We were joined in November by Julie Ritchie of perennial and alpine specialists, Hoo House Nursery near Tewkesbury. Julie’s topic was ‘Colour Combinations’ and using slides, she showed us plant combinations that had caught her eye and explained why she thought they worked so well. The popular Geranium ‘Rozanne’, was just one of the many plants featured. Voted RHS Plant of the Centenary it grows in many gardens, and Julie showed us four potential partners to set it off at its very best. We certainly left with plenty of ideas.

Our next meeting is on Saturday 9 December at Crowle Parish Hall, WR7 4AZ. The members’ Christmas lunch will start at 1pm with all those attending asked to bring a plate of food to share. At 2pm, Bill Laws will speak about ‘Plants that Changed the Course of History’, using ten of his favourites from the fifty featured in his 2010 book. Visitors are welcome at £3, and there will be a raffle with refreshments available afterwards. Membership fees become due on January 1, and anyone joining now will belong until 31 December 2018. For more information on the group’s activities, visit www.worcs-hardy-plant.org.uk

JAYNE SAVAGE