Wells Voice Article February 2023

We have been forced to make a change to February's event through unforeseen circumstances. Luckily, Jane Moore, Head Gardener of The Bath Priory Garden,  will be returning to Wells to give another of her excellent talks, this time on growing vegetables. Her presentation entitled 'Crops for small Plots' gives you an idea of what to expect especially in these days when we need all the help we can get. Jane is a formidable gardener, a former TV presenter, journalist and Chelsea winner and she is the author of a number of books, the latest being on growing vegetables on a small but productive scale. 

Planning the vegetable plot in the back garden or on the allotment is not the only activity at this time of year. The body needs non-physical refreshment as well. January has filled and frozen the dykes but February ushers in Snowdrop Time. A few daffodils may have jumped the springtime gun, especially along the road to Somerton but the season belongs to the snowdrop. An early bloom seems to provoke feelings of optimistic delight.  

The humourist and writer K R G Browne once wrote:

 'The first snowdrop, timidly thrusting its rather silly head through the earth's crust, is a sight to melt the heart of the toughest thug that ever throttled his aged grandmother for the insurance money'. 

A little on the excessive side, it has to be said, but we catch the drift. Swathes of snowdrops attract swathes of Galanthophiles, as the real enthusiasts are called. And they are great stoopers. Most of us are content to wander around upright and both parties have much to enjoy in and around Wells. Shepton Mallet celebrate their own Snowdrop King, the breeder and hybridiser James Allen (1830 - 1906), in a snowdrop festival with events and open snowdrop gardens. In Wells, the Bishop's Palace Gardens always give a fine display. 

Everyone is welcome to come along to Wells Town Hall on Thursday 9th February at 7.30pm to hear Jane Moore on Crops for small Plots.   Members £1, Visitors £3, Refreshments .