THE Society’s meeting on July 20 welcomed Lucy Hartley, a garden designer from Wellesbourne, who gave a very interesting talk on her commission in 2010 to design and develop a Sensory Garden at the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Headquarters at Brandon Marsh near Coventry. We were shown slides of the site in its original overgrown state, her new landscaping and planting plans, followed by the garden’s gradual, on-going development. With the dedicated help of many volunteers from fundraisers, individuals, children and corporate groups who gave their time, money and items, the garden was officially opened to the public in 2012. The project was not without its problems, however, having had to battle with adverse weather conditions and unwelcome invasions from neighbouring, hungry rabbits. Whilst creating an area with all-year-round interest accessible to all with varying degrees of mobility in which to experience touch, sight, scent and sound, the garden also demonstrates how to cherish our native wildlife by providing natural habitats.

On August 17, Philip Aubrey, ex Director of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, will present a talk on how to “Grow Your Own Vegetables.” Visitors are always welcome to join us at only £3 including refreshments. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7.45pm in the Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford on Avon. For further details, please contact Annette Haines on 01789 268974 or go to www.bidfordgardens.com

JANICE FERGUSON