On Wednesday 14 October, Grayshott Gardeners welcomed Andrew McIndo the Managing Director of Hilliers' Nurseries to talk on 'Planting With Trees.' In an area not noted for the paucity of this branch of the plant kingdom, it was not surprising that the topic filled the hall to capacity and the speaker was plied with questions well into extra time.

The well structured talk covered the whole gamut of trees at the disposal of the gardener. Those with a paddock could opt for a giant deciduous red wood to delight the owner with the colour of its leaves in autumn; or perhaps the owner's grandchildren, for height and time to mature should both be taken into account when selecting a tree. Those of us with a little less space and time should not rule out opportunity to establish a small tree, such as an acer, which could be comfortable in a container for many years. The message was that there is a place for well chosen tree in a garden of any shape or size.

Trees have the advantage over the normal run of garden plants in that they add a vertical dimension to the scene and in a sense connect the garden with the outside world of nature. Trees have much to offer in every season of the year; consider for example the silhouette of their bare branches against the winter sky, the first flush of leaves in the spring, blossom time and then from August to December, the long period over which dying leaves display a range of colour rarely achieved by the most splendid perennial border.

The variety of tree shapes and sizes, types of foliage and flowers offer something for every type of garden. But perhaps of equal importance is the opportunity the correct choice of tree gives for planting around and beneath the tree canopy. The potential is almost limitless for merging the base of the tree with the rest of the garden if due attention is paid to the plants which could thrive under those conditions.

The talk was well illustrated by slides of a truly magnificent selection of trees and plants to grow with them. The Latin names rolled easily off the tongue, but for those wishing to make a note of a tree or plant which seized the imagination, a name on each picture would have been welcomed.

The next meeting is the AGM which will take place on Wednesday 11 November in the Village Hall at 8.0 p.m. cheese and wine will be provided. For more information contact The Membership Secretary Mrs Anne Waddell on 01428 604714