes to be called, lives in the village, so he was our perfect choice in every way to come and do the presentations.
We should have some lovely photographs that our friend Keith Woolford took, he always goes the extra mile to get that perfect photo, thanks Keith.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Committee for their hard work leading up to the show and on the day itself, everyone of them put in so much effort to make it such a memorable day.
So many of you were also very kind in making cakes, which were delicious A huge thank you to all of you, too.
The volunteers in the kitchen were brilliant, they really were the dream team and did us proud, when the public arrived everything just ran so smoothly.
The enormous help from everyone to make it such a special day was truly incredible, from people helping us set up the hall on Friday night and help during the day with so many tasks to fulfil, and then everyone helping to clear away at the end of yesterday. We should all be so proud.
Once again thanks everyone for a fabulous day,
Love Pat xxxx
July 2024 – Barnsdale Gardens, Oakham
We were so lucky with the weather during our trip as it had rained so much the previous two days.
These gardens were the creation of Geoff Hamilton who presented Gardeners World from Barnsdale between 1985 to 1996. The gardens are now owned by his son Nick Hamilton.
Everyone had a good time, and the gardens were lovely, laid out in separate areas, which gave everyone a chance to see how different ideas could be used in their gardens.
I noticed some people bought plants from their nursery so good luck and hope they bring you a lot of pleasure.
I think we all felt that the signage, trying to follow the numbers of the gardens and the catering, could have been a lot better and I will give feedback to Barnsdale.
I look forward to seeing you all now at the Flower and Produce Show.
Pat Davies.
Photos of our trip can be found Here.
July 2024 – Liz’s Garden, Barnt Green
We had the fabulous opportunity to visit Liz Finlay and her amazing garden in Barnt Green on Wednesday 10th July.
Liz donates all the money to charity and provided us with tea, coffee and some delicious cakes, all homemade.
Well, everyone was stunned, the diversity of the lay out of the garden which Liz told us has evolved over the last twenty-eight years, was incredible. She also told us that she has propagated everything herself from a Mother plant or had grown plants from seed.
The garden is her passion, we could all see that, it was fantastic.
We were greeted by a colourful spectacle that blew us away from the very start, and we had only reached the front garden. There was also the formal White garden and with its array of Annabel Hydrangeas, was spectacular.
The back garden again with its colour and variety of plants was so beautiful, with so many different areas to wander through, along with ferns, the pond and even the delightful play area for her Granddaughter.
The rain held off, so a great afternoon was had by all, and with Liz selling some of her plants, many of us left with something new for our gardens. Please look at the photographs, we will definitely be asking Liz if we can visit again.
I would like to thank Liz so much for her hospitality and for making us all feel so welcome.
Photos of our visit can be found Here.
June 2024 – Rachel’s Garden, Barnt Green
One of our members, Rachel Banner, opened her garden on Thursday 20th June for RGHS members to look around, especially at her Wild Orchids, but also to raise money for Ukraine.
We were greeted with the most lovely garden – Pristine in every way. Rachel’s garden is laid out in sections and has a fantastic ‘cottage garden’ feel to it.
Of course, those wonderful Orchids are stunning and well worth the visit!!
We were treated to tea and cake in exchange for a donation to the Ukraine charity, which I am sure will be very welcome.
Thank You Rachel for your hospitality and allowing us into your fabulous garden.
Photos of our visit can be found Here.
June 2024 – Stockton Bury & Burford House Gardens
Our coach trip on Wednesday 5th June to Stockton Bury and Burford House Gardens was a great success. We had 40 people join the trip and our journey, firstly to Stockton Bury, was easy.
On arrival we were greeted by the Head Gardener, Tamzin, who gave us a short but very interesting and informative introductory talk about the gardens. She is extremely knowledgeable of all the plants and was very happy to chat and answer any questions we had.
We spent a pleasant couple of hours having a leisurely stroll through the gardens, passing the famous Monkey Puzzle tree and taking in all the landscape. The gardens are set out in an informal way which is very peaceful.
