Mud, glorious Mud!

Derek writes: “My offering this week are 2 delightful spring bloomers. Clematis Armandii 30 feet up a Sweet Chestnut tree and Elizabethan primrose. In passing the rainfall total over the first 2 months of 2024 is 12 inches, twice the usual amount. Mud, mud, glorious mud” as Flanders and Swann would sing (but fortunately no … [Read more…]

Take time…

Derek writes: “There is a lovely phrase, “ Take time to smell the roses “. I give you “ Open your eyes and look around.” Blue sky pictures from Wednesday afternoon (taken by Gary Coxall) in St. Margaret’s Churchyard. The night skies’ have been good too. Take time to stand and stare, who knows what … [Read more…]

Taking the rough with the smooth

Derek writes “As gardeners we have to work outside in all weathers, good & bad. My theory from record keeping and anecdotal observations is that it only rains for less than 10% of our working days. Wednesday was damp but no so wet. We were tasked with cutting down & digging out brambles which had … [Read more…]

Scented winter shrubs

Derek writes: At the School’s gardening Club we have been talking about winter flowering shrubs. These include, Winter sweet, Daphne and winter flowering Honeysuckle ( Lonicera fragrantissima ).Today, Saturday I read an article in this month’s RHS magazine about how winter flowering shrubs had inspired a prospective young gardener. The shrub in question was Edgeworthia … [Read more…]

Bell Ringers’ Day Out at St Paul’s

Derek writes: Bell ringers from West Hoathly, Ardingly and neighbouring towers went on an outing to St. Paul’s Cathedral yesterday. Many of you will know David Perkins who grew up in West Hoathly and was taught to Bell ring by Rachel Edwards (W H Tower Captain) when she was teaching at West Hoathly CoE Primary … [Read more…]