19 minute read
Gardening Mary Payne MBE
A time for giving –gardening gift ideas
HAVINGput the garden to bed it is time to snuggle up in a chair with a seed catalogue and plan your growing for the new year ahead. However, I suppose our thoughts must also turn to the “C” word, which is approaching fast, and what to give our nearest and dearest, to say nothing of our gardening pals.
Garden related gifts are always going to be appreciated by fellow gardeners and it is an ideal opportunity to encourage others to take a small step into this allabsorbing pastime for their wellbeing.
At this time of year, the garden centres and supermarkets have Amaryllis bulbs stacked high and these are easy to grow and flower, if the instructions are followed. The excitement of potting up these enormous bulbs tends to mean the instructions often stay in the box unread.
First dampen the compost provided and, after potting, avoid overwatering while the bulb starts into growth. The golden rule is not to bury the bulb, as one does with tulips, daffodils and the like. The “shoulders” of the bulbs should be above the compost level.
Stand the potted bulb at room temperature. It does not need light until the flower bud starts to emerge. Then full light on a south facing windowsill is ideal. Insufficient light will cause the stem to elongate and may not be strong enough to support the flower head.
Garden tools are always welcome. My most treasured garden tool is a now 50year-old, stainless steel trowel. Stainless steel tools are so much easier to use and clean. I also value my stainless hand fork for the same reason and boxed sets of these are readily available.
Another favourite tool is a Japanese style herbaceous sickle (Burgeon and Ball). This is a short handled serrated sickle that is ideal for cutting back the growth of herbaceous perennials. It is so much faster than tediously cutting each stem with secateurs, and ideal for ornamental grasses too.
For those with woody shrubs and trees a folding pruning saw is a “must have”. Pruning saws cut on the “pull stroke” which makes it easier when cutting branches above you. The tip of the blade of these saws is quite narrow too, which makes it easier to get between stems and into awkward places. They are often brightly coloured to avoid getting lost in a pile of prunings.
A hamper made up of smaller items will be very well received. Try to make the contents “plastic free” although wooden plant labels are pretty useless. Plastic plant labels written on with a soft pencil can be re-used by scrubbing off the writing with a Brillo pad; a good rainy day job.
Include jute string for tying in sweet peas or clematis, with a pair of snippers for dead heading and perhaps a sachet or two of Root Grow mycorrhizal fungi to use when planting. Add a packet of “quick and easy” seeds such as Virginian stock or cress or even some green manure seeds and pack in a decorated box.
Every garden has a small area of land that is awaiting further development. An ideal way to use it for the summer is to sow an annual meadow mix. These are readily available in garden centres, but I urge you to try those produced by Pictorial Meadows.
One of their mixes was used to great acclaim in the Olympic Park in London in 2012. They start flowering six weeks after sowing and will still be flowering well into the autumn. I have used these so often and never been disappointed.
We are all trying to garden in a more sustainable way so a gift of a paper pot maker, which converts newspaper or old magazines into compostable pots in which to start your seedling and young plants, might suit. This involves a wooden mould and I imagine a bit of practice, but the results look very useable. Another rainyday job, perhaps for the grandchildren.
With MARY PAYNE MBE
There are so many “how to do” books on gardening that I hesitate to recommend one but for sheer photographic excellence Clive Nichols’ new book Amazing English Gardens would make a lovely gift for a coffee table (if one had one!), reminding us that despite all the current gloom and doom we have a superb climate and some of the best gardens in the world.
For a gentle entertaining read I can thoroughly commend Tamsin Westhorpe’s Grasping the Nettle. This humorous account of her life in horticulture will keep you rooted to your armchair on winter evenings. Tamsin was the editor of The English Garden magazine and is now the head gardener at the Stockton Bury Garden in Herefordshire – a garden well worth a visit.
For those wanting to understand a bit more about plants and how they grow, the RHS Botany for Gardeners explains and explores the art and science of gardening while its sister publication Latin for Gardeners unravels 1,500 plant names and the secrets they contain. This subject is a lot more fascinating than you might think!
