Gardeners flower power - Highgate Horticultural Society parade their plants and blooms at the United Reformed Church

Published: 31 March 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

FORMER chairman of the Highgate Horticultural Society Mat Schwitzer celebrated “nature’s gift” on Saturday as gardeners put their plants on parade at the United Reformed Church. 

There were more than 170 entries for the Society’s competition as the church in South Grove, Highgate, was transformed into a vibrant, fragrant indoor garden to celebrate its 46th Spring Flower Show. 

Mr Schwitzer, who was chairman for more than five years in the late 1980s, was full of praise for all the hard work going on behind the scenes. 

He added: “Chairman Alan Dallman and Roxane Stirling, who I made secretary 20 years ago, are doing such good job. With nature’s help the Spring Show was first class with some very good exhibitions on display.”

Mr Schwitzer, 94, a former chemical engineer, won first place for his heather entry. 

But the big winner was Mr Dallman, who collected the Taylor Halsey Challenge Cup and the Michael Baylis Cup. 

This year's best:
Taylor Halsey Challenge Cup for most points in horticultural classes 1-40 was won by Alan Dallman; Sergeant Bowl for best exhibit in classes 1-23 was won by Mrs Kay Leddy; Michael Baylis Cup for most points in classes 24-40 was won by Alan Dallman; Brough Tankard for best exhibit in classes 24-40 was won by the Harington Scheme; Bush Halsey Challenge Cup for most points in decorative classes 4l-44 was won by Mrs Marion Wilton; Society’s Cup for most points for 6 to 10-year-old classes was won by Tom Carter; Diploma for Excellence in Horticulture for pot plants was awarded to Steve Marston; Diploma for Excellence in Horticulture for cut flowers was awarded to Alan Dallman; Certificate of Merit in Floral Art was awarded to Mrs Marion Wilton.