Stockton Bury also have a very nice cafe serving all the usual drinks and the best cakes I have seen for a long time!
We continued our journey to Burford Gardens which is only about 20 minutes away from Stockton. We were met by James, the Head Gardener who led us on a Garden Tour later in the day.
Burford is part of the British Garden Centres Group so we were able to look around the shop and nursery (most of us buying plants to take home) as well as having lunch in their cafe.
Our garden tour was very enjoyable and led us around the picturesque garden setting and down to the River Teme. James was a brilliant host, very friendly, who explained that the gardens are home to the national Clematis Collection.
We headed home later in the afternoon and are looking forward to our next outing on 17th July to Barnsdale Gardens.
Photos of our trip can be found Here.
December 2023 – A Message from the Chair
We have had a fabulous year with all our monthly meetings, social events and the Flower and Produce Show.
It just leaves me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I look forward to seeing you all next year
and send you all my best wishes,
Pat
October 2023 – A Message from the Chair
It was so lovely to see so many of you at this year’s Flower and Produce Show – what a fabulous day it was.
We had so many entries which was fantastic, and so many more children as well, which is always inspiring.
The sun shone for us in the afternoon, and we had so many visitors. Some were sitting outside eating and drinking, and everyone looked as though they were having a great time.
It was a lovely opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new people, it really was a lovely day.
I would like to thank everyone that made cakes, volunteered in the kitchen and helped set up and clear away not only yesterday, but Friday evening as well.
Without people volunteering, it would be impossible to hold the show.
A huge thank you as well to all of the Committee members, who worked so hard to make it such a special day, and to Chris, Lindsay and Janet who did so much hard work as well as on the day, in the months leading up to the show.
I am so grateful for all the help that we had, it was amazing.
A huge congratulations for everyone that won cups and certificates, the enthusiasm from everyone was incredible.
We are hoping to have the trophies engraved and be presented at the meeting 12 October.
Hope to see you all soon.
Pat
January 2022 – A Message from the Chair
A very Happy New Year to everyone.
As we all know last year was very difficult for everyone, but I am full of hope that this year will be very different.
We will be proceeding with our monthly meetings starting on Thursday 13 January, and I look forward to seeing you all. As you can see from the Events page we have a full programme of very interesting subjects from our various speakers to look forward to.
We have our Annual Supper too at the Old Rose and Crown in Rednal on Friday 11 March where we have a singer by the name of Sean Jeffery to entertain us. We also have our coach trip to Wisley on Wednesday 4 May. We are also in the process of arranging another trip for mid-June and further information will be available later on.
My very good wishes to you all and I look forward to seeing you,
Pat Davies
March 2021 – A Message from the Chair
Hi everyone,
I hope that you are all keeping well.
I’m sure we all agree that the Covid pandemic has caused a lot of heartache and upset for us all. But, the good news is that the vaccination programme is well under way. Spring is now upon us and we have already had some lovely days – let us hope it continues. After 29 March, we can at least have friends and family of up to six people in our gardens.
As a committee we have looked at what we may be able to do this year and what we must leave for next. Here are some of the early decisions made:
– Celia Hitch has kindly agreed that we can visit her garden, Rectory Cottage in Alvechurch, on Thursday 1 July at 6.30pm
This will be our first opportunity, weather permitting, for us all to see each other once again. Tea/coffee and cake will be available. I would be grateful if any of you could please let me know if you would be able to bake a cake. Obviously, this will be reviewed the week beforehand.
– Jenny Harper is to look into a visit in August to Croome, so I will confirm that date to you as and when.
– We hope to restart our presentations in September.
– Unfortunately, we won’t be in a position to proceed with a Annual Flower and Produce Show this year, which I know will be a disappointment to many of us.
