Rotary Club's gardening talk

Introduced by President Richard Harrison, a near neighbour in Hastings Old Town, Stephanie explained to members her progression from practising organic farming on a hippy commune in rural Wales to writing and co-authoring a book with HRH The Prince of Wales!

Stephanie became environmentally aware quite early in her working life, and later went to work on a relative's farm where there were organic gardens.

She reminded her audience of some useful principles like feed the soil rather than the plant, and aim to work with nature not try to control it. There was also some good advice about making compost, which will no doubt be taken on board by some club members when it comes to the disposal of hot BBQ ashes!

From her experiences Stephanie started to write articles for magazines and then a column for Country Living before becoming gardening editor, and she has some 20 books to her credit, including the co-authorship of Organic Gardening with Prince Charles.

There later followed a lively questions and answers session from some obviously keen gardener members, so we shall all look forward to seeing the improvements in their gardens next year. As their lovely garden is an example admired by many, George Rogers gave an excellent vote of thanks, even if it was a bit of a shock when he revealed what he gave his wife when she asked for "something for the garden...".

It's the way he tells them!

Pictured: President Richard Harrison and Stephanie Donaldson.