A View from the Potting Shed

from Seaford Scene May 2021

Clifden House

nO SHOW this year folks – see the Members’ Notice Board below. Yes, it’s disappointing, but our gardens will continue to challenge, especially in the current climate of natural gardening. We have been urged in recent years to ditch poisonous pesticides, plant more trees, make homes for wildlife, and create natural ponds. Now mowing...Monty Don is vociferous, ‘cutting grass is about the most injurious thing you can do to wildlife,’ he declared last year, and he is not alone in advocating less mowing. The RSPB suggests ‘give your mower a rest,’ to create a temporary or seasonal meadow.’ Here in Seaford, the Town Council is continuing its less mowing, more wild-flowers in green spaces, following a successful trial in Summer 2020. So to mow, or not to mow, that is the big question.

topi c of the mont h Bee FRiendly

Planting to feed the bees will help to stop their decline, and leaving dandelions to bloom is one suggestion for their spring diet. Spring bulbs can feed bees, but in my early April garden they make a beeline for the flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum). This tall, easily grown, deciduous shrub is not spectacular, but the bees love its flowers, so it’s worthy of a place at the back of a mixed border. Many plants are attractive to bees – aim for a good variety of pollen-rich flowers with a range of flowering periods from early spring to late summer. Avoid double varieties as most are likely to be inaccessible to bees. In general, old fashioned cottage-garden perennials are good, particularly herbs like chives and rosemary. Nepeta (cat mint) and marjoram are also bee magnets. Planting in swathes can help bees to save energy, especially blue or purple swathes, as these colours attract the bees. What to plant? See the RHS ‘Plants for Pollinators’ list, and look out for their logo when purchasing. And don’t forget that wild-flower meadow!

wh at to do JoBS To do in MAy

3Plant up hanging baskets but keep sheltered for a few weeks to establish before putting outside. 3Tender perennials that have overwintered under cover can be hardened off and moved outside towards the end of the month. 3Dead-head flowered bulbs but leave those leaves to die back naturally, so that bulbs can store up reserves for next year. 3Once the risk of frost is passed plant outside tomatoes, runner beans and other frost-tender crops.

MeMBeRS’ noTiCe BoARd

Dear Members, once again the Committee and I have had to make some difficult decisions based on the current COVID situation. Although restrictions are very slowly being lifted, we felt that they would not be lifted enough for us to hold our annual show in August without some compromises. Based on this we have decided to cancel the show for 2021, with the promise that we will be back bigger and better next year. However, we are working hard on being able to resume social meetings as soon as we are allowed. We all look forward to a time when we can meet up once again. Take care and stay safe. Best wishes Sara (Chair)