A colourful country garden provided a magnificent backdrop for the July North Hampshire Women in Business Group (WiBG) meeting.

Members were treated to an evening of cultural delight when Marylyn Abbott, owner of West Green House in Hartley Wintney, opened up her gardens to members.

Fifty guests took the chance to wander around the themed gardens, which this year have been based on sustainable gardening.

Over a buffet supper, Marylyn told members about her latest project.

She said: “I am in the process of writing a book on extremes of climate and plants that can virtually survive any weather conditions, as this is something quite dear to my heart.

“As a native Australian, we are used to experiencing severe drought.

“Australia is the driest continent in the world and for the last two years there have been diminished wheat crops, one of the factors causing food prices to soar here in the UK.

“England is still very green and does not suffer with arid conditions.

“However, we are exposed to some extreme weather conditions, for example the flooding that occurred here at this time last year, so it is wise to consider what we plant and grow.”

Marylyn said that while writing her book she was considering how properly mulched plants could still withstand climate extremes.

She added that mulching — layering garden waste, twigs, leaves and grass — was a great way to conserve water and helped plants remain healthy and strong.

Marylyn told members: “Visiting Damascus, Marrakesh and other dry lands, I saw how the Middle Eastern gardens are cared for in such dry conditions.

“Their simple yet almost contemporary enclosed walled courtyard gardens are protected from the elements and, I believe, are our gardens of the future.”

Lindsey Page, president of the North Hampshire WiBG, thanked Marylyn for her inspiring talk and for opening up her gardens to members for the fifth year running.

West Green House Gardens are open until August 10 from 11am to 4.30pm from Wednesday to Sunday and on bank holiday Mondays.

West Green House is hosting opera gala evenings during August.

For more details visit www.west greenhouse.co.uk.

Founded in 1992, the WiBG is affiliated to the North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and organises regular monthly meetings on business and lifestyle issues for its all-female membership.

The meetings provide an ideal opportunity to meet like-minded businesswomen in north Hampshire to network and do business together.

The group’s nominated charity this year is the Wessex Cancer Trust.

Details of how to join the group, forthcoming monthly events and other news and information can be found at www.wibg.org.uk.