THE Speaker at the Society’s August meeting was Geoff Soulsby, a local nurseryman from Harvington. He recounted his interest in plants starting from a little plot in the back garden which his parents had given him as a small lad. His passion for gardening led him eventually to Pershore College and then to working for Hillers in the Garden Department for 12 years, after which he started his own wholesale nursery business.

To illustrate his talk Mr Soulsby brought enough herbaceous perennials and shrubs to completely cover three long tables, which in itself was a spectacular display. These were used as examples of specimens suitable for different sites, those that will give unending pleasure through the seasons and others that under no circumstances should be introduced to gardens, given their ‘thug-like’ status! The talk, which was also full of helpful advice, was thoroughly enjoyed by all and at the end of the evening many left clutching their newly purchased plants.

The next meeting will be on Thursday, October 20 when Ross Barbour will present a talk on ‘Bulbs For The Unusual.’ Meetings are held in the Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford on Avon on the third Thursday of the month at 7.45pm. Visitors are very welcome to join us - £3 including refreshments. For further details contact Annette Haines on 01789 268974 or www.bidfordgardens.com

JANICE FERGUSON