tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79515665764833191752024-03-18T02:47:58.170-07:00Friends of the Arno and Oxton FieldsFriends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-91416107607310601522023-12-11T08:30:00.000-08:002023-12-11T08:30:57.273-08:00Composting to help improve the soil.<p> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">As part of the work our volunteers carry out in the Rose Garden, we are very keen to recycle whenever possible. Composting plays a vital role in providing us with part of our potting mixes, as well as for use around the park and when planting roses and perennials.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J89Ui-MpmZClHezAZD-ALZJjMGS77FlaRIHFI3LJQ5Jcz0juP5YTQouwc-hmRpi1Z9uvmV-b1O3HM8JdXiIel6BhYQDJgb9-g6BVrNmbOaEwSa3iluqn9L2udeC2-0SNSdyTAwJMDPjsRAjRSmMWUYaFXl4nE5znCBRV1-X-RGuvYZOopovSg7lK9Io/s2048/leaf%20mould.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J89Ui-MpmZClHezAZD-ALZJjMGS77FlaRIHFI3LJQ5Jcz0juP5YTQouwc-hmRpi1Z9uvmV-b1O3HM8JdXiIel6BhYQDJgb9-g6BVrNmbOaEwSa3iluqn9L2udeC2-0SNSdyTAwJMDPjsRAjRSmMWUYaFXl4nE5znCBRV1-X-RGuvYZOopovSg7lK9Io/w400-h300/leaf%20mould.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">We compost all the organic waste material that we can from the park and include brown materials such as cardboard and paper into the mix. It is important to get the right mix of both green and brown in order to create a good compost. Anything that was alive, plant wise, can be added to the compost bays. Egg shells, grass cuttings, plant stems etc. Each year in November, we empty all the hanging baskets from Oxton village into our compost bays, then return the wire baskets ready to be used the following Summer.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The<span style="color: #cc0000;"> <u>compost</u></span> is then used wherever needed in the park, such as under roses, in the borders, when planting and potting up. It provides the plants with nutrition and also improves the overall texture of the soil.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">An essential Autumn job carried out by the volunteers is collecting fallen leaves, especially from lawned areas. These are stored in separate pens to convert into<u> <span style="color: #cc0000;">leaf mould</span></u><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span> This is low in nutrients but is wonderful for mulching, adding to potting mixes and borders to improve the water retention of the soil. While compost is formed by bacteria, with help from worms and bugs, leaf mould<u> </u>is formed by the action of fungi over a longer period of time.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwedhQD5uhyphenhyphenUcpZ0u3g0Okaxd3FWcagZujVfZltIsNJS0flwstORWhyUD2YHxq5Ak3oHeFJ9-JHu4a8Rao092uov01SryVRD6ow9lRZgiIY6kZHU9mH2bDKurb1XmAfPrzog70Otxem4rxTQkILsiEb1GYBtqOuH5dj4ZYzwqJ-oUV8vh-sAPFKhMTSNE/s2048/leaf%20litter%20bays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwedhQD5uhyphenhyphenUcpZ0u3g0Okaxd3FWcagZujVfZltIsNJS0flwstORWhyUD2YHxq5Ak3oHeFJ9-JHu4a8Rao092uov01SryVRD6ow9lRZgiIY6kZHU9mH2bDKurb1XmAfPrzog70Otxem4rxTQkILsiEb1GYBtqOuH5dj4ZYzwqJ-oUV8vh-sAPFKhMTSNE/w299-h398/leaf%20litter%20bays.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Another project we have begun is the creation of a <u><span style="color: #cc0000;">dead hedge.</span></u> Dead hedges are an easy way of constructing a fence, which can act as a windbreak, at the same time as providing a natural habitat for wildlife. They are made using materials to hand such as fallen branches after strong winds, fallen or recently coppiced branches, thicker prunings from deciduous shrubs and many types of garden waste which would take longer to rot down in a usual compost heap. As the materials in the dead hedge rot down, new prunings and branches are continuously added. All the nutrients go down into the ground below. Insects, birds and small mammals can use the dead hedge as a habitat, in just the same way as a living hedge, both for shelter and a source of food where woodlice, slugs and the like would naturally be readily available, as they are there rotting down the decaying material.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZD-0xgaLQ-rO80oPfLGdpBe7nFvSn_Hx6UQf-MrUZmaghNrFUy0wItPaqGQfwSrImafeATYnvL1gQqczOivlxUOG21HIDJfrAPUn7iFE_CfEfzr2K1mR1656ls8v-wOlpwPqVbOcZfYinnEV_3Gq3eGEkClln_NFi2gEuofIv9dQl_zVmGbdzLGNaj5U/s2048/dead%20hedge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZD-0xgaLQ-rO80oPfLGdpBe7nFvSn_Hx6UQf-MrUZmaghNrFUy0wItPaqGQfwSrImafeATYnvL1gQqczOivlxUOG21HIDJfrAPUn7iFE_CfEfzr2K1mR1656ls8v-wOlpwPqVbOcZfYinnEV_3Gq3eGEkClln_NFi2gEuofIv9dQl_zVmGbdzLGNaj5U/w400-h300/dead%20hedge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-7058270430028581802023-10-11T12:15:00.000-07:002023-10-11T12:15:00.854-07:00Improving the Storeton Road entrance.