A subscription to a magazine also makes a welcome gift. Gardening Which keeps us up to date with current trends and Best Buys plus lot of “what to do now” tips. Gardens Illustrated is the Rolls Royce of garden magazines, taking you to serious gardens both home and abroad while The English Garden sits happily in the VW Golf bracket. Both have amazing photography.
Perhaps you would prefer to have an imaginary gift of a garden without weeds, flowers blooming every day of the year and someone to look after it for you –dream on!
DECEMBER GARDEN TIPS
• Move pots of tender plants inside or close to the house walls. The shelter of the house wall can make a big difference! • Dead-head pansies, violas and cyclamen to encourage more flowers. The autumn-sown sweet peas should have the tips pinched out after the second pair of true leaves open. • Dormant trees and shrubs can be moved now. Minimise root disturbance to increase chance of success and rapid reestablishment. • Prune out old wood to rejuvenate shrubs. Wisteria pruning can be completed now along with vines. • Plant roses, fruit trees and bushes. Transplant trees and shrubs that lose their leaves in winter now. • Fork over borders and dig some goodness back into the soil. • Move potted “prepared” hyacinths into warmer rooms to gradually force them into flower in time for Christmas. If they are coming on too fast move them back into the cool again. • Don’t worry if there are bulb shoots already appearing outside in the garden, they are very tough and will generally survive very low temperatures. However, bulbs in thin sided plastic pots will need to be sheltered from wind driven hard frosts. • Feed the birds regularly so that when a cold snap comes they know where to get food easily.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NURSERY
MASBURY, NR. WELLS, SOMERSET BA5 3HA TEL: 01749 841014 FAX: 01749 841055 www.rockymountainnurseries.co.uk COME & SEE OUR FINE RANGE OF FRUIT TREES, SHRUBS, GERANIUMS & FUCHSIAS
Visit our MASBURY’S CAFE
Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm (Sun 10am-4pm) Serving breakfasts until 11.30am; lunch 12-2.30pm; afternoon teas Tel: 01749 841155
SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS WWW.ROCKYMOUNTAINNURSERIES.CO.UK ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES –
QUALITY BRICK PAVING VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES NEW COLOURS
OPENING HOURS:Weekdays 7.30am-4.30pm • Sat 9am-2pm • Sun 10am-2pm
Timberwork Buildings
Bespoke buildings to suit you
We specialise in the manufacture of quality standard and bespoke garden buildings to suit your individual needs including:-
WORKSHOPS/GARAGES
GARDEN SHEDS SHELTERS & STABLES
PLAYHOUSES
Let our dedicated team assist you in your choice whatever your budget . . . Full design, installation and delivery service available –customise your shed to suit your needs We also do: Chicken Houses Dog Kennels • Bin & Log Stores
YOUAREWELCOMETOVISITUSANDSEEOURSHOWMODELS – OPEN 7 DAYSAWEEK THE TIMBERYARD • SHUTE SHELVE • CROSS • NEAR AXBRIDGE Tel: 01934 732 396 • www.timberworkbuildings.co.uk e.mail: timberbuildings@aol.com
The home of quality plants, expert advice and inspiration for your garden Located in North Somerset, just 10 miles outside Bristol Fresh UK-grown Christmas trees available from 24th November + FREE local delivery Handmade wreaths Living gifts & unusual houseplants Beautiful Christmas decorations • Cards & Gifts NEW CAFÉ OPENING The Potager Café will be open from 1st December offering a new fresh, seasonal menu, homemade cakes and amazing coffee
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for updates www.cleevenursery.co.uk 138 Main Road, Cleeve, BS49 4PW 01934 832134 / info@cleevenursery.co.uk
NORTON GREEN
GARDEN CENTRE
POT GROWN CHRISTMAS TREES, WREATHS, POT PLANTS, PLANTED ARRANGEMENTS, NATIONAL GARDEN GIFT VOUCHERS PLUS MANY MORE GREAT GIFT IDEAS!
