102nd Petersham Flower Show & Fete

Saturday 5th July 2008 at the Village Hall

The Petersham Horticultural Show celebrates its 102nd Summer Show on Saturday 5th July in the Village Hall and grounds in Bute Avenue. In addition to side shows and attractions there are over 100 categories to enter, ranging from floral displays to cookery to arts and crafts, as well as special categories just for children. There will also be a Fancy Dress Parade for Children, a Punch & Judy Show and Maypole Country Dancing. Teas will be served throughout the afternoon and there will be a cake stall.

For more information please see the Horticultural Society Section. And for details on the categories and an entry form click here. (Entries close Wednesday 2nd July)

Petersham Open Gardens May 2008

Petersham Village Open Gardens

May 25 & 26 2008

It always rains on a May Bank Holiday and it rained for the third Open Gardens Weekend on 25th/26th May. But still they came, sporting colourful raingear, some in spotted wellies, some with enormous umbrellas. All were smiling and all seemed to enjoy the opportunity to visit the 9 gardens , with 3 new additions this year, and to take tea in the Village Hall.

Thanks to laminated maps and notices, Sunday morning's deluge did not cause disarray to the organisers or pop too many green balloons which marked each entrance. Enthusiasms were not deflated. Far from it, those who braved the elements were rewarded by a rain free tour. And so many came!

Squelching across sodden lawns and splashing through puddles they were able to indulge in the delights of glorious gardens . Here a moorhen on her nest, there some contented chickens preening their feathers after the morning shower. Varieties of vegetables superbly grown. Beautifully clipped box sparkled with rain drops. Roses heavy with damp raised their heads to be sniffed and even the peonies posed perfectly!

Monday was downpour day. Only the very loyal supporters or serious gardeners ventured out. But still they came in steady streams and were just as cheerful. Those selling entrance tickets were fortified with brandy and none appear to have got pneumonia.

What really cheered the spirits was tea in the Village Hall along with wonderful home made cakes, biscuits and scones. And all the while the cows chewed the cudd in the meadows. Of course they knew all this was for their benefit. And they will receive a large sum to keep them chewing. The Petersham Trust is extremely grateful to all who came and all who opened their gardens on that very very damp weekend!