In the space of just two hours, the Titchfield village hall was transformed from an empty room into a colourful and scent filled Eden when members of the Titchfield Gardeners Club proudly staged their exhibits ready for judging at their annual Autumn show.
Picture Kate Davis
It seems that Titchfield also has its’ fair share of “budding” Bake Off and MasterChef contestants, as the side room rapidly filled with culinary delights for tasting. A large display board of photographs also spread across one wall, the photo competition is also a favourite section. Then the doors are closed!
The sound of finger nails being bitten down to their quicks could be heard outside as exhibitors wait for almost 4 hours for the hall to reopen. 2.00pm finally arrives and a throng of anxious faces appear through the door, along with curious visitors. “Did I get a first?” “How many points did I get?” “Have I won a trophy?”
Much pleasure was to be seen and many congratulations were offered throughout the Titchfield gardening fellowship. For there were over 300 exhibits this year and many "first prizes" to be won, the tables bowing in the middle with the sheer number of flowers, plants, fruit, vegetables, jams, pickles and cakes that had kept the judges busy all morning.
Yet again, another successful year for the Gardeners’ Club Horticultural Show. It’s a special event in our community, bringing everyone together, as so often the joy of gardening does.
A total of 18 trophies were up for grabs, too many to list here but special mentions go to Sally Wilson for best exhibit in the show, Katrien Burrows for most points in the show and Timothy Harper, a brand new member, winning best vegetable in his very first show. Julie Nash retains the best flower arrangement for a second year.
A huge thankyou to Marilyn Wilton-Smith for presenting the prizes this year and then of course to the committee and our band of helpers for setting it all up, our judges for casting their expertise eyes and taste buds over the exhibits. Last but not least, a very special thankyou to everyone that entered and visited. Without you, there is no show.
Make a note in your diary. Sat 5th Sept 2026, when we do it all again!