The Bermuda Rose Society will host an illustrated talk by visiting Professor and Landscape Horticulturist, William Welch, next weekend at the Horticultural Hall at Botanical Gardens.

Dr. Welch works within the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University and will give a talk entitled `Warm Climate Perennials as Companion Plants with Old Garden Roses'.

The talk will start at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 9 and is open to the public. Admission is free.

Dr. Welch will also be the guest speaker at the Bermuda Rose Society's luncheon meeting for members and their guests next Friday at Horticultural Hall at 12 noon. Reservations are required by February 4 and those interested in attending can call Liesbeth Cooper at 295-3405 or via e-mail at liesbethnorthrock.bm After working for several years as a landscape contractor in Houston, Dr. Welch returned to Louisiana State University to obtain his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Extension Education and Horticulture. He joined the faculty at Texas A&M University in 1972.

As Extension Horticulturist, Dr. Welch provides educational information and programmes for county extension agents, nursery professionals and civic groups, as well as the general public. In November, 1988, the Texas Agricultural Extension Service presented Dr. Welch with the Superior Service Award, citing his successful educational programmes.

Dr. Welch has been instrumental in developing the Texas Certified Nursery Professional programme and currently serves on the board of that organisation within the Texas Association of Norserymen. In 1986 he was presented the Arp Award by the Texas Association of Nurserymen for his contributions to the Texas nursery industry.

Dr. Welch has served on the Board of the Texas Garden Clubs as Landscape Design Chairman for the past 24 years and has been awarded a lifetime membership in that organisation. In 1988 he was elected to the Board of Directors and currently serves as Publications Chairman for the Southern Garden History Club.

As well as serving as editor of the Southern Garden website with Aggie Horticulture and being a contributing editor for the Horticulture Update newsletter, Dr. Welch has also written four books since 1989