GARDENING TIPS

Celery will need a covering of bracken to keep out the frost.   Protect late cauliflowers from frost.  Open up frames containing overwintering vegetables when the weather is mild enough.  All root crops, with the exseption of parsnips, which are improved in flavour by exposure to frost, should be under cover in a frost-free store.  Check potatoes in store for damage.  Clear all summer crop remains to the compost heap.  Clean, then store away canes, bean supports and cloches not in use.  Remove yellow leaves from sprouts as picking proceeds.  Dig all ground, as it becomes vacant.  Check at the same time if it is short of lime which, if necessary, can be applied in the New Year.  Tool maintenance - Garden tools are expensive but will last for many years if looked after.  Clean them thoroughly after use and store them tidily.

Hand tools - Digging and soil-cultivating tools - such as spades, forks, hoes, rakes, cultivators, hand forks and trowels, etc, should be washed free of soil after use, dried thoroughly and the metal parts wiped with an oily rag to cover them with a thin film of oil.  This will prevent rusting and make easier to use.
Pruning tools - Secateurs, garden shears, edging shears, pruning saws and knives should be cleaned to remove plant sap.
When dry, rub the blades with an oily rag.  All moving parts (e.g. the pivots of shears) should also be oiled, using an oil can.  Flush out the pivots with oil to make sure there is no grit between the blades as this can cause damage.

SHERINGHAM AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB

In October we were entertained by Alan Smith from Ipswich who related several amusing anecdotes as he demonstrated some beautiful arrangements entitled "Autumn Symphony".  Sandra Eggett and Alison Ward from Norwich will be thinking about fireworks on 2nd November in "It's That Time Again".  On 7th December we will be welcoming Nick Grounds from Wisbech who will demonstrate "Christmas Carols" and there will be a £1 Lucky Dip Stall.  Our meetings are at 7.30pm at Woodfields School Holt Road Sheringham, refreshments are served from 7pm and all are welcome.  We are also holding a Coffee Morning in aid of Quidenham Children's Hospice on Tuesday 12th December from 10am to 12 noon at The Lobster Pub, High Street Sheringham.   There will be a Christmas raffle, Christmas gifts, cakes and books.  Do come and join us.

For further details ring Ruth on 01263 824975 or Gill on 01263 823454.