HOW to plan to make a garden sympathetic with the surrounding countryside was the subject of a fascinating talk by Brian Draper of Martley to the October meeting of Tenbury Gardeners' Group at the Pump Rooms.

He based his talk on the River Severn, from its source in Wales to Tewkesbury, with views of the landscape from various vantage points, including a helicopter. Included were common and not-so-common plants, from mature trees to rare woodlanders such as herb paris, and taking in the fungi, birds and animals.

Mr Draper was thanked by Maurice Bracher from Burford House, who stood in as chairman for the evening. The topic for the first Tuesday in November at 7.30pm is compost making. Anyone interested is welcome.