Well-known gardener Howard Drury took members to the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland when he returned as guest speaker at the May meeting at the village hall.

Mr Drury, a horticultural broadcaster on Central TV, lecturer, writer and gardening consultant, showed superb slides of snow-capped mountains, emerald green lakes, picturesque towns and richly-decorated chalets in the romantic villages. His talk was light hearted and entertaining.

Members have also enjoyed two trips to inspiring gardens in the past month.

Members visited the famous Burghley House at Stamford in Lincolnshire. As the coach drove up the sweeping drive through the park designed by Capability Brown, it was wonderful to see the herd of rare fallow deer.

Everyone was pleased to meet up with Michael Ecob, the society’s past president once again. Derek Walker presented Michael with a special boxed trowel for his 10 years’ service to the Open Gardens at Astley.

The magnificent buildings of Burghley were built in the 16th century and was mostly designed by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I.

Members were impressed by the grandeur of the whole house full of sumptuous, rich furnishings, fabrics, carpets, carvings, paintings and china.

The group was also able to wander aimessly through the lovely landscapped gardens and the modern ‘Garden of Surprises’ added in 2007. There were hidden archways. sculptures, swivelling Caesar busts, basins and jets of water, a mirrored maze and magnificent lake complete with swans, moorhens and water lilies.

Members also made their way to Bringsty Common for an evening visit to the National Trust Garden of Bannut.

The gardens are run by Daphne and Maurice Everett who have developed the gardens since 1984. and have featured in Country Life, The Garden and The English Garden.

Congratulations to all the society members who presented their wonderful ‘Floral wedding displays’ in support of the church of St Peter’s Astley recently.

The NGS Astley Country Gardens Open Days will be held on Saturday and Sunday.

A coach trip to The Dorothy Clive Garden and Hodnet Hall Garden has been arranged for June 30.