THERE’S GARDENING AND THERE'S HORTICULTURE

...and the latter is definitely a cultural activity and plenty of Broadstone folk enjoy it. The Oxford dictionary defines horticulture as the art and practice of garden cultivation and management.

It is very easy to visit a garden centre and be attracted (or distracted) by the colourful display of plants currently in season. But beware, think before you buy. Even in an area the size of Broadstone there is a big variety of soil types and some plants will need an acid soil and some a more chalky soil in order to thrive. Is your garden shady, sunny, dry or moist or probably a combination of these? Once you have established these guidelines you are on the way to enjoying the art and practice of horticulture instead of being frustrated by the failure of your plants to grow. You can improve your soil, choose the right plants for the right position and you are on the way to success. Around Broadstone you will find many different types of garden. There are gravel beds with a few carefully placed plants, driftwood and ornaments. Relatively easy to care for but is this horticulture or designer garden? I think what most people prefer to see is colour whether in the form of shrubs or flowers or both. A garden which starts in Spring with bulbs, followed by Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas and then dazzles the eye with summer bedding or perennials really shows the art of the gardener. These gardens will mean a lot more work, especially if the gardener has grown his own plants rather than settle for the standard bedding available at garden centres, but for the true gardener that is part of the enjoyment. Local gardens have won prizes in Poole in Bloom’s Garden of the Year competitions, in 2003 for a colourful display of bedding and in 2002 for an all year round display. These bring much pleasure to passers by.

Broadstone Horticultural Society has many true gardeners as members as well as those who enjoy looking at other people’s handiwork. Some also have allotments in addition to their gardens. The result of their labour can be seen at the shows held in Spring and Summer. 2005 is the centenary of the society and they will be having some special speakers, a display of memorabilia and holding a celebratory lunch. Why not come along to a meeting as a visitor and then consider joining. The subscription of only £3 gives you a discount at some nurseries and on outings and you will learn more about the art of cultivation and horticulture among friendly company. For more information tel the Secretary on 01202 695873.

Archive Summer 2004 | next

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