I’ve got lots of beautiful sea kale emerging from the gravel beds at both the front and back of the house.

Crambe maritima, to give it the proper name, is a herbaceous perennial growing up to 75cm. On top of being a robust and lovely plant for the garden, it is edible, too. Glaucous mounds can often be spotted growing on shingle beaches – we have lots on Tide Mills, opposite the house.

In early summer, clusters of white honey-scented flowers appear that attract a range of pollinating insects. The very young leaves and stems can be eaten raw or steamed. It’s also a great addition to gravel and coastal gardens, where it will combine beautifully with plants like sea thrift and kniphofia. For best results, grow in full sun or partial shade in deep, fertile, well-drained soil and cut back in autumn.

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This Easter weekend, why not venture over to Winchelsea and see the wonderful, six secret gardens opening as part of the trail for the National Garden Scheme. The collection opens from 1pm to 5.30pm and entry is £5 with children free. Visitors will see many different styles, large, small, lots of spring bulbs, tulips and roses, all in the beautiful setting of the Cinque Port of Winchelsea.

Home-made teas will be served in Winchelsea New Hall so make a day of it and explore the town too.

The two flowers I most associate with Easter are the daffodil and the tulip, both of which symbolise spring and new life too. There is so much frightening news at the moment from abroad that we need something to distract us and flowers and gardens quite clearly meet that bill for me. I’ve got quite a few of both blooming in my garden this weekend. I didn’t get the chance to plant any additional ones last autumn so am relying on ones planted several years ago – they are still managing to dazzle.

This year I am going for more drought tolerant plants in the revamped garden. Geraniums fit that bill perfectly and next month I’ll be collecting over 100 I have ordered from a local nursery.

I’ve also ordered two new ones from an online supplier. They are billed as a sensational, new introduction. Geranium “Tall Dark and Handsome Hot Pink” is the perfect focal point for beds, borders and containers. Dazzling, bright pink flowers create an eye-popping contrast with its dark foliage. You can train its long stems on to an obelisk or trellis for a magnificent vertical display. I’m looking forward to receiving it and planting up in the garden.

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