CUT CHRISTMAS TREES AVAILABLE FROM THE END OF NOVEMBER
WILD BIRD FOOD, PEANUTS, SUNFLOWER HEARTS, FAT & SUET TREATS, FEEDERS, BIRD TABLES, NEST BOXES & MORE!
KILN-DRIED HARDWOOD LOGS, KINDLING, CALOR GAS & PARAFFIN
GREAT CHOICE OF GLAZED, TERRACOTTA & FIBRE-CLAY POTS, TROUGHS & PLANTERS
WELLS ROAD, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4RR Telephone: 01761 232137 Open Mon–Sat 10am to 4pm • Closed Sundays
Matt Biggs in Henton
Pictured (l to r) James Cross, Bishops Palace head gardener, Matt Biggs, and members Angela Marsh, Tim Davey and Sally Fountain
HENTONand District Gardening Club were delighted to welcome Matt Biggs of Radio 4’s Gardeners Question Time to their October meeting.
His talk on The Wonder of Plants was both humorous and awe inspiring. He encouraged everyone to look at their garden plants in detail and to research their original habitats, the ways they have adapted to our climate and how they encourage pollinators.
Gold again for Glastonbury
FOR the fourth year running, Glastonbury has gained a gold award in the South West in Bloom competition, winning the Preece Cup.
An award was also presented to the town for the Glastonbury Mural Trail with a cup for the Best Community space going to Manor House Road Community Garden. The ceremony took place in Crewkerne.
In the town’s own competitions, Best Front Garden was awarded to Gez and Bev Eatwell who also won Best Rear Garden. Best New Entry was achieved by Cavendish Lodge. The Beckets Inn was named the Best Pub and the Heart of the Tribe Art Gallery the Best Shop. Best Allotment was given to the Newton Family; Manor House Road Community Garden was awarded first place for Best Pollinator & Wildlife Pictured (l:r) Mark Penton, Mayor of Crewkerne Kathy Head, Glastonbury town clerk Conor Ogilvie-Davidson, Mayor of Glastonbury Jon Cousins, Glastonbury in Bloom committee clerk Garden. Judges were Glastonbury in Bloom volunteers Mark Penton and Gerald Morgan.
Sarah Marks and Gerald Morgan
A Wedmore success story
WHENBarny Lee and his wife Emily bought some land at Cocklake near Wedmore, they could not have imagined how successful their businesses would become. Starting off living in a mobile home, they applied for planning permission to build their own home and stud farm, which is now home to their two sons, Jonny aged 15, also a keen event rider, and George aged 11 who prefers art!
The couple met while competing for GB at U-16 3-day eventing. Emily continued to turn this into a career competing at top level including Badminton, and running the stud farm. Since the arrival of Jonny and George, Emily has focussed on coaching and is a South West of England regional U18 coach for British Eventing.
Barny grew up in Somerset and went to UWE to study Business Studies and Finance. During his summer holidays he worked for a marquee company which gave him the inspiration to start his own company in 2003.
Barny Lee Marquees has grown from strength to strength offering a family run luxury marquee service for everything from weddings to film sets, and providing a complete service including trailer loos, lighting, generators; they can even recommend caterers, florists and bands.
From the success of the marquee business, Barny and Emily created a new luxury glamping site in 2017 for Glastonbury festival goers and The Glastonbury Retreat was born. Offering proper beds, luxury tents, award-winning food in their beautiful restaurant, a wellstocked bar, and lots of lovely personal touches, The Retreat has proved very successful.
With their insight into the eventing world, it was a no-brainer to build on the success of Glastonbury and offer the same luxury glamping service at Badminton Horse Trials and so The Badminton Retreat began in 2019 with scores of returning guests this year, and many already booked for 2023.
Barny said: “I think what people like is that we are a family run business and that they have local people with local knowledge looking after them. We don’t just supply the marquee, we can put a whole package together.”
