GARDENING

HARVESTING FRUIT

By Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group

I quite enjoy harvesting fruit at this time of year and especially if it’s from the wild, or at least not from tame parts of the garden or countryside.

CASTLE GARDENS

New Road, Sherborne DT9 5NR

Tel: 01935 814633

BRIMSMORE GARDENS

Tintinhull Road, Yeovil BA21 3NU

Tel: 01935 411000

POUNDBURY GARDENS

Peverell Avenue, Poundbury DT1 3RT

Tel: 01305 257250 www.thegardensgroup.co.uk

We used to call it ‘scrumping’ in Devon and, after school, waiting for the bus, we would head to a large crab apple tree which overhung the school yard. It may have been just a wild tree, but on looking back, it could well have been the variety John Downie, as the fruit was quite large and we managed to eat them without too many after effects!

We were in Yorkshire a few weeks ago and went bilberry picking on the moors (known by Devonians as whortleberries). Bilberries are a relative of the blueberry but much smaller, so it’s dedicated work but the resulting pie was magnificent.

Back home the blackberries were just starting to ripen and although there were then no home-grown apples ready, it won’t be long before an old Bramley apple tree will begin to be productive and the classic combination – hopefully as a crumble – will be possible.

Elsewhere we have a number of old plum and damson varieties dotted around. These are probably growing from the rootstock of some longlost variety, but are all still consistently productive. This is especially surprising this year, as when the blossom was out in the spring, conditions were very cold and wet and not at all conducive to pollinating insects. However, the crops are abundant, and, at the time of writing, the fruit is ripening steadily meaning that we should get to use most of the fruit… and with wasps being in low numbers we won’t be competing with those fellas for once. (By the way I am a fan of the wasp which isn’t something you often hear. They are an amazing friend in the garden, tackling all kinds of insect pests, and it’s only later in the summer that they become pesky to us.)

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In the garden we have an old Myrobalan plum which usually produces masses of flower and then thousands of tiny fruits. These are not to be eaten from the tree even when fully ripe, but they make a great, if sour, sauce. This tree must have been affected by the poor weather when in flower as there is very little fruit this year. Whereas this is a shame for me, it’s also not good news for the wood mouse (or maybe even dormouse) who gnaws away at the stone to get to the almond-like seed inside. This seed is poisonous to us if eaten in large enough quantities, but seemingly it’s fine for our mouse friend!

I undertook the first harvest of plums last week and a crumble was made. They went in whole with blackberries too. Some may criticise this as lazy but I was recalling the counting rhyme ‘Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor...’ and in today’s sanitised world it’s important that we still keep such traditions going. The career prediction for me got to ‘beggarman’, but only after second helping!

Later in the month the first pears will be ready. These are old varieties, long forgotten, and can be tough but still flavoursome. These are planted against the walls in the garden centre and sometimes there is an old metal label behind giving the name, but in many cases this has long disappeared.

It doesn’t help writing this before dinner, as I’m already looking forward to the possibility of a plum crumble this evening – only if I go scrumping first though.

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UP THE GARDEN PATH ORNAMENTAL GRASSES

By Julie Haylock, Sandhurst Garden Design

Late summer and into autumn are when ornamental grasses really come into their own. The low angle of the sun at this time of year shows them off at their best, backlit by the early morning or afternoon sun silhouetting their outline is pure elegance. Ornamental grasses are versatile, hardy and bring movement, texture and height into your garden borders. They can be used as a specimen plant providing a focal point, dotted through borders, perfect for a gravel garden or planted in containers.

Grasses are easy to care for. They like a sunny open spot with well-drained soil, and make great companion plants in borders, providing vertical height and drama, as well as movement in the slightest of breeze.

There are lots of varieties to choose from, and I only have space to select a few, but it is important that you plant your chosen ornamental grass at the right time of year to suit the plant.

Deschampsia, festuca, helictotrichon and stipa varieties have their growth rate in late winter and flower before mid-summer, so plant them in the autumn. Miscanthus, panicum and pennisetum do their growing in late spring and flower after mid-summer and usually cut back in later winter, so best planted in late spring.

Two of the best mound forming varieties are Festuca glauca ‘Elijah blue’ with its blue spikey foliage that does best in full sun and Hakonechloa macra ‘Aurea’ that has arching stems of green/yellow that mature to green/gold before dying back and prefers a shadier spot. Perfect for containers or edging a border. 40cm.

Deschampsia cespitosa: this perennial evergreen grass forms a neat clump with masses of airy flowers on slender stems that tolerate some shade and once fully established is drought tolerant. 90cm.

Helictotrichon sempervirens or Blue Oat Grass: this evergreen grass has tightly rolled blue-grey foliage that form a neat mound, perfect for planting with Mediterranean-style plants or in a gravel garden. 60cm. Stipa gigantea or Giant Golden Oats: this semi-evergreen plant has large heads of oatlike flowers above a mound of green foliage. Although tall at 2.5m, this plant is airy with arching see-through stems so just right for a specimen plant in your border.

