Roots, blooms and uber tubers

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The highlight of the year for many local gardeners and growers is the chance to show off the culmination of their horticultural hard work. And after 10 years the annual Rye show is the pinnacle of the potato and pea-grower calendar. The show caters for all types of vegetation grown in gardens and allotments and has no less than 21 classes in which to enter fruit and vegetables. As well as the more straightforward cabbages, courgettes and carrots you can enter the heaviest squash, the longest runner or the funniest shaped vegetable, the prize for which is always particularly hard fought for and provides an interesting insight into the minds of the judges.

At Rye's South Undercliff allotments Bill White shows how a rotavator should be used
Bill White shows how a rotavator should be used on Rye’s South Undercliff allotments

There are 14 classes for flowers, foliage and ornamental, including roses, succulents and garden flower collections. And for those whose fingers aren’t quite green enough there are classes for cookery, photography and handicraft.

Children can enter the “garden in a seed tray” class or the “animal made from vegetable or fruit” class, with separate entries for kids up to seven and for those aged between 8 and 15 years old. There is something for everyone.

The show is co-ordinated by the Rye Allotments Association. Entry forms are available from the Rye Community Centre and the entrance fee is 40p per class with no charge for the children’s classes. There are prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each class plus “highly commended” if appropriate. Prizes will be presented from 3:30pm in the centre and Rye News will report on the show and prizes.

Entry forms and fees should be submitted to: Helena Hudd, 19 Rope Walk Way, Rye, TN31 7NA, or by e-mail to: ryeallotments@yahoo.co.uk.

Entries can also be brought to the Community Centre on Conduit Hill between 9:30am and 11:30am on the day – although you’ll have to wait a while for your entry cards to be written up.

So come on, brush down your brassicas, root out those rutabagas, and polish up your parsnips. And remember, when the going gets tough the tough get growing.

 

The poster was designed by Alexander Redmond

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