OUR October speaker was Glenis Dyer, former committee member of the British Clematis Society and member of the International Clematis Society. Glenis regards clematis as the ‘Ultimate Social Climber’ and her talk was brilliantly illustrated with photographs from her Welford-on-Avon garden that she has opened under the National Garden Scheme for the last thirty years. With every photograph, Glenis shared her knowledge about the growing requirements and habits of that particular clematis, and members of the audience could be seen scribbling down the names of plants to seek out and grow. Clematis viticella varieties are apparently easiest of all. Information was given on choosing healthy potted plants, moisture requirements, pruning and propagation by cuttings or seed. Glenis generously gave out seed collected from her American clematis at the end of her talk, and many of us left keen to get started.

Our next meeting is on Saturday, 12 November, 2pm at Crowle Parish Hall, WR7 4AZ. Neil Cook who is Head Gardener at Hanbury Hall, will talk about the re-creation of the gardens at the National Trust property. There will be a plant sales table, raffle and refreshments. Visitors welcome at £3. www.worcs-hardy-plant.org.uk

JAYNE SAVAGE