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Category: Gardening

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Day 102 of (floral) Lockdown – the ‘Open Gardens’ edition

Open Gardens Collage 4

Day 102 of (floral) Lockdown

On Day 102 of lockdown we have two floral stories, Open Gardens 2020 and a giant Echium.  In other news, two shorts:

  • New plye equipmentFollowing the recent announcement by the Prime Minster, the lockdown restrictions will be eased further with effect from 4th July.  There will be more venues opening, including playgrounds for children, & pubs/beer gardens for adults, but the main guidance remains.  The rules for social distancing are now set at 2m OR 1m with additional precautionary measures (e.g. face masks, being side-by-side etc…).
    You can read the full guidance here.  This guidance sets out the principles you should follow to ensure that time spent with others outside your home is as safe as possible. If you are clinically vulnerable or extremely vulnerable, you should follow the guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people and you can also get support..
  • The Lorkin Daniell Playground will not reopen tomorrow, as it had been hoped, but is expected to reopen next weekend (weather permitting) once installation of new swings has been completed.

Oh, and this update wouldn’t be complete without Terry Wogan!

West Bergholt Open Gardens 2020

The West Bergholt Open Gardens has been a biennial event since 2014 and raised thousands of pounds for local charities. This year it had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the plan is it will return next year. We would like to share a few photos of the gardens that were due to open on 28th June, and hope you find them uplifting Continue reading “Day 102 of (floral) Lockdown – the ‘Open Gardens’ edition”

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Day 100 of (flexible) Lockdown – the ‘Ton-up’ edition

Art Week

100Day 100 of (flexible) Lockdown

On Day 100 of lockdown Colchester Borough Council looks at launching a Garden Club.  Meanwhile not to be outdone, Essex are launching:

… and we end with a bit of fun

Another news short – Colchester Zoo will be opening indoor & play areas from Saturday 4th July.

Brown wheelie binNew Garden Waste Options

Proposals for a new options-based garden waste service are being published by Colchester Borough Council.  Councillors will Continue reading “Day 100 of (flexible) Lockdown – the ‘Ton-up’ edition”

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Day 77 of (where is) Lockdown – the Gardeners edition

Day 77 of (wherNational Garden Schemee is?) Lockdown

On day 77 we start off with items of interest to gardeners and then quite a few more news items:

National Garden Scheme reopens

The National Garden Scheme has just started opening gardens.  You have to book a timed entry online (and pay Continue reading “Day 77 of (where is) Lockdown – the Gardeners edition”

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Day 58 of (is it?) Lockdown – the Life in Lockdown edition

Life in Lockdown

Life in LockdownDay 58 of (is it?) Lockdown

On day 58 we get the chance to finish what we started on day 57;  the Essex Life in Lockdown article inviting you to share your lockdown story. After that:

The People of Essex – share your stories

The Research and Citizen Insight team at Essex County Council are reaching out to residents of Essex to hear their experiences and share stories of what it has been like for you during this extremely challenging time. How has COVID-19 and the lockdown has impacted your life, how you’ve been getting on, how you have managed to stay connected with friends, family and your community and how you’ve been feeling throughout the lockdown period? Continue reading “Day 58 of (is it?) Lockdown – the Life in Lockdown edition”

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Gardeners’ Summer Visits

Summer visits to Shrubs farmGardeners’ Summer Visits

The Gardeners’ summer visits this year started after their 2018/19 programme of talks came to a conclusion.  They were particularly happy that the weather remained on their side.

Shrubs Farm

In June, a group went on a self-drive trip to Shrubs Farm in Lamarsh, a garden in the National Garden Scheme.  The owners, Robert & Sara Erith have lived at the farm since 1966.  The farm has superb views over the Stour Valley.  Members were given an entertaining and informative tour of the garden, parkland and ancient woodland by the owner.  Robert explained the planning and ethos behind the beautiful planting and vistas.

Continue reading “Gardeners’ Summer Visits”
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Trees for Years 2019

Red Stem Dogwood, available in Trees for Years 2016

Trees for Years 2019

Colchester Borough Council is giving residents and groups who’d like to green-up their gardens a helping hand, with its annual ‘Trees for Years’ giveaway on Saturday, 2 February.  Turn up at Rowan House, 33 Sheepen Road between 10 am – 1 pm and you can take home up to 3 plants per resident (or 15 per school/community group or parish council).  Arrive Continue reading “Trees for Years 2019”

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Wild Flowers of Essex

Dr Chris Gibson talking to WB Gardeners

Dr Chris Gibson talking to WB GardenersWild Flowers of Essex

West Bergholt Gardeners recently enjoyed an interesting talk by Dr. Chris Gibson about “Wild Flowers of Essex”.  Chris drew on his 30+ year career as a nature conservationist, working to preserve Essex wildlife and landscapes.  The Gardeners learnt about the large areas of ancient woodland around the county (which includes Hillhouse Wood) and the flowers and plants which flourish there.

Threats to Wild Flowers

Continue reading “Wild Flowers of Essex”

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Open Gardens 2018

Open Gardens 2018Open Gardens 2018

The Open Gardens 2018 event is on 1st July with over 20 gardens (see below) and the allotments being open from 11 am to 5.30 pm.  Some gardens and the church halls will be selling refreshments and there will be local artists exhibiting.  Morris Dancers will perform at two gardens and “Quire” will be singing songs from around the world at Continue reading “Open Gardens 2018”