The Grayshott Gardeners first autumn meeting was held in the village hall on Wednesday 10 September when a high proportion of the now over 150 membership turned up to hear Souren Ala give a talk on Grasses.

The speaker's youth had been spent in Iran, where his mother had entertained Roy Lancaster, and where his interest in grassland had been aroused by the grasslands to the east and their association with the Mongol invasions. Later, while a geologist in the USA he came under the spell of the prairie landscapes.

While grass is usually associated with lawns the talk was concerned with the wide range of species and varieties that because of their form, colour and ease with which they can be grown are especially useful for the smaller garden, combining all year round interest and low maintenance. This of course is in direct contrast with the lawn, which demands much maintenance and often considerable expense - particularly on the poor sandy soils that provide the substrate for most of the Grayshott gardens.

The grasses, for the purpose of the gardener, embrace sedges and rushes, and we were given a memorable way of distinguishing them for 'sedges have edges, rushes are round and grasses have nodes from tips to the ground.' The grasses on the whole prefer dry conditions and plenty of sunlight. A major distinction is between grasses that have most of their growth in the cool conditions of late winter and early spring, and those developing later in warmer conditions. This must be borne in mind when splitting clumps since is it best to do this when plants are making vigorous growth.

Making good use of the new large screen, the speaker was able to show off his excellent slides to the best advantage. It was particularly useful to have the Latin names clearly shown and the talk given at a speed which enabled notes to be taken of any plants that might have had particular appeal. At the back of the hall, the speaker had brought in a comprehensive collection of grasses which showed in three dimensions an impressive array of form and colour.

The talk was an excellent presage of more good things to come. The next meeting is on Wednesday 8 October, when Gordon Rae, V.M.H., former Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society and an active member of the club will give a talk on 'Creating a Grayshott Garden 1972-2008.'

Information on the activities of the energetic and friendly Grayshott Gardeners can be obtained from the secretary, Vanessa Thompson 01428 607309