Cothi Gardeners

THE COTHI Gardeners hosted a talk by the well-known garden writer and designer, Noel Kingsbury. The Coronation Hall was full of gardening enthusiasts from near and far who had travelled to hear the talk entitled Women, Men and Gardening.The evening had got off to a good start with an early meal at the Dolaucothi Arms to make Noel feel welcome to our gardening club. He appreciated the welcome and remarked that this was the first time in the UK that he had been greeted and entertained in such a way. The group then made its way over the road to the hall where members had proved that they are as good at baking as they are gardeners by the wide array of cakes and biscuits that were available for refreshments before the talk began. Around 70 people enjoyed tea or coffee with their cakes while socialising with gardening friends old and new prior to the main event.Noel showed why he is as much in-demand here and overseas as a speaker by giving a very entertaining, well-researched and highly informative talk on the history of gardening and the role men and women have brought to gardens through the ages. Members enjoyed many visual examples of historical figures, their garden style and the sociological, political and financial influences on their work. The group was aware that men liked lawns and mowers while women preferred flowers, but background to those given was both thought-provoking and at times most amusing.Members gave a big thank you to all who organised this most successful event and also to those who attended. Some were also lucky enough to enjoy a work-shop run by Noel the following day, which is evidence, if any was needed, that Cothi Gardeners is a club worth watching. The club welcomes new members so look out for the meeting in February which is the next opportunity to join up.The club will not meet for a talk in December, but instead will enjoy a social get-together over a Christmas lunch at The Angel in Llandeilo on Wednesday, 16 December. The meeting in January is on Wednesday, 20 January, and is the club members’ AGM and new year supper.