SEAFORD and DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY www.seafordhorti.com
A view from the Potting Shed
3 Drain hoses and store under cover. 3 Lift and store dahlia tubers or mulch
heavily if you leave them in the ground. 3 New fruit trees and bushes are best planted this month. 3 Insulate cold frames with bubble polythene, in severe weather cover with sacking or old carpet. 3 Check tree ties are securely fitted and in no danger of rubbing.
MEMBERS’ NOTICE BOARD It appears that social distancing measures are not going to be lifted anytime soon, therefore all events for the foreseeable future, including the proposed AGM in January, are cancelled. We have taken the decision not to print the handbook this year ready for 2021 until we know that we are able to hold any events. Once I have received the loyalty cards for Paradise Park I will be writing to all members to update you. Stay safe everyone. Best Wishes, Sara (Chairman).
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harder frosts inland, winters vary, and a sudden cold snap can do permanent damage. The January frosts of 1987 killed 80% of the rare plants in the Abbey Gardens at Tresco, until then a frost-free paradise of tropical and Mediterranean plants. That was of course a major blip, and there is evidence that our winters are now generally milder with less frost, but it pays to watch the weather forecast.
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Remember, remember, there may be frost in November, so it’s as well to be prepared and consider what protection may be necessary for your plants. Use horticultural fleece to cover and wrap plants during cold spells, bubble polythene to insulate pots and greenhouses, mulch for shallow rooted plants. While it’s true that Seaford’s enviable coastal position gives some protection from the
Lilies
‘Consider the lilies,’ definitely worth planting now if you are considering colourful summer pots for your patio. Lilies, despite their exotic looks, are easy to grow and adapt well to container growing. There are literally hundreds of lilies to choose from, some regal, others blowsy, but all beautiful. Asiatic Hybrids are tough and easy to grow but unscented; Oriental Hybrids are highly scented but need acid soil that can be easily provided with ericaceous compost. Lilium regale is a fully hardy popular trumpet lily with giant white scented blooms flushed with pink. This tall lily can be grown in large pots or in the centre of a sunny border. Plant the bulbs deeply (or as per packet instructions) in large pots with plenty of crocks in the base for drainage and a good multi-purpose, peat-free compost. The bulbs need cool winter conditions and preferably shelter from heavy rain. In the south many lilies will be fully hardy outside in a sheltered place in large pots, but wrap smaller pots in bubble polythene to help protect against frost. Overwinter tender lilies in a frost free shed. NB Arum and Calla lilies are not true lilies but part of the Genus Zantedeschia, Family Araceae. These plants can be hardy, especially Arums, and many will grow outside, but best to shelter the pots from frost. Lilies are poisonous for cats and dogs.
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