WEATHER is occupying the thoughts of growers ahead of the Malvern Autumn Show later this month.

Several new plants will be launched at the event, including the penstemon Malvern Springs, featured in the Gazette last week.

This will be joined a new sun series of hardy asters and two new varieties of solidago, developed by the Shropshire-based horticulturalist Viv Marsh.

"It's been a dull summer and the process of preparing new varieties for launch on the show circuit is always a bit hit and miss," said Mr Marsh.

"Having said that, it's three weeks until the Autumn Show and the solidagos are in flower now, so we'll be doing out utmost to retain their vibrant yellows for the show. The asters have performed well too, considering the conditions, and are already sporting fat flowerbuds."

The show runs on September 23-24 at the Three Counties Showground.