NEWS
Intro
‘Oh, to be in England now that April’s there.’ The first line of Robert Browning’s poem ‘Home Thoughts, From Abroad,’ and the first line of my very first Seaford Scene offering five years ago in April 2020. Looking back, it doesn’t feel like five years since I wrote about coastal hedging and beautiful bluebells, but during that period the Society has experienced upheaval and change. Covid restrictions resulted in numerous cancellations including the annual Shows in 2020 and 2021. There was the unavoidable move from St Wilfred’s church hall to our current venue at St Luke’s Church, and we also had to make venue changes for the 2022 and 2024 Shows. Yes, it was a headache for Chair Sara and the Committee, but the Society is still going strong, and glad to be in Seaford, England now that April’s here. Margaret Mansbridge
Help in the garden
Five years older and not so nimble in the garden. A local ‘fella’ trims trees and shrubs, and I can pay for lawn mowing, but I don’t want to just sit and watch, I’m a gardener.
When my sister moved, she cleverly had her new garden landscaped with raised beds that are planted with perennials and small shrubs. Pots of bulbs and summer bedding add seasonal interest to her small easy to manage plot. My garden is bigger, a woodland setting with trees and large shrubs, and pots to add seasonal colour. But too many pots can be a constant watering chore, so I shall be reducing them.
Those of you who have knee or back issues, or arthritic hands, will appreciate the many garden tools now available to help you carry on gardening. There are lightweight tools with ergonomic handles, also long handled trowels and forks for planting and weeding without bending. My neighbour, a lifelong gardener, has welcomed these aids that enable her to continue pottering in her garden in her late eighties. Well done her, you’re never too old for a bit of gardening.
Members’ Notice Board
Social evening Tuesday 29th April 6.45pm at St Luke’s Church, Walmer Road. Guest speaker Tony Vass will talk about ‘Birds on the Golf Course.’ Fun competition 3 tulips in own vase, plus a seed and plant sale.
Don’t miss the coach trip to Windsor Castle on 12th June £54. See programme or website seafordhorti.com for details.
Payments can be made by bank transfer to SDHS account sort code 30-95-01, Account 03152293
Membership renewals contact Cheryl Webb on 07779 348236, email webbcheryl@hotmail.com
Jobs to do in April
Consider planting seed-bearing herbaceous plants for our feathered friends. Miscanthus sinensis (ornamental grass), Echinops (globe thistle) and Sedums.
Feed hellebores fortnightly with high potash fertiliser from now until mid-June.
Spread clean straw around strawberries and remove runners to concentrate on fruit production.
Plant potatoes outdoors. Sow runner beans and courgettes indoors.
