Mary Payne MBEGardening

•Cut dogwoods (Cornus alba types) and willows (salix) that are grown for brightly coloured winter stems down to almost ground level now. This encourages young new shoots that always have the best colour. •Protect newly emerging clematis shoots from attack from snails, especially those growing low down. •Prune most roses now, (climbing, rambling and shrub roses are best pruned in summer after the main flush of flower). •start spraying roses for blackspot, rust and aphids as soon as the leaves appear. Early spraying is essential! •There is still time to transplant evergreen shrubs before it is too late but remember to disturb the roots as little as possible and keep as much soil attached to them as you can. •If you haven’t done it already, prune buddlejas back to about waist height and trim lavateras (tree mallows) back to healthy new shoots. •Prune hardy fuchsias back to strong new shoots. Tidy up straggly penstemons. Give them all a feed with Vitax Q4. •Prune late flowering shrubs back hard now. Caryopteris, Ceratostigma, Perovskia, hardy fuchsia, deciduous Ceanothus, Hydrangea paniculata types and lavatera. •If you grow Eucalyptus for its ‘blue foliage’, you should cut it back hard now. The golden Catalpa and purple Cotinus too. leaves are more dramatic after a hard prune. •Prune side shoots on winter flowering Jasmine back hard. ‘Japonicas’ (Chaenomeles) can be cut back when they finish flowering too. This gives time for next year’s buds to form.

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

Serving breakfast, lunch & afternoon tea Delicious homemade meals. Sunday Roasts, Outside catering, buffet lunches delivered, themed cuisine events. Telephone 01749 841155 for further details.

BROWSE AROUND JAMES STORE

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS WWW.ROCKYMOUNTAINNURSERIES.CO.UK ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES –

A helping hand in Pensford

EMIlYCarboni has taken charge of Pensford’s planters while liz Jones is on maternity leave and has had her young daughter, Izzy, “helping” her. The first two planters were set up at the entrance to Pensford last March, filled with bulbs and flowers, and three others have now been installed around the village, with two in front of the village lockup. There are plans for more on Pensford Bridge.

Friendly - Reliable - Qualified Licensed - Experienced

Licensed for PA1PA6 Pesticide Knapsack Spraying • Mowing • Strimming • Harrowing • Rolling • Hedge & Tree Trimming • Garden Clearance • Fencing • Jet Washing

Areas covered: Somerset and surrounding counties For free quotations Tel: 01934 615396 • Mob: 07702 095607

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business

PERFECT PAVE

Perfect Pave, based on the Valley Line industrial estate, in Cheddar, has built an enviable reputation over the last 16 years for the quality of its work installing block paving and other landscaping products. Now founders Alex Howley and Simon Bethell have set up a new service run by James Starmer supplying these products to both the trade and public, as well as continuing to expand their installation team. e company now has contracts all over the South West and offers a wide choice of projects.

It’s not only friendly, professional service that sets us apart, we can’t be beaten on price and ensure our prices beat those of builders’ merchants and garden centres.

Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat

A unique experience of four shops in one: landscaping, building, water gardening and gardening

Nailsea Patio Supplies is a family run business in its 27th year. John and Sandra started with their own haulage company, S & J Transport, 40 years ago – and that is now part of Nailsea Patio Supplies.

They have since been joined by their son, Brian, grandson Dan and granddaughter Sam. Buddy their friendly black Labrador is a more recent addition to the family team, following in the footsteps of their Great Danes, who were popular meeters and greeters. Buddy sometimes also goes out with Dan on his delivery round.

Nailsea Patio Supplies can be found down a country lane that runs parallel with the railway track from Nailsea & Backwell station. On the way down you may see their rescued ponies, donkeys, goats and alpacas.

The family believe in giving old fashioned personal service and advice, for you and your family’s needs. Sitting: Sandra and John sitting, with Buddy the black Lab. Standing: Dan, who as well as doing the deliveries helps in the shop and yard, Brian, who drives and maintains our delivery lorries, Neil, who supervises the shop and yard, and Sam, who works in sales and helps Sandra with the accounts.

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

All systems “Yeo” for Chelsea

YEO Valley Organic has become one of the first exhibitors to confirm its commitment to the postponed RHs Chelsea Flower show which will Sarah and Tom discussing their Chelsea plans last year now take place in the autumn rather than May.

The company has agreed to adapt its plans and stage a spectacular celebration of autumn colour and biodiversity, inspired by the real Yeo Valley Organic Garden. The show garden will highlight the importance of soil health in reversing climate change and tackling global biodiversity collapse. It has been designed by Tom Massey, who has worked with sarah Mead who runs Yeo Valley with husband Tim. sarah, who designed the actual Yeo Valley Organic Garden, said: “We fully support the RHs’s decision to postpone the show until later in the autumn. It feels sensible and understandable given the continued uncertainty about the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions in london and elsewhere this spring. We’re confident we can successfully adapt our plans and stage a fabulous seasonal garden in september.” l The Yeo Valley Organic Garden will open its gates to visitors again in April, Covid-19 restrictions permitting.

