Tag: gardens

Posted on

Want to show your garden on TV?

Ooutline TV Productions - Gardens Programme

How does your garden grow?

Outline Productions are a TV Production company and the makers of BBC2’s ‘The Great British Garden Revival’ and are currently making a brand new prime-time TV series which explores Britain’s beautiful private gardens.

Are you a passionate gardener, is your garden your pride & joy, do you want to prove you’ve got the best garden in town?

Well, Outline are casting for people who would like to showcase their stunning, imaginative or unique gardens to the nation, no matter what style, shape or size. Does your garden represent peace and tranquility? Is your garden fit for entertaining? Are you the proud owner of a National Collection? Perhaps it’s a tropical paradise or has an impressive prize winning fruit and veg patch? Outline are looking for people to apply and go head to head in a competition with other garden lovers to compare and critique who has the best garden / gardening skills and hospitality in town.

Outline would like to come to Essex for the first episode and have been identifying highly regarded and pretty villages in the county. They believe our community could be home to keen gardeners with fantastic gardens and are inviting anybody interested to contact them either by:

Posted on

April Crime report

April Crime IncidentsEssex Police - Protecting & Serving Essex - February Crime report

April started  with a burglary after a late flurry of incidents in March and then saw two-vehicle-related crimes…

Burglary in Albany Road

At some time between 4:10 pm on the 4th and 9:30 am on the 5th April unknown suspects gained entry to the house through an insecure rear door.  Once inside they made a tidy search and removed a number of items.

Theft from a Vehicle on A12

At some time between 9pm and 5am overnight on 8th/9th April unknown suspects siphoned a quantity of diesel from a lorry parked on the A12.

Criminal Damage to a vehicle in Chapel Road

At some time on 19th April an unknown suspect threw an egg at a vehicle which, being left on for a length of time before being noticed, caused damage to the paintwork.

Information Releases

Two have come through this month, one on how to deter criminals rather than attract them and another on garden security.

What attracts a criminal?

Without that initial attraction most crimes could be avoided, statistics show that most crimes are opportunist crimes; yes they may go out intending to commit crime but the victim is not yet chosen. So if there is no attraction then you may not become a victim.

What is the attraction?

  • The shed or garage with minimal security and tools visible through the window.
  • A lone person down a dark street talking loudly on their illuminated new I-Phone.
  • The house in darkness with the side gate flapping open, welcoming.
  • That accessible open window or door.
  • The purse sitting in the open handbag on top of the shopping trolley.
  • Group sitting chatting at a bar table with a mobile phone just sitting there on the table.
  • The bag on the back seat of an unattended car, even though the bag may only contain your sports clothes, the thief does not know this until he/she has smashed the window and stolen it.
  • The tradesman’s sign written van parked on the dark drive by the gate with accessible doors and unprotected pipe tube on the roof.
  • The partygoer that’s had too much to drink and is unaware of his/her surroundings.
  • Shiny new ride on lawn mower sitting on the grass in full view of the road with no postcode/security markings visible.

The above is just short list I am sure you can think of more.  What can you do? STOP, think like a thief, spot the attraction and, where possible, remove it.

For Crime Reduction Advice contact – Stephen Armson-Smith, Colchester District Crime Prevention Officer using the police non emergency telephone number 101 then extension 436126.

garden securityGarden Security – Hints & Tips

With the weather steadily improving and with the nights getting longer, it is even more important that your garden is secure from would-be criminals.  Making your garden more secure could prevent an intruder from getting into your home, garage or shed.

