In March, Chris Smith came to talk about vegetables. Lots of other things were mentioned as well but veggies were at the forefront of his presentation which was offered in an old-school fashion without notes, visual aids, exhibits or other gimmicks. He spoke about what he knew and that appeared to be plenty. Word had obviously spread about his potential to entertain as the Parish Hall was filled, almost to capacity.
Mr. Smith is the proprietor of Pennard Plants, a company based in half of the old walled kitchen garden which used to provide for Pennard House in East Pennard, near to the excellent Gould’s cheese shop at Batch Farm. He has won Gold Medals at the Chelsea Flower Show but is now content to promote his wares in a calmer setting by the banks of the River Brue. The nursery specialises in heritage vegetable seeds and seed potatoes yet also offers some edible plants and fruit trees. The business works on-line – www.pennardplants.com – but the nursery does have open days and the next one of these is on Good Friday, 18th April. Many informative gems were offered including the reason for the absence of Pink Fir Apple seed potatoes this year and the rule that cucumber plants should be allowed to fill their pots before they are transplanted. Mr. Smith was also firm in his advice that it is best not to rush and get seeds and plants into the ground too early. Patience might be the best fertiliser.
