Members held their AGM at the Mabe Youth and Community Hall last week.

The club had enjoyed a very busy and fun filled 12 months with a good variety of speakers covering such subjects as Beekeeping Around the World, Growing Vegetables in Containers and Carnivorous Plants. Members learnt about the goings on when you put on a show - at Chelsea (courtesy of Andy Mills, head Gardener at Burncoose) and also about the changes and plans for the Princess Pavilion in Falmouth from Jacqui Owen.

There were also plant sales, slide shows, the flower show, annual luncheon and floral art demonstrations.

Highlights of the year included a return visit to Ron Scamp’s bulb fields, a coach trip to the county’s Annual Spring Flower Show at Boconnoc and our entry into the Falmouth Spring Flower Show, winning the George Sowden Memorial Shield. Members had also enjoyed running a coffee morning with Ron Scamp in attendance and selling his daffodil bulbs.

There was a change of faces at the helm of the club. Dot Wickham remains as chairman but secretary (Val Bidgood) and treasurers (Margaret Barnicoat and Pauline Birkett) stood down after five years service. Their roles were taken over by Sue Mitchell (secretary) and John Ball (treasurer).

The annual bloom of the month competition was won by Vilma Herring with ten points and she was presented with a small gift in recognition of this.

January’s bloom of the month: 1, Val Bidgood; 2, Jean Medlyn; 3, Fiona Patterson. The evening ended with social time and a faith supper. The table was loaded with all sorts of tasty goodies!

Visits for 2014 include Burncoose Nursery where Andy Mills (head gardener) will be leading a guided walk. Talks at the Hall will include the care of Fuchsias and Hydrangeas, late colour in the garden, Cornwall Gardens Trust, plus there are also plans for outings.

The club meets monthly at the Youth and Community Hall in Cunningham Park. The next meeting will be on Monday, February 17 at 7pm when Alistair Rivers (Radio Cornwall’s Gardenline programme) will be talking about ponds and water features. All welcome (just £2 for one meeting for non-members or £12 for a full 12 month membership).

Are you interested in gardening? Perhaps you have a window box, a few tubs or an allotment? For further information please feel free to contact the secretary on 01326 376418 or turn up at our next meeting where you will be made most welcome or follow us on Facebook.