Laura Boothman at Highgate Horticultural Society gives an insight into this group of avid gardeners

Highgate Horticultural Society is a friendly group of gardeners based in and around North London and beyond. We hold three shows a year in Highgate Village to share and celebrate the flowers and produce we have grown, our talent at flower arranging and our efforts in home baking and handicraft.

We warmly welcome new members of all ages — and whether you have a windowsill, a balcony, an allotment, or a garden and multiple greenhouses we encourage you to come and exhibit in our shows. We welcome children and encourage creativity and challenge little hands to grow with classes such as cress in eggshells, paintings and miniature gardens. Our shows are very relaxed social occasions with homemade cakes and tea, stalls and a raffle.

We auction many of the exhibits at the end of the day so you can pick up some special flowers or goodies if you bid fast enough! Gary, one of our most long-standing members, also sells his produce at the farmer’s market at Alexandra Palace in aid of the local Harington Scheme which provides opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities, through individual learning programmes designed to help them into employment, further education, or a more rewarding life.

The society has deep roots which date back to 1859. In 2009, we celebrated our 150th anniversary with the slogan ‘150 years still growing strong!’ – and we would be delighted for you to join us as the society looks forward to a future where the green space in our city and the wider environment is increasingly recognised for its health and wellbeing benefits.

Visit highgatehorticulturalsociety.org.uk

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