We have a members’ shop ‘The Seed Box’ where we try to stock useful items including seeds, tools and chemicals at very competitive prices. There is a library and a small range of loan equipment.

We also run shows, organise an annual quiz and run the occasional trip to visit a garden.

How to find us

The Seed Box is situated behind the Flitwick Leisure Centre on Steppingley Road.

Seed Box Opening Hours

Tuesday	6.30pm to 7.30pm (Feb to the end of May only)
Friday	7.30pm to 9.00pm (Feb to Nov)
Saturday	2.00pm to 4.00pm (Feb to Nov)

Telephone

Outside of these hours you can always leave a message for us on the answering machine on 01525 717289

Email addresses

General enquiries etc.	enquiries@flitwickgardeners.co.uk
Magazine	newsletter@flitwickgardeners.co.uk
Show info and entries	fgashow@flitwickgardeners.co.uk

Web site address

Web site

www.flitwickgardeners.co.uk

Trading Update

Well it is August Bank Holiday, so of course it is raining! I have just put the potato and onion order forms into envelopes to go to the post box and next on my list of ‘should have done a while ago’ items is this input for the Autumn magazine. I’ve had an interesting year but I’m now getting back and closer to an ‘even keel’ with the house outside very nearly finished and gardening well behind. A crop of Fat Hen on the allotment that I’m not proud of, but it does prove the worth of regular hoeing as I now have to hand weed it.

I do apologise to everyone who purchased dahlias from us for the Annual Show. There were none shown and I assume everyone else had plenty of bud but no flowers! There is always an opportunity to enter them in the Autumn Show. Next year I am offering Apache which is a different Cactus Dahlia. However, when the frost cuts the foliage on this year’s dahlias, do lift them and store the tubers in a frost free, but cool, dry place and they should overwinter to be planted again next year.

It’s always good to be the bearer of good news, so how about 2015 potato and onion prices the same as in 2014? Yes that’s right, no price increase. However as we had quite a high wastage this year I’ve reduced our order considerably. As always I will do my very best to meet all orders received by the end of November, but if you want your favourite varieties, make sure you order as I cannot guarantee as many packets for the shelf as in previous years. In some ways it is nice to have this problem as it has arisen from the great popularity of the 10 seed packs we introduced a few years ago. You may also be interested to know that I have ordered the larger size of onion sets from Taylors so there will be fewer in each 500gm pack, however they should result in larger onions when they crop (let’s hope).

Every year in this magazine I comment on the bulk order for next year. So here goes:

· The Clover compost on offer has sold out! Do ask us if we have an alternative offer.

· Tesco sold the same grow bags as us at a price lower than I purchase them, ouch!

· New Horizon sales continue to grow slowly as more folks like the fact that it is totally organic. I’ve tried some this year with very good results and may use it more in future.

· If you are re-potting tubs and containers, make sure you use a heavier compost. Bowers or Clover professional are both great and John Innes has durability and lots of weight.

· If you want anything specific, e.g. a specific Wolf tool attachment, now is the time to ask as I only order once a year and that is now.

For several years I have been mentioning that I’m trying to reduce stock levels. The gaps on the shelves seem to indicate that I’m finally getting somewhere. If anything you specifically want has disappeared, please let me know and I’ll consider if I wish to continue or re-instate it.

So now we all wind down to winter, get our autumn digging done and plant that green manure to improve soil texture and fertility. Why not use a few autumn evenings to plan for next year? It has great benefits. But it is not too late for a few very late sowings, overwintered spring onions, spring greens, etc. If we have another winter as mild as last year, many things keep growing all winter. If you’re really keen, plant sweet peas late October/November, show shallots plant on the shortest day (and crop on the longest), broad bean Aquadulce sown in October/November for early crops.

If you have an empty greenhouse all winter, why not try salad leaves, winter hardy radish or seedling leeks in a pot as the basis of a salad. Also why not make a winter hanging basket or trough, there is a small range of plants at the Seed Box now.

I always like to offer tips and this time it is to use canes, yogurt pots and a net to keep the pigeons off the brassicas. Push in the canes, put the yogurt pots on the cane tops and then put the net over the rows. Much cheaper and more flexible than a cage and just as effective. However, please make sure that birds cannot get inside and get trapped.

