IVY was the subject of the speaker at the recent meeting of Lower Broadheath Gardening Society.

Members were amazed when their speaker, Angela Tandy, told them that she has 350 varieties in the national collection and is expecting another 200 to arrive from Germany. This climbing shrub is native to many areas in Europe, Asia and North Africa. She gave advice on the different qualities of the plants, which do need to be kept under control, and advised that they prefer a lime soil.

The club held its annual daffodil show during the evening, which was won by Ernest Wadge, with Shirley Crompton second. The tulip show will be held at the next meeting, when the speaker will be Judy Berrow.

The chairman, John Norton, said that on Thursday, June 14, there would be an evening visit to Stonehouse Cottage Nursery, and a day trip to Sudely Castle on July 9. He reminded members that the society was now 30 years old. As he had now ceased to be on the village hall committee, he appealed for someone else to represent the Gardening Society in his place.

Winners in the raffle included Doreen Jones, Eileen Chapman, Shirley Crompton, Katherine Lane and Sally Holmes.

MRS E F CHAPMAN