Oundle Horticultural Society was founded as the Oundle and District Sweet Pea Society, in the early twentieth century. A group of local sweet pea growers got together with the idea of putting on a show and introducing a little friendly competition into their hobby. Since then, shows have been put on in the town every year, except for a break during the war years.
As leisure interests changed, the format of the show was changed and the name of the society was altered to The Oundle Horticultural Society. The show now includes an art, sculpture and photography section, a woodwork section, pottery and handicraft sections as well as the traditional flower, vegetable, flower arranging and cookery sections. Judging is done by experienced and qualified judges to standards as set by the Royal Horticultural Society and Women's Institute.
In the 1980s, the Society began arranging evening meetings at which speakers were invited to give talks on a wide range of mainly horticultural subjects. With just a short break in the 1990s, these talks have continued to give our patrons and visitors a pleasant evening out, through the darker months, from September to May. To see our programme of talks, please go to the Events page.
Oundle is a pleasant, country town, in north-east Northamptonshire. Its streets of old stone houses, the impressive buildings of the famous public school and riverside walks make it an enjoyable place to visit, especially if a visit to our Summer Show is included!
Oundle Horticultural Society is affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society.