Finally, please note that in December and January we do not officially open, but as we have a lot of sorting and weighing to do we may be in the Seed Box on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons, but will not guarantee it. Our last official day of trading will be Saturday 29 November and our first official day of trading next year will be Saturday 7 February.

So now you turn to the back of this magazine, order your potatoes and onions, bring your order along to the Seed Box and pay a small deposit or the full amount. Whilst there, make sure you renew your membership for next year and pick up the seed catalogues you want (assuming they have arrived by then).

Happy Gardening

Jim Godden

Trading Secretary

Following a successful trip to Spalding, we have Autumn planting onion sets, garlic (yes we got some this year, it was delivered while I was there, not cheap but wonderful bulbs), our usual mixture of miscellaneous spring bulbs, along with Tete-a-Tete, Paperwhites and Hyacinths for Christmas colour and scent. I've taken a rest from calculating the prices to pen this so that Jonathan can include the good news in this article.

Dobies Seed Catalogue – all change once again!!

The procedure for ordering from the Dobies Seed Catalogue is different this year. It is simpler and the saving has gone up to 50%. Here goes:

· Collect a catalogue and order form from the Seed Box. This will include an ‘offer code’ to action the 50% discount.

· Order yourself by post, telephone or online. Payment is made to Dobies at the time of ordering.

· Your seeds will be sent direct to you.

Also, you receive 15% off all goods other than seeds. You will have to pay post and packing of £1.99 or £4.99 depending on the products ordered. Full details and catalogues will be available at the Seed Box.

Jim Godden

Trading Secretary

Syd’s Snippets

Earlier this year the plant sale took place in Tesco’s car park and this proved to be very well accepted. We restricted the plants on sale to a few varieties and suggested to customers that they go to the Seed Box to see the full selection along with the other items we have available for sale. This resulted, along with the Open Days on the Saturday and Sunday, in 32 new members over the weekend. After reviewing this we intend to approach Tesco to see if we can repeat this venue next year and try to encourage further new members.

We were also afforded the opportunity of broadcasting live on the BBC Three Counties Radio Show ‘Out and About’ on Friday 8 August when I explained the benefits of being a member of the FGA. This again I believe was picked up by the public as the number attending the Annual Show appeared to be higher than in the past and was mentioned by those I spoke to.

I trust you are now all harvesting the results of all your hard work and efforts over the last few months and look forward to seeing you at the Autumn Show with your exhibits or at the Quiz with all the right answers.

Syd Pye

Chairman

Annual Show 2014

A warm Saturday afternoon in August confirmed that despite the recent heavy rain and high winds, members had still been able to grow some really good vegetables and flowers and that the fruit growers had also had a very good season. There were also some high quality exhibits on show in the home produce, handicrafts and photography classes confirming that some of members do not only have green fingers.

It was again pleasing to see not only the familiar people entering the show but also some people new to showing and everybody doing really well (and the look of amazement on their faces when there was a trophy and / or a 1^st rosette in front of their exhibit).

Once again, when the judging was finished the hall soon filled up with people looking around and enjoying some really tasty homemade refreshments.

Thanks to all of you that helped with the setting up or running of the show, entering exhibits and for coming along to support the show – it makes all the hard work put into staging the show really worthwhile.

Colin Stennett

Show Secretary

Thank You to the Seed Box Volunteers

On behalf of all the Committee and fellow members I would like to thank all the very kind members who help us by operating the till when we open the Seed Box. The bottom line is that without these volunteers we would not be able to open the Seed Box for the entire membership.

Sandra M Ridgway

Rota Co-ordinator

The Seed Box site

Outline planning permission has been granted for a new housing estate to be built on the land currently occupied by the Leisure Centre, the Seed Box and Flitwick Town Council’s Tractor Store. However, the terms of sale of this land to a developer will contain a restriction in that the developer of the site must either retain the Seed Box and Tractor Store or rebuild the facility in a new location.

