ASTLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

On April 18, president Derek Walker welcomed speakers Ingrid and John Millington who had travelled from their Nursery at Hill View, Worfield Bridgnorth to tell us about Primula Auriculas. It was a very interesting talk from experts in the Horticultural field who are specialists in rare and unusual plants.They are one of the country's leading experts and have held Auricula's Nursery Stock since the fifties.They attend all the large Plant Fairs .They showed us on screen the many wonderful blooms of intensely rich colours, patterns and shading.There are many varieties available. It would be useful to grow some in containers, troughs and sink gardens. Some special plants would be great for borders. Apparently Auriculas can be grown outside happily but are best in cool conditions in a greenhouse with plenty of ventilation. Everyone really enjoyed this fascinating subject which has developed over 350 years.Look out for Show, Alpine, Double

and Border Auriculas with all the choice of colour range on your visits to Garden Nurseries.( look for all the brilliant Auriculas on the Internet)

Simon Gulliver spoke on "Colour through the year"for the meeting held on May 16. His aim was to let us know how to get 365 days of beauty out of work through the Seasons. He is an experienced and versatile speaker who is also interested in the historical environmental aspect of Horticulture. He gained a MSc at Royal Botanical Gardens, Batchelor's degree at Pershore, MSc at at Bath and a City and Guild's at Bournville College(level 5).He spent 10 important years at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens as plant manager. He is now employed as garden consultant to the National Trust advising staff. It was a pleasure to listen to advice from such a highly qualified Horticulturist.

June 17 is the garden visit to Sudeley Castle

An interesting day out on Father's day. An interesting day out for historians as it is steeped in History of Catherine Parretc etc.

July 8-12 is the holiday in the Lake District. Full details Chris Russell 01299 823769.