Marc Brimble, our July speaker, gave an interesting talk on the life and influences of Gertrude Jekyll as well as her designs and planting. She was an artist, photographer and craftswoman with many varied interests such as metalwork, carving, embroidery and gilding, also a keen plant collector and traveller!

She channelled her artistic talent and creative drive towards garden design, and her involvement in the Arts and Crafts led to her collaboration with Edwin Lutyens. Structure and the relationship between house was vital to her, also using the right foliage and colour to achieve a beautiful effect with ‘garden rooms’ and unexpected views.

As well as illustrations, Marc had brought flowers to demonstrate the colour blending effect, and those on Sylvia’s stall had been carefully chosen to complement his talk. After drawing the raffle he judged our monthly competition, with Pia’s dahlia taking 1st place, Pam’s hydrangea 2nd and Anita’s dahlia 3rd. Lots to look at over refreshments, including some Jekyll drawings, and our donations table too.