The Seed Box is leased from Flitwick Town Council, so the eventual negotiations will take place with the Town Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and the developer. The FGA will work with the Town Council. Both the Town Council and the FGA are happy with the current arrangements. For the FGA, it is business as usual for the foreseeable future. At some stage we may have to move to a brand new Seed Box, or the Seed Box and Tractor Store may remain unchanged but surrounded by a housing estate.

Many of us recall seeing plans for the redevelopment of the entire Leisure Centre site that showed the Seed Box and Tractor Store unchanged in their original position. This plan was drawn up by Mid Beds Council and Flitwick Town Council in 2007 and widely publicised at the time. The new leisure centre was to be at the rear of the site, with the new housing development at the front along the Steppingley Road. Central Bedfordshire Council commissioned a new study to reach the now proposed site layout.

Central Bedfordshire Council have asked for regular meetings with the FGA and the Town Council to keep us informed. We will pass on these updates in the magazine.

Syd Pye

Chairman

Tour of the garden at Wrest Park

14 members enjoyed a warm and sunny day out at Wrest Park. English Heritage is gradually restoring the gardens and the tour

guide explained what had happened, what is planned and generally the history of Wrest Park. The members that I have talked to had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

If you have any suggestions for a trip to a garden next year, please mention it when you are next at the Seed Box. We would really like to hear from you.

Jonathan Wilde

Publications Officer

FGA Quiz – 30 October

Why not get a team of 4 together and come along to the FGA quiz which will be held on Thursday 30 October in the Village Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm for a prompt start at 8.00pm. The entry fee is £12 per team and covers the cost of the Quiz plus a light supper and raffle tickets for each member of the team.

Please tell us if you wish to join in so that we can be sure to get the catering right. For further details or to register an entry contact Dave Empson on 01525 718145 or myself either on 01525 716982 or by email colin_online@thestennetts.co.uk

Colin Stennett

Show Secretary

2015 Photography Classes

The photography classes for the 2015 Annual Show are:

103 - Spring

104 - Summer

105 - Autumn

106 - Winter

For the Children's photography class the subject is ‘My favourite time of the Year’.

Free while stocks last!

This year we are again giving away daffodil bulbs (with a pot, bulb fibre and a set of growing instructions) to under 16s who are the children of members for growing on through the winter and early spring to be exhibited at the Spring Show next year. We are using the same variety as in the previous couple of years as they have proved to be very successful.

These bulbs are FREE so let’s encourage the next generation of gardeners. To claim, please collect from the Seed Box – provided the rush is not too great and they have not all gone – and don’t forget to bring them along to the Spring Show.

The children also proved to be very good at growing onions, there was a great display at the Annual Show. So we are definitely giving away onion sets for children to grow next year and will have them available for collection when members collect their own potato and onion orders, or from the Seed Box in February.

Membership Renewals

The Seed Box closes at the end of November and re-opens for business at the beginning of February 2015. The membership subscription is valid from 1 January until 31 December.

If you renew your membership subscription before we close for the winter, you will still be able to make purchases at Newbury Farm Plants, Silsoe where we have an agreement for a 10% discount upon production of your current membership card.

Many thanks,

Sandra M Ridgway

Membership Secretary

Current Committee Members

Executive Committee
Syd Pye	Chairman
Colin Stennett	Secretary and Show Secretary
Dave Pateman	Treasurer
Jim Godden	Trading Secretary
J-P. R. Carter	Deputy Chairman and Show Committee
Laurie Arnold	Seeds and Deputy Trading Secretary
Cliff White	Show Committee
Sandra Ridgeway	Membership Secretary and Rota Co-ordinator
Jonathan Wilde	Publications Officer and Deputy Treasurer
Jane Fisher	Deputy Secretary and Show Committee

Show Committee
Dave Empson Kath Stennett Ian Holman

Honorary Life Members:
Dave Empson, John Farmer, John Lintern, Linda Pitts, Dougie Rees, Cliff White

AUTUMN SHOW SCHEDULE – Saturday 11^th October 2014

FLITWICK VILLAGE HALL

SHOW RULES

The rules of the annual show shall apply throughout the show, with the exception

of Rule 2. An Exhibitor may show up to 2 entries per class in the autumn show.

Entries to be made at the show.

