AT their last meeting, the Yarty Gardening Club was treated to a very enjoyable talk on the making of Burrow Farm Gardens at Dalwood, near Axminster.

As the rain poured and the wind howled, owner Mary Benger took members on a tour through winding gravel paths edged by many herbaceous favourites and roses in glorious summer sunshine – and all in the comfort of Bishopswood Hall.

Mrs Benger told how she had started the ten-acre garden 50 years ago with her husband, and how it has developed over the years, with more family members becoming involved.

It is a landscaped garden including mature trees, azaleas, extensively planted ponds and a thatched stone summerhouse and has something of interest for everyone from April 1 when it opens to the end of October, including a raised late summer border with grasses and perennials as a finale to the season.

It is a local garden that is very definitely worth a visit.

The club’s next meeting will be on Thursday, March 19, at Buckland St Mary at 7.30pm. The speaker will be John Horsey talking on Alpines.

With over 45 years’ experience in the horticultural industry as both a commercial grower of specialist Alpine plants and as a professional horticultural and environmental lecturer, he should be able to answer any questions. As he lives at Combe St Nicholas, he should be able to give members some valuable pointers to successfully growing Alpines on the Blackdown Hills! His experience has resulted in many medals and awards at major RHS shows and other gardening events. Following a lifelong interest in garden histor,y John initiated and, with Nick Rigden, established and ran the Foundation degree in Garden History and Heritage Horticulture at Hestercombe Gardens with the University of the West of England. He now runs private courses at East Lambrook Manor Gardens. Visitors are, as always, most welcome. Just come along and pay £2.50 on the night – or join for a year at just £10.