AT THE December 17 meeting Roger Umpleby gave a plant growers view of Fiji and Samoa.

Both islands lie in the Pacific Ocean near the equator. In Fiji the main occupations are tourism and agriculture. An area is worked for five years then vacated for a new area. Bananas, sugar cane and coconuts are widely grown. Gloriosa lily, yellow shrimp plant, forest geraniums and orchids are a few of the exotic flowers to be seen.

Mr Umbleby didn’t find the people of Samoa as friendly as the Fijians. One of their famous inhabitants was RL Stevenson who settled, wrote and died there.

In Samoa papaya, pineapples almonds grapefruit and kapok are a few of the crops grown. The national flower is edichium (ginger lily). Houses don’t have gardens as we know them but a cluster of plants grow near the dwellings and over the verandas such as physalis, pagoda flower, (2 feet across) hibiscus, poinsettia and allamander.

Coleus hedges were a surprise and spectacular. A visit to a local national park was a change, cooler beneath the palms with no obvious pathways and flowers difficult to find.

On both islands life is orderly, each village has a chief who is in charge. Education is important but has to be paid for. There was a strong religious ethic. Children were immaculately turned out and charming. Houses were constructed of brick with corrugated roofs.

Members enjoyed a talk filled with colour.

The monthly competition was won by June Hancox, second Janice Ferguson, third Annette Haines.

The next meeting is on January 21 when David Brazier will give a talk entitled Opportunity Island - Tresco.

Visitors and new members welcome. Admission £3 including refreshments.

For further details 01789 268974 or www.bidfordgardens.com