Hints and tips for securing your garden:-

  • Installing strong fences or gates will act as a deterrent, preventing intruders getting into your garden.
  • Ideally any gates, fencing, walls and hedges at the front of your house should not be more than 1.2m (4ft) so the front of your property can be seen by passers-by.
  • A standard 1.8m (6ft) wall or fence at the back of your house is sufficient. Increase the height to 2m (6ft 6in) if there is public access on the other side – any higher than this will need planning permission.
  • Trellis fixed to the top of a fence is not only decorative but can provide extra protection as it is difficult to climb over, breaking easily and noisily.
  • If there is an access point to your garden at the side of your house a strong lockable gate will act as a deterrent.
  • Garden gates should be at least the same height and strength as your fencing with hinges securely attached to the gateposts.
  • Fit good quality locks to gates that cannot be reached from over the fence.
  • Remember to always lock your gates.
  • Planting prickly plants or a hedge, such as firethorn, climbing rose or hawthorn, around the perimeter of your garden can be a powerful deterrent.
  • Gravel on paths and driveways can act as an alert to someone coming towards your property.
  • Install dusk to dawn security lighting. The low energy lamp stays on in the dark and switches off when it starts to get light.
  • Secure garden furniture and wheelie bins so they cannot be used to climb on and gain access to upstairs windows.
  • Do not leave ladders lying around – they could be used by thieves to climb into an upstairs window. Keep them locked in a garage/shed or chained to a fixed object.
  • Do not leave tools, gardening equipment or debris lying around in the garden as they could be used to smash windows.
  • Keep your garden neat and tidy so it looks cared for.
  • While working in your garden, make sure doors and windows are locked to stop unwanted visitors.
  • Do not use barbed wire, razor wire or broken glass on walls or fences to protect your property – you could be held legally responsible for any injuries caused.

For further advice contact, please contact:-

Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor:-   Stephen Armson-Smith on tel 101, extn 426127, or  email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

 

Posted on

Gardeners April update

Richard Ford, BBC Gardeners World Display
Richard Ford, BBC Gardeners World Display of Hostas – see below for details of his recent talk

Gardeners April Update – Upcoming events

The West Bergholt Gardeners Association recently advised their 2014/15 programme as follows:

Speakers’ topics  for 2014/2015

  • 15th September – Deborah Hart – Hanging baskets and winter containers.
  • 20th October – Darren Tansley – The mammals of Essex.
  • 17th November – Rob Sherriff – Dahlias
  • 8th December – Ric Staines – Gardeners Question Time,
  • 16th February – Jonathan Jukes – Marks Hall History and Progress.
  • 16th March –  Jeff Harrison – Through the year in a nature photographers garden.
  • 20th April –  Bryan Thurlow – My Perennial Mr.Potter.

Annual plant sale

Our Annual Plant Sale is on 19 May at 7:30pm; some of the funds raised are donated to local charities.   Held at the Orpen Hall, most most interests are catered for with bedding plants, Shrubs, trees and vegetable plants all on sale. Also a gardening Bric a Brac stall for more bargains.

Waddesdon ManorAnnual coach trip

The annual coach trip this year is to Waddesdon Manor, Allesbury, on the 19th June leaving the Orpen Hall at 8.30 am and leaving Waddesdon at 4.30/5.00 pm this wIll allow time to see the house and gardens including the Aviary, water gardens and the extensive wine cellars.  Tickets are available to Members and Non Members £25.00 (Coach and Admission). N.T. Members £12.50.  Subject to £12.50 deposit.   Some tickets available, for more details and booking contact Terry 01206 241256.

Open Gardens

The West Bergholt Open Gardens is on Sunday the 22nd June 13.00-17.00 – 13 local gardens and allotment will be open for viewing. Programme is £4 per person (accompanied children free) available for purchase on the day.  See posters around the village for points of sale.

April Speaker – Richard Ford on Hostas

Members came along to hear Richard Ford talk about his favourite plants—HOSTAS since with his wife Mary he set up Park Green Nurseries in 1983 Hostas being their main speciality.  Their displays have won some 180 Gold Medals, including 7 at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The popularity of Hostas is worldwide, attractive throughout the season.  They are useful garden plants with some newer species having attractive flowers and resistance to slug and snail attack.  One must not forget landscaping and indoor displays where potted plants are extremely attractive features.  It was in the 1800s that Hostas  originated in Japan as part of the daily diet, being eaten presumably as vegetables.  It was the 1950/60s when their popularity became evident in both the U.S.A. and the U.K.  The growth in the U.K.resulting in hostas being in the top ten of our garden plants.

