IT might only be February but Seaford’s gardening guru says now is the time to consider your gardening plans for the summer.

This year sees the 8th annual Macmillan Coastal Garden Trail take place along the coast between Brighton and Seaford.

Organiser Geoff Stonebanks said: “We already have four signed up in Brighton, one in Woodingdean, three in Saltdean, three in Peacehaven, one in Newhaven, three in Seaford and one in Alfriston.

“Last summer, more than 20 private garden owners took the leap of faith and opened their gates to visitors.

“The net result of their efforts meant that I was able to hand over £12,500 to Macmillan Cancer Support last autumn.

“All this money went directly to the Macmillan Horizon Centre in Brighton, which celebrated its second birthday last November.”

Figures published by Macmillan showed a 26 per cent increase on numbers of cancer sufferers supported by the centre in its second year.

This support covers a wide range of subjects, including complementary therapies, counselling, psychological therapies and helping with welfare benefits.

Geoff said: “Just think how you could help support this amazing charity by agreeing to open your garden this summer.

“You don’t need an immaculate or pristine plot.

“You just need to be an enthusiastic gardener, happy to talk about your garden to visitors and if you fancy serving tea and cakes that’s a real bonus.

“This years’ trail takes place on the weekend of the July 27 and 28 between the hours of 11am and 5pm on both days.

“The trail’s patron, TV Gardener Christine Walkden will be in Sussex to officially open the event at 11am on the 27th.

“She will visit my garden, Driftwood and cut the ribbon.

“There are currently 16 gardens scheduled to open, four of them totally brand new for 2019.”

Go to www.macmillangardentrail.co.uk to find out more.

Would you like to open your garden for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2019?

If so, contact Geoff at geoffstonebanks@gmail.com or call him on 01323 899296 to discuss your ideas.

Geoff’s garden, Driftwood has appeared on BBC2 Gardeners’ World, was a finalist in Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Small Space and

a finalist in Lewes District Business Awards 2018 as “The Tourist Destination of the Year”.