Barny Lee Marquees’ strong reputation, thanks to thousands of satisfied clients, has seen the marquee business expand to cover all of Southern England, Wales, and the South West. The Retreat glamping sites continue to grow and thrive under Barny and Emily’s committed attention to detail.
Barny and Emily at Glastonbury
Jennifer Morecroft - GDC
Practice Principal – B.D.S (U.BRIST) MFGDP
Alison Chapman - GDC
Practice Associate – BDS MFDS PG Cert Endo
Nikolai Stankiewicz - GDC
Practice Associate – BD Sc FDS MFGDP DPDS MSc
Sally Cantwell - GDC
Dental Hygienist – EDH
Jane Fellows - GDC
Dental Hygienist – EDHThe
Seasons Greetings from Wedmore Dental Practice
As we look ahead to the New Year, we will be without a familiar face at the practice. After 27 years at Wedmore Dental Practice, Pete will be hanging up his dental drills and enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Nikolai, Alison and I look forward to providing gentle and outstanding dental care to Peter Sedgwick Pete’s patients into the future. From all of us at the practice, we wish Pete good luck and a fond farewell!
Our reputation for personalised patient care means that we continue to welcome a steady stream of new patients to the practice. We provide routine dentistry as well as cosmetic treatments such as whitening, veneers, antiwrinkle treatment and fillers. Do get in touch if you want to discuss how to make your smile healthy and beautiful.
Did you know?
• At a dental examination we check for neck lumps and assess moles, freckles and crusting areas on the face. • We take a detailed medical history so that your dental treatment can be tailored appropriately. If you have a complex medical history, with your consent, we liaise with your hospital consultant on your behalf. This reduces the need for dental hospital referrals and enables your treatment to be carried out safely in practice. • All patients have the option to join Denplan, helping to spread the cost of treatment. • Denplan dentists have access to world-class speakers and hands-on training. • Private dental care is worth the investment – we use premium dental materials and laboratories.
Wishing all our patients a healthy and happy 2023.
Jennifer Dentist and Practice Owner
Email: appointments@wedmoredental.co.uk Telephone: 01934 713013
@wedmoredental
Wedmore by Lamplight
7
FORTHE most wonderful start to Christmas . . . this is a must date for your diary! The Borough will be closed until 9pm and there will be music, food, drinks, carols and all things festive… Wedmore style. It all starts at St Mary’s Church with carols under the tree at 5.30pm and then you can meander down to The Borough, the village’s main street. The village’s wonderful independent shops will be open and the air will be alive with carols. As well as the live music there will be stalls, mulled wine, a bar for beer and wine lovers, mince pies, hog roast, cocktails and hot chocolate obviously! There is even a rumour that Father Christmas may pop by . . . what could be more perfect?
December
Wedmore calendar
NOWin its fifth year, Wedmore’s Living Calendar starts on December 1st, with different window displays then opening each night until Christmas Eve. They all then stay lit until the end of Advent, January 6th.
It’s popular with families following a map around the village – with mulled wine and mince pies on the way!
Warm welcome
VARIOUS organisations have combined to support the Warm in Wedmore initiative to help people keep warm this winter.
Village clubs and associations will take turns to host a few hours of “cheery, community conviviality” on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Masonic Hall, 10am2pm. The initiative is supported by Wedmore Parish Council, Wedmore Community Power Cooperative, St Mary's Church, Wedmore Health & Wellbeing and The Isle of Wedmore Good Neighbours. The hall opens for the first time on December 7th.
Order for Christmas
PISCESin the Borough Mall, Wedmore is preparing for its usual Christmas service by offering a pre-order form for the Christmas week. Dean Downer and his staff will pick your order ready for collection on your selected day from produce personally selected at market by Dean on his daily trips to the Bristol Wholesale Market in Christmas week.
Dean says Pisces is proud to source your fish requirements for the festive period but reminds you to order early to avoid disappointment as landings dwindle towards the holiday.
Fish markets will be closed over the Christmas holiday, with the last delivery expected on Friday, December 23rd.
