THE COMMITTEE
Committed to the Development of Local Horticulture
Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our committee is the backbone of Bovingdon Gardeners Their ideas and commitment help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to develop. Read on to learn more about some of our incredible team.
Ron Smith
Committee Chairman
Ron has been Chairman of the Society for some years now. His stated mission is that 'The society strive to make an active contribution to our community'.
'In my garden I make room for some fruit and vegetables and with the help of others the grapes are turned into wine. The rest of the time the garden is for sitting in and relaxing'.
Garden type: Informal English
John Hislam
John has been treasurer since early 2014. Following his move from Berkhamsted to Bovingdon he began helping his wife, Philomena, to re-model their garden and they are both hoping that their hard work will soon start to show rewards.
Garden Type: English
Favourite Plant: Alstroemeria
Favourite Veg: Asparagus
Interest: Trying to grow good vegetables
Mike Leon
Membership Secretary
Mike was instrumental in reviving the society in the mid 70's after it had been closed down for a number of years and has been a loyal member ever since
Garden type: Cottage and English Country
John Walker
John is an enthusiastic amateur gardener and exhibiter at the BDHS shows, He has been one of the three show secretaries for a number of years now.
Garden type - English country
Favourite plant – Daffodil
Favourite veg – Leek
Interest – Carrying out the orders of the Head Gardener !
Treasurer and Autumn Show Secretary
treasurer@bovingdonhortsoc.org.uk
autumn@bovingdonhortsoc.org.uk
Stephen Rickard
Webmaster & Summer Show Secretary
The new boy on the block, having joined the societies committee in 2014. Stephen is the creator of this website so blame him if it does not work properly or you find a spelling mistake!
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Garden type: Small cottage garden
Favourite plant: Chrysanthemum & Cyclamen
Favourite Veg: Gherkin
Interest: Alpines
Doreen Woods
Social Events & Newsletter Editor
Doreen Woods writes our quarterly newsletters as well as articles for the Bovingdon News, the village magazine. She also organises a society seed order to Thompson and Morgan each November which usually has a 50% discount for members.
This year Doreen has the added role of organising our winter/spring talks.
Doreen is a keen gardener and" plantaholic" who is interested in the history and design of gardens.
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Garden type: Small Cottage Garden
Favourite plant: Anything with a scent
Favourite Veg: French Beans
Interest: Garden history & design
Katie Tyssen
Membership Secretary
Katie’s garden in Hemel Hempstead is full of perennials. A keen gardener, Katie is trained in horticulture, art and textiles design, and in project management. Katie likes an informal looking planting style. She wants to help encourage young people to discover and enjoy growing plants.
“I love gardening but feel it also important to have somewhere to sit or play and enjoy the garden”
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Garden type: - Informal cottage garden
Favourite plant: - Verbena bonariensis
Favourite Veg: - Climbing French beans
Interest: - Propagating plants and growing fruit and veg