Society kicks off new season

Chairman, Derek Alexander and speaker Maria Doyle pictured as Hillsborough Horticultural society resumed its meetings recently.

A spokesperson said: “Some gardens can look a bit sad and uninteresting over the winter period, but Hillsborough Horticultural Society heard at their last meeting, on 24 September, how to design and maintain a garden so that it looks well and enhances the house and surroundings during the winter months.

“Maria Doyle, who was trained at Greenmount, covered the four key areas of colour, structure, evergreens and topiary.

“She emphasised the importance of choosing suitable shrubs and trees which would provide interest throughout the colder part of the year.

“Trees with coloured bark always look well in winter; and winter vegetables too can enhance the borders.

“Fleece and bubblewrap can be used to protect plants if the weather turns hostile.

“Maria had some excellent pictures of famous winter gardens which were at their best during the colder months.”

The speaker for the next meeting of Hillsborough Horticultural Society will be the Very Rev William McMillan.

He will cover ‘Plantsmen – with local connections’. “Undoubtedly a topic with considerable local interest,” the spokesperson said.

“All welcome in Hillsborough Village Centre at 8pm on Wednesday 29 October.”