The Worcestershire organiser of the “National Garden Scheme”(NGS), David Morgan, came along to our May meeting. He was an excellent speaker and with the aide of slides gave us a real insight into this charitable organisation.

In 1859 a Mr Rathbone, a Liverpool philanthropist paid nurses to look after people in their own homes, thus the start of the District Nurse. Then to get more money, in 1927 a Elsie Wagg persuaded landowners to open their gardens to the general public to view for 1/- (5p) per head. Spetchley Park near Worcester was the first to open. 1931 saw the first Yellow Book listing the NGS gardens.

Through the generosity of these garden owners hundreds of thousands of pounds are raised for charity. Marie Currie and MacMillan to name just two. It was a most enjoyable talk.

Members and friends enjoyed a day at the Malvern Flower Festival and we are looking ahead to a visit to Winterbourne House and Gardens in June, and Stockton Bury in July.

The May competition winners were: Mrs B Owen for a “wildlife in your garden”

photograph, the flower of the month competition was won by Jean Taylor.

The group welcomes Roger Umpley on July 26 at 7.30pm to talk on alien plants in the garden. Visit at St Peter’s church Hall, Vicarage Drive, Kinver.