Last year, we were plagued by a high wind on Gadabout Saturday; this year, it was a perfect, hot June Saturday, requiring water, shade, sun screen and hats. But at first, nobody came …

We chatted, watered a bit, cleared a few leaves and reorganised papers: a nice bit of down time. And then suddenly, from 2pm onwards, visitors started arriving. We had over 20 who signed our visitors’ book, all with really positive comments.

Our edible growing plot still surprises and delights – we’ve perhaps got a bit jaded with the challenges of keeping the watering going and fighting aphids – but visitors comment on how inspiring it is to see what can be done in a such a small space.

People commented on how wonderful it is to see the diversity of gardens in our area: beautiful extensive herbaceous borders in one, quirky pink steps in another, huge bamboo growing in yet another – and our tiny area of six raised beds.

The Gadabout goes on this next weekend: Saturday June 28th and Sunday June 29th. We were delighted to be a small part of it and to help raise funds for The Sussex Beacon.