TELEVISION gardener Terry Underhill gave a talk on autumn colour to West Devon garden clubs recently. Lewdown Victory Hall was packed as more than 100 gardeners came to hear Terry speak earlier this month. Terry started at Birmingham parks department taking the RHS national diploma in horticulture. He then moved on to Liverpool Botanic Gardens as a propagator then foreman, followed by 17 years as superintendent of grounds and gardens at Dartington. However, for the majority of the audience he was best known for his media work, on television and radio gardening programmes. Terry showed the audience some spectacular slides ? many of the Westonbirt Arboretum, Hilliers and his own garden ? demonstrating the autumn colours and the many plants, shrubs and trees that provide them. Terry explained how climate plays a role in why some autumns are more colourful than others - cold is needed to convert starches and sugars but not so cold that the leaves fall off. He also advised on feeding trees outside the tree canopy and to remember to use sun cream on hands as well as the face. Terry stood in at short notice for Sarah Chester from Rosemoor, who was ill. The talk was a joint venture between three local garden clubs - Bratton Clovelly and District, Bridestowe and Stowford. The clubs generally hold monthly talks in their local halls and arrange garden visits during the summer.
To find out more contact their secretaries: Bratton Clovelly and District, Amanda Pond, 01837 871409; Bridestowe, Sheila Turner, 01837 861659 and Stowford, Valerie Kimsey, 01566 783107.