Hostas are best grown in semi-shade or dappled shaded areas – not in deep shade!  The latter particularly if wet, leading to rot and slug and snail damage.  The plants prefer a moist soil and plenty of humus and bonemeal to encourage growth. General slow release fertilizer is best for established plants rich in nitrogen and potash used twice a year.

Propagation is carried out by lifting the plant and cutting straight through from the centre with a sharp knife.There are 50 species and some 10,000 cultivated varieties, some having the advantage of thicker leaves and more upright growth tolerating open positions and given some sun will bear flowers.  They will also be less attractive to slugs and snails.  However steps should be taken to control vine weevil and hosta virus.

An interesting talk well received by the Members who were able to purchase specimens from a well stocked plant table.

Posted on

Gardeners’ Spring & Summer Update

Recent talks

Woodland TrustThe West Bergholt Gardeners Association report that they ended 2013 with interesting talks by Sally Hepher on the Woodland Trust and Barry Kaumann-Wright on his former occupation of Wildlife Crime Officer with Essex Police.

Sally Hepher’s talk illustrated the value of the Woodland Trust in creating new woodland, restoring old woods and in particular protecting ancient woodlands from the pressure of todays road, rail and housing developments. It was becoming increasingly important to retain woodland to save endangered species and their habitats for future generations.The talk was well appreciated by the Members and it is more than likely that she will be asked to return to give a further talk on one of her varied interests.

Badger cubsBarry Kaufmann-Wright described the ongoing work aimed to protect our wildlife population from both man and machine. He talked of the protective works which had been carried out to save several species.  He referred in particular to his knowledge of both newts and badgers, the former still threatened by new developments and the latter from man and illegal baiting. In all an interesting as well as an educative talk.

2014 Spring & Summer Programme

So we embark upon a new year, full of sunshine(?) and gardening promise. It is hoped that the program for the next six months will encourage people to come along to one of our meetings and participate in our outings – you may well like to join the Association.

  • 17 February   Eddy Harris    Looking for plants in South Africa
  • 17 March    Geoff Hodge      Luscious Lawns – Lawn Care
  • 14 April     Richard Ford     Hostas
  • 19 May       PLANT SALE – all proceeds to Charity
  • 19 June     Day Trip        Waddesdon Manor
    (Includes House, Gardens and Aviary, Woodland also Shops, Restaurants & Wine Cellars).

We welcome new members and anyone that may be interested in either joining the Club or participating in our summer outing should telephone 01206 241256 or email at [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

Tom Souter (Publicity)

Posted on

Gardeners AGM & Programme of Events

Gardeners Association is RHS AffiliatedThe West Bergholt Gardeners Association have released details of their 2013/2014 meeting programme.  This starts with their AGM which is to be held on 16th September.  The programme is:

  • 16 September   –  Thady Barrett   –  Selecting the right fruit for your garden.
  • 14 October   –  Eddy Harris   –  Introduction to cacti and succulents.
  • 18 November   –  Sally Hepher   –  Woodland Trust.
  • 09 December   –  Barry Kaufmann-Wright   –  Role of Wildlife Crime Officer.
  • 17 February   –  Eddy Harris   –  Looking for plants in South Africa.
  • 17 March   –  Geoff Hodge   –  Luscious Lawns – Lawn care for perfect lawns.
  • 14 April   –  Richard Ford   –  Hostas.
  • 19 April   –  Annual Plant Sale.
  • June    –   Member’s Open Garden Evening.
  • July   –   Coach trip.

For further information, please check out their webpage at https://westbergholt-pc.gov.uk/village-life/clubs/gardeners/ or contact the Treasurer on 01206 241256 – [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

Posted on

Art for a good cause and Gardens update

For those who enjoy their gardening this news update will be of interest, also to those who are keen to show their artistic side.

