It’s been a busy week at Driftwood, I’ve had landscapers here again, extending the new Indian sandstone patio at the back of the house.

Last October they dug out the sunken garden on one side and now the sandstone patio will extend, as a path, the entire back of the house, right up to the side gate where visitors enter the garden. Once this work is complete, I can concentrate on getting the plot ready for visitors in June. It is going to look quite different but, I’m confident, just as amazing and enthralling to this year’s visitors.

Despite the recent grey and somewhat breezy weather here in Seaford, the beach garden has looked quite summery, with the beautiful hellebore argutifolius and coronilla glauca creating several patches of pure sunlight. Both are amazing plants, the former with wonderful architectural leaves setting off the lime green flowers and the latter constantly glowing with its pea like flowers many months of the year.

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Next week is the final week to see snowdrops and hellebores at Pembury House in Clayton. The National Garden Scheme garden has four dates, Tuesday through to Friday from 10.30am to 12.30pm and if you are lucky, you might still be able to buy a ticket to see the garden. It has had a very successful season in 2022 over its openings to date, even featuring in a segment on BBC South East Today last month. Check availability at www.ngs.org.uk

I’ve been doing a lot of behind the scenes preparation for the Macmillan Coastal Garden Trail which takes place on July 23 and 24 this year. Currently we have 18 gardens that will be taking part, but I expect the final number to be over 20. You can find all the details on the event web page, www.macmillangardentrail.co.uk.

I was extremely pleased to learn our wonderful patron, TV gardener and One Show resident gardening expert Christine Walkden, will be joining me at Driftwood to officially open the trail at 11am on the 23rd so why not join us? You can buy tickets online through both Macmillan Cancer Support and, new this year, through the gardening app, Candide. Full details on the website.

Back in the garden, March may seem early to be watching out for lily beetles, but they often attack fritillaria at this time of year. Later they will attack lily flowers and foliage. Keep your eyes open and squash any red adult beetles and the black larvae you find or they’ll quickly shred the leaves and flowers.

Read more of Geoff’s garden at www.driftwoodbysea.co.uk