The December meeting began with Christmas lunch. Horticultural photographer Michael Warren was guest speaker. Originally an engineer, Michael became a professional photographer after illustrating books for Alan Bloom. He joined the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and became a judge for their Flowers in the City Campaign. Displays have to be visible to the public and we saw examples ranging from window boxes to tree peonies. Michael is also a judge for the London Gardens Society and he showed us photographs of winning gardens including a beautiful Notting Hill roof garden and the Inner Temple gardens. Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, is Society patron and Michael had covered his garden visits to Wandsworth Prison, the London Mosque and Royal Trinity Hospice. Other photographic treats came from the Courson Flower Show in France, and the Chelsea Flower Show which Michael has photographed for many years.

Our next meeting is at 2pm on Saturday, 14 January at Crowle Parish Hall, WR7 4AZ. Journalist and garden historian Tim Richardson will present ‘Gardens of the Oxford Colleges’. Visitors are welcome at £3. Our new membership year started in January and a list of events is available at www.worcs-hardy-plant.org.uk

JAYNE SAVAGE