By Victoria Plum 
By Victoria Plum
The well-attended Summer Show and Social Evening of the Reepham & District Gardening Club was fun as usual, and the quality of entries high, particularly considering the difficult conditions of this year’s weather.
There was fierce competition over the tomatoes, but no violence this year, thank goodness.
Prizes were won (judging is democratic as we all mark our favoured “best” in each class and then the committee adds up the score) and we all enjoyed the evening.
The quiz was closely contested and a tie-breaker necessary. Who knew that the percentage of water on the world’s surface was 71%?
Trip to Booton Hall
The wonder of email is that we can all be contacted easily and quickly when an interesting opportunity arises.
So, when a local homeowner contacted me initially because he was in search of another gardener (I don’t really know why he needed help because the gardens proved to be immaculate) and threw in the offer of a look round his gardens we sent an email around to members and a trip to Booton Hall was quickly planned.
Piers Willis, the owner, gave us a delightful guided and explanatory tour of his extensive grounds, ending in the sheltered walled garden where we sat in the sun and enjoyed a cooling drink while admiring the view.
What a privilege, not just to be welcomed into that personal and creative space that is a garden, but to have the owner explain his reasoning and plans.
Some members of Reepham & District Gardening Club at Booton Hall. Photo: Tina Sutton
Fiddian’s Folly
The lanes were busier than usual around North Barningham for the National Garden Scheme opening of Fiddian’s Folly. What a superb garden: no herbaceous beds but a place to explore and enjoy the eccentric creations of the owners Dick and Debbie Fiddian.
Brick and stone and “ancient ephemera” structures, incorporating interesting, changing levels, have been created, a 40-year project, is in what was a quarry. There was even a “chapel” with plainsong playing to add another layer of atmosphere. The owner will give personal tours to gardening clubs (now there’s an opportunity!).
Next meeting
Please note in your diary the next garden club meeting at 7.30 pm in Reepham Town Hall, Church Stret, on Tuesday 17 September. We will be lucky enough to see Ajay Tegla, well-known TV wildlife presenter sharing his experiences, illustrated of course, of ranger life on Blakeney Point and Wicken Fen – an event not to miss.
And just to mention that the October meeting will feature the charming Simon Partridge talking about How Hill, Ludham. I mention it now because you still have time to visit the delightful water gardens in the summer (although obviously best earlier in the year to see the azaleas and Candelabra primula), but always lovely on a sunny day and free (donations welcome), and you can see the wherry Hathor and glide on the Electric Eel through the reeds.
And don’t forget to give your email address to someone on the committee if you want to be in the know.
Top photo and above: Photos: Karen Brockman. Below: Some members of Reepham & District Gardening Club at Booton Hall. Photo: Tina Sutton
Geoff Fisher