The spring bulbs have been planted in Sardis. This year, in addition to the usual daffodils and tulips, volunteers have planted hyacinths bulbs and little crocus corms.

Some of the things that are planted with great enthusiasm fail to come up and it appears that the bulbs, in particular tulips and crocus, are providing food for animals such as mice and squirrels. It is always a nice surprise to see which plants have survived the winter weather and the hungry little creatures. Volunteers are gardeners and optimists, so always believe that everything planted will flourish.

This year, to mark the centenary of the First World War, poppy seeds were planted. There are always poppies flowering in summer somewhere in Sardis and in the most unexpected places. This year, volunteers scattered seeds of the Flanders Poppy. The tall rich red flowers, with a black cross in the centre, bloomed for weeks next to the post box.

Sardis was most fortunate during the summer to receive the sponsorship of Tenby and District Lions. The Lions provided funds for volunteers to buy a petrol hedge cutter, some bulbs for spring planting and extra help with the watering.

It is difficult to remember the long warm sunny days of last summer, when there was no rain for a month. Watering was by using 14 watering cans, filled and emptied many times, several times a week. Much as the 'waterers' loved the sun, some were heard to express a wish for rain (at night only, or course).

Sardis Parks and Gardens has received a bequest from a resident in memory of her dad who died recently and had often walked in the village with a little dog, Lucky. Floral boxes have been planted with daffodils in memory of Mr. Mabbett and will give pleasure to many people in the spring. This is a grand thought and the first time a donation like this has been made.

As ever, volunteers are grateful to all the kind people who pass the time of day when passing through Sardis, and who take time to enjoy and appreciate the work put in to make the village a pleasant place. Volunteers do all sorts of jobs, such as clearing grass under seats, mending tools (including the wheel barrow) and making cups of tea for tired people. It is not just planting, mowing and dead-heading the flowers, there are many jobs to be done, and if you feel so inclined, please come and join in.

There is a regular litter pick and Keep Wales Tidy offer support each year by helping with the cost of insurance. This is important because this is the biggest single outlay of the village scheme.

Sardis Parks and Gardens also has the support of ranger Haydn Garlick, of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and the Hean Castle Estate volunteers are grateful for their help and ongoing interest.