Visit to Easton Walled Gardens – Sunday 13th July 2014

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We had a most rewarding visit by coach to the 12 acres of walled ‘perfumed’ gardens located south of Grantham. On arrival, as can be seen in the first image we were given a ‘potted’ history of the reinstatement of the important gardens which have been in the custody of the Cholmeley family since 1592. We were free to wander around the beautiful gardens and parkland at our leisure. At this time of year, the numerous rows and varieties of sweet peas looked stunning as well as some having a wonderful fragrance. The colourful flower borders and vegetable garden provided lots of interest and plants to consider for our own gardens. The terraces, yew tunnel, cedar meadow, bird viewing area, ornamental bridge and start of the River Witham (which eventually runs through Lincoln) enabled us to fill our time. We, (some more than others!) were replenished by lovely cakes, scones and cream, light lunches and hot and cold drinks. Altogether it was an enjoyable, relaxing and sociable visit, with the weather staying fine, apart from a very heavy rain shower as the coach picked up three passengers in Bingham! So, thank you once again to Nicola for her organisational skills and the committee for approving the visit.

SPACES ON BALL AND COLEGRAVE TRIP

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As we were not able to organise a visit to Ball and Colegrave this year, I am sharing this information about spaces on the trip with another local group, for anyone who might be interested.

Some spaces are available with the West Bridgford & Rushcliffe Horticultural Society and they have a number of seats available on the coach to the Ball & Colegrave Trial Grounds just to the south of Banbury on the afternoon of Wednesday July 23rd. Any members of the Lowdham Horticultural Society (and friends) would be welcome to join us for the trip.

The details are: Ball & Colegrave grow flower plants and some greenhouse vegetable plants for the trade. They are all laid out in spectacular fashion for members of the trade to inspect and place orders for the next year. Once during the display period they open for 3 hours to the general public (i.e. us), the proceeds of the entrance fees going to local charities.

Date and time:  Wednesday July 23rd, leaving the Stamford Road, West Bridgford allotments at 2:00pm, return from the grounds at 7:00pm ( should be back in WB for about 8:45pm)

Stamford Road Allotments: (Post code NG2 6LS) are at the very eastern end of Stamford Road where it meets Rufford Way and adjacent to the Willow Tree pub, plenty of car parking space available inside the allotments.

Cost:   Coach trip £14.00 per adult, £7.00 per child under 12, plus £2.50 entrance payable at the gate. Pay on the coach.

Booking Contact Tony Rootham on 0115 914 2675, places available on a first come, first serve basis.

Refreshments:  Drinks (hot and cold) are available in the grounds but no food. There is plenty of seating both indoors and out. Last year most of us took a few sandwiches and had a very pleasant picnic around 5:30pm.

Acorn Farm evening visit – late submission!

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Sorry about this re-visit to Acorn Farm, but I felt that a visual reminder of our ‘safari trip’ around the fields of Sutton on Trent was worth recording by the use of a couple of images. Here we have just been ‘herded’ (not really) onto the trailer for our evening tour, which as can be seen for most people meant the use of wellies. You can also see the farmers very active sheepdog on the trailer, although he preferred to ride on the tractor. It was a bold venture on a cool, grey evening but well worth it as we had a running commentary from our guide both on the trailer and the tractor driver who explained the efforts made to encourage wildlife on and around the farm. As can be seen in the second image, numerous wide margins have been created for this purpose. Well, that’s all for now, let’s hope for a sunny visit to Easton Walled Gardens this Sunday 13th July 2014.

Acorn Farm

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Last Friday, we visited Acorn Farm, the home of Andrew Parsons, the speaker who gave an excellent talk ‘Farming with Wildlife’ earlier in spring.  We were treated to a tour of the farm on the back of a trailer, pulled by a tractor, driven by Andrew’s son and escorted by the sheepdog!  We had chance to see the wide borders planted to encourage birds and wildlife, as well as walk along the top of the flood defences alongside the River Trent. Andrew also introduced us to their herd of cows, bulls and calves.

It was a lovely evening, enjoyed by all those who came along.