Lecture Reviews

'Euphorbias ' ...... by Jean Harris, Notts and Derby N.C.C.P.G.

On 8th January we had another fun meeting! Now you might not think that the Collection Holders' Meeting would be described as fun - but those of us who were there enjoyed a wonderful talk by Don Witton about his collection of Euphorbias and he certainly had us rolling in the aisles at times! Don is full of infectious enthusiasm and his talk was based on his wide knowledge of the subject and hands-on experience in growing Euphorbias. If Don makes his lessons at school half as enjoyable as his talk, he must surely be the most popular teacher in school!

'Euphorbias and Other Spring Flowering Perennials' ...... by Ruth Wood, Sheriff Hutton Gardening Club N Yorks

Thank you so much for coming 'up north' on Wednesday to speak to our gardening club. It was an excellent presentation and enjoyed by everyone I spoke to afterwards, both expert gardeners and evening entertainment members.

'National Collections of Great Britain' ...... by Sonia Saint, South Pennine H.P.S.

Don Witton started his talk by playing some music "Wonderful Land" by Mike Oldfield and took us on a whistle stop vertical journey from the highest mountains down to sea level in a matter of a few minutes. That's a first - we have not had music before, have we? Don then filled the rest of the evening with a 3000 mile trip around Britain in his usual humorous manner. Good slides, informative and entertaining, what more could we ask of a speaker?

'Living with a National Collection'......National H.P.S. Autumn Weekend

Don Witton gave an excellent after dinner speech on becoming a National Collection Holder......Don's talk was very entertaining, even Peter enjoyed it......I think I would like my grandchildren to be in Don's class, they would have fun.

'A Hardy Planter's Winter Survival Kit' ...... by Veronica Gillett, Kingstone Gardening Club Staffordshire.

Thank you for a most enjoyable talk. It was an unusual approach, both entertaining and encouraging......your slides of Autumn colour were quite breathtaking. Your energy and enthusiasm greatly impressed our members. Two comments - "I could have listened to him all evening" and "I was inspired" - sum up very neatly the reaction to your talk.

'Perennials Throughout the Year' ...... by Vicky Stewart, Rotherham Chantry Ladies Group

That was a very entertaining talk......you have such enthusiasm. Every slide looked like a Christmas card. Even the non gardeners in the group enjoyed it.

'An A-Z of Garden Perennials' ...... by Ruth Taylor, Tickhill Horticultural Society Doncaster

Thank you very much for coming to Tickhill and giving a wonderful talk to our society. Your talk was very lively and interesting, prompting several comments on "could you come again sometime." I'll be contacting you for a return visit at some future date.

'Walking with Flowers' ...... by Betty Gallimore, Newton Solney Village Hall Horticultural Section Staffordshire

Just writing to offer our sincere thanks to you for visiting us last Tuesday evening and for a very entertaining evening. Many of our members have made a point of telling me how much they enjoyed the lecture and slide show - especially as it combined the two subjects of wild flowers and walking. We only do one lecture a year, but I am sure we will be getting in touch with you again to see if you are able to come and talk to us on one of your other subjects. Happy travelling and good walking!

'Summer Perennial Colour' ...... by Caroline Turner, Paxton Horticultural Society Leeds

Thank you for coming to visit us last week. We all enjoyed your presentation enormously. Not only was it informative and thought provoking, but amusing and entertaining too. At our committee meeting after your visit we decided we would like you to visit us again.

'Herbaceous Perennials and Borders' ...... by Jean Collins, Kelsay Garden Club Lincolnshire

I thought I must just drop you a line to say how we appreciated you and your wife braving the elements last night to come so far to talk to the Club.  I hope you had a trouble-free journey home.   Members were coming up to me and saying how much they enjoyed your talk and I will certainly be contacting you again to book you for 2011 once I get the dates confirmed.