My successes go to the Bring and Buy plant sale and my failures go on the compost heap!

I was elected as chair at the AGM. I’m taking on the role with some trepidation. Tony filled it with such aplomb for an incredible 40 years. But I will do my best to continue his great work, to preserve all that is best about our wonderful Society and help it face the challenges of the future.

I joined the Society in 1995 or 1996. I was soon at the trading hut pretty much every Saturday, buying supplies and seeking advice, so I decided to volunteer there. That led to a place on the committee and later a role as publicity officer.

My own garden is small, but densely packed. I try to follow Beth Chatto’s motto of right plant, right place and have learnt to love plants that will cope with the clay soil, especially roses, hardy geraniums and heucheras. Since lockdown, I’ve been trying to improve my propagation skills by growing more from seed. My successes go to the Bring and Buy plant sale (see pic!) and my failures go on the compost heap!

Gabrielle Garton Grimwood

chair@lambethhorticulturalsociety.org.uk