THE next meeting of Crediton Garden Club will see guest speaker Caradoc Doy talk on the subject “The Story of Veitch Orchids”.

Nineteen of the Veitch nurseries 23 plant hunters collected new orchids.

As well as developing an important Orchidaceae collection, one of the firm's horticultural firsts was the creation of the world's first official orchid hybrid.

This was achieved by John Dominy, who is credited with raising and flowering (1854-1856) Calanthe × Dominii and many others, including Calanthe Veitchii.

His success led to the breeding of hundreds of new orchids as well as the establishment of a new branch of horticulture, highly controversial in Victorian Britain where it was regarded as “tampering with nature”.

This talk follows the efforts of Veitch's plant collectors in searching out new species, the early development of Veitch orchids and the awards they generated.

Caradoc was trained at Bicton College of Agriculture and Pershore College of Horticulture before embarking on a career in the nursery and gardening trade.

Over the years he has designed and maintained many gardens and has also created a number of award-winning plant exhibits including the Chelsea Flower Show and the Devon County Show.

The talk will take place on Tuesday, February 27 at Crediton Library, which will be open from 6.45pm for the 7pm start of the talk.

New members welcome - the membership fee is £12 for the year or £2.50 per meeting for visitors.

Raffle and refreshments will be available on arrival.