Netherfield

MOBILE LIBRARY: The converted transportation carrier with its welcoming name emblazoned across its familiar painted facade, arrived at the usual time near the Netherfield Village green. People were there with books in hand to welcome this regular occurrence. Having spent their time in the previous three weeks being whisked away to a world of fantasy, intrigue or fact, they were ready once again to make a selection and repeat this regular idyll.

For the children there is also the Big Family Read which is an event throughout the summer. Pop into any East Sussex library today which includes the mobile one at Netherfield and sign up to the challenge. As long as your children leave themselves enough time to read six books throughout the summer holidays then they can sign up any time before September 10. Ask Ella about the Big Friendly Read web pages to find out more. So, in case you haven’t guessed it yet, and the title of this article should give you a clue, the Library Lorry is visiting us once again on August 9. It will open its door to young and not so young. Well I am one of the latter myself, hence the reference. Novels, factual and children’s books are all available inside with Ella there to help if needs be. It is on station between 1pm and 1.20pm outside the Netherfield Shop. So come along and pick a winner.

REFLECTIONS ON A GARDEN: As I look out on my garden on this wet Tuesday morning (I have to write this blog four days before you see it in the paper) everything has that wet look about it, so common on macs in the swingin’ sixties. A profusion of vibrant colour still identifies the beds, as the flowers vie with each other to grow the tallest. The first vestiges of the Buddleja blooms are beginning to adorn the tops of the stems. Pink and light blue cones of wonderment will begin to entice bees, birds, butterflies and other insects to land on their delicate blossoms and reap their rich harvest. This shrub is sometimes known as the Butterfly Bush, which as you might imagine, is with good reason. Ours are currently at the manageable stage as they can grow to 20 feet. Whilst the thought of seeing something of that magnitude would be magnificent in the right setting it would overwhelm our garden.

Our sedums too are ready to bloom. Their pale green stems and overgrown cauliflower type heads containing the start of the flowers, provide many blocks of colour across the garden. They thrive in virtually any conditions and just appear every year in greater profusion than the one before.

Having taken shears to the geraniums a while ago as they lay spent and exhausted from their first flowering the green leaves have once again arrived to cover the stumps left by our hack-back. This means that the pinks and blues of this most resilient of plants will soon re-adorn our beds.

The pond is still providing us with water lily flowers in white, white and orange, pink and a vibrant red. Nestling on top of a dark green leaf the contrast is striking yet calming as we sit watching the mayflies still going about their business. On Sunday we saw our first dragonfly as it started its earnest quest for a mate. They are like colourful drones charging one way, then immediately turning to dart the other. Their bulbous head eyeing you like a winged alien as they seem to size you up as a potential meal, god forbid, or a mate. Even worse methinks.

More next week....

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