Thank you to everyone who came and supported our Seedy Saturday event on 7th February. There was a wonderful atmosphere in the Scout Hall and despite the miserable weather, we reckon over 250 people from near and far came to swap and pick up seeds, share gardening stories and enjoy a chat over tea and cake.

We raised just under £900 after expenses for Society funds which was a tremendous result, and will help put on all our events this year. At Critter’s Corner, we handed out 80 goody bags and also launched our 2026 children’s competition for the Tallest Sunflower, which culminates at the Summer Show on Saturday 18th July, with the young winner receiving a cup.

We are planning to hold a children’s sunflower seed sowing event during the Easter holidays, to get everyone started in the competition - look out for more details soon.

Annual General Meeting

Tuesday 17th March

On Tuesday 17th March, we will hold our AGM at Colkins Mill Church. Doors open at 7.00 pm; please allow extra time in order to join or renew your membership. Join us in a glass of wine or soft drink and some nibbles beforehand! The AGM begins at 7.30pm, and will last approximately half an hour.

Below is a summary of our 2025/6 accounts

Nominations for the 2026 committee are still open; if you would like to become more involved and appreciate our open and informal approach to running the Society, please don’t hesitate to approach any existing member of the committee or email chair@mayfieldhorticulturalsociety.org.uk. You absolutely do not need to be a gardening expert, just willing to lend a hand in our programme of events throughout the year!

We are recommending that everyone set up an open-ended standing order dated 1st March with their bank for subscriptions this year, so that we receive funds in a timely manner; we are keeping the membership fee to a very reasonable £7.50 again this year. A standing order can be cancelled at any time. Our bank details are:

Sort code 20-88-13, account number 10685259, account name Mayfield Horticultural & Gardeners Association. You can still pay by cash at the AGM if you wish.

The AGM will be followed by a talk from Dr Richard Claxton on Gardening 4 Health at 8.00 pm.

As a GP and gardener, Richard had long been aware of the benefits of gardening for his own well-being, but more importantly for that of his patients. The aim of the charity he set up, Gardening for Health, is to roll out the availability of Therapeutic Horticulture throughout the UK via a database of local enterprises. Richard has also recently been appointed as the new CEO for the National Garden Scheme, a nationwide charitable organisation supporting many charities, including nursing and caring charities.

Dates for the diary

Tuesday 21 April: Chris Brown – Designer of the acclaimed Highlands Garden near Uckfield “A Year in the Garden with the Sussex Planthunter” Colkins Mill Church, 7.30 for an 8.00 pm start

Saturday 9th May: Plant Sale, 9.00 until 11.00am, Five Ashes Village Hall. Please note the change of venue, as the Memorial Hall car park will no longer be available because of the building project which will have started there.

Lots to do in the garden in March, cutting back, mulching and sowing seeds, but please find a few moments to enjoy Spring as well!