Birthday toast – Highgate Horticultural Society gardeners celebrate 150th anniversary

Published: 01 July, 2010
by STEVE BARNETT

GARDENERS proved that Highgate Horti­cultural Society is still growing from strength to strength when they turned out in force on Sunday to raise a glass on the 150th anniver­sary of its first flower show. 

Within six months of its inception in December 1859, the Highgate club had enough members to hold a debut show. 

The gardening displays in the 1860s were greeted with major celebrations as shops closed and brass bands marched through the streets. Today’s shows still represent the burning passion of those involved and reflect changing times. 

Society secretary Roxane Stirling said: “Years ago producing the biggest leek or the largest marrow was a very serious business. Nowadays, we still have those categories but it’s more because of the novelty value. 

“Our gardens reflect changing tastes in the food and the flowers we grow. So we’re all growing much more exotic plants and vegetables. If you had shown my grandmother a chili she wouldn’t have known what it was.” Sunday’s host and society chairman Alan Dallman is opening his garden to the public to raise money for charity as part of the National Garden Scheme.

Visitors can pop along to 27 Wood Vale, Highgate, on Saturday July 10, or Sunday July 11, from 1.30-6pm. Admission is £3 for adults, with free entry for children.