Dear Members,

This week saw us back at our new venue for the start of the winter season.

What a great start it was! Ian Warden gave us an amazing presentation on variegated foliage. He had us mesmerised for nearly an hour and a half finishing with a description of the many plants he had brought with him, proceeds of which he generously donated to the club funds.

A list of his recommended variegated plants has been sent to you but click on PLANTS page above to see the illustrations.

The club has been given Michael Hicken’s wonderful collection of gardening books. Jane Hickey has sorted some of the best reference books and these will be beside the signing-in desk, on loan each month.

Thank you to those who donated towards a tree in memory for Michael. The Acer 'Crimson King' will be planted next to Heather’s on Wednesday and we plan to organise a trip to visit Les Jardins Tranquilles In Brantôme in the spring.

We have a spicy treat coming up next month with Gill Howl’s talk entitled the LORE OF SPICES. My mouth is watering already ! How they grow, what they are used for and the history behind them. Perhaps some of you could prepare a spicy dish for our bring and share lunch?

Best wishes Cilla Pickett