Step back in time 100 years and the landscape of London looked very different. Just a few years after the end of the First World War, and the city had been shaken to its core.
But among the damage and destruction, there were green shoots.
In 1924, green-fingered local people founded the Fulham Horticultural Society (FHS) with its debut show.
One hundred years later, the thriving society is determined to share the health and community benefits of gardening with new generations.
The Fulham Horticultural Society centenary show is set to bring a gardening buzz to the borough on Saturday 7 September, with all welcome to celebrate the milestone anniversary.
Beautiful floral bouquets, colourful fruit and vegetables, and garden-inspired arts and crafts are among the displays that will showcase local gardeners’ prowess at the show.
Being held at St Etheldreda’s Church, 528 Fulham Palace Road, from 2.30pm-4.30pm, the show is a chance for amateur gardeners of all abilities, from complete beginners to seasoned veterans, to be part of a friendly, community event.
“Gardening is absolutely vital,” explains Eddie Robinson, the chair of Fulham Horticultural Society.
“When people have very stressful jobs and lives, we have to translate today’s problems to similar problems in the past. Gardening is a lifeblood in that sense.”
Fulham Palace Allotments
Eddie explains that the genesis of the community began at the Fulham Palace Meadows Allotments Association's site, in Bishop’s Avenue.
Gifted to local gardeners by the Bishop of London in 1916, the 15-acre allotments remain an important green space for the area, as they were during both World Wars.
“The concept of allotments really took off during the First World War when there was a shortage of production, and it has just kept going,” points out Eddie, 73, a former construction engineer on civil engineering projects.
Gardening is a “wonderfully relaxing” activity for people of all ages, adds Eddie, who moved to London from rural Yorkshire and was determined to find a slice of the good life to help counteract his busy lifestyle.
Taking on an allotment in 2001 led to involvement in FHS, and Eddie took over the role of chair in 2007.
Along with other members of the society, Eddie is keen to encourage gardening as a pastime for all.
Whether growing herbs in a windowbox, tending blooms on a balcony, or even creating a vegetable patch on a patio, the smallest of spaces can be transformed into a bountiful micro-garden – no allotment needed.
A real sense of community
FHS creates “a real sense of community because people are here for each other if they need help or advice”, reveals honorary secretary Nicole Coleman.
“It’s also a very international community so we’ll have people coming to the show with vegetables we’ve never seen before,” she adds.
While the show’s offerings have become increasingly global – with homegrown vegetables hailing from an array of countries including Iraq, India and Italy – historical documents prove the FHS has always had a plethora of interesting entries.
A printed programme dating back to 1969 publicises the society’s Chrysanthemum, Horticultural and Hamster Show on 13 September at Fulham Old Town Hall, with class entry costing a shilling.
Just a few years later, the 1975 programme shares details of a whopping four shows – in April, June, August and September – as well as separate competitions dedicated to gardens and allotments.
Affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society and the National Vegetable Society, FHS gives green-fingered residents the opportunity to show off the fruits of their labours.
“People nowadays love to grow and enjoy what they have,” adds Eddie. “We just keep running the show in the hope there will be a new groundswell of people coming forward.”
Sharing knowledge
With sharing knowledge a priority for the society, which hosted BBC Radio 4 show Gardeners’ Question Time for a recording aired in April, its regular monthly hints and tips are a key way of connecting with members through the year.
Red hot chillies in SW6
The group is also taking part of the annual Chillifest event at Fulham Palace on Sunday 8 September.
Bringing a seriously sunny vibe to the historic site in Bishop’s Avenue, the event from 11am to 3pm promises live music, stalls and a chilli eating competition.
A salsa workshop will be a chance to groove to the Latin jazz-inspired sounds of local music collective Banda Bomba, before checking out the wonderful produce on display from FHS and the allotments association.
“The FHS annual show and Chillifest event taking place over the first weekend in September are a fantastic celebration of our 100th anniversary,” highlights Eddie.
“We’d love to welcome people from across the borough and beyond to take part in showing, or simply to come along and enjoy themselves at these free community events. It will be a weekend to remember.”
Find out more by visiting Fulham Horticultural Society’s website or emailing fulhamhs@gmail.com.
