16 minute read
GIFTS FOR GARDENERS
Baby it’s cold outside
As our gardens begin to weather the winter months, Elly West suggests eight brilliant reads that will illuminate the green world in fresh ways while it’s too cold to cultivate...
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When it’s cold outside, you can’t beat curling up indoors and catching up on your reading list, so why not treat yourself –or a green-fingered loved one –to one of these garden-related books? With Christmas around the corner and not too many shopping days left, a book makes the perfect gift.
The Secret Lives of Garden Bees by Jean Vernon
Somerset-based Jean Vernon is a self-confessed bee addict, fascinated by these remarkable creatures from a young age, and it’s hard not to share her passion once you start delving into their world. There are 276 different bee species in the UK, just one of which is the well-known honey bee, and 25 of which are different types of bumblebees.
This book is an accessible guide to bees, their habitats and behaviours, and is packed with large photographs to help with identification. We learn that male bees can’t sting, that buzzing helps release pollen from a flower, and that bees have smelly feet, which leave traces of a pheromone behind them to tell other bees they have visited. There is also an important message within this book – that our natural balance totally relies on bees, and that we can all make a difference by ditching pesticides and growing bee-friendly plants. Anyone interested in finding out more about these weird and wonderful creatures will enjoy this guide. Pen & Sword Books; £16.99
Love From Kew by Sophie Shillito
This unique book is close to my heart having lived near the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew for many years, and anyone interested in the gardens, history, or just people’s lives in general will enjoy flicking through. Sophie Shillito has collated old postcards and put them together to create a type of scrapbook, perfect for dipping in and out of, all showing images of the famous gardens, along with the messages and half-stories on the backs. These are evocative and spark the imagination about the lives of those who visited, providing small slices of history, many sent during the ‘golden age’ of postcards in the early 1900s, when a record 926 million postcards were sent in a year in the UK. No longer is the Temperate House just a building, it’s the place where a man once sheltered from the rain, while the Rhododendron Dell connects us with Nellie, who applied for a passport to return to New York, and we can’t help wondering if she made it and what became of her. Kew Publishing;
£15
Gardeners’ World Almanac: A Month-By-Month Guide To Your Gardening Year
This book is simply brilliant if you are looking for a straightforward guide that tells you what to do now in the garden. Organised clearly month by month, there are lists of plants that are at their best, tasks to do – whether in the flower borders, veg patch, greenhouse or pond – plus tips to help wildlife, alongside seasonal recipes and more. It's a clear and concise book you'll refer back to time and time again to keep your garden on track, and includes advice from gardening television personalities including Alan Titchmarsh, Adam Frost, Carol Klein and Frances Tophill.
BBC Books; £16.99
The Little Grower’s Cookbook by Ghillie James and Julie Parker
One for budding gardeners and cooks, this children’s book offers activities to choose from throughout the seasons, with simple planting projects, recipes and making projects including a wormery, bug hotel and bird feeder. With an emphasis on recycling, wholesome living and healthy eating, this book will help children feel connected to nature and hopefully get them outside and away from those allpervading screens. Reluctant veg eaters may well enjoy the involvement of growing and cooking their own produce, and the recipes are familyfriendly with tasty delights such as Hedgehog Potatoes, Squeaky Salad, and Mint and Raspberry Lemonade on the menu.
Lettuce Publishing; £20
The Flower Yard by Arthur Parkinson
This beautiful book is a joy to flick through, with sumptuous photographs taken by the author, immersing you in his own tiny garden, a floral world of plants grown in pots, plus the odd freerange chicken. Anyone lacking in outdoor space can gain inspiration from this book, along with those looking to create container displays as part of a larger garden. It shows what's possible, presenting a lack of space as a pro not a con. Practical issues are addressed –
what type of pot or compost to buy, how to sow and grow – but The Flower Yard is largely a cornucopia of colour that easily earns its subtitle: growing flamboyant flowers in containers. It also has a section on creating seasonal indoor displays from cut flowers, stems and seedheads. Kyle Books; £22
The Complete Gardener by Monty Don
Although first published in 2003, this new edition has been extensively updated and provides a tour of the author’s own garden, Longmeadow, as well as all the gardening basics from structure and planning to lawn care, dealing with weeds, and growing different types of plants, including herbs, fruits and vegetables. Monty is environmentally conscious throughout, and the book is ultimately a tome dedicated to organic gardening, a one-stop shop for Monty Don fans, seasoned gardeners and newbies alike. Dorling Kindersley; £27
Grow Green by Jen Chllingsworth
A great stocking filler for anyone interested in sustainability and ecoconscious gardening, this pocket-sized book is packed with easy-to-follow hints and tips to make your garden even greener. The author shows how small changes can make a big difference, such as recycling where possible, saving water, composting, choosing native plants for wildlife, and using organic ways to deal with pests and diseases. Clear illustrations and bullet-point lists, plus practical step-by-steps make it all seem very achievable. Quadrille; £8.99
My House Plant Changed My Life by David Domoney
Houseplants also make great Christmas gifts, and can be enjoyed all year round –even when we don’t feel like venturing outside. David Domoney's new book is a great little guide to greening up your indoor space. The first section is a practical guide to houseplants, with tips on choosing, positioning and caring for them, followed by a look in more detail at 50 different popular houseplants, each with accessible and clear images and care instructions. He also talks about the health benefits of bringing nature into the home, improving air quality and also improving our mental wellbeing. Dorling Kindersley, £9.99 n • ellyswellies.co.uk
SOLD
Orchard Farm, St Catherine – OIEO £1,400,000
SOLD
St James’s Square - £1,300,000
Bailbrook Lane, Bath A stunning development of two individual, contemporary, luxury homes in a secluded setting with magnificent views.
