Tentatively having given her first talk at a local WI meeting 7 years ago, the WI "jungle drum" has led to  other bookings and to her involvement with Radio York. She greatly enjoys meeting people and considers it to be a sort of mission in life to help people enjoy and appreciate plants and looking after them. "It's so satisfying to introduce people to new plants or remind them of old favourites and see them go away inspired."
We all chuckled at one of the many anecdotes, recounting the story of how at one of her early talks, people had remarked about her hands, testament of being a keen hands-on gardener. Some tips were exchanged as how to keep them in good condition like using gloves or barrier cream and this little gem from the W.I. "Bake bread!". Well, as Sarah remarked, "Brown bread certainly takes on a whole new meaning!"
Sarah had brought along a very interesting selection of perennial border plants and shrubs, and gave us a brief run down on most of them. The emphasis was firmly put on the importance of putting plants in their right place. Yes, work with nature, select the right spot and conditions for your plants and they'll thrive. Sarah, like myself, is a great believer in not watering the garden. Plants are chosen with the prevalent conditions in mind, and it seems to work fine. Just one thing to remember - and here a dig at the gardening make-over programmes that dominate T.V. gardening nowadays - take care at planting-out time. Hear, hear, one of my pet hates too. Yes, do make a big hole and water the hole if dry. Do break up the rootball somewhat, even scoring a few lines into it if really compacted so roots can grow out into surrounding area. And, do ensure the rootball is thoroughly soaked by puddling it in, let water soak away and then fill in. The roots should be encouraged to go down looking for moisture, so I personally, do not water again, as I believe this will encourage the roots to do the opposite, turning to the surface and consequently then suffering if you do not water again. In view of this the traditional spring and autumn planting times are still most favoured.
After the break, during which we managed to purchase some of the fine plants talked about earlier, Sarah showed us some slides. A nice variety of scenes, including of course a little tour round her own garden. No doubt this whetted the appetite of people who haven't been yet. I can certainly recommend a visit next spring or summer (save up some pennies first so you can buy up all the many plants that will catch your eye). The really nice thing too is that Sarah is just as chatty and helpful to the individual visitor as she is when giving her talk to a larger audience. Before going better check opening times though (01845-523793), as she has found another string to her bow. She is now involved in taking parties round on gardening holidays in France. What a find. How nice it must be for garden enthusiasts to being able to go round with a well spoken (not to say never lost for a word) Sarah filling you in on all you need to know and being able to pronounce all the Latin names so perfectly. Luxurious bliss no doubt, so much more leisurely than fell-walking in the Lakes I always end up with!    Sarah's slides were outstanding. She obviously has gone to great trouble to take them, getting beautiful compositions at just the right time, the main subjects always in full glory. I particularly liked the autumnal and spring slides from Thorpe Perrow. I fully agree with her that they would make lovely birthday cards, beautiful pictures.   All in all a perfect evening to round off another very good year for us. CD