HEREFORDSHIRE College of Art and Design continues its successful series of illustrated talks on gardens next month with three new speakers, all of whom have been involved in major garden projects of national importance.

Nick Burton presents The Renovation of the Gardens at Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire on March 2. Tom Petherick talks about his involvement in the restoration of the Lost Gardens of Heligan on March 9 and Molly

Richards gives an insight into the creation of London's Hampton Court Gardens - from mud to magic - on March 23.

Talks are held in the Folly Arts Lecture Theatre at HCAD at 7pm. Call to book on 01432 273359.

Cracking ballet date

SWANSEA'S Ballet Russe presents The Nutcracker at the Blake Theatre in Monmouth next Wednesday.

The company comprises principal dancers, all former members of famous Russian ballet companies and trained in the Russian classical style.

The magical adventure story is based on the story of Hoffman's The Nutcracker and the Mouse King and is set in a snow filled kingdom where dolls come to life...

Tickets for the performance are available on 01600 719401.

And band plays on

ALT rock band Common Orange will play The Exchange on Hereford's Widemarsh Street on February 25. Re-launched since their previous incarnation, Born Self, the five local lads are now writing and playing their own material, which has been well received.