This November, for gardeners, had been, most emphatically, an autumn month, Winchester Horticultural Society members were told.

Listing the work being done in her garden, Margaret Hyatt said that, with summer long over, annuals had been removed and perennials cut back and divided.

Buddleia and lavatera would be cut back by one third, fallen leaves removed as they harboured slugs, and ponds tidied by removing plants, pumps and debris.

Preparation for spring and summer continued with the planting of tulips, bare-rooted roses, raspberry plants and any other woody fruit trees.

At Question Time, the sprinkling of neat Jeyes Fluid was suggested for killing unwanted ivy and a reminder was given on its efficacy in clearing mossy paths.

Maya Whitmarsh, vice-chairman, introduced guest speaker, David Penny for his talk on "Food from the Garden".

This had been a subject much requested by members and David, with his extensive experience of working in agricultural college and on the first "makeover" programmes with Gay Search and of entering gardens in Chelsea, was well prepared for the task.

As the non-commercial gardener did not need the cosmetically-perfect produce of the supermarket, he suggested to members the most reasonable products, requiring the least amount of effort.

He identified the optimum time to apply or withhold water and fertiliser; when to opt for expensive F1 hybrid seed - for Brussels sprouts and cucumber - and when ordinary seeds - for lettuce - would do.

He suggested fruits and vegetables that would suit Hampshire conditions and warned of pests, diseases and deficiencies. Beware of friends passing on problems on their plants, he added.

Monthly competition results: L. Hodgkinson, cineraria 9, certificate winner; M.Wilson, summer fruit jam 7. At the next meeting, on Wednesday, December 11th, Gerald Ponting will give an illustrated talk on "Gardens and Flowers of France" and there will be seasonal cheer and entertainments.