VISITORS are always welcome on the first Monday of the month at Colwall Village Hall WR13 6EQ.

We meet for 7.30pm when there is a talk given by a person well versed in their speciality. Arrive early, meet the members and enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee. And a biscuit! While sipping your drink of choice join the group at the interest points; these are garden visits, What is it (plants)? Pests and diseases and vegetables. Bring your questions, thoughts and examples to discuss with other interested members.

The first week of August is a busy one. On August 3 the presentation is by Marina Christopher who runs Phoenix Perennial Plants where they are committed to growing plants attractive to wild life, particularly insects. Marina’s talk is The Plight of the Bee; Flowers to the Rescue.

On Saturday, August 8, we hold our 72nd Annual Summer Show, in Colwall Village Hall from 2pm to 5pm. There will be over 50 exhibitors and approaching 100 exhibits ranging from children’s mini gardens to prize vegetables, cut flowers and containers. It is an open show with prizes for members and non-members. Entry fee: 40p per class, excluding the Junior section which is free to enter. Exhibitors with 5 or more entries have free admission to the Show after 2pm. Entry forms must be received by 5pm Thursday, August 6. They may be left at John Goodwin’s (Colwall), Old Court Nurseries or with Helen Picton at Parkwood. Schedules are available throughout the village. Visitors to the show not only have the entertainment of the entries (and pondering the judges’ decisions) but also the opportunity to buy produce, plants and ice cream.

One of many benefits of our Society for new members, joining in August through to December, is their membership runs until renewal in January 2017. Come early on August 3; make/meet friends and discuss your gardening interests and challenges. There are many experienced and knowledgeable gardeners who are happy to answer questions, particularly at the interest points.

We look forward to welcoming you to either event or, even better, to both.

TIM BEAUMONT