Gardeners show fruits of labour

Published: 23 September, 2010
by STEVE BARNETT

PRIZED pears and fragrant flowers signalled a blossoming victory over the weather for Camden’s green-fingered gardeners on Saturday as they turned out in force for the Highgate Horticultural Society Autumn Show Awards. 

Despite erratic droughts and downpours, the United Reformed Church in South Grove was overrun with fruits and flowers as determined horticulturists transformed the church hall into a giant, vibrant garden. 

Among the big winners were John and Tessa Hauxwell from Kentish Town who collected three first-place trophies between them. Beekeeper Mr Hauxwell, who won the Gibbon Cup for his comice pears and gained the most points to take first place in the fruit classes thanks to his apples and plums, said: “It was nice to get my efforts in growing fruits recognised, helped by the pollination by bees. The social and competitive aspect of the society is a good combination and anybody who is a keen gardener should come along and compare their produce.”

Winners! Highgate Horticultural Society autumn show

• Highgate Horticultural Society Cup for best exhibit in floral classes was won by Steve Marston
• Faith Cope Morgan Award for most points in floral classes was won by Alan Dallman
• Gibbon Cup for best exhibit in fruit classes was won by John Hauxwell
• The Gibbon Award for most points in fruit classes was won by John Hauxwell
• The Jack Hurst Award for best exhibit in runner beans class was won by Michael Donagher
• Dame Frances Gardner Cup for best exhibit in single vegetable classes was won by Michael Donagher
• The Rankine Cup for most points in single vegetable classes was won by Gary Sycamore
• D.J. Hawkins Bowl for most points in decorative classes was won by Roxane Stirling
• The Constance Dains Award for most points in 6-10s classes was won by Miss Elle-Mae Netherton
• Alice Allender Award for best exhibit in domestic classes was won by Tessa Hauxwell
• HHS Certificate of Merit for Class 31 (includes £10 voucher) was won by Gary Sycamore
• Diploma for Excellence in Horticulture (Flowers) was presented to Alan Dallman
• Diploma for Excellence in Horticulture (Fruit) was presented to John Hauxwell
• Diploma for Excellence in Horticulture (Vegetables) was presented to Gay Page
• Certificate of Merit in Floral Art was presented to Jean Morley