 At the end of July, a large area of Minsmere's rare heathland habitat near Dunwich, so important to many species, was destroyed by fire. It will take years to return it to its full glory, but the RSPB are determined to achieve this.
We are supporting their appeal with a donation from our sales of heaths and heathers this autumn going towards restoration of the heathland. Callunas (heathers) and Ericas (heaths!) make fantastic garden plants, and thrive in the light sandy soils of east Suffolk. They are particularly useful from autumn through to spring, bringing colour to beds and containers, and providing food for nectar-loving insects. All are drought-tolerant and low maintenance, so there are lots of reasons to add them to your garden now! The Callunas will need acid conditions (or suitable ericaceous compost) but the Ericas will tolerate a wider range of alkaline or heavier soils. Fun and games afoot in Newbourne this weekend with the village's first Scarecrow event.
Pop into the nursery to meet our new helpers! Mabel, Mick & Sukie and 'Legs' are in the carpark to welcome you, while you'll find 2 more inside! An after-hours event at the nursery always has a special feel to it, none more so when we welcomed a group of dedicated gardeners and plant-lovers this week to celebrate St Elizabeth Hospice's 2026 Great Garden Trail. As plant partners again to this crucial fundraising programme, Katie's Garden has donated hundreds of plants and provided plant stalls throughout this year's calendar of openings which are now drawing to a close. As is becoming tradition we invited all those who shared their gardens to Newbourne for a nursery tour and private shopping while the Hospice community fundraising team laid on delicious cakes and refreshments. We were also grateful to be able to add our thanks to the Hospice volunteers who transport, display and sell our plants at key venues. We look forward to hearing the final amount raised this year, rumoured to be a record-breaker!  Katie's Garden was on national radio today, as owner Susie Davis spoke about the impact of repeated heatwaves, droughts and now hosepipe bans on plants, nurseries and customers.
Special mention was made of nursery staff too with the Katie's Garden team cited for their resilience and much appreciated cheerfulness during the challenging weather! |