Weston Garden Machinery

Garden Machinery & Woodburning Specialists

Now stocking the Atco range of mowers

Behind Shell Garage Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 2YS Tel: 01934 626093

Expert gardening advice

A1 GARDEnInGand Tree surgery ltd. is a merger of D. Berry Countryside Contracting and A1 Gardening and Tree surgery which took place in november 2020. The company provides quality tree surgery, ground and garden maintenance, fencing and turfing to domestic and commercial clients.

It has a number of full-time staff which can be increased if required to cover larger contracts. They offer Avant and operator hire to undertake work in smaller areas with confined access.

Covering the south West area they are fully insured and obligation-free quotes are available for all their work plus guarantees as well.

Dan says they are being approached more frequently about ash dieback and the removal of trees with the disease. He offers advice on removal and also replanting to replace the lost trees.

The company operate COVID-19 secure practices when they are working and safe distancing when dealing with their customers. They are experienced enough and flexible enough to help you get all those jobs on your to do lists done.

01373 832965

Visit: www.mendipmowers.co.uk

Your local Honda dealer, covering Frome (Shepton Mallet, Bruton and Wells)

Hedging

Stump grinding

Services include: Treework | Stump Grinding Fencing | Turfing | Logs Garden and Ground Maintenance Avant and Operator Hire

We also offer one-off or regular contracts, Domestic and Commercial

Contact Dan 07827 328874 or email dan@a1gardening.co.uk web www.a1gardening.co.uk

Fencing

Turfing

Thank you and goodbye!

After 50 years of service GAB will close on April 30th

We will miss you but retirement beckons Thank you all for your friendship and support Steve Gale and the team

75 Greenhill Road, Sandford, Winscombe, North Somerset BS25 5PA Tel: 01934 852151 • www.gabgardenmachinery.co.uk

NORTON GREEN

GARDEN CENTRE SEED POTATOES, ONION SETS, SHALLOTS, GARLIC, FLOWER & VEGETABLE SEEDS & SUMMER FLOWERING BULBS

BEAUTIFUL PRIMROSES, POLYANTHUS & POTTED SPRING BULBS TO BRIGHTEN UP THE GARDEN!

FULL RANGE OF COMPOST, MANURE, GRO-BAGS, TOPSOIL & DECORATIVE BARK NOW AVAILABLE

WELLS ROAD, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4RR Telephone: 01761 232137 Open Mon–Sat 10am to 4pm • Closed Sunday

Lower Shalford Farm

lOWERshalford has a fairly large open garden with extensive lawns and wooded surroundings. The garden and woodland have been created since 1983 and works are still in progress on an ad hoc basis. There are thousands of spring bulbs growing in the wooded area blooming in spring, a stream running through with several stone bridges, walled rose/parterre garden, hedged herbaceous garden and several ornamental ponds. Facilities: light refreshments. Opening details: saturday, March 20th, 10am-3pm. Admission: £5, children free. Address and postcode: shalford lane, Charlton Musgrove, Wincanton BA9 8HE.

The Downs Preparatory School

some 65 acres wrapped around the Grade II listed Charlton House, with historic garden features, stumpery, pond and greenhouse. In addition, an edible and medicinal bed and wellpresented annual bedding displays framed by beautiful views across open parkland with specimen trees dotted around the estate. Opening details: Friday, April 9th and saturday, April 10th, 10am-4pm. Admission: £6, children free. Address and postcode: Downs school, Wraxall, Bristol Bs48 1PF.

BOOKING VISITS All garden visits must be pre-booked through the NGS website to ensure adequate social distancing OTHER GARDENS OPEN FOR THE NGS To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres, or go to: https://www.ngs.org.uk

On foot and by bike –new routes proposed

NOrtH Somerset Council is inviting the public to have their say as part of a Covid-inspired consultation on proposed cycle and pedestrian routes in Clevedon, Weston-super-Mare, Nailsea and Yatton. the first scheme up for discussion is in Clevedon, where the authority is asking for views on a 20mph speed limit and public realm improvements in Hill road and the Beach, introducing a one-way system to allow wider pavements and segregated cycle facilities. Consultation continues in March.

Extending to the Nailsea and Yatton area, North Somerset is proposing a rural lanes network of cycle and pedestrian routes between Backwell, Clevedon, Nailsea and Yatton, while maintaining essential and farm accesses.

Weston-super-Mare would see the creation of a cycling corridor on Baker Street and Milton road, with a 20mph limit, one-way eastwards and a segregated cycling route over Hildesheim Bridge to the town centre. also up for discussion are several school schemes that offer safe cycling and walking routes to school for children and parents. North Somerset towns have been awarded £473,750 from the government to introduce permanent routes for walking and cycling and socially-distanced environments.

Councillor James tonkin, the council’s executive member for planning, highways and transport, said: “Covid-19 has changed the way we live our lives. Outdoor activities have increased significantly, including walking and cycling, and we need to react accordingly. the suggested changes will allow visitors, residents and businesses the opportunity to continue enjoying North Somerset towns, but in a safe and secure manner.