Julie Haylock

Garden Designer

20 Sandhurst Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2LG

Tel: 07899 710168 Email: juliesandhurst1@gmail.com www.sandhurstgardendesign.co.uk

Contact Julie for garden and border design, planting plans, plant selection advice and garden styling

BBC Gardeners’ World Live Gold Medal Award Taunton Flower Show Gold Medal Award and The Western Daily Press Cup for Best Show Garden

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’, sometimes called Chinese Silver Grass, is ideal for the back of a border. It has copper-coloured tassel-like plumes that if left on the plant, look great in winter covered by sparkling frost. 1.30m. Panicum virgatum ‘Rehbraun’ or Switch Grass: this deciduous grass has clusters of tiny purplegreen pendant shaped flowers on upright green foliage which turns a gorgeous reddish-purple in autumn. 75cm.

Pennisetum advena ‘Rubrum’, sometimes called Fountain Grass, has deep burgundy foliage with a bristly red-purple flower spikes, looks great grown in a container but will need some winter protection. 60cm.

If you can find space to include an ornamental grass or two in your garden borders, it will make a great addition to your garden.

Until next time, Julie

THE EASING OF LOCKDOWN

By Liv Sabat

Lockdown restrictions are continuing to be lifted, which is an exciting time for us with hope that a ‘normal reality’ may be in sight for us all.

It is advised to meet outdoors where possible and let fresh air into homes, which is where a sunroom can come into play. A sunroom can provide you with not only an extra indoor space but, once open, an outdoor space. We may have had a tough time during this pandemic and all, but England has allowed us to enjoy our summer so far with the lovely sunny weather. We have been able to spend time with family and friends outdoors, enjoying ourselves. As we go into September, weather may not be so nice, especially going more into the winter months.

You can still invite family over even in the rain and have more space to host such gatherings, due to the fact our sunrooms feature a retractable waterproof roof as standard. If you’re lucky maybe the rain will stop, meaning you can open up your sunroom and bring the outdoors in. Whilst you enjoy that warm summer breeze blowing through your sliding glass walls, you can put down your roller blinds if the suns glare is becoming slightly harsh. home to let the light in, as well as extending your living space and creating a smooth transition between your home and garden. Everything is tailored to your needs, so depending on your house layout, you could, for example, create an extra space for your kitchen, which you can open up if you opt for the sliding doors.

For those of you who are looking for something a bit more minimal, an awning is the perfect alternative. We have all seen pretty little cafes and restaurants with awnings over a seating area – have you ever wanted to recreate that cosy atmosphere for your guests? There are so many positives to investing in an awning; you extend the amount of usable outdoor space, they fit seamlessly into any architectural style, and they are rainproof and windproof.

Our awnings come in so many different colours and styles that there is something for everyone, whether you want to create an authentic French cafe feel or take a more modern approach, there is something for you. Our awnings also come with optional privacy screens so not only can you shield yourself from the wind, you can also have a little extra privacy in your own little space.

Not only that but our glass room will also open up your Thank you for dropping by, see you next month!

Fort Financial Planning Ltd moves to new premises in Sherborne

Fort Financial Planning Ltd was founded by Andrew Fort over 15 years ago. Many in Sherborne will remember Harry Fort Insurance Brokers who were long-standing insurance providers in the town for many years. Andrew was cofounder, with his father, of Harry Fort Insurance Brokers. In 2004 Andrew decided to set up a company that would provide a specialist financial planning service offering clients peace of mind, confidence and reassurance with their financial and life goals. A purpose-built cabin-style office was built at his home in Bradford Road and Fort Financial Planning Ltd was established with a small handful of clients. Mark Salter joined Andrew when the company was set up and has recently been appointed as Managing Director. The client base has grown naturally over time, mainly through recommendations, and Fort Financial Planning now have clients in various locations around the UK. Additional staff have been employed to keep the professional service maintained with many staff achieving high-level qualifications and expertise in financial planning. In 2018 enquiries were first made to buy land on the Barton View Business Park and plans to build a modern office with client meeting rooms and an open-plan working space were put in place. It wasn’t until August 2020 that work could finally start, but in March this year the office was completed and Fort Financial Planning moved into their new premises.

With the rules easing in recent months, the company is delighted to welcome clients to the office and hopes to be able to hold various events and seminars in the future.

Mark explains, ‘By deliberate design Fort Financial Planning was, and will remain, a small company. It was designed this way so that we have the time and expertise to provide our clients with a comprehensive and ongoing financial planning service. We aim to establish long-term relationships with all clients to help them create a plan for themselves and for their family’s future.’

Fort Financial Planning are independent financial planners who are highly qualified, good listeners and trustworthy. We take the time to understand your unique goals, clarify objectives, ensure plans are implemented and continue to monitor the plan in an ever-changing world.