Page 62 - Simply Vegetables Spring 2023

Bucks DA
We have a busy year ahead planned in terms of talks, events, and shows. Our AGM took place in February and was well attended. The committee where re- elected for another year, and the reports and accounts were accepted.
on the show bench demonstrates. Mark shares his years of success and knowledge with those there on the night. The talk illustrated how to get better beetroots out of the ground and onto
This time Sandy explored the background and causes of the Great Irish Tragedy. We learned the causes but also how to prevent potato blight and other such diseases in
Our committee is:
Chair
Treasurer
Membership Secretary Member
Member
Dave Ridgway Rob Wood Ruth Bleasdale Valerie Fielder Jim Styles
the bench or our kitchen table. We hope to see the results and success on the show bench throughout the year ahead. Mark got down to the root of the matter of how we can also be successful growing this often-underrated vegetable, sorry for the puns, but I couldn’t help myself.
Mark is a master at growing beetroot as his record on the show bench demonstrates
our gardens. Professor Primrose drew on his expanse of knowledge
and research. There was
so much information presented in an enormously interesting evening. Those attending were impressed with the breadth and depth of knowledge presented to us in easy-to-understand and absorb bit-size chunks.
President
Brian Butler
Vice Chair
Bob Bleasdale
Secretary
Jake sale
Member
John Branham
Member
Darren Pritchett
Following the AGM business on the night, we all enjoyed a truly informative and entertaining talk by the former national assistant secretary Mark Hall MBE on Growing Long and Globe Beetroot for the show bench and kitchen table. Mark is a master at growing beetroot as his record
As this Spring issue of
Simply Veg is hitting the streets the Bucks DA has just enjoyed a fascinating evening with Professor Sandy Primrose. Back
by popular demand with his amazing knowledge and insight with a talk
on Potatoes, Phytophthora and
Poverty: The Great Irish Tragedy.
The story of potato blight.
We were delighted to once again welcome Professor Sandy Primrose to the village hall in Wingrave.
Upcoming talks and events
John and Jill Branham’s Open Garden. Tuesday 20th June from 6pm Our annual Bucks DA members visit to John and Jill’s Garden is one of complete relaxation with the accompanying opportunity to take in the superb views over Aylesbury Vale and look at the superb vegetables and fruit.
You are free to wander around
the garden and glasshouses as you please and then enjoy a glass of wine, homegrown apple juice, tea, or coffee, and perhaps a little cheese while enjoying a chat with fellow vegetable growers.
If you are a Bucks DA member, please don’t miss this spectacular opportunity to visit the garden that has over the years produced some of the finest vegetable exhibits.
Visit Kathy Brown Garden Stevington Nr Bedford MK43 7QB. Wednesday 12th July 2.00pm
The Bucks DA organises an annual
visit to the local garden of delight and interest. This year we are going to Kathy Brown Garden which has a splendor
of Peonies, Alliums, Chinese Roses, Lilacs, and Wisteria. Flower-packed
seasonal borders that will just make you smile. This year there will be a hot dry succulent garden again with sumptuous Dahlias, Salvias, and Cosmos on the main border.
To top off this fest for your eyes there are the tastiest home-made cakes and tea which are almost reason enough
for your visit. We are looking forward to meeting you there, tickets available from the committee
Tuesday 17th October Fertilisers for the kitchen garden – a talk by David Thornton FNVS from Select Seeds Bucks DA is a regular stop for David Thornton as we enjoy his talks so much. David’s choice of fertilisers is
of particular interest to exhibitors, he also has years of knowledge of the
best fertilisers for the allotment grower and kitchen gardener. We want to hear David’s recommendations which may not have been on your list, both organic and man-made. Drawing on his decades of knowledge and experience David with give us a truly engaging talk. David will be bringing seeds for sale to this talk.
Tuesday 28th November Auto Pots Zero to Hero – A talk by Mr. Auto Pot – Jason Ralph Smith
In early 2000 Jason designed and manufactured what has now become one of the world’s most environmentally friendly watering systems auto pot. At Bucks DA we are very interested to hear all the benefits of this much talked about product.
As we all hear the auto pot technology is unique and the only irrigation technology in the world that is controlled by the plants and requires only gravity pressure from the reservoir to function auto pots will grow almost every plant. Spend an evening with Jason and he will tell you all about it. Prepare to be flooded with information and a reservoir of top tips from the world of Auto Pots.
We have other shows and events around the county which we will be supporting and appearing at. If you see one of our displays or stalls please come and say hello, or if you would like to help at an event please get in touch, you will be made very welcome.
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