OUR last entry in Grassroots was towards the end of June - where has the time gone? At that point I had made mention about our next meeting on 5 July, when Mrs Margaret Heal was to be our guest demonstrator.

Margaret's title was 'Inspirations' - and inspire us she most certainly did!!

Her designs included some very interesting shapes (including a boat in full sail) and a wonderful quality of flowers. As well as working as a Demonstrator, Margaret also farms their land - growing sweet peas in bulk for 'sweet pea weddings '. We enjoyed entering the raffle in order to try to win one of her beautiful arrangements or bunches of sweet peas.

Then on 25th July some members of our Club went on a trip to visit two fairly local places - Morton Hall Gardens and Cotes Garden. This day out was arranged by Committee member Sheila James, and we have much to thank her for; Morton Hall gardens were set in the grounds of a beautiful Georgian house with its' own small lake, and it was also there in the Orangery that we enjoyed a light lunch. We moved on from Morton Hall after lunch to Cotes Garden - at Meadow Farm, Feckenham.

The couple who manage this land were totally dedicated to their dream, growing many interesting plant specimens including many varieties of Heleniums and Rudbeckia. Such an incredible selection to choose from at their plant stalls, and yet again we were spoilt with afternoon tea and cake. All too soon it was time to return home, once we had again explored their beautiful gardens.

There has not as yet been another Club night. However, we will be meeting again on the evening of Wednesday 6th September at 7.30pm in Offenham Village Hall. Our Demonstrator then will be Kerry Artess - with her demonstration entitled 'Oranges and Lemons'. Our own Club competition is to be 'Fruit and Foliage' and includes leaf manipulation in its' arrangement. I am sure it will prove to be very interesting for those who enter the competition. There will also be a competition for 'Flower of the Month'.

New members are always welcome - why not come in the first instance as a visitor? We look forward to seeing you.

LESLEY KAY