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September 2013 The Informer
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Success with Scree Gardens
The modern scree garden is very much in vogue. Not only is it environmentally friendly because most of the plants used to create this type of garden are drought resistant, it also low maintenance, which is a great bonus for those of us who are either too busy, or prefer gardens that need little attention. Scree gardens can really be anything you want them to be and are mostly made up of different grades of decorative aggregates or stones and often have a water feature. Scree is the loose rock debris that forms at the base of mountains or cliffs that has been broken down by Nature’s freeze and thaw cycle. Many years ago, scree gardens were first designed to recreate these conditions to enable gardeners to grow the many beautiful alpine plants found in mountainous areas. These were often built on a southwest facing slope on sandy soils for good drainage and as time went by gradually became known as rock gardens. The plantsman and traveller Roger Farrer was largely responsible for bringing us the scree makeover as he was the first to experiment with this type of landscaping, making his first rock garden in an abandoned quarry when he was just 14 years old. He is best known for his book ‘My Rock Garden’. Garden Design has moved on from rock gardens and the original scree
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and brought us lovely landscapes of decorative aggregates mixed with sandstone or limestone paving while also providing us with some innovative plant displays. It is best to keep to slow growing plants such as grasses, Yuccas, euphorbia, dianthus, alliums together with dwarf conifers, all of which enjoy scree garden conditions. You can happily mix perennials with shrubs and bulbs to create colour and interest all year round. Finally, decorative aggregates can be used in any part of your garden. They are very useful for filling in areas between paving and lawns or different types of paving. Or how about creating your very own Mediterranean type garden area for interest or a diversion? All you need to do is call into Hambrooks Garden Landscaping Centre where you will find a wide range of decorative stones and aggregates or call 01489 572285 for more information. www.hambrooks.co.uk
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One of the aims here at The Informer is to support and promote local business and for this month we asked The Kitchen Company in Park Gate why should our readers use a local company to build their kitchen rather than go to one of the national chains?
HEART OF THE HOME
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...because we are a local business supplying bespoke kitchens does not mean we are not highly competitive on price.
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“When a prospective client enters our studio we ask the questions needed to build a picture of the kitchen that the client desires.” Grahame Bate is a partner with the local company. “Traditional, modern, easy clean, granite worktops, all the things that you have in your mind’s eye as to what you want from your dream kitchen. “Of course budget comes into those first thoughts and we can allay your fears on that as well, because we are a local business supplying bespoke kitchens does not mean we are not highly competitive on price,” added Grahame. “Many people are under the misconception that a studio such as ours will stretch the budget, but usually our clients have a very pleasant surprise when they realise how competitive we can be while still offering that personal, bespoke service; and at the same time, we feel, ensuring a better quality of workmanship and finish.” As we sat in the Park Gate studio surrounded by sample layouts Grahame was asked about the range of finishes, were they more restricted in choice as they were an independent local studio? “Even from just one of the companies alone that supply us, we can offer an almost endless range of colours in a range of units that come in something like 25 to 30 different styles; so just because we are independent it does not mean we, or the client, has to compromise on choice. “We offer a fully bespoke service on certain ranges that will leave any of our clients with a kitchen they can be truly proud of! To begin with, we give the client as much time as they need for that first consultation at a time to suit them, as long as I get a cup of tea that is…” Grahame added with a smile. “But the important thing is that both the client and we as designers are totally happy with the brief. “Then it is back to the studio, with all the measurements, to put those colours, styles and design features into the computerised design programme before showing the client an image of what their dream kitchen will eventually look like and what the quote will be for the supply and fitting costs.” Does the fitting just get farmed out to any fitter? “With 22 years behind us as a kitchen design company we have learned the importance of skilled craftsmen and we have a team of three dedicated and skilful fitters who we trust and work very closely with. Experience is very important in our business and between myself and my partners we
WIGHTLINK WIGHT CHALLENGE It is just a few weeks until the 13th Wightlink Wight Challenge and last minute entries from teams of three are still welcome to sign up to take part in the Isle of Wight’s fun and adventurous challenge which will be held on 21st September. Set in the Island’s areas of outstanding natural beauty with the Canadian Canoeing section taking place on the Newtown River; this is a real treat on this untouched beautiful part of the south coast. Sponsorship for the three chosen charities, Wessex Heartbeat, Sail 4 Cancer and The Rainbow Centre is already pouring in via Virgin Money Giving. To make it easier, a new initiative is in place for 2013 to split all fund raising money three ways. This seems fairer now that the three charities are all working equally hard on the event. Wightlink Ferries are title sponsor and offer complimentary ferry travel to visiting teams, the organisers are enormously grateful for their invaluable support. Kerry Jackson, Events Manager from Wightlink told The Informer, “Wightlink are delighted to sponsor the event for the third year to enable such worthwhile charities to raise much needed funds. I wish all the participants much luck with both the Challenge and their fund raising efforts.” The volunteer marshals, on land and afloat are such an essential part of the event and enjoy welcoming visiting and local teams to SERFCA’s Jersey Camp for the day. The organisers are enormously grateful to the many sponsors, supporters and marshals who make this event possible, and are very much looking forward to welcoming teams on 21st September. The local CO-OP very kindly donated vouchers to be converted to buy goods for all ‘Goodie Bags’ for the Wightlink Wight Challenge. Snacks, drinks, event and charity memorabilia fill the Goodie Bags which are handed to all competitors and volunteer marshals at the finish. Registration Forms can be downloaded from the web site www.wightchallenge.co.uk . Entry fee remains at £45 and each person is requested to raise £100.
Contact: Joanna Minchin info@wightchallenge.co.uk or 07790 401 036
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