MARDAN, BATH’S BESPOKE REMOVALS AND STORAGE COMPANY, DEVELOPS NEW TALENT
Mardan have a wealth of experience within the removals and storage industry, spanning over 30 years, ensuring customers have a stress-free and seamless move. Mardan are family run and bespoke with the experience, knowledge, skills, equipment and capacity to complete removals of any size; locally, nationally for domestic or commercial customers.
Marcus, Mardan’s founder, has always held fast, with confidence, to his belief that he can deliver a high standard of removals, exceeding that of his competitors. Marcus knows to do this he must have trust and confidence in the skills of his staff, which he does. So when a new office position was required within Mardan instead of recruiting externally Marcus looked to develop a team member which he already had extreme confidence in and who he knew would develop into the role seamlessly, Nik. The role would include; liaising with customers, completing quotes, emailing quotes, planning the removals diary, logistics and managing the storage yard. Nik, had worked with Marcus within removals for over 10 years having a strong knowledge of all aspects of removals and with the skills necessary to lead a team from Mardan on removals. Nik has risen to the challenge and is thriving. Marcus and Nik work extremely well as a team thus ensuring all customers have a personalised service and a positive move experience. Both Marcus and Nik enjoy completing the physical removal and Marcus truly believes that to do the ‘office’ role well it’s important to continue to complete removals, thus maintaining the in depth knowledge developed throughout their earlier careers. Marcus and Nik are able to be flexible with their roles and keep their ‘hand in’ the hard physical work of removals.
Mardan continue to grow their self-storage facility, offering safe, secure and reasonable storage to upward of 100 domestic and commercial customers.
“We used Mardan following a recommendation from a friend. They moved us in and out of storage and then into our renovated house. I would highly recommend them. The service was super efficient and the guys were quick, polite and courteous. Nothing was too much trouble and all of our possessions arrived safe and sound”
Emma Webster, Moon Client
Mob: 07899 847857 Tel: 01225 317645 www.mardanremovals.co.uk
Nicola Wilkes Lettings and property investment managerof The apartment Company
The last few years have been tough on landlords, so much so some have been downsizing their portfolios and even walking away. When it comes to the Bath buy-to-let market, it couldn’t be a better time to invest, stresses The Apartment Company’s Lettings and Property Investment Manager, Nicola Wilkes. But why is now the best time ever to purchase an investment property in Bath?
If you have been keeping a keen eye on the Bath rental market you have will have noticed how busy it has become. There are a limited number of properties available, and when they do come onto the market demand is so high, they are not on the market for long. According to Nicola, trends have changed in the city too; prepandemic there used to be a bit of movement between tenancies, whereas now tenants are deciding to stay put, and so this has also meant that the number of available rental properties has been low.
“The pandemic has changed working patterns as we know, working from home has become more the norm as companies are more relaxed about remote working. This change has caused a flux of people who are seeking a lifestyle change moving away from cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham and even Scotland. Bath, as we know, is a city that offers a more relaxed and tranquil lifestyle and provides excellent facilities and good transport links.
“Demand for rental properties is currently the highest it has EVER been. This demand has, as you would expect, pushed up rental prices. These two factors alone are why we are supporting our landlords to expand their portfolios and encouraging new investors into the market.
“Our tenants are professionals – they seek a certain standard of apartment and those that offer a little outside space, such as a balcony, courtyard or communal garden, are extremely popular. The right rental property and location are key if you want to have a successful buy-to-let business, and the Buyer Assistance service that we provide at The Apartment Company can be the difference between a good investment and one that could be problematic.
“The Buyer Assistance service has been designed to aid new landlords in making the right choice of property. We know the best locations and the style of apartments that are being snapped up, but we also know the properties inside out and can read far more from the property listing details than what is on the paper. It isn’t all about the property; my aim is to understand the story of the landlord and why they want to invest. It could be to provide security for their children’s future, be a pension pot, or a passion they wish to fulfil. Understanding their story helps me to identify which type of investment will help them achieve their goal.”
