Gardener’s Cuttings


Westonbirt welcomes back Enchanted Christmas


December. It’s an event which makes a popular return to the National Arboretum, managed by the Forestry Commission.


Westonbirt Arboretum’s Enchanted Christmas illuminated trail, takes place from Friday 25th 18th


November to Sunday


Alongside exploring this year’s new illuminated route through the trees, visitors can buy gifts and decorations in the Forest Shop and enjoy warming festive fare.


Families will also be able to enjoy a new winter wonderland in the education centre. Amongst a snowy setting, children can meet Westonbirt’s green Father Christmas and make festive crafts with the arboretum’s learning team.


The Plant Centre at Knowle Hill


Providing everything the gardener needs – that’s the mantra at the Plant Centre at Knowle Hill. There you will find autumn bedding and hanging baskets filled with attractive autumn plants, as well as hedging, roses, shrubs, trees and house plants.


“We are taking orders for next year’s hanging baskets,” said owner David Morris. “We offer a colour sheet of plants so that customers can get an idea of the colour schemes that they can achieve.”


The Plant Centre at Knowle Hill is at Badsey, near Evesham. It is the sister centre of the four-acre plant centre at Bretforton, and where all the plants are grown for the centre at Knowle Hill.


The Plant Centre at Knowle Hill is open all year, seven days a week, from 9am until 4pm, 10am until 4pm from the end of October throughout the winter. The tea room will close in the second week of October and will re-open next spring. Apart from the plants which include fruit and vegetable plants in season, you will find compost and pots, ten-year-old horse manure and they also have logs on sale.


The Plant Centre at Knowle Hill, Badsey Lane, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 7EN. Telephone: 01386 831527.


Finding bright, spacious living areas


Bright, spacious and open-plan is the recipe most people use when it comes to extending their living space. The current trend for a more relaxed way of life, especially in relation to cooking and eating, means many of us are choosing to open up our homes in the direction of the sky and garden.


Westonbirt’s enchanted Christmas. Photo by Rob Cousins


For over ten years Westonbirt has thrilled winter visitors with the Enchanted Christmas illuminated trail. The one-mile trail highlights the striking structures of Westonbirt’s trees in winter. A new route through the trees is created each year to take in different specimens, paths and vistas in the tree collection.


The illuminated trail is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, both of which can be booked for free in advance by calling 01666 881218.


Westonbirt’s Enchanted Christmas takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 25th


November to 18th


December, from 5pm to 8.30pm, with the last entry at 7.15pm.


Admission: adults £9, concessions £8 and children £5. Discounted entry is available for pre-booked groups over ten people and Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum members receive half price entry on Fridays.


Advance tickets can be booked online from Saturday 1st


October at www. forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-christmas.


Light and space in the garden from Encompass


Modern materials and new glazing systems have opened up all kinds of architectural possibilities, and Encompass Bespoke Glazing Solutions are specialists in this field. Using bi- folding doors, modern bay windows and elevated roof lanterns they are now able to achieve much more than can be offered by a traditional conservatory.


Bi-folding doors that can fold back and stack out of the way giving you maximum openings can be used in conjunction with a glazed canopy, and it’s possible to merge inside and out, like never before. They are even able to build entire glass structures: stand alone garden buildings which are ideal as a gym, playroom, home office or somewhere to escape the phone and enjoy some ‘me’ time. They work particularly well in rural locations


where so many people want to be able to appreciate views of the countryside.


The company specialises in designing, supplying and installing bespoke glass extensions which are attractive, functional and efficient. Frames can be supplied in aluminium, hardwood or UPVC. Being naturally strong, aluminium windows have slimmer sight lines so give a more elegant finish. They can be powder- coated to any colour, the hinges can be concealed and unlike other materials, it won’t ever flake or stain. All this, plus a life expectancy of twenty years. Following a free initial visit to your home, they will provide a draft sketch of the planned work, incorporating any special features you wish to include, and adjust it as required. From there, they can handle the whole process for you, from applying for planning permission and getting approval, to overseeing any building work and completing the installation.


Tel: 01452 310147 or visit www.encompassbgs.co.uk Country Gardener


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