Hello Happy Gardeners,

 

At long last our gardens are improving now that the weather is slightly warmer. All the trees and hedges are beginning to look green at last. The Cherry blossom is blooming and the grass needs mowing.

Progress Report

 

Your Committee have been very busy just lately preparing for the Summer Show, Dog Show and Fete. The Summer Show has some interesting new classes for you to enter. The Dog Show will be in aid of a different charity this year. Hopefully it will be in aid of the RSPCA at Mount Noddy at Eartham. The Fete will consist of stalls, sideshows and activities provided by all of the village organisations. There promises to be a good variety, so something for everyone to enjoy. There will be more details for you next month. If anyone has any suggestions at all for this event please just let Brenda know and she will be able to organise it.

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Exbury Gardens Trip Tuesday 9th May.

 

If you have not already done so, it is well worth having a look at our pictures from Exbury. There is an excellent interactive map on their Website. You just click on the pin and you can learn about each section of the garden. It will show you what to look out for before you get there and help you plan your day. We had a terrific time and the colours were magnificent.

 

Denmans Gardens Wednesday 7th June.

 

This event will consist of a Talk about the gardens and a guided tour. We meet at Denmans Gardens, Fontwell for the talk at 1.30. Further details in next months newsletter. But if you are interested in this trip please let Brenda know. We intend to do a car share for the event, so if you need a lift, it will be provided.

 

Now that the better weather is approaching here are a few suggestions for your days out.

If you have not yet been to Arundel Castle Tulip Festival, that is still running.

 

Monday 1-20th May Arundel Castle Allium Extravaganza

1/2/3/4/5th May Downland Art Society Spring Exhibition – Norfolk Centre Arundel

Wed 3rd May Open Garden – Fittleworth House, Pulborough

 

Thurs 4th May Open Garden – Old Vicarage Washington

 

Saturday 6th May Walberton Church – Live screening of the Coronation of King Charles

 

Sunday 7th May Arundel Castle Cricket Ground. Walberton Cricket Club are competing in the Villages Knockout Tournament. This is a fantastic event. Llive Jazz music, Tea Hut, BBQ & Bar & free childrens coaching. Lovely Castle grounds, so why notcome and bring a picnic.

 

Parish Picnic on the Playing Field 12.00

 

Tuesday 9th May Walberton Gardeners Club trip to Exbury

 

Open Garden – Peelers Retreat Arundel

 

Sun 14th May Lavant Horticultural Society Plant Sale – 2pm Village Hall

 

Sussex Snowdrop Trust Walk. Arundel Castle Estate Park

22nd/28th May Chelsea Flower Show, London

 

In the Garden in May

 

This is the busiest month of the year. The list is endless, so this is a brief version. Basically because the season is a bit behind it might be necessary to lift and store the bulbs that have gone over from your beds, pots and containers, so that you can plant up with your summer bedding. This is big bedding month, but it is definitely worth waiting to more towards the end of the month this year. Don’t forget that when you have lifted your bulbs you need to replenish your soil with plenty of compost & fertilizer ready for the summer bedding to benefit. Just remember that good results come from good preparation. Hanging baskets also need to be planted up now, and if you can put them in a greenhouse, this will give them a good start.

 

Please don’t forget to keep an eye on our website for any news etc. Gill Thomas looks after our website for us and does an excellent job, so thank you Gill.

 

The RHS also has an excellent website, where you can find all sorts of help & advice.

 

The photo at the top of the newsletter is the trough outside the Village Hall, which we now look after. It has been really splendid these last few weeks and definitely worth putting in the effort back in the autumn.

 

Thank you from you committee

Liz Hewson, Brenda Bailey, Ann Cannings, Sue Atkins, Douglas Callander &

David Underwood.

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