Gardener’s Cuttings


Autumn tints and winter trails at Westonbirt


Westonbirt, the National Arboretum has activities and trails this autumn and winter to explore the spectacular effects the changing seasons have on the nationally important tree collection.


The National Arboretum, based in Gloucestershire and managed by the Forestry Commission, is internationally renowned for the fiery autumnal colour of its tree collection. The arboretum is home to the UK’s National Collection of Japanese Maples, which becomes a must-see attraction during this time for its display of vibrant orange and red leaves. Guided walks, self-led trails, specialist wood sales, courses and workshops are all included in the events programme to help visitors explore the world famous leafy patchwork of colour.


As the seed collecting season begins, children can take part in the Seed Spectacular event on 2nd and 3rd October.


During half term (25th-29th October), families can discover why the arboretum’s trees change colour and create their own Westonbirt inspired art during the Autumnal Highlights event.


Visit the events listings at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt.


Cheltenham ‘in bloom’ displays not good enough


The standard of Cheltenham’s floral displays is not good enough, according to the woman at the helm of the town’s “in bloom” society. For only the second time in 20 years the town has not been entered into the Heart of England in Bloom competition.


Chris Ryder, chairwoman of the Cheltenham in Bloom committee, says the overall standard of the town’s floral displays and gardens has deteriorated to the point at which it was not worth entering.


Gloucester Cathedral Flower Festival


In the last issue of Country Gardener an article on a flower festival at Gloucester Cathedral reported the event was being held in July. The information was sent to us very early and it is to be held in July 2011. We apologise to anyone who made the journey and for any disappointment and inconvenience.


‘Shakespeare’s Allotment’ was based on Anne Hathaway’s vegetable patch


New season of garden design courses from Slimbridge


Slimbridge hosts an informal course this autumn for those who want to design their own gardens or promote an interest in garden design. Two courses are run by Sue Gibson who has taught horticulture and garden design at three horticultural colleges and are run from her Gloucestershire cottage garden, one for beginners and one for second year students.


The Beginners Course,which runs on Wednesdays from 8th September from 7pm to 9pm, will focus on how to measure up and draw a garden to scale and how to design the garden to suit your needs. The fee, which costs £110, includes a 4-hour practical on measuring a garden on Saturday 18th September, 9.00 am - 1.00 pm.


The Second Year Course running on Thursdays from 9th September from 9.45am to 2.45pm with an hour for lunch costs £245, and will focus on more advanced design gardens throughout the seasons and garden management in students own gardens, as well as Garden History.


The courses are run by Sue who trained as a gardener with the National Trust at Nymans Gardens in West Sussex. She later worked at a general nursery in Gloucestershire and then worked in her own Low Maintenance Gardening business.


Sue taught at Lackham College in Wiltshire, Cannington College at Bristol Zoo Gardens, and Hartpury College in Gloucester and now teaches privately from home, runs a garden consultancy service, and appears on Gardeners’ Question Time on local radio.


Tel: 01453 890820 or www.iteachgardening.co.uk


Award-winning ‘Shakespeare’s Allotment’ relocates


‘Shakespeare’s Allotment’, which won bronze in the Small Garden category at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, has been re-located to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon. The allotment was recreated by Barry Locke, Head Gardener of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.


‘Shakespeare’s Allotment’ was based on Anne Hathaway’s vegetable patch and featured a variety of fruit and vegetables, some of which dated back to the


16th century. The allotment also featured a living willow cabin and a life-sized willow statue of Shakespeare tending his garden. The entire allotment including the willow cabin can now be viewed at Anne Hathaway’s cottage so giving visitors another chance to view this project.


At Anne Hathaway’s Cottage visitors can enjoy walking around the allotment which features over 30 different plants. The delicious Strawberry Spinach generated considerable interest at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The plant was first cultivated over 400 years ago and is enjoyed for both its vegetable and fruit offering.


Anne Hathaway’s Cottage has a stunning cottage garden with beautiful blooms, an orchard, a growing willow cabin and an Elizabethan style yew maze. This summer at New Place, visitors can experience an archaeological dig at Shakespeare’s last home which will take place in the gardens until 3rd September.


Mammal conservation group formed


The Cotswolds is rich in biodiversity and home to a wild variety of wildlife. Many groups exist to study and conserve our native fauna. But unlike many parts of the UK, the area lacks a group dedicated to the study and conservation of our native mammal species.


The Bristol and Gloucestershire Mammal Group aims to put that right. An informal group has been set up and a first annual meeting is to be organised to form a proper committee.


The enthusiasts behind the move are Mike Harvey and Mark Lumsden. Both are keen mammal enthusiasts actively involved as volunteers on Otter and Water Vole conservation projects with the local wildlife trusts. If you would be interested in joining the group and/or helping out with the Otter survey then contact www.gloucestershire-mammals.org


Country Gardener 5


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