“However, these are suggestions and we want to hear from the people of North Somerset so we can effectively meet the needs and wants of the community.”

The proposed scheme for Clevedon

For details, visit: https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/activetravel

New guide to Somerset

BradtGuides are known the world over for their finely detailed descriptions of exotic travel destinations. Now Somerset has its own Bradt guide, Slow Somerset, written by Norm Longley, who lives in Chilcompton.

His previous books have covered Montenegro, romania, Slovenia, Wales and Scotland but he said: “It’s no exaggeration to say that after 20 years of writing and updating a multitude of different guidebooks, researching and writing Slow Somerset – a process that took around two years – was the one that gave me most pleasure.”

Originally from Yeovil, he lived in London and Cambridge before returning to Somerset in 2011. He now lives in Chilcompton with his wife Christian and two children.

One chapter is devoted to Wells and the Mendips. Norm said: “the Mendips were a particular revelation, not least because of the walks I was able to devise. One of these was a circular from Blackmoor reserve – a remarkable landscape that was once the beating heart of the local lead and silver mining industry – up to Black down, another part of the Mendips where history still looms large.

“another surprising, but no less exciting, Mendip discovery was draycott Sleights, hitherto a place I’d never even heard of. a steeply sloping limestone scarp, this species-rich nature reserve is lovely walking territory, offering up a spectacular vista across to the Quantocks and Exmoor.”

Norm Longley

Air ambulance needs support

Hospice challenge

GrEAT Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) were called to around five patients a day on average across 2020, despite the Covid-19 pandemic causing national lockdowns and restrictions throughout much of the year.

They were called to 1,726 patients, with 55 percent of their call-outs trauma-related, including over 300 road traffic collisions.

However, the most common incidents were people suffering life-threatening cardiac arrests – they responded to over 500 patients experiencing this medical emergency. despite the pandemic, they remained ready to respond, taking extra precautions and donning PPE in order to continue providing their vital service.

They also stepped up to support their NHS colleagues on the frontline during the first lockdown in April and May, assisting with intensive care inter-hospital transfers, which saw them assist another 34 critically ill patients, in order to help relieve the pressure on local healthcare services. despite this continued demand, a recent survey showed that 40% of people living in GWAAC’s region do not know that the service is charity-run, with only one in ten people recalling it as a charity.

It receives no day-to-day funding from either the NHS or the government and relies on charitable donations to raise over £4 million a year to remain operational and continue saving local lives. The pandemic has put a stop to many of its usual fundraising activities.

Chief executive, Anna Perry, said: “GWAAC’s Critical Care Team have been there throughout the pandemic, right on the frontline, doing whatever is needed to protect and care for the public. We all rely on them to be there for us, but as we go into another difficult year, we ask whether you will be there for them?

“our charity relies on donations from people living in this region, so if you can donate yourself, recommend us for an award or a grant or leave us a gift in your will, please do not delay – we need your support this year more than ever.”

Details: www.gwaac.com/our-missions

ST MArGArET’SHospice Care has launched a Your Year, Your Challenge, Your Hospice fundraising campaign, with a catalogue of online challenges.

From walking 21 miles, a flexible yoga challenge, giving up chocolate for a month or even the staircase mountain step challenge, it says there is something for everyone.

Each challenge is free to register, with supporters being asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £21 for each challenge.

Marisa Lovell-Fox, head of fundraising partnerships said: “You can complete your challenge at a time, place and pace to suit your busy lifestyle and fitness level.”

Centre hopes to reopen

WorLd Horse Welfare’s Glenda Spooner Farm, near Somerton, is hoping to reopen its visitor centre at Easter for the first time since last March.

Farm manager, Claire dickie, said: “We are fortunate to have been able to continue rescuing and rehoming throughout the pandemic and, like everyone, we hope for a return to a more normal way of life very soon." despite the pandemic, the charity rehomed a record number of horses last year from its four centres across the country.

Details: www.worldhorsewelfare.org

YMCA Brunel Group, which covers Bath, Bristol, Mendip and South Somerset, will come together with 11 other YMCAs across England to take part in a mammoth virtual Sleep Easy event on Friday, March 26th with the aim of raising awareness and vital funds to help tackle the root causes of homelessness.

Last year the group’s Sleep Easy took place at the foot of Wells Cathedral and raised over £7,500 to help it provide accommodation, advice and support.

This year’s event will be very different, because of Covid19 restrictions, which mean individuals and families will have to go solo, swapping the streets for bathtubs, sofas, garden tents or anywhere restrictions allow – other than a bed!

Mike Fairbeard, chief executive of YMCA Brunel Group, said: “As a year, 2020 was more difficult and heart-breaking than anyone could ever have anticipated; but one overwhelming positive that emerged, was the power of community and the difference that can make to people’s lives.

“We know from our own experience over the past 160 years that YMCA has been established in the area that without the support offered many more vulnerable people would find themselves homeless and dealing with the many challenges that brings; including facing less options and less chances of realising their potential.”

Helping the homeless