Nicola has been working in the lettings sector for almost 16 years, and with The Apartment Company for the last three. The team has recently grown, giving her support to be able to provide extra services in the investment side of the sector: an area she is extremely passionate about. If you are curious about investing in property or have a portfolio that you are thinking of enhancing, Nicola is keen to talk to you about the exciting Bath investment market. Call her today on 01225 303870.
The Apartment Company nw@theapartmentcompany.co.uk or call 01225 471144
NEW NEW NEW
Cleveland Walk £2,500 pcm
Bartletts Court £1,800 pcm
Great Pulteney Street £1,175 pcm North Parade £1,500 pcm
Alexandra House £1,750 pcm
Weston Lodge £1,500 pcm
Lansdown Terrace £950 pcm
Three double bedrooms · Feature fireplace (decorative only) · Council tax band E · Approx. 112 sq mts · Unfurnished first floor apartment · Fabulous city views · Quiet location · On road parking · Available January 7th 2022 · EPC rating: E
Fully furnished · Top floor apartment · Two bathrooms · Immaculate décor · Garage available · No more than 2 Sharers · Three bedrooms · Gas central heating · Quality apartment · EPC rating: C
Part furnished - Second floor · Residents permit parking · No students · Neutral décor throughout · One bedroom · Period features · Short walk to City Centre · Council tax band: C · EPC rating: D Available January 28th 2022 · Unfurnished · Two double bedrooms · No pets · Central zone parking permit · Council tax band C · Versatile accommodation · Stunning views · Period features · Highly recommended · EPC rating: D
Riverside development · Open plan living space · Unfurnished · Two double bedrooms · Allocated parking · No students · High specification · Suitable for professionals · Highly recommended · EPC rating: B
LET AGREED LET AGREED LET AGREED
LET AGREED LET AGREED Furnished · Two double bedrooms · Two bathrooms · Maintained communal gardens · First floor apartment · Allocated parking space · Council tax band: D · No pets · Postgraduates considered · EPC rating: D
LET AGREED
Unfurnished · Popular prestigious Location · Neutral Décor throughout · Building owned and managed by Bath family · Kitchen with appliances · Redecorated throughout · Highly recommended · EPC rating: C Unfurnished · Two En-Suites · Cloakroom WC · Superb finish · Highly recommended · Two double bedrooms · Private parking · Landscaped gardens · Gas central heating · EPC rating: D
Fully furnished · Suit single professional · Popular prestigious location · Neutral décor throughout · Studio apartment · Lovely fitted kitchen · Courtyard with external storage area · Highly recommende · EPC rating: C
NEW NEW NEW
Cavendish Road O.I.E.O £675,000
Three double bedrooms · Beautifully decorated · Highly sought after residence · Allocated parking space · Open plan sitting room/ dining room · Communal gardens · Lift access · Approx. 1119 Sq. ft · EPC rating: C St. Johns Road O.I.E.O £580,000
Grade II Listed · First floor apartment · Allocated parking · Short level walk to city centre · Share of Freehold · Two double bedrooms · Gated community · Beautiful communal gardens · No onward chain · Approx. 769 Sq. Ft · EPC rating: F Park Street
O.I.E.O £475,000
Georgian · Sought after location · Two double bedrooms · Original features · Grade II Listed · Second floor apartment · Close to city centre · Approx. 899 Sq. ft. · EPC rating: D
SOLDSTC SOLDSTC SOLDSTC
The Tramshed O.I.E.O £750,000
Spacious three bedrooms · Beautiful views over the River Avon · Central location · Balcony · Approx. 947 Sq. Ft · Ground floor apartment · Gated community · Private parking space · On-site manager · EPC rating: C Rivers Street O.I.E.O £330,000 Charlton Buildings O.I.E.O £250,000
Georgian Grade II Listed · Double bedroom · Short walk to Royal Crescent · Split over two floors · Private courtyard · Close to local amenities Two bedroom apartment · Grade II Listed Georgian property · Communal gardens · Kitchen/sitting room · Newly refurbished · No onward chain · Easy access to transport and City Centre · Bathroom · EPC rating: C
NEW NEW
COMING SOON
Victoria Bridge Court O.I.E.O £300,000
Two bedroom apartmen · Communal gardens with private patio area · Central location · Ground level bike storage · Ground floor apartment · Gated community · Allocated parking · Approx. 749 Sq. Ft · EPC rating: C Sydney Wharf
O.I.E.O £250,000 One bedroom apartment · Resident manager · Pretty views over the canal · Local supermarket opposite · Careline response system · Good decorative order · No onward chain · EPC rating: C Bladud Buildings £POA
Holiday lets allowed · Georgian · Spacious double bedroom · Good decorative order · Central location · Close to local amenities · Share of Freehold · EPC rating: TBC