Essence celebrates ten years
LOCATED in the beautiful village of Wedmore, Essence Hair and Beauty specialises in all things colour and cut, from the latest balayage to a simple trim. They love creating the latest trends for their clients in a relaxing environment. With their extensive list of complimentary beverages, free client parking and friendly, inclusive atmosphere they can help you achieve all your hair goals. They will be celebrating their 10th anniversary and are inviting their clients to help celebrate!
Details: 01934 712313 info@essencehairandbeauty.com
PISCES
FISHMONGER & GREENGROCER
Direct supply of Cornish Sea Food. Loch Fyne Smokehouse stockist. Fruit and vegetables personally selected at market, exotics and the unusual, fresh herbs and the best local produce. Selection of culinary ingredients. Open all day Tuesday to Friday plus Monday and Saturday mornings.
5 The Borough Mall, The Borough Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB Tel: 01934 710318
Bronze and Traditional Turkeys All types of poultry, meats, games and Christmas Fayre Orders taken for Christmas now!!
Orders, telephone or email:–01934 712384 Shop
James and Mike would like to thank all our customers who have supported us through 2022
LIME
Christmas is coming . . . shop locally and experience the individual clothing, accessories and gift ideas. CONNOCK is our new range of fragrance.
Seasonal greetings from Claire and her team
Follow us on Instagram ����limewedmore.co.uk
15, The Borough Mall, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB 01934 710479
Wedmore’s Big Drop
WEDMORE Friends of Weston Hospicecare want to thank all those who supported their Big Drop event in spite of the rain. It was a very successful morning.
Chair of the Friends, Shirley Wederell, said: “All donations will be sold in aid of the hospice and thank you to everyone for their kind and generous support and also to those who worked so hard to process the donations.”
Capturing emotions
WEDMOREJeweller Erica Sharpe is delighted to have completed several intricate and “emotionally significant” remakes in recent months. One very special ‘Bird Ring’ incorporated the gold and stones from the customer’s original engagement ring into a new unique ring based on specific meanings in their personal love story including the pair of birds and stunning aquamarine representing the couple’s memory of the proposal.
MONDAY - 0930-1800 TUESDAY - 0930-1800 WEDNESDAY - 0930-1800 THURSDAY - 1000-1900 FRIDAY - 0930-1800 SATURDAY - 0830-1430
Wendy adds to her skills
WENDYRider has qualified as a Level 5 clinical reflexologist, the highest level of professional reflexology qualification in the UK. This adds to her skills in holistic and facial reflexology, honed over 30 years.
As a result, she can now receive referrals from medical professionals – as well as treating those who just want to be
pampered in luxurious surroundings.
Her skills cover a wide range, including fertility and palliative care, and are provided either at home or in her own private treatment rooms that opened in the Borough Mall, Wedmore last January.
Wendy lives in Wedmore and also works for the village pharmacy, where she has been in charge of their vaccination programme.
Weight loss expert
FRANFountain says her award-winning expertise will facilitate your weight loss confidentially, on a one-to-one basis.
She offers free consultation, with no joining fee, and appointments in the comfort of your own home or workplace, anywhere, seven days a week.
She said: “I have been a full time UK top award-winning champion consultant, specialist trained to the highest standard for ten years. I am committed to achieving the best possible results for you.
“Whether you have seven pounds or several stone to lose, you can be sure you are in the safe, capable hands of a professional consultant who really cares. And I'm here to help you maintain your weight loss too.”
She says losing weight with the 1:1 Diet also gives important health benefits: “So you not only look good on the outside, more importantly, you're healthier on the inside too.”
She keeps a fully stocked range of delicious products and flavours to choose from, which she says will keep you full up and not hungry, with safe, rapid weight loss results.
The Turnip Prize 2022
WEDMORE’S spoof art award has attracted several entries, including Yew Crane, by Tim Flooks. The winner will be announced at The New Inn, Wedmore on Wednesday, December 7th, 6.30pm.
Yew Crane