<p><span style="font-size: small;"> In order to make the Storeton Road entrance to the Arno much more welcoming, our volunteers Sian and Dave Turner have put in many hours of hard work during this Summer and early Autumn. To begin, they raised the canopy of the mature holly tree so that more light could get in and so that people passing by along Storeton Road would catch a glimpse of the beautiful park within and be tempted to enter. Previously, the area to the right as you enter was very congested with large Cherry laurel bushes, large fuchsia shrubs and mostly entangled with ground smothering ivy. It took many grueling hours to clear away the ivy and remove most of the laurels before replanting could even begin.</span><br /></p><p>Once the space was opened out, it revealed the statuesque trunk of the oak tree and provided a beautiful view up into its branches from below. This dappled light is typical woodland conditions, as well as years of fallen leaves to improve the soil beneath. Some new, more well behaved and prettier shrubs were added along the boundary walls to add seasonal interest and fragrance. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EP3MSzJl5eM4B3q26_1FyRwMZViXqg0n1-dEecqKwqHQ9zn0FSvEtIR3WM2gWwPEMnfe16mpohInMDLRACqLHq3645oopUrMuhQHNiKBqnnVD2aa_7zWRg0fgbau0aOIUxQ6QEaqUiW-hXWclkazUyymQO_cqgknEnreSR0r_LCBvS5lfhjB8tzJku8/s4002/shrubs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2085" data-original-width="4002" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EP3MSzJl5eM4B3q26_1FyRwMZViXqg0n1-dEecqKwqHQ9zn0FSvEtIR3WM2gWwPEMnfe16mpohInMDLRACqLHq3645oopUrMuhQHNiKBqnnVD2aa_7zWRg0fgbau0aOIUxQ6QEaqUiW-hXWclkazUyymQO_cqgknEnreSR0r_LCBvS5lfhjB8tzJku8/w640-h334/shrubs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1) Weigela 2) Philadelphus Belle Etoile 3) Pieris 4) Nandina Domestica 5) Abelia 6) Camellia </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>7) Sarcococca</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Once the shrubs had been planted and well watered in, attention turned to perennials and biennial foxgloves. These had to be able to withstand a certain amount of shade from the oak tree, holly tree and shrubs. The selection included native ferns, Red Campion, Brunnera, Pulmonaria and Libertia. There were already some ferns and Archangel growing towards the back where it was hidden previously.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-N86sz44DxWsXL9RoIG-4W_qxI9rpA1K1LZst0hCajuKEFKB4Jk7cQrTs4RMcoJ5n2vfBBwcJhSLkygHCxX8XL0T3z7Uc0meAyrfCWLMpkJpLBGdp-nwhSvdd9XBvFTZE2T4vJwz7IKFZm_p3XUXNoSDrFX4lxMopnD5SqvmV-jPn_-TL0CLl5Dg7Qg/s4102/perennials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2671" data-original-width="4102" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-N86sz44DxWsXL9RoIG-4W_qxI9rpA1K1LZst0hCajuKEFKB4Jk7cQrTs4RMcoJ5n2vfBBwcJhSLkygHCxX8XL0T3z7Uc0meAyrfCWLMpkJpLBGdp-nwhSvdd9XBvFTZE2T4vJwz7IKFZm_p3XUXNoSDrFX4lxMopnD5SqvmV-jPn_-TL0CLl5Dg7Qg/w640-h416/perennials.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1) Pulmonaria 2) Fern 3) Red Campion 4) Brunnera Silver Heart 5) Foxglove 6) Libertia</b></p><p></p><p>Finally, bulbs were planted in groups between the shrubs and perennials. Sixty Tete a tete dwarf daffodils bulbs, as well as Lily of the Valley were dotted around. As there are no Bluebells already in the Rose Garden, it was decided to try and grow our native English Bluebells, which are much daintier and only flower along one side of the stem. 100 of these were purchased from <a href="https://www.naturescape.co.uk/" target="_blank">Naturescape</a> and added to the woodland area.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisezEbFIvfSWDmStXDcgZoMfdSINiAlwm_ApQtVENCxYW_9lHY-PIAMb18ZhvC_AwUQtGz-35Kl4jLgPhNYOmrE0_RFg_7H5eRu1vMh4WlBbsnxSkcBU2E6iW0ETQ-b7cg5iVQ8QHt4nalYR3-wrJcAlQAWSfiy653klFXvNktWNG_Bo8w-Yg3pRV54s/s4825/bulbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1965" data-original-width="4825" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisezEbFIvfSWDmStXDcgZoMfdSINiAlwm_ApQtVENCxYW_9lHY-PIAMb18ZhvC_AwUQtGz-35Kl4jLgPhNYOmrE0_RFg_7H5eRu1vMh4WlBbsnxSkcBU2E6iW0ETQ-b7cg5iVQ8QHt4nalYR3-wrJcAlQAWSfiy653klFXvNktWNG_Bo8w-Yg3pRV54s/w640-h261/bulbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1) Lily of the Valley 2) English Bluebell 3) Tete a Tete dwarf daffodil</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">This new area should gradually naturalize to create a beautiful Spring and early summer display followed by lush ferns interspersed with splashes of colour from the foxgloves and red Campion. A huge thank you to Sian and Dave for all their efforts in improving this space. <b> </b><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-71947063627986649392023-07-22T02:31:00.000-07:002023-07-22T02:31:06.294-07:00Under-planting of the Rose Beds<p><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 227px; overflow: hidden; width: 341px;"><img height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/fr1iJ7xv96Q_1DR2IJ_BOzWaYEPZdhAbSlIatKLJrZx2jQWHzAdpUsb9iPYK2jrCC7BR3A0At9SGbTEkAp1yUtEOLdqZeP1AjLjZp5Wggi8o4zXwULVEy8kWbu1QwaOpIMA4GZV008kLKf4SVR4utQ=w341-h225" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="341" /></span> </p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-ea880192-7fff-46b0-0187-4ca1eeb508d8" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Under- planting</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the Rose beds in our garden will have two benefits:</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-ea880192-7fff-46b0-0187-4ca1eeb508d8" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, it will provide ground cover and reduce the laborious task of perpetual weeding.