THE Malvern Horticultural Society welcomed Susan and Peter Russell to their March meeting to talk about climbing plants.

They ran their own nursery for several years, specialising in pinks and climbers and developed it in the form of a garden so that customers could see the plants in the situations where they could be used.

Susan introduced her subject by talking about the diversity of climbing plants. They have evolved various techniques for getting up to the light. Some spiral, some hook themselves on to their hosts, some haul themselves up by grasping their hosts with tendrils and some, like ivies, throw out aerial roots to attach themselves to their hosts. There are also non-climbers – wall shrubs – which will cover a wall or shed if it is given a framework to tie it onto.

Susan discussed some individual specimens of climbing plants and described them in much more detail. Her talk was illustrated by some excellent photographs of the plants she was discussing and she explained what attributes the plant had, how it could be used, and where it would like to grow. For a significant majority this means keeping their roots cool and shady, while giving the stems, leaves and flowers the warmth of sunlight, but others will take full sun and others full shade.

We all have a Third Dimension in our gardens and as Susan said there is a plant for virtually any situation.

Susan's talk captured the essence of making the most of the garden, and she armed us with the invaluable hints, tips and advice to use it to best advantage.

ADRIAN HOLMES