BEAUTIFUL borders are the subject of the Fortescue Garden House Lecture, being held in Yelverton next month.

The Fortescue Garden Trust, the small independent charity which owns and manages The Garden House at Buckland Monachorum, is delighted that this year's illustrated lecture, 'Brilliant Borders', will be given by distinguished horticulturist and curator of RHS Garden Rosemoor, Christopher Bailes.

The topic seems especially suited to this year in more ways than one. Not only are many borders at The Garden House currently being replanted, but the lecture should provide a welcome stimulus to all garden enthusiasts who have felt unable to do much in their gardens over the past couple of years due to poor weather.

Horticulturists are saying that the cold weather and snow of this winter has delayed the appearance of many daffodils, crocuses and other traditional spring flowers. In recent years spring flowers have come up increasingly early, meaning that the floral impact of spring has been substantially reduced.

This year will be quite different with gardeners predicting an explosion of colour with high numbers of spring plants flowering at the same time.

Christopher said: 'Nowadays borders have become so diverse that there may seem to be few common principles underlying their design.

'However, whatever their scale or style of planting, most successful borders can be shown to reflect a few relatively simple rules in the way they are put together.

'I aim to identify and demonstrate the common principles of good planting that underpin the creation of a truly successful border with illustrations of examples from gardens of all styles in Britain and abroad.'

The lecture takes place at Yelverton War Memorial Hall on March 13.

The series of prestigious annual lectures was launched last year to mark the 60th anniversary of when garden visionary, Lionel Fortescue, started work on his famous walled garden at The Garden House. Each lecture will be delivered by a person who has made a significant contribution to horticulture. Once again, this year's lecture has been generously sponsored by Gill Akaster Solicitors of Plymouth.

For further information and to book tickets (£14.50 including wine & canapés) telephone The Garden House on 01822 854769.