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-ea880192-7fff-46b0-0187-4ca1eeb508d8" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, it will add colour to our garden at those times of the year when our roses are not in bloom, and it will also invite more pollinating insects into our garden over a longer period.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHs5bfs40qID1J7jLXPj8mH1mQSHc9WmHruWKifB4GanjTXvobPtFmvimTxP0SYadR-3RMVThbJ1e5Zrs6M8wVCJ7H5idV-WFKWk0NXcVWJ5vo6s9oW0EfzBPbtAG4y_oqHi4vVFsAgzbrgWGAM85PR5YhGSfeS--BWCvn7ERG-cyhOezIW6SX3hIvuKA/s2048/296143677_1395843547560933_3846253247041998144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2048" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHs5bfs40qID1J7jLXPj8mH1mQSHc9WmHruWKifB4GanjTXvobPtFmvimTxP0SYadR-3RMVThbJ1e5Zrs6M8wVCJ7H5idV-WFKWk0NXcVWJ5vo6s9oW0EfzBPbtAG4y_oqHi4vVFsAgzbrgWGAM85PR5YhGSfeS--BWCvn7ERG-cyhOezIW6SX3hIvuKA/w320-h181/296143677_1395843547560933_3846253247041998144_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some beds have already been under-planted with </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lavenders</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, but some other beds are not suitable for Lavenders either because they are more shaded and therefore do not receive sufficient direct sunlight, or the soil conditions in them are not welcoming to them. A number of different plants will be put into these beds therefore including:</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Geraniums (</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Crane’s Bill</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">).</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 190px; overflow: hidden; width: 190px;"><img alt="A group of purple flowers
Description automatically generated" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/rvi35UZewSjj11IUBjuH3GcZXwI8h-HdgZVIfVNhhuK1VRErBu8ax5WEBMrxEIGeJ76HXwG--hghtYjQtldCyyywRgpigVnf3qSuMS3o3qYFKqWljFFB729ke1KBFF6WKe80KvpPypBcoCKPINNYQg=w200-h200" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="200" /> </span><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigPG_GhmCY2Uc0AcQ45UmSe4WCqVfO00okfIynWyCEymVECFcREdCQxNeiv2wl3KcGayucPumbnoP6nQH-0eZ9ItBjjylgxNeUc1dhMSF8s4t8r6a-AI_Jyqhzv2j1xa1mP1xssXoipGk_JaAt2vmBKT67DD8PzsmrIA0t1O74E4h4GjsoJRVI81fOdA/s276/nepeta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="276" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigPG_GhmCY2Uc0AcQ45UmSe4WCqVfO00okfIynWyCEymVECFcREdCQxNeiv2wl3KcGayucPumbnoP6nQH-0eZ9ItBjjylgxNeUc1dhMSF8s4t8r6a-AI_Jyqhzv2j1xa1mP1xssXoipGk_JaAt2vmBKT67DD8PzsmrIA0t1O74E4h4GjsoJRVI81fOdA/s1600/nepeta.jpg" width="276" /></a></span></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">… and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nepeta (</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Catmint</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next phase of under-planting will start in</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">September</span></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But to complete the whole process will most likely take a year or two given that planting can only be carried out at certain times of the year! As </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Friends</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> work their way round all of the beds, any Rose bushes that seem to be ailing will be replaced with new. That is a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">forever process</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> but so necessary to keep our Rose Garden always looking at its very best.</span></span>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-14507018574049497552023-02-17T09:39:00.000-08:002023-02-17T09:39:10.073-08:00Rose Planting Trial at the Arno.<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmxnnS2G42l28ZRZF22YbjHyXUJaAglbS8PIeqAt3Wco9JyFKim4F6Gk-mpSVU7OoM67R7AsSj0lCZcavBjDBk-jfTEkdTlGjjKSSH13MLBqt2vdLvRtn4c46azLAk7vEt5ZFN0mRFwzQnoY1LXrM_RwZR5Xt6t89_NCfmWeKqEUpjprxj_eSusbk/s800/bc7aba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmxnnS2G42l28ZRZF22YbjHyXUJaAglbS8PIeqAt3Wco9JyFKim4F6Gk-mpSVU7OoM67R7AsSj0lCZcavBjDBk-jfTEkdTlGjjKSSH13MLBqt2vdLvRtn4c46azLAk7vEt5ZFN0mRFwzQnoY1LXrM_RwZR5Xt6t89_NCfmWeKqEUpjprxj_eSusbk/w640-h360/bc7aba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosa Penelope<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Since we began replanting the forty two rose beds, we have been disappointed to find that many of the new roses were failing. It has been an ongoing concern for the Friends group, as we have tried to establish a cause. After discussion with the RHS North West in Bloom judge last Summer 2022, we have come up with a plan of action to revitalise the rose beds for everyone to enjoy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">All the rose beds were tested for their ph . This is how acidic or alkaline the soil is. Roses need a ph of around 6.5. It didn't appear to be that which was a problem. We contacted David Austin Roses, Peter Beales Roses and Harkness Roses, as well as searching on the Internet. The general consensus was that the roses needed to be planted in fresh soil, as the soil may have contained a virus which affected roses. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">With forty two rose beds, the task of completely changing the soil to a depth of around three feet was overwhelming. But there was a simpler solution!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Since January 2023, we have been collecting cardboard boxes. Yesterday February 16th, we began work on our Trial Bed. We selected one of the worst rose beds, which had in fact been planted up twice before. Alas, they virtually all died. With only donated funds, and money raised from plant sales, we could not continue to lose roses. This rose bed only had two very sickly specimens left, which we removed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQW5txOIvvHMu828Qmk9TiaXInL4C_Ui3e-qsGxpzQjjdxvDwL29TTr-Oo9-JDriS0v8gfS_sUZsCteMdPbSBDRFnHZDh8bTNdGBeGx6SDb4Uu_q0CgfpPe57NSiu3OLxvH5yZbe-tALUlO0R90mHvvWTLb8vbF3n0q_dN1r_68EqWvrVbxfM7hm4z/s2048/330823427_687371303077814_6282393346874191585_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="2048" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQW5txOIvvHMu828Qmk9TiaXInL4C_Ui3e-qsGxpzQjjdxvDwL29TTr-Oo9-JDriS0v8gfS_sUZsCteMdPbSBDRFnHZDh8bTNdGBeGx6SDb4Uu_q0CgfpPe57NSiu3OLxvH5yZbe-tALUlO0R90mHvvWTLb8vbF3n0q_dN1r_68EqWvrVbxfM7hm4z/w200-h148/330823427_687371303077814_6282393346874191585_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The bed had been dug over and weeded in preparation for the new roses to go in. Six Rosa Penelope shrub roses, bare root, were ordered. Part of the new action plan moving forward, is that fewer roses will be planted in each bed. With fewer roses, we can give better attention to each rose in terms of feeding, pruning, dead heading, and watering when necessary. Another advantage of fewer roses per rose bed will be greater air circulation around them, reducing fungal problems. The roses we will select will be larger, with more open flowers for pollinators and so hips will be produced to leave on over Winter. More vigorous shrub roses will hopefully have greater resistance to disease and also lend themselves to more creative ways of tying in and pruning to enhance the flowering potential of each shrub rose. This technique has been used to great effect at Sissinghurst.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Many of our visitors have commented on how lovely it has been to see the roses under planted with lavender. As roses don't start blooming until June, we have chosen to follow the example of many other rose gardens, such as the type at Dunham Massey. These gardens clearly showcase roses, with their delicious scents, but also use perennials to under plant and extend the season of interest. The varied planting also attracts beneficial insects which will help to keep the roses healthier. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MOXLrTnRAOp0aQiwxePJuCIn2awIO5rM5KopIZlTOTZCL33dU9zH-y1ShC0yrNMVh3PaZ5jU5hwannA7KkVrkzAECVkUZCxzUtNW13o5-yh7MbenCkEEJBLdVpHUprfUHMoADzZpRF0dy8wtLxpqBQFlEL7uDFAR-g3hBSjDwM7FXfs201GN9scb/s2048/331135949_1140397929977308_9002598501031623968_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MOXLrTnRAOp0aQiwxePJuCIn2awIO5rM5KopIZlTOTZCL33dU9zH-y1ShC0yrNMVh3PaZ5jU5hwannA7KkVrkzAECVkUZCxzUtNW13o5-yh7MbenCkEEJBLdVpHUprfUHMoADzZpRF0dy8wtLxpqBQFlEL7uDFAR-g3hBSjDwM7FXfs201GN9scb/s320/331135949_1140397929977308_9002598501031623968_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Six Rosa Penelope roses arrived. A group of us met , spades at the ready. We decided on the positioning, allowing adequate space between each rose. Deep holes were dug out, wider and deeper than our cardboard boxes. Beneath,a layer of fresh topsoil mixed with home made compost. The box was placed inside, then all around the box we added this same mix of topsoil and compost. Then to start filling the box. The mixture once again, but now we added a couple of handfuls of rose slow release feed, which contained some farmyard manure, in pellet form. The rose roots were sprinkled over with Rootgrow, a mycorrhizal fungi which helps the roots to establish faster. Then gradually the box was filled up with more fresh topsoil and compost. Finally, after watering in, we made sure the rose was firmed in and the new soil was covering the tops of the boxes. Then we repeated this for the other five roses. To complete our afternoon we forked over the bed to tidy it up after all our work.