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Category: Gardening

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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)

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Open Gardens 2014 – have you a garden to be proud of?

Your village needs you - call for open gardensThe West Bergholt Gardeners Association are looking for gardeners in the village willing to take part in an Open Garden Day in June 2014.  The organizer, David Withnall, is looking for interested parties to contact him as soon as possible but preferably before March 2014.

The Association will consider all types of gardens whether big/small, formal/wild – if it is a garden you are proud of and willing to share they would be pleased consider its inclusion in the programme.

If you would like more information about the Open Garden day and how you can help, please contact David Withnall on [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”] or 07854 763977.

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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]”].

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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

 

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Trees for Years – Free Trees

Colchester's Green Spaces logoTrees for Years Initiative – Free Trees for Residents

Saturday 2nd February 2013

The 7th Trees for Years Initiative sponsored by OfficeIS will be held at Rowan House Council Offices Car Park off Sheepen Road between 10am -1pm.

Free trees will be given away to Borough Residents, Community Groups, Schools and Parish Council’s.  Residents can collect up to 3 plants per household and up to 20 per community group, School and Parish Council.

The following species will be available:

  • Raspberry canes
  • Blackcurrant canes
  • Gooseberry bush
  • Blackberry root
  • Acer campestre – Field Maple
  • Prunus padus – Bird Cherry
  • Betula pendula – Silver Birch
  • Corylus avellana – Hazel cob nut
  • Cornus alba ‘Siberica’ – Red Stem dogwood
  • Cornus stolonifera ‘Flaviramea’ – Yellow stem Dogwood

2013 bare root trees/fruit bushes will be available on a first come first serve basis:

  • Trees must be planted on private property and postcodes will be recorded to monitor the distribution.
  • Cultivation guidance will be available so that trees can be selected, taking into account the ultimate size and form of mature trees.
  • Remember to bring a large bag to put your trees in.

Please telephone 01206 282903 or visit www.colchester.gov.uk and follow the links to see more information on the Trees for Years Initiative

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Allotment Updates

Since the article about vacant Allotment plots in the September Bulletin a number of people have shown an interest in obtaining a plot and in particular the smaller 5 rod plots. At the same time it has become apparent that some of those showing interest are younger residents of the village who have enthusiasm but limited experience of growing vegetables. The Allotment Committee is keen to support such new plot holders and is proposing to introduce a “buddy” scheme whereby those who feel they need advice and help can be paired up with an established and experienced plot holder. We already have one example of this arrangement working well. If interested you can contact Terry Claydon on 01206 242124 or Email [email protected].

Please also check our webpage for updates on November bonfire date and also availbilty of horse manure to allotment holders.

Harry Stone (Chairman of Allotment Committee)

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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From Wrest Park to Plant Magic – Gardeners Association update

Enjoy visiting gardens and parks …… then come and join us on our coach trip to English Heritage’s Wrest Park, near Luton, Bedfordshire on Thursday 19 July and enjoy miles of reinstated historic pathways, pavilion and statues.  We now have a few seats available for this day out, departing Orpen Hall at 9.30am and leaving the venue at 4.30pm.  Inclusive cost is £18 members; £20 visitors.  Telephone 01206 855450 or 242124 to book.

Our next speaker meeting and AGM will be on 17 September at 7.30pm in the Orpen Hall. Ben Potterton will talk on ‘Perennials for late Summer Colour’. Our programme continues as follows:

15 October Garden Maintenance – Tom Cole
19 November Small Trees for Small Gardens – Graeme Proctor (buffet supper)
10 December Modern Day Conservatory Plants – Barry Gayton
18 February The Magic of Plants – Ric Staines
15 March Climbers, Creepers and Crawlers – Michael Warren
15 April Sir Cedric Morris Iris Breeder – Sarah Cook
20 May Annual Plant Sale

New members and visitors always welcome.  Annual subscription is £10; visitor entry £3.  If you require information on our organisation please contact Valerie Lofthouse on 01206 855450 or [email protected].

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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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
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‘Hardy Bulbs throughout the Year’…

… Frances Mount’s topic at  the West Bergholt Gardener’s Association meeting at 7.30pm on Monday 16th April in the Orpen Memorial Hall.

VISITORS (£3 entry) ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT THESE MEETINGS
Come and join the Association on their organised trips, all departing from the Orpen Hall.
  • Wednesday 23 May  HATFIELD HOUSE, WEST GARDEN & PARK
  • Sunday 3 June  WRITTLE COLLEGE GARDENS
  • Thursday 19 July WREST PARK, LUTON, BEDFORDSHIRE
Announced previously on this news-feed.
For further details and bookings, contact WBGA Treasurer, 44 Pirie Road, West Bergholt  CO6 3TA  Tel: 01206 242124 – [email protected]
This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net