The current hosepipe ban will make it ’difficult for growers’ and horticultural show entrants.

With the previous hot weather conditions and with more dry spells predicted, the hosepipe ban is bound to have an impact on residents’ gardens - and produce entered in vegetable, fruit and flower shows.

John Corkish from Port St Mary has been entering the Southern Chrysanthemum Show - which includes vegetable competitions - for around 60 years and says that the ban will not affect his entries for this year’s event in Castletown.

potatoes

’My produce was well and truly grown before the ban came in last week,’ he said. ’It’s mainly potatoes and leeks I grow.

’The potatoes are all dug up, washed and stored away ready for the show. I’ve had a good year - some of the best crops I’ve ever had. I think it’s mainly due to the fertiliser I’ve used.

’I usually plant them in March and then start digging the first ones up 10 weeks after. If you’ve not planted them by the middle of May then you’ve got a problem.

He added: ’I do think that potatoes overall will be scarce this winter.’

The 84-year-old says that he has been using watering cans since the ban came into place. However, he admits that due to his ’old bones’ and health conditions he does struggle with the task.

’I had a stroke 32 years ago. Since then I’ve lost my balance and it’s become worse over time, so I do struggle with watering them,’ he explained.

Elaine Fenton, from Ballaugh, who regularly enters the Ballaugh Horticultural Show, is not too bothered about the ban.

She said: ’If it grows it grows. My vegetables, apart from the spinach, aren’t coming on as well as I would like them too, but it’s one of those things.

’My dad always entered the show and my sisters are part of the show’s board, so it’s very much a family thing. I’m just doing it for fun and enter with the kids to keep it going in the family.

’Everywhere is scorched at the moment, but my heart breaks for farmers. Some of my family members have a farm and they are already into their winter feed.’

Speaking with her sister, Sarah Teare-Kermeen, the secretary of the northern show told the Examiner that some of the entries may be affected when it comes to the event in September.

’The growing season is a bit mixed up this year. The weather might have an impact on the flowers and the vege will have suffered a bit,’ she said.

When asked if entrants would be prepared enough for growing their produce under the temporary restrictions, she replied: ’It’s always at the back of people’s minds. If you’re into growing you’re environmentally-conscious so most people will be prepared.’

The show is in its 40th year and will be taking place in September 9.

Kirstie Martin, who is the chairperson of the Sulby Horticultural Show, which took place at the weekend, said that the number of entries was similar to last year’s despite the hot weather conditions.

She said: ’The ban came into effect last week and most of our entrants had their produce ready for exhibition. I don’t think it’s had an impact. If it was a week or two later it may have had an effect.

’We had 1,166 exhibits this year. Our entries are really good for a small show.’

But she added: ’It’s the farming community that’s struggling.’

Bert Quayle, chairman of Peel Gardeners’ Association, says some entrants may find the hot weather and ban a challenge.

’It’s difficult for a lot of growers, but those who are entering the exhibits will rise to the occasion and deal with the situation.

’It’s a level playing field as it’s the same for everybody,’ he added.

’The weather has affected the garden in some ways and in other ways. The showers of rain have been helping my garden and I’m sure more rain is on the way, which will alleviate it.

’My roses are much better than normal because of the weather conditions and also because of the lack of the wind which hasn’t blown the petals away.’

This year’s 76th Peel Gardeners’ Association show will be held in Peel Clothworkers’ School instead of its traditional venue at Corrin Hall on August 16. The last chance to enter is on Saturday (August 11).

For further information about the show contact Margaret Kennaugh on 803269 or Bert on 843157.

Douglas Council has assured golf enthusiasts that the greens at Douglas Golf Course would continue to stay well and truly... well, green.

It explained that the water used was taken directly from the local river rather than from the clean water supply.

The council also said that it would be using non-drinking water taken from council-owned land to maintain the 500 floral displays throughout the town.