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> We are very optimistic that this trial method of planting the new roses will be successful. This year we will be carefully monitoring their growth and health. In the coming months, you will no doubt see our volunteers planting around the roses, to reduce the need for so much weeding, as well as enhancing the look of the garden. If it proves to be the way forward then we will plan to replant another bed in the Autumn.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt--VWrmvo7NwLZ-HqBVgeAYI6gvbiK5nA6KgWC6yDOf5Frd9JWLcNActA3uuC_wxK1J8Xp30qxS7VIaGW3wwKLSmeE1sdemlMLv7AOGyW4GUdptUU02lWoPFn494BTedMS2J1uiDHlv1Amkv8AetsakmMyrN9fJOrKoRgzgBA2_MThw_kBVo_VIKe/s2048/330930199_1830233840692024_4346441167931797512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt--VWrmvo7NwLZ-HqBVgeAYI6gvbiK5nA6KgWC6yDOf5Frd9JWLcNActA3uuC_wxK1J8Xp30qxS7VIaGW3wwKLSmeE1sdemlMLv7AOGyW4GUdptUU02lWoPFn494BTedMS2J1uiDHlv1Amkv8AetsakmMyrN9fJOrKoRgzgBA2_MThw_kBVo_VIKe/w640-h426/330930199_1830233840692024_4346441167931797512_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span> <br /></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-52603456947570589832023-01-18T12:10:00.000-08:002023-01-18T12:10:00.924-08:00Building a new Bug Hotel<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDadl7XusZWrH6kx5vQ6JT0lSusOjIrWhQzzDOeJyGAKqvGHGqvaErDmsp6NQp_WE24CaSq5pekqKIlqCDVzIwut8SS_RX1-rzGiNQicwFlVA8xbYj1OisePSy0bz1Wh9uZAUVCCjsjFu4J_6dzfVlST1qBW6FN9JdUmUD7IgMsbNfBjLZPPU3V_dE/s1600/burnt%20down%20bug%20hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDadl7XusZWrH6kx5vQ6JT0lSusOjIrWhQzzDOeJyGAKqvGHGqvaErDmsp6NQp_WE24CaSq5pekqKIlqCDVzIwut8SS_RX1-rzGiNQicwFlVA8xbYj1OisePSy0bz1Wh9uZAUVCCjsjFu4J_6dzfVlST1qBW6FN9JdUmUD7IgMsbNfBjLZPPU3V_dE/w244-h325/burnt%20down%20bug%20hotel.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">Sadly, back in September 2022, our lovely bug hotel was set on fire by three senseless vandals. We had so many kind comments from the local community, expressing how upset and angry they felt as well as offering materials and assistance to rebuild it. Lots of local children liked to come and sit in that area and hunt for mini beasts. Our awareness of nature, be it big or small, is important to nurture, especially in the young.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It was decided that we should wait a while in case the arsonists decided to come back , and so that bonfire night was over before we started to rebuild. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9btQq0CFqPJFDfI3XpONMytYNpZ6KBZUUyYGr5Tdk3K5w3o5_QuOuwCEGshcV2NDlfkdV7SZaUUabbiuH7DX7frt6sDZD1cCqUC39i0r3H1DJjA0zcOge1PXqybVMQwHgwIgaV26EkeU3psxekCSGWZVi8qecchYPqku7rhZ-F1XMvVK9Lwxoq32/s2048/bug%20men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9btQq0CFqPJFDfI3XpONMytYNpZ6KBZUUyYGr5Tdk3K5w3o5_QuOuwCEGshcV2NDlfkdV7SZaUUabbiuH7DX7frt6sDZD1cCqUC39i0r3H1DJjA0zcOge1PXqybVMQwHgwIgaV26EkeU3psxekCSGWZVi8qecchYPqku7rhZ-F1XMvVK9Lwxoq32/s320/bug%20men.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Helix Roofing Company in Wallasey messaged us, offering to donate whatever materials we wanted. We also had an offer of roof tiles from a lady in Palm Hill. John, who is pictured on the right with his thumb up, kindly drove about collecting all these bits and pieces. So a huge thank you to all those people who donated materials. It was very much appreciated.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday 3rd December was marked down to build our bug hotel mark 2. John B, John F and Dave set to work creating an A frame, while other volunteers collected sticks, hollow stems and fir cones to fill it. In an effort to try and make it less flammable, roof tiles were used to cover the sloping sides. We have not yet added a chimney, but it will go on, at some point.</span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVnKV_O0J7iPx1G7iqsyDT7hK9PfWla8xREqnx3XhRnxLTlcmNi6ffRS1bC8Kte1vEGP8igO8wVfSxSpJnStHX9GlcYRsNvPId8SimM9QMgWXYpuR7sFm_FM9YpZJVDuaFmGziuphnotgz2XRoXXd4faI0904t1pBIR06Ydn6SlDdx0BIGD206e-w/s280/donated%20tiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="157" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVnKV_O0J7iPx1G7iqsyDT7hK9PfWla8xREqnx3XhRnxLTlcmNi6ffRS1bC8Kte1vEGP8igO8wVfSxSpJnStHX9GlcYRsNvPId8SimM9QMgWXYpuR7sFm_FM9YpZJVDuaFmGziuphnotgz2XRoXXd4faI0904t1pBIR06Ydn6SlDdx0BIGD206e-w/w157-h281/donated%20tiles.jpg" width="157" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Below is a photograph of the new bug hotel. If children want to collect and add cones, bits of hollow stems, dry leaves and old rotting sticks, then please do. It is there for you to enjoy. I think we have even left a box of fir cones next to it so that passing children can place them inside. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us hope that this bug hotel lasts a lot longer than the previous one. All the kind messages lifted our spirits to know that the majority of the local population are decent. Sadly it's the few bad'uns who make the most noise and upset. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3V9Bit96NLeSndElgbC69utTNVuJEEte6kz9Yy8921mozL8IzvrIl06JXmDKtDmuHxGxlSARdgNnNnQoMLOyQCu5llauscbEVSZjg9haNSWC3lvrfdrc3TQftPU61qhJ9S0q44q_eAJVoIpUQa6Ir2gtslugSViE14UBI3TTr3mni6IOG1lfO_ZNU/s366/bug%20h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="366" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3V9Bit96NLeSndElgbC69utTNVuJEEte6kz9Yy8921mozL8IzvrIl06JXmDKtDmuHxGxlSARdgNnNnQoMLOyQCu5llauscbEVSZjg9haNSWC3lvrfdrc3TQftPU61qhJ9S0q44q_eAJVoIpUQa6Ir2gtslugSViE14UBI3TTr3mni6IOG1lfO_ZNU/s320/bug%20h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-87428198817652952692022-07-31T02:56:00.000-07:002022-07-31T02:56:12.479-07:00Under Planting of the Rose Beds<p><span style="font-size: medium;">It has become apparent to our gardening volunteers that to reduce the amount of weeds, as well as increasing colour and interest, the rose beds needed something extra. Roses are the quintessential English flower with their wonderful scent. However, they only begin to flower in June and then need regular dead heading to continue to bloom for longer. With such a large amount of bare earth around the roses, it is a constant battle to keep weeds at bay.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After visits to other public gardens, we decided that under planting was the way forward. We had received a generous donation to buy, specifically, lavender plants. Since the success of those, we have been given further donations in order to add more lavender. We have also used Erigeron Karvinskianus or mexican fleabane under some roses, after seeing it used beautifully at David Austin Roses. Another circular rose bed has been planted with Ophiopogon and Calendula. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLz-Oh_81HGkcSpnKnn9jnUwjlAd-pvR-e_BdtGJLqXqC0b6JUGZDwhtwOVOW8hS8eD-THbnFZ5HmpNQoI8C0k-D-fvBP1YB5_MHYcWUefGB6BfiCokTJjiqKFAxDbobiFI2OXsaFw4Y_4Vgg4TL7WmTdEkgw5gJnnSxmM5PgqL1JYUSc4qGh5mRnp/s2048/296219736_711369829925146_9137860297896317513_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLz-Oh_81HGkcSpnKnn9jnUwjlAd-pvR-e_BdtGJLqXqC0b6JUGZDwhtwOVOW8hS8eD-THbnFZ5HmpNQoI8C0k-D-fvBP1YB5_MHYcWUefGB6BfiCokTJjiqKFAxDbobiFI2OXsaFw4Y_4Vgg4TL7WmTdEkgw5gJnnSxmM5PgqL1JYUSc4qGh5mRnp/s320/296219736_711369829925146_9137860297896317513_n.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><span style="font-size: medium;">During the extremely hot temperatures, reaching 34.5 degrees here during the July heatwave 2022, the lavender and mexican fleabane responded extremely well. With future summer weather forecast to get hotter and drier, under planting also has the benefit of reducing water evaporation from the soil.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrT93Ld_TpCOMkMdgRKQZXS_As3E6mavL3Qgldb7wYJ3Qa_ue0bk8ybLDLAuna_k3K96itEThTG_JCNMDKcyO2BPuRN3Sqy19vxgOeZx6P8IGL-u9YFlmAhKJKjjD3U95eYCPk4SLfUdGrsu2HMy3M4pzaklkoE0oah9f2oANcZVV1oWaAbQDpsEZT/s2048/296132292_419318626653832_239703344774892366_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1150" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrT93Ld_TpCOMkMdgRKQZXS_As3E6mavL3Qgldb7wYJ3Qa_ue0bk8ybLDLAuna_k3K96itEThTG_JCNMDKcyO2BPuRN3Sqy19vxgOeZx6P8IGL-u9YFlmAhKJKjjD3U95eYCPk4SLfUdGrsu2HMy3M4pzaklkoE0oah9f2oANcZVV1oWaAbQDpsEZT/w225-h400/296132292_419318626653832_239703344774892366_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are a few pictures to show how we feel the Rose Garden has been enhanced by the under planting. Our plans are to add more lavender as well as other low growing perennials, which are low maintenance plants and should reduce the need for so much weeding. <br /><br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VdjeRIuuYzbgd37KouH_SLbjDKXwRjrRcjm-uo4uiIOEkbwLhU6SPUCRE0FrpjIDvcYigJ5_PirspYWKk1pZcVWB_rR9XOG9NT5G_axRXK3oCFHEfhG6j-HpwmDT9thdNRNkVhk21--RX1z5ORN6n9YKbM8t-oIGMeRSzoL_p7EfYtbX8iUjYHbx/s2048/295970930_5369411163141561_6930981729087179940_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VdjeRIuuYzbgd37KouH_SLbjDKXwRjrRcjm-uo4uiIOEkbwLhU6SPUCRE0FrpjIDvcYigJ5_PirspYWKk1pZcVWB_rR9XOG9NT5G_axRXK3oCFHEfhG6j-HpwmDT9thdNRNkVhk21--RX1z5ORN6n9YKbM8t-oIGMeRSzoL_p7EfYtbX8iUjYHbx/w400-h225/295970930_5369411163141561_6930981729087179940_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD54Wjp1RYOK-FtPhHKvsQKarUgVjDB4CQMU4voUpe1LiSKOeA6VDyChIH2rppc1R99eycqHlBSDwi13zpwPPLRTgqc-SuRHH0AWnWUZ7HH5A7mKl2Rd0glhfEQgKZKfk-5RWgJ6fAcv5_w-CL6KS5QJxZO4VhM_67xOfTpNVbA0z3B6SweZhO059s/s2048/296143677_1395843547560933_3846253247041998144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD54Wjp1RYOK-FtPhHKvsQKarUgVjDB4CQMU4voUpe1LiSKOeA6VDyChIH2rppc1R99eycqHlBSDwi13zpwPPLRTgqc-SuRHH0AWnWUZ7HH5A7mKl2Rd0glhfEQgKZKfk-5RWgJ6fAcv5_w-CL6KS5QJxZO4VhM_67xOfTpNVbA0z3B6SweZhO059s/w400-h225/296143677_1395843547560933_3846253247041998144_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></span> <br /><p></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-20398828846328212312022-07-31T02:34:00.000-07:002022-07-31T02:34:54.128-07:00RHS Community gardening<p><span style="font-size: medium;">As we have made links on social media with the Royal Horticultural Society, we joined part of their online "communities".