Geoff Stonebanks

Geoff Stonebanks reflects on a quieter but successful garden-opening season and recommends an upcoming National Garden Scheme open garden in Brighton. He highlights the summer performance of oleanders, while warning that every part of the plant is highly poisonous to people and pets. Catmint is praised for its blue flowers, wildlife value and usefulness as a cut flower, while Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' is recommended for its changing flower colours and suitability for fresh or dried displays. The column also recalls a long-standing family fuchsia, 'Empress of Prussia', which has flowered well in the summer.

Several gardens in Seaford will open for the National Garden Scheme, with combined entry tickets available and dogs allowed. The author highlights features of his own Driftwood garden, describing key plants and their appeal, and notes additional local garden‑related events including the Moulsecoomb Forest Garden open day. The piece encourages community engagement and visiting local gardens while offering brief horticultural insights.