KIM Hurst of the Cottage Herbery in Tenbury Wells was the April guest speaker. In her talk ‘Herbidacious’, Kim described how she and her husband had created their first proper garden from what was originally a barn in their farmyard. Planting that space has given her the opportunity to use herbs that were originally used medicinally, but are now through natural selection or plant breeding, considered to be mainstream herbaceous plants. Examples given included angelica, anthemis, echinacea, monarda and digitalis, all illustrated with photographs from the new garden and useful information about the different varieties available and their preferred growing conditions.

May is a busy month. We will be in Wye Hall at the RHS Malvern Spring Show, and the group is representing the HPS in its anniversary year at Chelsea Flower Show, with an innovative display in the Great Pavilion entitled ‘60 Plants for 60 Years’. Please come and see us.

Our next meeting is on Saturday, 13 May at 2pm, Crowle Parish Hall, WR7 4AZ, when Jack Willgoss of Wildegoose Nurseries in Shropshire will present ‘The Wonderful World of Perennial Violas.’ Visitors are welcome at £3. For more information visit: www.worcs-hardy-plant.org.uk

JAYNE SAVAGE