History of Barley Gardening Club 

The Barley Horticultural Society is a very well established village club which began its long and interesting history in the late 19th century. This saw the beginning of the Barley Flower Show when the whole village used to participate. In days gone by it was the norm for the winner's name for every event to be listed in the local newspaper.

Barley Gardening Club was formed by a group of enthusiastic parish residents while attending a Parish Meeting. Following the meeting they advertised and were rewarded by an overwhelming response. The first successful meeting was held in the Town House, starting with hired slides and printed details of Clematis.

In 1992 due to the club’s affiliation with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) we were invited to exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show.   Our application was successful and the club entered for four consecutive years between 1992 and 1995 and returned with a medal on each occasion.  

SILVER - 1992

BRONZE - 1993 

SILVER GILT - 1994 

BRONZE - 1995  

Photos of the entries can be seen displayed in the undercroft of the Town House. Due to the club’s  affiliation to the RHS, the Flower Show receive a medal from them each year to award at the Show. 

Over the years the club has been fortunate to have had many interesting speakers covering a wide variety of subjects on gardening, nature and the outdoors. We have also enjoyed many day trips to popular gardens a little further afield.  The Club has also organised Open Gardens in the village for charity and these have been great fun, especially the cream teas!