VISITORS to Cheriton Fitzpaine may have noticed some unusual receptacles for plants around the village. These are the work of Garden Club members as part of our 90th celebrations.

At our May meeting, the speaker was Derrick Dyer, who, with his partner, owns Eggesford Garden Centre, one of the few small privately owned ventures.

Derrick gave us a brief history of the centre, which was originally a Walled Kitchen Garden for Eggesford House, built in the mid-17th century.

At that time, the house was surrounded by 10,000 acres of farmland. Derrick is very interested in attracting wildlife to gardens, and the centre has concentrated on working with Devon Wildlife Trust and other charities to encourage customers to make their gardens wildlife-friendly, including building a pond in the garden.

Plans were made for the Summer Social on Thursday, June 2 at 6.30pm at Church Cottage, Poughill, the home of Liz Rogers and her family.

Members are asked to share transport, as parking is limited, and to bring food, plates, cutlery and glasses, as well as garden chairs.

Our Big Birthday Bash is on Saturday, June 18 from 10.30am to 11.30pm in, and around, the Parish Hall. This is for all residents of our Parish, together with some invited guests from other garden clubs.

All food and drink will be free during the day, and vouchers will be issued at the door.

Our annual outing this year will be to Holcombe Court (a private garden), at Holcome Rogus on the Somerset/Devon border on Thursday, June 21, with arrival at the Garden at 10.30am. The cost will be £5, including an introductory talk by the owner. Afterwards there is a local pub, where we can get lunch.

This is being organised by Marion and Terry Codner (from Sandford).

Mary Nunn