SouthseaScene

The Southsea Rose Garden is really a beautiful oasis to sit and smell the roses. This spring has been particularly beautiful and so we went for a visit to take some photographs of the roses for your viewing pleasure. When you get the chance, do give it a visit.

My latest National Trust magazine has just arrived, full of information on the various properties and activities they are offering this summer. Here are my favourites for the ones near us The Great British Dog Walk (really?) at New Forest Commons Sunday 21 May, 11 am to 4.30 pm Fun for the family promised with adult tickets costing £10, available from 01844 348101 Family trail at Hinton Ampner Saturday 27 May - Sunday 4 June, 10 am to 5 pm Explore the grounds during the half-term holiday Suggested donation of £1 Rose season at Mottisfont Throughout June The roses will be in full bloom and there will be free talks with the gardeners at 2 pm daily Feast Festival at Waddesdon Manor 17-18 June, 10 am to 5 pm Experience music, dance and interactive theatrical performances while enjoying fabulous food and drink. Entry £5 for adults and £2.50 for children 30-hour record Millathon at Winchester Mill 17-18 June, 10 am to 4 pm Watch the millers attempt a new record of...

Today turned out to be so hot, I was completely overdressed in my spring coat. The air was still and dry. It feels like it's finally time to dust off the barbeque. I had left work early to go to Robert Dyas to buy some hanging baskets and was looking forward to spending the evening gardening. Alas, when I put down my chopsticks at the end of the dinner, I noticed the pitter-patter of rain on the conservatory roof. No gardening tonight. Such is the unpredictability of spring weather!

Here's a copy of my article that appears in this month's Portsmouth View: Thinking of May always brings up images of the Maypole and country fete. St Mary’s Church May Fayre is one of my favourites. May is a good time to check out the farmers market offering local produce in abundance. In Southsea we are fortunate to have the monthly market on Palmerston Road. The farmers markets are complimented by the Love Southsea Markets which features many local crafts and artists. Have you tried a bar of ‘lemon soul’ soap by Southsea Bathing Hut? When the farmers market is not here, visit the Southsea Greenhouse located near Canoe Lake. It is a community garden built on a piece of derelict land. You can volunteer to do gardening activities such as planting, digging or pottering. You can also donate or barter produce from your garden with the Southsea Greenhouse. As the weather becomes warmer, it is also a good month for enjoying the many cafes in Southsea. Sit back, relax,...