4 minute read
A View From The Potting Shed
A vie w fro m the Potti ng Shed
‘In like a lion, out like a lamb’ has always seemed a straightforward enough proverb: when March starts, it’s still winter, and by the end of the month spring has begun. It’s difficult to write an article a month in advance as trying to predict the weather is virtually impossible, regardless of what Carol Kirkwood tells us on TV. We seem to have had a mild winter so far, with plenty of rain, so the water butts should be filled to overflowing. Two linked together would be a good idea if you have the space, as most people now have water meters – anything for free has to be a bonus. Another adage is ‘right plant, right place’. How many times I have struggled to make a plant grow, only to fail because I did not take time to research the conditions it loves, for example planting a hosta or hydrangea in a bright sunny spot where their lush green leaves turn brown and drop off. It’s far safer to partner sun-loving Mediterranean plants with a sun trap and the lush woodlanders with a shady glade. And as we hear every day about global warming it makes sense to search out the plants that need little water once established. Spring wouldn’t be spring without the cheery sight of daffodils. Heralding the longer days ahead, they put a spring in our step and raise the spirits after the gloomy days of winter. They are also very easy to grow and come back year after year. They will grow in a degree of shade and can cope with wet soil, and you can naturalise them in grass. Not all are the classic yellow; you will find flowers that are pure white (Thalia), shaggy (Rip van Winkle), dainty (Tête-à-Tête), or scented (Cheerfulness). With so many to choose from, you are spoilt for choice. Even if you haven’t got a garden, a tiny pot on your windowsill or by your front door would brighten anyone’s day. DAFFOD ILS t o p i c o f t h e m o n t h
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w h a t t o d o JOBS TO DO IN MARCH
3 Prune bush roses. Remove dead, damaged and weedy stems, prune stems in the centre to open up the bush and cut all remaining stems down to three buds from the base. 3 Plant out hardy perennials, gladiolus corms and lily bulbs. 3 Prune late flowering Clematis (Group 3). Cut back straggly stems to encourage new growth from the base as this will carry the year’s new flowers.
MEMBER S’ NOTICE BOARD
The next Social Evening for members is on 26th March, 7pm at St Leonards Church Hall.The guest speakers will be Aideen and Denis Jones, who open their garden ‘Cupani’ for charity and the NGS, giving a talk on ‘Favourite Gardens in France and Spain’. The evening’s competition will be ‘3 Daffodils in a Vase’. Bring along your own vase to display your flowers from 6.30pm onwards.Also, on Sunday 29th March there is a workshop atThe Patchwork Cat in Newhaven at 2pm entitled ‘Spring Jobs’; a booking form is on page 38 of your 2020 Programme.
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