‘A garden should feed the soul, warm the heart and delight the eye’. These words were part of the video introduction by Prince Charles when we visited his garden in Highgrove on a beautiful sunny day in early October. The garden covers nine acres and was originally parkland but has now been developed to provide a suitable setting for Highgrove and also to reflect the Prince’s vision for creating organic and natural planting.

It is really a number of different linked gardens including the Carpet Garden with its exotic tiling, a Walled Kitchen Garden, Wildflower Meadow, Stumpery and Sundial Garden. We learned all about the development of the garden including that it takes three months just to clip all the yew hedges and we were able to enjoy not just the appearance but also the scent of the many aromatic plants on show. The afternoon finished with the opportunity for a very indulgent cream tea and was a really enjoyable day out.

Our next meeting is at 7.30pm at Bretforton Memorial Hall on Thursday, November 6 when we will be listening to Julia Scott talking to us about 'Living in the Walled Garden with Herbs'. Julia has been studying, growing and using herbs ever since she became enchanted by these useful, beautiful plants over thirty years ago. She has lectured for the RHS, the National Trust and numerous organisations all over the country on various topics relating to herbs and their uses. This illustrated talk will introduce the Victorian Walled Kitchen garden, restored over the last eighteen years, and the herbs and plants that grow within the walls.

The Garden Club provides a great opportunity for people to learn about a variety of gardening topics in a friendly environment and enjoy interesting days out. We would be delighted to see any new members who wish to join. Please go to our website www.bretforton-gardenclub.co.uk for more information.

RITA BOOTH