Now that the clocks have gone forward an hour and daffodils and sunshine have encouraged thoughts of a long summer ahead the gardeners amongst us have been spending more time outdoors.

For the enthusiasts the Llanthony and District Garden club has lots of activities and events planned for the coming months.

On Monday May 12 Neil Macdonald of MacDonald's garden centre, has agreed to come and talk about the garden centre and topical subjects such as growing vegetables.

As ever the meetings are in Cwmyoy Hall at 8pm. There will also be a plant sale and plant swop. For further information please contact Sue Torkington on 01873 890045.

The Club is also arranging summer visits to Hestercombe Gardens, Somerset on Monday June 2; Kyre Park,Worcestershire on Tuesday July 1 and How Caple Court Gardens, Herefordshire on August 4, 2008. For further information on these visits please contact Carol Prosser (Treasurer) on 01873 890207.

Other dates for your diary are the three National Garden Scheme open garden events this year which the Garden Club will be supporting. Six local gardens will be open to visitors. These are: Sunday May 18 (2-6) Margaret Underwood, The Orchids, Govilon: Sunday June 15 (10.30-4.30) Yvonne and John O'Neil (Mione), Linda and Geoff Walsh (Mynydd Ardrem) and Jim Keates (Perth-y-crwn) and Sunday August 31 (10.30-5.00) Sue and Ian Mabberley (Nant-y-Bedd) and Lord and Lady Crickhowell (Pont Esgob Mill). Further information about these events can be found in the NGS yellow book.