GARDENING

March is the month when many of the beautiful spring flowering perennials begin to flower. Aubrietia, Candytuft, Snowdrops and many others will be brightening your days. Roses can be pruned this month. Severe pruning results in nicer long stemmed flowers and more compact bushes. Begin to spray roses for black spot. Sow seeds of summer blooming annuals indoors. If you have a greenhouse, it is time to take cuttings of 'wintered over' plants.
Divide and transplant summer blooming perennials and fertilize established ones as soon as new growth appears. Plant tender bulbs and tubers (gladiola, lilies and dahlias). You may continue planting additional bulbs every two weeks until mid June to ensure a continuous source of bloom. Plant Primroses and Pansies.

FRUITS and VEGETABLES

Take a little time to prepare the vegetable garden soil for planting. Peas and sweet peas may be planted right now as well as perennial vegetables like Asparagus, Rhubarb, Horseradish and artichokes. Eggplant, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, leeks, onions, early potatoes, and radish seeds may be planted in the garden about mid month.
Spinach, Chard, Cabbage, Cauliflower, and other hardy vegetables can be seeded or set out late in the month. Plant Strawberries, Blueberries, Currants, Loganberries, Boysenberries, Grapes, and fruit trees. Time to start tomatoes, lettuce, and many other vegetables from seed.

Could you be there in a crisis for the Red Cross in your community?

Do you have a few hours to spare to help someone out with a bit of shopping and offer some emotional support?  The British Red Cross helps vulnerable people in times of crisis, providing a range of services, on a short-term basis, across Norfolk. Home from Hospital (HfH) scheme volunteers provide care and support in the home for people after an accident or illness, giving them the confidence to continue their daily lives.

In East Anglia there are four HfH schemes based at hospitals in Peterborough, Kings Lynn, Great Yarmouth and Norwich. We are currently looking to recruit volunteers in your area. Volunteering for the British Red Cross is a great way to learn new skills and make a difference to people's lives. The HfH service is available to anyone on a short-term basis and is provided free of charge.

As a HfH volunteer you decide what hours you commit to and how much you take on. The BRC is committed to welcoming people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture and experience.   A quote from a service user who has benefited from the HfH scheme:   "The volunteer was such a tremendous boost, not only in a practical way but also because I knew there was someone there if I needed them."   If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the HfH service or would like information on any of the other services the BRC offers, please do not hesitate to contact us at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital on 01603 288320.

The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies. We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies
in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on with their lives.  Registered Charity number 220949

North Walsham Citizens Advice Bureau

is open from 10am-3pm on Mon, Tues & Thurs for drop in and advice line on 01692 402570. We also have appointments only sessions on Monday evenings 5.30-7.30 and Sat morning 9.30-11.30 at the Bureau.

If you would like to see an adviser, at one of our outreach locations, (Aldborough, Bacton, Buxton, Cromer, Horstead, Hoveton, Mundesley, Sheringham & Stalham). this can be arranged on our appointment line on 01692 405847.