At our April get together we reflected that the mild weather this year means our gardens seem ahead and more colourful than usual for this time of year . A number of the group have now planted their seed potatoes and courgettes (see March post for planting info)  – progress is keenly awaited by all.

Roberta had brought different varieties of daffodils for us to admire and identify. these included Binka, Pheasant Eye , Mounthead and Winston Churchill ( see picture )

We debated the joys of ivy (eg attractive/ excellent for wildlife) and problems (eg poisonous/ smothers everything)  with one member really struggling to get this under control. RHS  Recommendations for controlling/removing ivy are at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=192

We talked about  planting garden pots . Nita advised it is vital to plant in good quality John Innes compost and to add grit. Pots should be fed once a month with tomato fertiliser – this was used by many in the group. The group shared planting ideas with Nita having  had great success with the following plant groupings:  A: a centrally planted cordyline surrounded by geraniums in the same shade

B: red geraniums with dark blue lobelia, purple nemesia,  pink and white verbena plus pink dascia.

Maureen  demonstrated testing whether garden soil was acid/alkaline using a shop purchased soil testing kit. This revealed her soil to be neutral. Other members will be able to test their own soil next time to aid suitable plant selection and soil treatment . We  also tasted edible primroses from Maureen’s garden

We discussed Alpine planting with Nita greatly admiring the small delicate flowers these plants produce. Recommendations were to plant nursery purchased alpine plants in a  suitable pot / old sink wooden box etc using a mixture of 50% compost /50% grit  and to cover the surface with grit also.

Brenda fed back her progress on replanting a border with tulips and  alliums. Tulips  (planted in plastic bulb baskets for ease of planting, movement and storage after flowering )  are slightly ahead of the alliums but Brenda’s  photo shows a lovely evolving border.

Members spoke of the warmer weather bringing lots of greenfly (try spraying with soapy water to remove) but also lots of ladybirds which are  helping contain the greenfly problem

Plants were brought by some to sell for group funds. These were Tomato plants started from seed plus robust Cyclamen plants. All  were quickly snapped up

Please note our May meeting will be on the 8th May in view of the May Day bank holiday. New members are very welcome (Parish Hall, Deyes Lane @ 10am)