Shirley Wilde won class three, one container or trough of tulipsShirley Wilde won class three, one container or trough of tulips
Shirley Wilde won class three, one container or trough of tulips

Ferring tulip show inspired by Arundel Castle gardens

Tulips from Arundel Castle, and other sources, were the focus for Ferring Gardening Club for its recent virtual show, which attracted 45 entries across three classes. Don Nice, publicity officer, explained the competition was instigated by bulbs from Arundel Castle gardens, which were bagged and offered for sale in aid of the British Red Cross.

Most popular, with 21 tulips to choose from, was class one for one tulip in situ or picked and in a vase, won by Don Nice, with Tricia Baldwin in second place and Linda Fryar third. Class two, one vase of tulips, was won by John Peters, with Diane Dumbleton second and Chris Hicks third, while class three, one container or trough of tulips was won by Shirley Wilde, with Roger Wilde second and Pamela Dunham-Wright third.

Mr Nice said: “This was another virtual show for our members to get involved in, being additional to our traditional three flower shows. Entries were not totally from Arundel Castle but it was good to see some lovely bright colours within the entries. Thanks go to the show sub-committee for judging the entries. The quality was such that the judges not only awarded certificates for first, second and third but highly commended also.

“Due the effects of the lockdown roadmap, it will not allow enough time to organise a live summer show again this year. So Chris and Gary Hicks will organise another virtual flower show for the summer. However, all being well, the club hopes to be able to organise a live autumn flower show in September.”