GARDENING CLUB: Mrs Ann Wall, chairman, welcomed members and thanked both them and the committee for supporting the annual garden party in June, and then introduced Colin Hill, horticulturist with 40 years experience and his own business at Wickhamford, who showed a large collection of plants from Pershore College, most of which were easy to grow, and gave lots of tips on keeping colour in the garden all year round. He suggested planting the vigorous Clematis Orientalis for its delightful yellow flowers and silvery seedheads, and for foliage Boston Ivy was better than Virginia Creeper and did not need support. Variegated Elder and Pachysandra are good for planting under trees in dry shade, and planting Photinia Fraserii 'Red Robin' is a good alternative to Pieris which does not tolerate Mickleton soil. Although conifers have had a bad press, he thought that including a few added focus and structure to a garden and even the dreaded Leylandii has a lovely lime green 'Gold Rider', recommended for hedging as it is slow growing - but it still must be cut regularly!

Members had many varied questions for Mr Hill and the evening ended with a plant sale.

On July 12, 21 members had enjoyed a sunny days outing, driving north of Malvern through countryside at its summer best, to first visit Burford House Gardens near Tenbury, a lovely lawned garden arranged to lead one on to explore hidden corners, water features, mature trees and a flower packed meadow containing unforgettable drifts of colour, all surrounded by the River Teme. The second visit was to the restored gardens at the 'other' Hampton Court, a medieval castle between Hereford and Leominster. Old walled gardens now have water canals, pavilions, avenues and borders. A maze has been planted with 1,000 yews around a central gothic tower, the view from which overlooked the castle, immense cedar lawns, sunken and walled gardens as well as people entering and leaving the maze and somewhere in between! Many thanks to Ann Suffield for arranging a memorable day.