Rye Flower and Vegetable Show was held this year on August 19 at the Rye Community Centre on Conduit Hill. Last year I competed with my potatoes, and they came third in their category. Given only two entrants, I learned a great deal – especially the importance of reading the instructions carefully and not just piling them onto a plate. This year, for various reasons, I could only attend the morning preparation of the show. So no pressure to compete myself, but total attention on the audience, the entries and the general atmosphere of the competition.
What did I learn?
First. What a wonderful community we have in Rye. Lots of people volunteering to set up, help out, make everything ready and of course, compete.
Second. I love people who garden. Watching people of all ages bringing their plants and their harvest and their homemade produce and pictures. Carefully unwrapping, and tying, and positioning each tomato or onion or bean “just so”. I know how difficult it is to grow anything to maturity. I know what it feels like when the vegetable category says “five”, but I only have four good ones that survived the wind and the rain and drought. So presenting produce for others to see, let alone judge, takes courage and commitment.
Third. If we begin to say “the younger generation don’t care” or “things aren’t what they used to be” go to this festival and have a look. Children as young as five had made cakes (maybe with a little help?) and had taken amazing pictures of nature, and had grown flowers and vegetables of all sorts of shapes and sizes. They were overjoyed with their results. Which brings me to my title of “second longest carrot”
You can see by the picture, there were two entrants in Rye’s longest carrot category this year. One carrot has the distinct characteristics of a carrot trying to be as long as it possibly can. The other. Well, it does have rather a more “rounded” approach to life. Rather a Charlie Brown Christmas tree image comes to mind. I asked its owner what exactly led to this entry.
Evidently, this was the year the grandad and granddaughter were absolutely sure they would win the carrot category. They bought a whole packet of seed. Used sand to ensure an easy channel for the carrots to grow. Watered well (they claim?). And waited for top prize in the “three carrot” category for the show. Except only one carrot grew, and this is it. Which means “longest carrot” was really the only option. So here is my fourth lesson:
Fourth. Never give up. Whatever the result. Because trying is the important thing in life. And from my perspective, I think that carrot deserved first place. Well done.
Image Credits: Abigail Cooper-Hansen .