Children may enter any class, where their entry will be judged as a

children’s class.

Staging to be between 1 pm and 2 pm.

Judging to be between 2 pm and 3 pm.

Public admitted 3 pm – No admission charge.

SCHEDULE

HEAVIEST AND LONGEST

	1	Heaviest Marrow
	2	Heaviest Onion
	3	Heaviest Beetroot
	4	Heaviest Carrot
	5	Heaviest Cabbage
	6	Heaviest Potato
	7	Heaviest Tomato
	8	Longest Runner Bean
	9	Largest Sunflower Head
	10	Heaviest Parsnip
	11	Smallest Ripe Tomato
	12	Freak Vegetable

VEGETABLES

	13	Five Potatoes - White - One variety
	14	Five Potatoes - Other than white - One variety
	15	One Cauliflower
	16	Three Carrots
	17	Two Leeks
	18	Two Parsnips
	19	Five Tomatoes
	20	Any other Vegetable – 2 or more items

NSALG Trophy – most points in Vegetable classes

FLOWERS

	21	Three Chrysanthemums - Spray stems
	22	Three Dahlias - Cactus or Semi-cactus
	23	Three Dahlias - Decorative
	24	Three Dahlias - Ball
	25	Three Dahlias - Pompon
	26	Three Roses – any variety
	27	One Pot Plant - Flower
	28	One Pot Plant - Foliage
	29	One Pot of Alpine
	30	One Vase of Flowering Shrub
	31	One Vase of a single variety of Annual, Biennial or Perennial
	32	One Vase of Mixed Annuals, Biennials or Perennials

Cliff White Trophy – Best exhibit in Flower classes

FRUIT

	33	Four Apples - Dessert
	34	Four Apples - Cooking
	35	Four Pears
	36	Nine Soft Fruit
	37	A Bunch of Grapes
	38	Any other fruit, including nuts, not mentioned above

PUMPKINS

	40	Heaviest Pumpkin
	41	Decorated / Carved Pumpkin - children

Flitwick Gardeners’ Association

Telephone - 01525 – 717289 (24 hour answerphone)

Pre Season Potato and Onion Sets Order Form - 2015

Name ............................................…………………………………………

Address .......................……….........................................………………...

…………………………………. Telephone .....………..........................

F.G.A. Membership Number ....…….....

Please reserve the following packs of Seed Potatoes and Onion sets for me when they are delivered

Orders handed in by the end of Dec 2014 will be telephoned to advise when they are ready for collection.

Number of Packs Variety 3 Kg (10) Total Cost

3kg 10 seed

“First Earlies”

........... ………… Duke of York (RED) £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Epicure £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Foremost £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Pentland Javelin £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Maris Bard £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Rocket (EARLY) £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Swift (VERY EARLY) £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Vanessa £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Winston £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

“Second Earlies”

........... ………… Charlotte £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Kestrel £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Marfona £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Wilja £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

“Main Crop”

........... ………… Cara £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Desiree £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Estima £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… King Edward £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Majestic £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Maris Piper £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Pentland Crown £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Picasso £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Romano £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

........... ………… Sarpo Mira £ 3.25 (£1.50) .........

“Special Varieties”

................ Anya (Salad) £ 2.15 .........

................ Osprey £ 2.15 .........

................ Pink Fir Apple (Salad) £ 2.15 .........

................ International Kidney £ 2.15 .........

“Onion Sets and Shallots”

........... Golden Gourmet Shallots (0.5 Kg) £ 1.50 .........

........... Red Sun Shallots (0.5 Kg) £ 1.50 .........

……… Snowball (white) Onion Sets (0.5 Kg) £ 1.40 ……..

........... Sturon Onion Sets (0.5 Kg) £ 1.40 .........

........... Stuttgarter Onion Sets (0.5 Kg) £ 1.40 .........

........... Red Baron Onion Sets (0.5 Kg) £ 1.40 .........

____________ Total Due £...................

+ Total number of packs

_spud____sets__ Less Deposit Paid £ ................... (Minimum Deposit 50p per pack)

BALANCE DUE £ ....................

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

For F.G.A. use

Telephoned …………………………