These are really difficult and trying times, we live in isolation, we hear of nothing but sickness and death - even in our own village. But we have been blessed these days with some beautiful, if not chilly at times, days and whilst we are encouraged to walk each day to get exercise, what better exercise can we get than spending our days in the garden.

We have never spent so much time in our gardens, and as someone commented, "we should have gardens ready to rival Kew by the end of isolation". Clearly, the club did not meet in April and will not be meeting in May the way things are going. BUT - Kingsley Garden Club is out there in the community. If you have read Facebook or the Village website, you will know that we have a table outside Val Boote's house at the bottom of Well Lane next to Kingsley Brook. This is run on a basis of take and replace with something of your own (cuttings, seeds), or, take and make a voluntary donation to the Club.

We live in hope that we might be able to host a June meeting, the final one of this season, before we all go on holiday - again! We have a new season planned with some really exciting and keynote speakers, so something to look forward to in these very dark times. And as Monty always says.....

Some Jobs for You to be getting on with.....

• Plant out your tomatoes, they should be getting to a reasonable size

• Start planting out summer bedding (try our stall)

• Now your bulbs have finished, let the foliage die back and water with liquid fertiliser

• Remember to open doors and vents on your green houses to stop toasting your seedlings.

• Don't forget in these very dry times to water fruit trees, rhubarb and any soft fruits.

• On the watering side, start saving that washing uo water, the water you run off the hot tap until it comes warm. It all helps to save water and use it most effectively

• Plant your hanging baskets adding slow release fertiliser and good compost

• Divide larger hostas as they start to grow.

• Trim back aubrieta and alyssum after they have flowered to promote new growth and blooms.