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Harting Horticultural Society welcomes members from South, East and West Harting, Nyewood, Elsted and the surrounding area.

Harting Horticultural Society has been around for over 70 years and with more than 150 members they continue to welcome local residents from South, East and West Harting as well as Elsted and Nyewood. The society holds a number of shows and events for members and friends to attend and participate in, including the spring and summer shows.

The History

During the early 1950’s the society members assisted in the supplement of wartime rations growing their own fruit and vegetables. Members began to branch out into growing flowers that allowed them to compete at summer shows, sharing inspiration and ideas with others.

The 1970’s saw the spring and summer shows becoming open to non-members as well as members. Originally the spring show had several classes for narcissi, whilst the summer show had classes for flowers and vegetables. The Society has since expanded creating new ancillary classes for people to enter with cookery, craft and photography proving highly popular. These new classes are open to everyone, providing children and families with the opportunity to enter.

Becoming a Member

“Whether you’re a horticultural enthusiast or an expert, if you enjoy photography, craft, art, baking or flower arranging, the society always welcomes new members. As a part of Harting’s history we feel it is important to keep the village traditions alive. With societies and shows like ours, families and local residents can come together to celebrate.”

Becoming a member brings a feeling of community. The mid-summer show is open to members only with classes for flowers and a single cup is awarded to the ‘Best Rose’. Most importantly, the mid-summer show is held at the local hall with views over the beautiful countryside. Attendees can catch up, swap advice, cuttings and seedlings along with the yearly plant-swap; you get a new plant or variety along with all the knowledge required to grow it.

Members Events

During the summer the Society organises visits to gardens within the local counties. This year we are very pleased to go to Sue Wright’s beautiful and extensive garden on Sunday 23 June. Another visit to look forward to is Clover Farm in Alton on Sunday 7 July which has three acres surrounded by incredible views. The gardens are made up of herbaceous borders, sloping lawns and a wild flower meadow.

Alongside the garden visits, the Society also hosts talks by experienced horticulturalists. This year the guest speaker will be John Wood at Harting Village Hall on Thursday 25 April at 7.30pm. John is the Head Gardener at Hinton Ampner House and Gardens with extensive experience in National Trust Gardens. John previously worked at National Trust Mottisfont Abbey and was involved with the renovation of the now renowned rose garden.