I just pulled a receipt out of my coat pocket which looked like it had been through the washing machine - crumpled, damp and blurred - a souvenir of our recent trip to Hardy's nursery.  Those of us who had been before dressed for an expedition to the Arctic, but it was still not quite enough and Debbie and Claire resorted to crocheted blankets on their knees.  Rosy treated us to a cheerful show of spring plants, with a little lecture on each and personalised gardening tips along the way while the rain thundered down on the tin roof.  New land speed records were set as we sprinted across the barn at half time to get our hands round a hot drink and some very decent chocolate biscuits.  Miraculously, the rain stopped just as the talk ended and we were able to wander around and yield to temptation.  Hands up who's planted everything they bought that day...

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Happy Easter and Happy Birthday to our blog

A few months ago I vowed to create a blog for our garden club.  This will serve as an aide-memoire to those who attend the events (and let's face it, most of our memoires do need a little aide nowadays), a reminder of events to come, and a tantalising glimpse of what you've missed for those unable to join in.

Jo has been hard at work planting all manner of vegetables in her 'allotment' this week, aided by Gavin.  When invited to join me and his mum for a drink, he declined saying "Having seen the bottom of the garden I think I'll just stay up here thanks"!  It's true that Jo's patch is an island of cultivation amidst a sea of rough ground and brambles.

In case you are unsure, a hosepipe ban is definitely in force in our area.  I have been wondering how I can capture 'grey' water for use in the garden.  Aside from getting a water butt or 2, I have vowed to buy a washing up bowl.  I will make sure it is under the kitchen tap when I am washing my hands (using Ecover liquid soap), draining cooked veg, running off hot/cold water, washing veg etc.  I will tip the resultant sludge over the most demanding of my plants.  Please share any other ideas you have (before we resort to having to share baths).

Our next event is the lecture at Hardy's nursery on Tuesday 25th April, followed closely by our meeting on Friday 27th (venue tbc).

Meanwhile, I hope the Easter Bunny brings you a good haul of Easter chocolate.