ON Thursday 1st October we enjoyed listening to Sue Burn from Batsford Arboretum which is open every day of the year apart from Christmas Day.

The Arboretum started life as grounds around a large house whose owner worked in the Far East and introduced an Eastern influence when developing his garden. It was then bought by the Wills family who built a new mansion and created the Arboretum with 3,500 trees and 1,250 different specimens, which is now run by a charitable trust. Sue showed us pictures of the Arboretum throughout the year demonstrating its beauty the whole year round with magnolias, blossoms, bulbs and wildflower meadows. Some members then followed up this talk with a visit to the Arboretum to see the spectacular Autumn colour which is now at its best.

Our next meeting will be on November 5th when we have Anne Chambers coming to talk to us about the lovely gardens at Kiftsgate. Anne is the third generation of women gardeners to live and work at Kiftsgate. The garden was created by her grandmother Heather Muir after the First World War and has been open to the public since the 1930's. Anne and her husband continue to be hands on gardeners and she will talk to us about its history and development.

Bretforton Garden Club provides a great opportunity for people to learn about a variety of gardening topics in a friendly environment and enjoy interesting days out. We would be delighted to see any new members who wish to join. Please go to our website www.bretforton-gardenclub.co.uk for more information.

RITA BOOTH