Eastcombe WI: A talk with Julie Dolphin on her work with Gardeners World

THE March meeting of the Eastcombe WI saw the business element dispatched with swift efficiency, and the ladies settling to the intriguing talk delivered by Julie Dolphin.

Julie introduced herself as a Horticultural Researcher, having studied at Bristol University, and spent a couple of years in Holland, she is currently Horticultural Researcher to Monty Don in the popular ‘Gardeners World’ series.

Julie took us through the complexities of planning, researching, sourcing material, filming and finalising the programme.

The inherent challenges when working with plants, nature, pets and parallel working processes, ie one film crew shooting for the current episode, and one for the next – similarly with planning processes, and the logistics of transporting and accommodating the production staff from various locations to within striking distance of Longmeadow in Herefordshire for the couple of 7am-6pm days filming of the programme.

What shone through was Julie’s passion for her work not only in the Longmeadow, Herefordshire, but also her relatively new found love for our area in the Cotswolds and her new venture at Miserden Nurseries where plants are being nurtured – hardy perennials, shrubs, David Austen Roses - – plans are afoot for refurbishment of glasshouses, introduction of tea rooms, workshops, and a sculpture exhibition by SIT Select April 25-May 28.

A truly enlightening talk.

If you would be interested in joining the Eastcombe WI, please do not hesitate to contact Margery Lambert (01453 886697, or email marglambert@btinternet.com) for further information and to arrange to sample one of our meetings.