</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Earlier in the Spring we were offered the chance to receive some Calendula Nova seeds, which we could use in our green space. The Friends group has started to under plant many of the rose beds in order to increase interest, colour and plants for pollinators. Calendula or commonly known as Pot Marigolds are an excellent hardy annual which will self seed and last for many years. It is often seen in companion planting in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects, which then feed on greenfly. Also, the petals are edible. Calendula petals can be infused into oil, then used to create hand cream or lip balm as it is good for the skin. What is there not to like, so many benefits, not to mention being such a vibrant, cheerful flower!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxPYA7K5ZGCRmmCRzFd6r_FC6K2vqRA8pGZUAKSUWL917lq-aeHDmsLL99FHBqkwTGSfdw57z0ExZpA-41BWxHmkaL_MNROUs_EVwOhJKxNs9Q9RXuRxbtTuz94-Tv0tkYk-Akz4K3Jd5_56aNbocYFAwi-e4GJBsKwysQB7f1bmwQDVkBnZ2o3P-/s2048/296044767_1013555009335816_3149748300160897314_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxPYA7K5ZGCRmmCRzFd6r_FC6K2vqRA8pGZUAKSUWL917lq-aeHDmsLL99FHBqkwTGSfdw57z0ExZpA-41BWxHmkaL_MNROUs_EVwOhJKxNs9Q9RXuRxbtTuz94-Tv0tkYk-Akz4K3Jd5_56aNbocYFAwi-e4GJBsKwysQB7f1bmwQDVkBnZ2o3P-/s320/296044767_1013555009335816_3149748300160897314_n.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><span style="font-size: medium;">Two of our gardening volunteers had chosen one of the circular rose beds. A plant donation of a large pot of Ophiopogon or Black turf lily was split up and planted around the bed. Then the Calendula seeds were sown in between and watered in. Finally the labels #Growwell were placed in the bed.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Despite some very dry weather, the seeds germinated and were thinned and some transplanted to give the seedlings space to grow.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsGuDsv1Na5jBCWd-oB_OXc7iTVnS6lmTkHEV6YSWTFNhZULaOK8FFmYB3vYI-K3cudGrx_gBxAEQl2tg3of4nCfugK2QfrSaL_9c-TG8tPitG8_uZBJ_OXbx3QDQ24TahoISl_Uk1mOTSDNaui8iOQYiC7xqPDHwuR6_eeKbxdEyXfSaELOZLN1A/s2048/296445495_583264576733871_3619823829697838855_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsGuDsv1Na5jBCWd-oB_OXc7iTVnS6lmTkHEV6YSWTFNhZULaOK8FFmYB3vYI-K3cudGrx_gBxAEQl2tg3of4nCfugK2QfrSaL_9c-TG8tPitG8_uZBJ_OXbx3QDQ24TahoISl_Uk1mOTSDNaui8iOQYiC7xqPDHwuR6_eeKbxdEyXfSaELOZLN1A/s320/296445495_583264576733871_3619823829697838855_n.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally, in July, the flowers appeared. These are long flowering annuals, which we will continue to deadhead, sprinkling future seeds around as we go. Our aim is for the Ophiopogon to slowly spread into larger clumps, with the contrasting vibrant orange flowers of the Calendula to set them off beautifully. This circular bed should sustain itself , gradually covering the ground and suppressing weeds.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3usJQWXgMVm3-nSaABcVqJloq8vA1FtILvI8tafpr_kCDrC54xw0a5WWdd8Wlud2XQu3oCnufmWHVlLlBuXPhE6tQYaujkpA6MPUiZF6Jiktt3Qff-vf6nqvYc9omRGkwGPDrC326h4km5h2JavfR3c4curYy53XOlQogNxxh6XT-h402TC0t0ske/s2048/296003881_5299034600203763_4363132164380878834_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1533" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3usJQWXgMVm3-nSaABcVqJloq8vA1FtILvI8tafpr_kCDrC54xw0a5WWdd8Wlud2XQu3oCnufmWHVlLlBuXPhE6tQYaujkpA6MPUiZF6Jiktt3Qff-vf6nqvYc9omRGkwGPDrC326h4km5h2JavfR3c4curYy53XOlQogNxxh6XT-h402TC0t0ske/w241-h321/296003881_5299034600203763_4363132164380878834_n.jpg" width="241" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><p></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-64637535640930071652022-04-06T02:59:00.000-07:002022-04-06T02:59:18.326-07:00Preparing for the Secret Gardens 2022<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sZk_4GBlxYjd4iiN0nBJBw6TMZ1M36V6bEJqt1iYIDZ7RRq4JHVF_MNz0g6Qg6WjrZ63AinsTTzC8aylu868NG5HYQsh69_gBwkEl1By-__4ul4y2TeRTlTF5mbJbcSJQlMhM5hFLJ9ayK0KnMccjVQxu5bEF5d_mIYLZ8UOgr_hgQnePrwEDgRO/s640/SGPlant%20stall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sZk_4GBlxYjd4iiN0nBJBw6TMZ1M36V6bEJqt1iYIDZ7RRq4JHVF_MNz0g6Qg6WjrZ63AinsTTzC8aylu868NG5HYQsh69_gBwkEl1By-__4ul4y2TeRTlTF5mbJbcSJQlMhM5hFLJ9ayK0KnMccjVQxu5bEF5d_mIYLZ8UOgr_hgQnePrwEDgRO/s320/SGPlant%20stall.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Plant stall in 2017<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">After a couple of years overshadowed by the threat of the Covid Pandemic, 2022 marks the year when things can return to a more normal routine. Therefore, no more virtual Secret Gardens!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday 8th May is the date for the real event to take place, which we are all looking forward to, bringing the local community together once more. What better way than to visit beautiful gardens, as nature has sustained us during the dark times of the pandemic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Our Friends Group will be organising and running the plant stall at the event. It will be in its usual spot, in front of The Willows in the centre of Oxton Village. Once again, we will be offering a free plant creche, so you can leave your purchases while you peruse the gardens. