Eynsford Gardeners' Club

March Again

I know that this is the March issue of Trident but it’s the end of January that I’m writing this and hopefully the weather will have improved by the time you read this. The reason for this is that we are going to Thailand later this week and we won’t be back before the article submission deadline and Kaz won’t forgive me if I miss it! 

 

The garden is looking pretty dire at the moment; got one Hellebore in flower and that’s about it. I keep looking at the remains of the geraniums in their tubs and wondering why I didn’t put them in the greenhouse before Christmas. Mind you, it’s been so cold they probably wouldn’t have survived in there. At least we managed to get the fleece on the lemon tree before the first frost struck and I did shut off the outside watering system and drain it down so that should be OK when I need it (we haven’t still got a hosepipe ban have we?)

 

I can’t remember when I last did any work in the garden and the empty green bin bears witness to the lack of activity. The lawn has greened up – unfortunately due to an influx of moss; it’s taken over again. Last year I used moss kill but combined with the drought it wasn’t very successful so when we get back from holidays I shall dig out the scarifier and the lawn mower - if it will start. (although I did drain the carburettor, remove the plug and put a teaspoon of oil into the cylinder before it went away for the winter). I find that after scarifying the easiest way to collect the moss is with the mower on a high setting.

 

So the garden will need a lot of effort in readiness for the Garden Safari (17th & 18th June). Talking of which we are currently firming up numbers. If you have kindly offered to participate and you haven’t heard from me this year don’t worry! I’ll be in touch after the holiday. Sorry to keep mentioning the holiday – hope you’re not feeling envious that we’ll be lounging on a private beach enjoying the Thai sunshine.

 

Another date for your diary, if not already in there, is the EGC Spring show on 25th March

 

I hope your garden is doing better than mine!

Happy hoeing!

David ketley

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