Gardener’s Cuttings Wildlife appeal from Slimbridge


People living in Gloucestershire are being asked by their local Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust centre in Slimbridge to help with their study looking at the effects wetlands may have on the range of wildlife found nearby.


The UK-wide study is investigating whether having a pond or other wetland in gardens, local parks, school grounds and allotments affects the range of animals found there. People are being asked to take part in the survey which marks the International Year of Biodiversity up to Monday 31st May.


Martin McGill, reserve manager at WWT Slimbridge, explains: “We’re asking people to spend one hour looking for 14 species such as hedgehogs, foxes, kingfishers, frogs and dragonflies which will give us a guide to the health of wildlife habitats in Gloucestershire. Some animals might be spotted relatively easily, however some may hide under rocks or logs so we do encourage people to be inquisitive!


“The feedback will help to paint a picture of what habitats are like across the country and will be very useful to our research work as well as the work we do to protect wetlands and wildlife worldwide.”


Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust centre in Slimbridge looks at the effects wetlands may have on the range of wildlife found nearby


WWT has named the survey the ‘Wildest Hide & Seek’ as to be successful in their wildlife spotting, people will need to spend a some time hiding quietly in their garden or nearest open space, followed by a few minutes of seeking and recording the wildlife they see.


People can download the survey guide from wwt.org.uk/hideandseek or they are available


from the reception at Slimbridge. Then they will be asked to choose a time during the day ranging from between 4am to 7am, 10am to 4 pm, or 6 pm to 11pm to carry out their survey and note the time, date and animals they spotted. Completed surveys can then be given to a representative from the Wildest Hide & Seek team at Slimbridge or can do so online at wwt.org.uk/hideandseek


Westonbirt tricks rare rhododendrons into reproducing


Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, is using a new method to grow new plants from some of the collection’s oldest and rarest rhododendrons. The technique, known as air layering, tricks the plants into growing new roots from their branches. The roots produced are often stronger than those grown from cuttings because they have the live plant for support.


This is the first time the technique has been applied at the Forestry Commission managed National Arboretum. Good results will mean the team can grow new plants from rare hybrids introduced over a century ago by founder Robert Holford and his son, Sir George Holford.


Daphne Millais rhododendron at Westonbirt Arboretum. Photo by Bev Starking


The Holfords used selective breeding and seeds collected by famous Victorian plant hunters to create larger hybrid varieties to suit the extravagant gardening fashions of the era.


Amongst the plants the technique is being applied to is the Rhododendron griffithianum hybrid, ‘Daphne Millais. The pink blooms differ from smaller varieties bred for the modern garden, marking the variety as a hallmark of Victorian and Edwardian taste.


Small areas of the rhododendron branch are wrapped with moss and rooting hormones then sealed in black plastic, locking out the sunlight and convincing the plant that it is underground. The roots are then left to grow on the plant until they are strong enough to be potted.


Entry to Westonbirt, the National Arboretum costs £8 adult, £7 concession, £3 child. Visit on a Wednesday in April and May and take advantage of half price admissions. Call 01666 880220 or go to www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt


Gardens continue to open for the Cirencester Town Hall appeal


More garden visiting treats are in store around Cirencester during June, as part of the ongoing programme of open gardens to raise funds for Cirencester’s ancient Town Hall.


A total of 35 gardens will have opened in and around the town during the summer for the campaign to repair the iconic building, also known as the South Porch. The openings have been grouped by locality to make it easier for people to walk around the gardens, for a day’s ticket of £3, and teas available at one or more gardens.


On Sunday 13th June there will be five open gardens in Baunton, with an art exhibition and teas at East Rise Barn,


and a chance to see a national collection of historic irises at Meadow House. Stratton is the next location, with four gardens open on Saturday 20th June.


On the following Saturday, 26th June, it is the turn of three gardens in the Beeches area of Cirencester and in Bowling Lane, Cirencester, including 25 Bowling Green Lane, which opens regularly for the NGS.


The next day, Sunday 27th June, sees four central Cirencester gardens opening for the programme. The allotments at Barton Lane, Cirencester will also be on display, and offering teas to visitors.


For more details email megblumsom@googglemail.com or kathleen@lindesay.co.uk


Country Gardener 5


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