November’s lecture was given by Christine Skelmersdale. She took us on a fascinating tour of the Atacama Desert of Chile and spoke about South Africa and the many plants that originated there and which have found a home in our Cornish gardens. It underlines how our benign climate can be suitable for so many plants from overseas. And one is always learning new things that can work well in our gardens.

With this in mind we have a new form of event planned for January – a weekend of horticultural talks and workshops at the Nare Hotel. Elizabeth Harris and Linda Rowe our events organisers have curated this event and I hope that many of you can attend. It promises to be an enlightening weekend with good food and interesting company.

The events being planned for 2026 are wider-reaching than in prior years – in that lectures will sometimes be combined with garden visits and/or workshops. And occasionally we might host concerts in some of Cornwall’s great gardens. We will always aim to get top quality horticulturalists to speak and interesting off-the-beaten track private gardens to visit. Plus some of Cornwall’s up and coming professional musicians. And our main event the Spring Flower Show which showcases the best that Cornish gardens have to offer with its amazing display of competitive classes is open to all, and we have stewards and experts on hand to help newcomers bring exhibits from their own gardens for novice competitive classes.

One more thing: we always need volunteers for a variety of roles within the Society as a whole and at the Spring Flower Show. If you’d like to get involved, please do be in contact. It is fun and very rewarding.

Finally I would like to say to all our members, I hope you have a very Happy Christmas and New Year and thank you for your continued support.

Martin Petherick