EXMOUTH Garden Club hope to build on the success of last year with their upcoming 2009 Autumn Show in the Elizabeth Hall next month.

EXMOUTH Garden Club hope to build on the success of last year with their upcoming 2009 Autumn Show in the Elizabeth Hall next month.

The show, on Saturday September 12, will have classes for flower arrangement, flowers, fruit, vegetables, home produce and a special section for young people.

The show is open to all, and there is no need to be a member of the club to take part - all entries are welcome.

And no matter how many classes anyone enters the competition is free to enter, and this year there is the newly introduced novice classes to give extra opportunities for the amateur gardener.

On show day there will be the added attraction of a scarecrow festival, and residents are encouraged to bring along a scarecrow for a guest appearance outside Elizabeth Hall - young people can compete for a prize if they enter a small scarecrow in the club's show.

Members of Devon Wildlife and local beekeepers have also been invited in response to the concerns from gardeners and allotment holders in regards to the alarming decline in bee numbers.

Club Secretary, Michael Gittins said: "We all depend on these insects to pollinate flowers, fruit and vegetables. Because of their importance to the ecology, local beekeepers will be sharing their knowledge at the show.

"The Club is also supporting people with special needs. There will be a chance to buy plants from Bystock Trust, and organic produce and craft goods will be available from Stallcombe House."

Copies of the schedules are freely available from the Club Secretary, Michael Gittins, 78 Halsdon Avenue, or phone: (01395) 263871 or email michael.gittins@virgin.net.

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