– We have decided not to entertain coach trips this year, and to have our trip to Wisley on Wednesday 4 May 2022. I’m pleased to report that I’ve have booked a forty-two seater coach through Harris Coaches, and have secured our place at Wisley.
– The Annual Supper, which many have already paid towards, will be held next March. I will let you know more details later in the year.
Meanwhile, and until we meet again, please keep safe and I look forward to seeing you all.
Love Pat xx
Pat Davies
July 2020 – A Message from the Chair
Hi everyone,
Unfortunately it has become apparent that things will not get back to normal until a vaccination has been found, which is unlikely until at least the end of the year.
We obviously need to conform to government guidelines, which forbids mass gatherings and as from 4 July everyone has to be at least one metre apart.
I would hate to think that anyone becoming infected from any event that we organise, bearing in mind most of us are in a vulnerable age group.
I cannot foresee therefore, how we can carry on with the rest of the years’ programme, and so as a Committee we have reluctantly decided to make a decision in cancelling everything until the end of this year.
This I know is all very disappointing, as we had to cancel all of the programme during the summer.
This will mean that the Flower and Produce show, the Supper in November and the speakers in September and October will all have to be cancelled.
We have the AGM in November which we will have to deliver to everyone via e-mail.
We can obviously look to see if we can continue in January, as the end of the year approaches.
With regard to the supper I have spoken to Jeff at the Cricket Club and I have provisionally booked for Saturday 27 March 2021, let us just hope this awful situation is over by then.
I am sorry to be the messenger of such disappointing news, but we need to be sensible and look forward to 2021
I know all of you appreciate what the members of the Committee do, so I would like to take the opportunity to thank them all for their hard work:
Felicity, Chris, Lindsay and Janet – who have all worked so hard to put the Flower and Produce show together.
Jill – as Programme Secretary, she does all of the bookings for the speakers
Marian – who looks after our website
Jenny – with her fabulous ideas for our outings and collects for the raffle
Anne – who organises the kitchen so well
Colin – our Treasurer who keeps us grounded with our spending
Kind Regards to you all, please keep safe, and I hope to see you all again very soon.
Love from Pat xx
Pat Davies
April 2020 – A Message from the Chair
Hello everyone,
In these unprecedented times that we are all facing, may I please pass on my best wishes to you all, and please remain safe.
We have unfortunately had to cancel all of our programme for spring and summer, but we sincerely hope that we can continue with the Annual Flower and Produce Show, on Saturday 5 September ’20.
The schedule is on this website [here], so please take a look and start planning what you would like to enter.
We will all meet again in the not too distant future, and in the meantime at least, we all have our gardens to give us pleasure.
Kind Regards
Pat Davies
September 2019 – A Message from the Chair
Hi everyone.
Well, we ended a fabulous summer break with our Flower and Produce Show. We had a fantastic day, with so many people participating.
I would like to personally thank Felicity Rixon, Chris Miles and Lindsay Smith in putting the show together and also to everyone who helped on the previous days getting the hall ready, and to the ladies who ran the kitchen.
It is always a lot of hard work and so much effort was put in to give us all such a lovely time.
A special thanks to Satnam Rana, who very kindly came along to present the trophies. Pictures of the show can be found Here.
Well done to everyone who won and I hope it will inspire other people to exhibit next year.
We look forward now to our new season and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Best Wishes
Pat Davies
June 2019 – A Message from the Chair
We had a lovely day at Waterperry Gardens last Thursday, and we were very lucky with the weather, it was glorious. I sincerely hope the weather becomes more settled and we can all look forward to a fabulous summer.
I hope to see all of you at different times over the summer period, we have some lovely things planned, with our next outing at Old Wollerton Hall on 10thJuly.
The Piggery is open this weekend and is always worth at visit.
So I hope you all have a wonderful summer, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Best Wishes,
Pat Davies
March 2019 – Annual Show Announcement
We are delighted to confirm that Satnam Rana will be returning to present the awards in August.
