At the April meeting, club members enjoyed a very interesting talk on clematis by Keith Treadaway, of Redberth, who holds a national collection. Starting by saying that it was possible to have a clematis in bloom every day of the year, he showed the most beautiful digital photos of the many varieties he grows, talking also about techniques for propagation and pruning.

The visit to the gardens at Ffynone in Boncath was much enjoyed by those who were able to go, as was the annual lunch at Broadway Country House, near Laugharne.

The coach trip to Powys Castle on Saturday, June 20, looks as though it will be a very good day out. This world-famous garden with Italianate terraces overhung with enormous clipped yews, shelters tender plants and sumptuous herbaceous borders. Laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles, it retains its original lead statues, an orangery and an aviary on the terraces.

In the 18th century, an informal woodland wilderness was created on the opposite ridge. High on a rock above the terraces, the castle, originally built circa1200, began life as a fortress of the Welsh Princes of Powys and commands magnificent views towards England.

There are still some places to spare on the coach, so if you would like to join the trip you will be most welcome. The cost is a mere £5 for the coach (as there is a grant to cover some of it), with the added cost of £6.50 for entry to the gardens - but if you are a member of the National Trust you get free entry.

The coach will leave Whitland at 7.30 am, arriving at Powys Castle at 11.30 am. It will leave again at 4 pm, stopping in Aberaeron on the way home for a meal and getting back to Whitland at about 9 pm. If you are interested, please contact Liz O'Neil on 01994 240717.

The next meeting will be on May 21, when Jennifer Matthews, of Moorland Cottage Plants, will be attending to talk on 'perennials'. Her talks are always excellent, so another good evening assured.

New members are always most welcome at the club. Meetings take place on the third Thursday of each month throughout the year, at 7.30 pm at Whitland Town Hall, where there is easy parking. The annual subscription is £10, which covers 12 meetings and the summer outings too, so it's really good value.

If you need more information, please contact the secretary, Elfrida Jones, on 01834 869080.