CLENT GARDENING CLUB: The April meeting of the club welcomed Caroline Hutton from the Martineau Gardens in Edgbaston Birmingham who gave a talk on the work of this therapeutic garden. The gardens comprise a 2.5 acre oasis in the heart of suburban Birmingham and located opposite the Priory Hospital. Indeed, Caroline advised that the gardens often provided a place for solace and quiet contemplation for people visiting relatives in the Priory and, despite the lack of a shop or café, there was always someone on hand to provide a welcome cup of tea.

Without the aid of photographs Caroline proceeded to provide a highly descriptive vision of the gardens taking her audience through each section of the garden in stages. Indeed, one member commented that it was akin to listening to the radio such were the images she created.

The garden is unfunded and entirely staffed by volunteers and all visitors are welcome. The garden particularly works with handicapped children who can experience both flowers and vegetables by taste, smell and touch, in many cases for the first time.

An excellent talk was well received by members. Caroline was thanked by Nina Hatch’s vote of thanks following which the chairman drew the raffle and announced the results of the monthly competitions before reminding members that the next monthly meeting was the annual joint meeting with Belbroughton Horticultural Society when Philip Aubury would once again be hosting a Gardener’s Question Time this year hosted by the club.

All are welcome at our meetings which are held at Clent Village Hall on the fourth Friday each month and anyone interested in either joining or just visiting the club can get further details by visiting clentgardeningclub.wordpress.com or by contacting chairman Martin Grange 01562 883009/07917 184762.