We are pleased to report that our Community Fair and Summer Show held in June at The Hayling College was a great success. Nearly 800 visitors attended the event, which had been expanded to include a Community Fair. There were enough local craft and community stalls to fill the whole Sports Hall, supported by regular performances from local dance and activity groups in the Assembly Hall. Young performers from Abstract Dance and Performing Arts, HMS Youngstars and Hayling College performed to a packed audience. Outside we had many others including the plant sales, the tombola, vintage cars, cycling and sports activities and even an engine from the Hayling Fire Service.
Despite the unseasonal weather which has been causing problems in the garden, there is still plenty to do and the rainfall has certainly helped our garden plants to thrive (and the weeds!). If you have been establishing a meadow or meadow area in your garden, September and October are the time to give them a final cut before Winter. Leave the clippings to lie on the ground for a couple of days to allow the wildflower seeds to drop and replenish the meadow for next year.
Birds will now have finished nesting so hedge trimming can resume. If possible leave piles of branches, twigs and leaves to encourage insects and offer shelter to small mammals.
In October you can start to think about planting your spring bulbs, although leave planting out your tulip bulbs until November. Plant bulbs at 2-3 times their depth and they look best in groups of around 6 to create the best display.