Gardeners Question Time: this may not sound like an interesting subject, even amongst the green fingered folk of Wymondham, but if your guest expert is as knowledgeable, personable and amusing as Guy Barker, then the contrary is true.

Guy ably responded to all the members’ questions which ran a gamut of gardening topics; from how to get rid of fairy rings to pruning rambling roses, from lambs ears in lawns, to tree peonies which won’t flower, from wisteria which need cutting back monthly – despite what the books say, to which plants like a feed of tomato fertiliser.

As a local professional gardener looking after several large private gardens, Guy has first-hand experience of what grows well on the heavier clay soils of Wymondham and the thinner soils of Breckland.

For the second half of the evening Guy had brought along examples of flowers currently in bloom at the gardens he manages. These included the large white flower head of Hydrangea Anabelle, Cobalt blue Agapanthus, raspberry Wine Bergamot, Cardoons, Crocosmia and plants which add structure like the purple foliage of Physocarpus Diablo. Would be gardeners looking for summer flowers (which are also attractive to bees) take note! These can all be bought at specialist local nurseries.

Our next garden club meeting will be 16th October at Town Green Centre for the Annual General Meeting and a Plant Sale. Please bring along any surplus plants (proceeds to club funds). The meeting begins at 7:30pm and entry is free for members and £4 for guests. For further information about the club contact wymondhamgardenclub@gmail.com.