OUR September meeting was very well attended and the Vice Chairman was pleased to report that membership is growing. He reminded members, old and new that the November meeting is Party night, with a short AGM followed by ‘Bring a Plate of Food’ for all to enjoy. The Speaker was Lark Hanham from Hayloft Nurseries. She began by giving us a brief outline of her career to date. Having studied for a National Diploma in Horticulture at Hartpury she had a six months placement at Highgrove where she learnt all about Organic gardening. Then she moved to Scotts Miracle Gro, the largest garden chemical manufacturers, then Blue Diamond who sell everything for the garden except for plants. She now works for Hayloft, a female run company which are based near Pershore. She is the Plant Hunter for this company and sources plants from around the world. Hayloft specialise in rare, unusual and exciting plants. All sales are mail order, the plants are grown on and then shipped out. The plant of the moment is the Evergreen Wisteria. Every week she recommends a plant of the week in the Daily Telegraph. Lark talk kept members enthralled with her knowledge and vivacious character and members will ,I am sure, be studying the comprehensive Hayloft’s brochure for future purchases. All members were delighted to receive a presentation box containing three plants, Davidia Involucrate the Handkerchief tree, Deutzia Scabra ‘Codsall Pink’which will bear pretty, honey scented double white flowers in June and Elsholtzia stauntonii the Mint Bush. The monthly competition ‘one dahlia stem’ was won by Frances Freeman, second Janet Ferguson, third Annette Haines and fourth June Hancox. The next meeting will be on October 19th when Linda Farrar will be speaking on ‘Gardens and Gardeners of Ancient Egypt’. New members and visitors are always welcome, we normally meet on the third Thursday in the month at the Crawford Hall at 7.30 for 8pm start. Details are available from Mrs Annette Hayes 01789 268974 or www.bidfordgardens.com

FRANCES FREEMAN