JUNE has been a busy month. Our fifth annual plant sale at Peopleton Village Hall was well attended with a record sum raised for group funds.

Just days later, John and Vivienne McGhee kindly hosted the summer garden party at their home in Aldington. Members enjoyed the imaginative design and thoughtful planting of the garden, and a thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all.

On 25th June, 40 members visited the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with a stop at Myddleton House Gardens on the way home. Alistair Bayford’s talk last year on the development and ongoing management of the gardens at the Olympic Park inspired the visit, and it was good to see the naturalistic planting at first hand. E.A. Bowles - self-taught gardener and expert botanist - devoted his life to developing the gardens at Myddleton House and its peace and tranquillity made a nice contrast.

Our next meeting is on Saturday 9 July at 2pm at Crowle Parish Hall when Worcestershire garden photographer Adrian James will trace the history, design and influence of courtyard gardens. Refreshments, raffle and plant sale table, visitors welcome at £3. More information about the group’s activities at: www.worcs-hardy-plant.org.uk.

JAYNE SAVAGE