Satnam, who is the BBC TV Arts & Culture Correspondent and seen regularly on BBC WM, is a firm favourite at RGHS and we look forward to welcoming her back.
December 2018 – A Message from the Chair
I would just like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I look forward to seeing you all again on Thursday 24January 2019.
Best Wishes,
Pat Davies
November 2018 – A Message from the Chair
Thanks to everyone who attended our Annual General Meeting on Thursday. We had a fabulous evening, ending with some lovely cheese and wine.
We have had the great pleasure in welcoming some new members this year, and I am sure that you are finding us all very friendly.
We also thanked our retiring committee members. Brian Haycocks who was our Treasurer, Sylvia Johnson who was instrumental in putting the annual Flower and Produce Show together, and Pat Teall who on the committee, made great contributions. All of them worked so hard to help with the smooth running of the RGHS.
We do however welcome Jill Barrett and Jenny Harper who will join us on the Committee, along with Colin Davies who will be our new Treasurer. So welcome to you all.
We have had some wonderful speakers this year and some fabulous trips to a great variety of gardens.
I look forward to seeing you all in December, and we can promise that next year will also be as varied and exciting as this year.
Best Wishes,
Pat Davies
September 2018 – A Message from the Chair
On Saturday 1 September 2018 we had our 76th Annual Flower and Produce show, and what a fabulous day it was.
I wish to thank everyone for all of the preparation that went on for the months before the show and all of the hard work on the actual day. A special thank you to Sylvia Johnson and Felicity Rixon, who know so well what is needed for the day to work so perfectly.
Chris Miles certainly jumped in at the deep end, as this was her first time to ensure that the entry system, and the award system for the flowers and produce went without a hitch, and she did an amazing job, so thank you Chris. A huge thank you to everyone who helped set up on the evening before, who was there all day keeping everything running smoothly, and the ladies in the kitchen who kept us all fed and watered.
We also had the privilege of David Morgan who is the National Garden Scheme County organiser for Worcestershire, join us to present the prizes. Thank you so much David, it was lovely to meet you, and as I said on the day, you have probably never had your photograph taken so much.
We are all so excited, as on Thursday 13 September we have Jamie Butterworth who is an RHS Ambassador, joining us to talk about, a year in the garden at RHS Wisley.
So I look forward to seeing you all then.
Best Wishes,
Pat Davies
May 2018 – A Message from the Chair
Hello everyone,
We had a fabulous meeting on Thursday 10 May where our speaker was Helen Picton who talked to us about the different varieties of Clematis.
It was our last meeting of the season, however, we have so many visits to various gardens organised that we shall be meeting members and visitors on and off all during the summer.
Our next large event will be the Flower and Produce Show on Saturday 1 September so please have all your exhibits in mind.
Our next Thursday meeting will be on September 13. We are all so excited about this date as we have Jamie Butterworth as our speaker, who is an RHS Ambassador and will be talking to us about a year in the garden at RHS Wisley. What a treat we have in store.
So I look forward to seeing all of you soon.
Best Wishes,
Pat Davies
May 2018 – Main Show programme
The programme and entry form is now available.
Please download your copy Here.
April 2018 – Incredible Edible
Meeting 2 May 7.30 Alvechurch Village Hall.
An opportunity to register as a volunteer
and to share ideas.
More details available Here.
March 2018 – The 2018 Plant Hunters Fair Season
The new season is about to begin and you can to see list of the fairs plus a 52 page newsletter Here.
March 2018 – Winter Warning
Mavis Smith warns due to current low temperatures
any delicate plants, such as agapanthus or citrus, currently in a cold greenhouse need some heat or you’ll probably lose them.
February 2018 – Janet Barnett Presentation
As a token of appreciation RGHS members had great pleasure, at the February meeting, in presenting this beautiful flower arrangement to Janet.
Janet works tirelessly for RGHS organising the speakers and managing the trips plus, for the past twelve months, acting as Chairman.
