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

We arrive from 7pm and a talk is given by a person well versed in their speciality at about 7.30. Come early; make/meet friends and discuss your gardening interests and challenges. There are many experienced and knowledgeable gardeners who are happy to answer questions. New members joining now have their subscription, £12, paid to January 2017. Visitors are charged £4.

The format changes next Monday, October 5. On Monday is the annual Percy Picton Memorial Lecture, when we host John Massey VMH, nurseryman, plant breeder, collector and passionate gardener, the owner of Ashwood Nursery. John’s talk is titled My Inspirational Mentors and Their Plants. Reception at 7pm with admission by ticket, £10, obtainable from John Goodwin & Co, Colwall and Old Court Nursery, Colwall. Also, bring along an Aster! As you do. This is the annual competition for a vase of Michaelmas daisies (perennial asters) preferably mixed varieties. You may be the winner of the Ernest Ballard Aster Competition awarded to the best exhibit.

The following month, November 2 we welcome Nathalie Mignotte whose talk is on Islamic Gardens.

TIM BEAUMONT