Little Bentley Waterways & Gardens

This annual show, which runs from 1st June, is one of the largest annual garden shows in east Anglia, regularly seeing over 8,000 visitors.  This year, there is an opportunity for your artwork to help raise funds for a local charitable organization.  Austin Hicks explains:

The Rotary Club of Colchester Centurion has been invited to run a fundraiser at The Little Bentley Waterways and Garden Show on the weekend of 1st & 2nd June. We are calling it ‘Art on the Run’ and we are hoping to collect 400 pieces of original Art and, in return for a donation of £10.00, visitors will pick a ticket and be guaranteed a piece of art. Funds raised will be donated to Rotary charities, particularly East Anglian Children’s Hospice (EACH).

We are interpreting the word ‘art’ in its widest sense – paintings or drawings, sculptures, photographs, pottery, wood carvings, embroidery or tapestry, quilting or any other item that can be admired for its creativity. Anything original or limited editions would be much appreciated.

For more information about the Garden Show please go to http://www.littlebentley.net.

We are well on our way to the 400 items but time is getting short.  If you feel you can help, please contact [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]

West Bergholt Gardeners Association – Annual Plant Show

This ever popular event is taking place this year at 7.30pm on Monday 20 May  2013 at the Orpen Hall, West Bergholt.

There will be a large selection of plants at reasonable prices as well as a Garden-related bric-a brac stall.

Payment is by Cash or Cheque ONLY.   Enquires to  01206 855450 or 242124

 

Posted on

All Gardeners’ Alert! Plant Sale 21st May

Come along at 7.30pm on 21st May to the Orpen Memorial Hall to bag the bargains from selections of bedding; fruit and vegetables; perennials and shrubs.  And not forgetting the bric-à-brac stall offering a host of second-hand goodies for your garden.   Entry is free and everyone’s welcome.

If you enjoy a day out visiting gardens of special renown; why not join us on our coach trip to Hatfield House, Park and Gardens on Wednesday 23 May.

We have seats still available for this visit, departing the Orpen Hall at 9.30am and leaving the venue at 4.30pm. Inclusive cost – £27 if you’re a non-member. Contact Terry 01206 242124 or Valerie 01206 855450 to book.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
Posted on

Flower shows and Autumn

‘Around the Flower Shows’ was this month’s speaker topic at the West Bergholt Gardeners Association meeting when Richard Ford delighted his audience with an informative account of 28 years’ experiences of both exhibiting and visiting national and county shows.

RHS Hyde Hall

‘A Taste of Autumn’ was the theme for last weekend’s coach trip to RHS Hyde Hall by thirty-five members. A celebration of everything that is autumn was on offer – wonderful colours in the garden, fresh fruit and vegetables and traditional country crafts. The sweeping panoramas beneath big open skies gave way to an eclectic range of inspirational horticultural styles from traditional to modern.

‘United Women’

Visitors were delighted by a ‘mystery in stone’ sculpture exhibition. Displays punctuated the gardens, adding interest and fascination. Left – ‘United Women’ by Washington Musonza representing the importance of coming together.

The Association’s next meeting will be on Monday 21 November with speaker Roger Harvey presenting on ‘Hellebores in the Winter Garden’.

For further enquires on the Association please contact: [email protected] or [email protected] tel 01206 242124.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
Posted on

Gardening – Beeleigh Update

Beeleigh Abbey Gardens

An historical and peaceful retreat of three acres of riverside gardens in a delightful setting dating from the 13th century was enjoyed by 32 members of teh west Bergholt Gardeners Association on their July evening visit to Beeleigh Abbey Gardens, Maldon.  The original abbey was founded in 1180 for white robed canons of the strict Premonstratensian order.  The energetic commitment to Beeleigh by the owners and their staff was reflected in the splendid show of English old roses; mixed borders; cottage garden; wild flower meadow; river walk; vegetable and fruit production and water features.

Interested in visiting the gardens? They are next open on 8 & 22 July; 5 & 19 August and 2 & 30 September 10.30am to 4.30pm – entry £4. Refreshments available/ free parking. Information available on http://visitmaldon.co.uk/beeleigh-abbey/ – telephone: 07779 223321.

For details on the Gardener’s Association’s meetings and outings contact Valerie Lofthouse, Chair: tel. 01206 855450 – [email protected] or Terry Claydon, Treasurer: tel. 01206 242124 – [email protected].

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
Skip to content