Thank you Janet for your enthusiasm and commitment. From all your friends at Rowney Green Horticultural
February 2018 – Alvechurch Organic Fruit and Vegetable Project
Thurs 22 February Postponed. Inaugural meeting hosted by Tim Reading – new date and venue TBC. Here is an interesting link of similar project entitled ‘Incredible Edible Network’ Here
December 2017 – A Christmas message from the Chair
Hello everyone,
I am sorry that we have had to cancel our meeting on 14th December, but as we all know due to the amount of snow we have, it was the correct decision. It was to be my first meeting as Chairman so I was very much looking forward it.
May I therefore take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and I will see you all in the New Year.
Best wishes to you all,
Pat Davies
9 November 2017 – AGM Report
Following a very well attended and sociable AGM we are delighted to welcome Pat Davies as Chairman of Rowney Green Horticultural Society. Welcome also to Carol Woodward and Frank Broome who have joined the committee.
After some 50 years as a member, including 30 years on the committee, Mavis Smith has decided to step down. We cannot thank Mavis enough for all she has done for the Society and for sharing her gardening expertise with us. Mavis has agreed to continue to look after the raffle at the annual show and to give advice and guidance with garden queries.
Jackie Hardy is also standing down from the Show committee due to family commitments. Jackie’s horticultural knowledge will be a great loss to the society.
2 September 2017 – Main Produce and Flower Show
Our annual show – the only decision is how many entries you are making this year!
To make an entry you can download an Entry Form from here with all entries to be received at The Peace Hall 7-8pm Thursday 31 August.
The show will open at 3pm to the general public to view the wonderful entries – admission is free. Refreshments will be available. At 4pm prizes will be presented by Satnam Rana from BBC Midlands Today.
Full details, programme and entry form can be found here – any queries please contact Lindsay Smith 01527 592874
13 July 2017 – David and Sarah’s Garden, Martin Hussingtree
A 2pm visit to David and Sarah’s garden, please make your own way.
The cost is £7.50 includes refreshments – Badger’s Way, Ash Lane, Martin Hussingtree WR3 8TB.
Names and any queries janetbarnett528@gmail.com or 01527 69399
30 June-2 July 2017 – Penny’s Garden and Cream Teas, Redditch
Come and enjoy Penny’s garden and her cream teas at The Old Piggery, Weights Lane, Redditch B97 6RQ 2-6pm Entrance, sandwiches & full cream tea £10. Plants for sale and Tombola.
Opening in support of Help for Heroes, Cancer Research (breast cancer) and Age UK (dementia).
25 June 2017 – Withybed Green Gardens opening
Have a mooch around neighbours gardens as 10 open their mostly 19th century back gates to the public under the National Garden Scheme.
Refreshments, stream-side walk, rose garden, ancient woodland – what’s not to like? Details here.
14 May 2017 – Rare Plant Fair – Winterbourne House and Gardens, Edgbaston
A rare surviving example of an early 20th century suburban villa and garden. Built for industrialist John Nettlefold in 1903 for his growing family, the house and garden are now open to the public, with a range exhibition rooms offering an insight into Edwardian life both above and below stairs. A beautiful wisteria framed terrace prorovides views over the seven acres of Arts and Crafts designed garden. The garden itself offers colour and interest throughout the year and is home to a beautiful walled garden and many original features, including over 6000 plant species. There are good collections of cacti, orchids, alpine etc., all displayed in specially designed houses – full details here
1 May 2017 – RGHS website goes live
We are delighted to announce the launch of our brand new website to an unsuspecting world!
Now in our 76th year, we felt it was time to join the 21st century by offering members and other gardening enthusiasts a suitable local focus. You will find our programme of events, details of the Annual Fruit and Produce Show, some links to resources and more…
We want your photos – with event name and date plus any points of interest please email to Marian Barwell
As the seasons change, so will the content found within these pages.
Rowney Green Horticultural Society was founded in 1941 as a Food Production Club in line with the Dig for Victory campaign.