The benefit of all the rain in the past year was so evident there, after four difficult years from 2016 to 2020.

Bruce is now concentrating on "filling in the gaps" in the garden rather than expanding outwards and the late summer flowering was very striking.

Bruce's display of exquisite counted cross stitch masterpieces was much admired. Thank you Bruce for offering your garden at very short notice.

Our guest speaker for the morning on the topic of indoor plants was Melinda Kiker, owner of The Lady Bug Garden and Lolly Shop in Denison Street.

What a wonderful source of valuable helpful ideas and hints is Melinda!

It would appear that the biggest catastrophe for indoor plants is overwatering followed closely by the incorrect amount of light. Melinda's advice was "chose your spot, then buy your plant".

Everyone was enthralled and inspired and we do thank Melinda for attending our meeting.

Mandy Griffis gave us her regular monthly advice, this time on what to do in the month May.

There is always plenty to do in a garden but now is the time to plant your winter seeds, your last chance to plant spring flowering bulbs and one should get ready to prune your roses in late July or early August.

The club has a limited number of spring flowering daffodil and jonquil bulbs available for sale to members, please see the Secretary at the next meeting.

Keith Franks demonstrated a great lawn weeder gadget called Grandpa's Weeder, made in Tamworth.

It eliminated bending or digging out the never ending weeds which seem to appear in the lawn.

Trudi Sambach warned about rampaging sweet potato vines, as demonstrated by the huge specimen she had entered in the vege competition.

Kerry Marsden was chief auctioneer for the day, with a donated fish pond/fountain, various pots and cement urns and some hose holders, all bringing good prices to add to the Club's funds.

Thank you to the donors and to Kerry for your auctioneering enthusiasm.

The competitions were well supported again.

The winner for the flowers was Peter Hazell's orchid, equal second were Tessa Searle with a Just Joey rose and Trudi Sambach with a "Trudi" rose.

In the fruit and vegetable competition, Trudi won first place with her massive sweet potato, Peter Hazell came second with some snow peas and Sharyn Blanch was third with an avocado.

The lucky door prize went to Michelle Marland and the membership prize to Susan Dixon.

The raffles were well supported and there were several happy winners.

The next meeting will be the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday May 26 at Peter and Shirley Hazell's, 87 Barrington Street, Gloucester.

Please bring a chair, your hat and a mug if you would like a cuppa.

At this point in time, we will still not be enjoying a full morning tea.

Membership fees of $10 are due by the end of May, please speak to Bruce Barnes, treasurer, for details.

There will be the usual Trading Table but no Flower, Fruit or Vegetable competitions at the AGM.

Friends and visitors are most welcome to attend our meetings