Page 64 - Simply Vegetables Spring 2025

Hants DA
In November, we had a talk called
“Gardening & Growing the Soil
Food Web Way – Who Really Grows
Our Plants” by Eddie Bailey from
RhizoPhyllia. It was about tapping into
the relationship of soil microbiology and
plants to improve our soil and what we
grow.
At our AGM in December, Ann Brown
retired from the committee and Bob Brown
retired as our President. We presented Ann
with a gift to thank her and Bob for all their
hard work and commitment over the years.
We were delighted to recruit Debs
Needham on to the committee. Those who
attend our plant sale and show at Wellow,
will know Debs already from her stints
helping Barbara in the kitchen. Debs has
also helped out at BBC Gardeners’ World at
Beaulieu and has exhibited at the Hants DA
annual show.
Ted Perren was voted in as our new
President. Ted is a worthy successor to Bob
given his knowledge and experience and
previous commitment on the committee.
Whilst not coming back on the committee,
Ted will be kept in the loop regarding
committee matters.
You will hear about our February and
March talks in the next issue of SV, but
Barry Newman is back in April to give a
talk full of hints and tips in good time for
show season. Those of you who want to
have the edge on the show bench should
come along and see what you can learn
from this expert grower and show veteran.
Our programme of events for the year
reflects a diverse range of topics as it
is becoming harder to find speakers on
vegetable topics, especially those prepared
to travel or give talks mid-week and in the
evening. We hope our events will appeal
to a wide audience and we look forward to
welcoming all those who attend.
Ali Clarke
Secretary
Hants DA
Meetings
Venue: Sherfield English Village
Hall, Salisbury Road, Sherfield
English, Romsey SO51 6FL, unless
otherwise stated.
8 April 2025
“Preparing for Your Show – Veg, Fruit
and other Horticultural Classes.”
RHS Fruit, Veg & Herb committee
Vice Chair, Barry Newman will give
growing, preparation, and staging
advice to impress at your local show.
2-4 May 2025
BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair @
Beaulieu.
Visit the NVS stand and show
garden at this highly enjoyable event,
where we will have plants for sale
and growing advice in abundance.
It is a wonderful day out as entry to
the Spring Fair also gives free entry
to the Beaulieu Motor Museum and
Gardens.
10 May 2025
Plant Sale 9am-12pm @ Wellow
Village Hall SO51 6BR.
Quality plants for your veg
patch and flower borders to
help you get ahead on your
plot. Expertly grown by NVS
members.
10 June 2025
“Birds in The Garden”. Steve
Oates from the RSPB shines a
light on the fascinating world of
the birds in our own gardens.
29-31 July 2025
Southern Championships @
The New Forest & Hampshire
County Show
14 September 2025
Hants DA Annual Show
1pm @ Wellow Village Hall,
West Wellow, SO51 6BR
14 October 2025
“Making the most of what you have”.
Ben Hope has 22 years’ experience
in horticulture and leads a team
developing a private garden in West
Sussex. He currently lecturers at
West Dean College and The Chelsea
Physic Garden.
11 November 2025
“Sparsholt Show Gardens at
Chelsea”. Chris Bird, lecturer at
Sparsholt College gives a behind
the scenes look at designing and
creating a show garden for Chelsea.
Working with students adds an extra
dynamic to the challenge.
9 December 2025
AGM + quiz
64 Simply Vegetables