On September 18, 40 members and guests met at the Crawford Hall. At the successful Annual Show in August there had been 119 entries. Cup prize-winners were announced including Annette Haines who won the Andy Cox Rose Bowl for the most points. On September 4 approximately 30 members visited Pump Cottage, a lovely garden in Alvechurch, after which they enjoyed a pub meal.

The monthly competition was won by Lally Cox. Members then enjoyed an excellent talk on 'Easy Alpines & Low Growing Perennials' by Julie Ritchie. These plants were not only suitable for rock gardens but also raised beds, troughs, broken terracotta pots etc. and some were happy in shade. Once they are planted in the right place there are very low maintenance. Her colourful slides showed plants ranging from winter aconites, anenomies, epimediums and rock roses, to name but a few. Julie gave us tips as to which were good for ground cover and which were especially long-flowering.

Our next meeting will be on October 16 entitled 'The Heritage Seed Library' by Neil Munroe. The AGM will be on November 20 followed by a buffet. New members and visitors are welcome. For more information telephone 268974 or see www.bidfordgardens.com