Page 56 • The HERALD • 8th December 2022 v THE HERALD - Proud to be part of your communityv A J GLEESON BUILDING & GROUNDWORK DRIVEWAYS EXTENSIONS BRICKWORK GROUNDWORK BLOCK PAVING Colours & Designs to suit your requirements Local Work Available to View CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION New Forest & Southampton 023 8084 4180 Mobile: 07770 771475 Bramdene, Main Road, Dibden, Southampton ✿ DOWN THE GARDEN PATH ✿ BEAULIEU HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY e last talk on the 2022 programme had to be changed and so instead of hearing about Roses, as scheduled, members were transported away from rainy Hampshire to the glorious Tuscany countryside. ey were also taken back in time as the speaker, Jane Balfour’s subject was ‘ e Renaissance Gardens of Florence’. Jane brought history to life as she showed the many magni cent palaces, villas and beautiful gardens in and around Florence. Many had been created in the 15th and 16th centuries for the in uential Medici family, when Florence was the capital of Tuscany. Signi cant changes occurred when the capital moved to Rome in the late 1870’s and many of the palaces were released. Some deteriorated, whilst others were subsequently bought by English and American buyers who brought in landscape designers such as Cecil Pinsent and Geo rey Scott so that di erent garden landscape styles developed. As many of the villas were built on hillsides to take advantage of the views, many of the gardens featured a series of terraces with an extensive use of topiary and lemon groves. e talk was a reminder that any visit to Florence should include time to visit its beautiful gardens as well as the art and architectural treasures. e AGM on 4th November was chaired by the Society’s President, Lady Montagu. She thanked the Society for its participation in village life and its contributions to the Queen‘s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. A special tribute was made to the very signi cant role played by the Society’s late Vice President, Robin Pleydell-Bouverie, who was a passionate gardener, with a particular love of Roses. He was very supportive of the Society, invariably producing, with the support of his wife, exceptional exhibits for the shows. He was much appreciated and will be greatly missed. In her report, the Chairperson, Linda Dearing, was pleased to note that there had been a full programme of monthly visits or talks, worthwhile participation in the May plant sale and co ee morning in East Boldre Village Hall, a well supported plant stall at Beaulieu Village Fete, three shows, an a ernoon tea and quiz, a summer party and the creation of oral displays in Beaulieu to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Retiring Committee member, Paula Husband, was thanked for her much appreciated contributions in particular as talks organiser and oral designer. She was presented with a plant and garden vouchers. Lady Montagu presented the following cups and trophies awarded for total points in the Summer and Autumn Shows: Howard Trophy for Flowers to Stephen Bishop; Montagu Challenge Cup for Vegetables to Don Medley; Holden Challenge Cup for Floral Arrangements to Paula Husband; Pleydell-Bouverie Trophy for Fruit to Dob Medley; Pleydell-Bouverie Perpetual Challenge Cup for a Basket or Trug to Linda Dearing; Wilby Rose Bowl for Roses to Maureen Medley; Hopestill Kitchen Salver for Miniatures to Liz Coppack. e meeting concluded with tea and cakes and a lively and helpful Gardeners’ Questions and discussion. e 2023 programme will begin in February with an a ernoon tea and quiz. Annual membership is £10. Visitors to talks £2. New members always welcome. Membership Secretary is Lynne Hubbard: 01590 612408.
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