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As the weather warms up, many of those keen gardeners among you will be busy dividing plants, potting on, taking cuttings or simply growing from seed. Please spare a thought for the upcoming event and see if you can donate to our stall. We welcome plants, terracotta pots, gardening books and gardening tools you may want to add to the stall. We have always been well supported and delighted by the amount of plants that we receive which helps to make the plant stall so popular and a huge success.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Your donations can be dropped off at 1 Ingestre Road a few days before the 8th May. ( If nobody is in, leave them by the porch ). If you would like them to be collected, then you can call Peter on 07717 291 947. Please label your plants, especially if they are rare. Alternatively, you can drop them off at the stall from 8.30am on the Sunday 8th May. All sales will be cash only. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.</span><br /></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-51431891959282162102022-04-06T02:26:00.000-07:002022-04-06T02:26:42.388-07:00Original Steps.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfZy-Ffsgcidbqqd9QVJH5v0nt6iNJm4DAMSAdqgLFng1h1YeHJRNFMTeED9KmnG7qT9xie_K5KwUuZjm8yNabaT-mLB5ix3vdDFdFu-ev3wcsyAIw_23dAZ8ofbs1j8UZKqnYM1o7NYCz7zq23qF1u-QHUHhYw2wGe_xpZosInCdHNLdINnCMAvz/s206/volunteers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfZy-Ffsgcidbqqd9QVJH5v0nt6iNJm4DAMSAdqgLFng1h1YeHJRNFMTeED9KmnG7qT9xie_K5KwUuZjm8yNabaT-mLB5ix3vdDFdFu-ev3wcsyAIw_23dAZ8ofbs1j8UZKqnYM1o7NYCz7zq23qF1u-QHUHhYw2wGe_xpZosInCdHNLdINnCMAvz/w151-h200/volunteers.jpg" width="151" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Our gardening volunteers play a vital role in the work we do in the Rose Garden, Quarry area and the Oxton Fields. We meet on Monday mornings (weather permitting) at 10am in the Rose Garden. Here you can see three of our hard working team enjoying a well deserved brew by our shed and potting area. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We set regular goals for ourselves, with mass bulb planting sessions, or composting the hanging baskets from Oxton village, and many more. It was an idea to try to uncover the original steps which our local ancestors would have trodden to get down into the Quarry. Local men would play quoits in the Quarry on a Sunday, while children played on the seesaw.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUOHmegMlWyCst34giy4Mx528Lwzi7jqXwRpFzr4p_az2gcqqGXMaDJYP0YyBi_5z-f1lLT8p-60vxPu_F6t3YaPEV91yF-kViokF7pmhBhjFE3XeG0UdlxHSvQlkhVfwY--uYisIBhw0Uo3GzNWDZHWonRpAzJAA2Ik9Ck4G6zavZhxmrhsAhMRr/s1268/Arno%20PC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1268" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUOHmegMlWyCst34giy4Mx528Lwzi7jqXwRpFzr4p_az2gcqqGXMaDJYP0YyBi_5z-f1lLT8p-60vxPu_F6t3YaPEV91yF-kViokF7pmhBhjFE3XeG0UdlxHSvQlkhVfwY--uYisIBhw0Uo3GzNWDZHWonRpAzJAA2Ik9Ck4G6zavZhxmrhsAhMRr/s320/Arno%20PC1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />When the Earl of Shrewsbury gifted the land to be used as a recreational ground, it officially opened on the 30th March 1912.<br /> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TeC7YTj_bxfuEGmU0rZIvGXBmmk4yTOSvsRK-UJWJIfPrRQ7q5WNSeUB_kDsGOq8tn-XpeqePgOn3FqAwaXVPARlnw7AK_PZQ4qdBu7QR4lGASGdSWc1cVsd51ZsePiKlwc2hVivwu40LvA9HqzdBimoLRve-cEUOwxDCuastEoYb1cqE_UrpgsJ/s320/The%20Arno%20(06)%20quoits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="320" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TeC7YTj_bxfuEGmU0rZIvGXBmmk4yTOSvsRK-UJWJIfPrRQ7q5WNSeUB_kDsGOq8tn-XpeqePgOn3FqAwaXVPARlnw7AK_PZQ4qdBu7QR4lGASGdSWc1cVsd51ZsePiKlwc2hVivwu40LvA9HqzdBimoLRve-cEUOwxDCuastEoYb1cqE_UrpgsJ/s1600/The%20Arno%20(06)%20quoits.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">In the very old picture postcard above you can see the original steps which you could take down into the Quarry when entering the park from Ingestre Road.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1rJd8Dfh50A7Xg2RWiwmA6ElIHvVYz3mLsMAQy8DELNosTgcgoXOYsCmvMQznjWlS_0-NlNN2T_MjZUunogC6al3pglIl6svvAn8Or1bAg69DbkTHkH-0_f8sCo5as7Dx5nry-fa4n6n6r4umARNrYBeT6oYVBu3JGcn2LCHPPJd3q0rRp6oAnLI/s206/uncovering%20steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1rJd8Dfh50A7Xg2RWiwmA6ElIHvVYz3mLsMAQy8DELNosTgcgoXOYsCmvMQznjWlS_0-NlNN2T_MjZUunogC6al3pglIl6svvAn8Or1bAg69DbkTHkH-0_f8sCo5as7Dx5nry-fa4n6n6r4umARNrYBeT6oYVBu3JGcn2LCHPPJd3q0rRp6oAnLI/s1600/uncovering%20steps.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here you can see some of our regular volunteers embarking on the huge task of uncovering the original steps which led down from the top path. It has become extremely overgrown and the steps are hidden below lots of soil and ivy.</span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGyfRyp6oZRv0xv7VnQ0uF0GoJa_-1NySQwUqYQ6kLigJnWGYedITLCkcdRZHH86WKK90OZzc045u4Zk6LwdAHF_3ZkfKW990_Wv3KqEL-lQ13R0iCbOr5xzC4gGwqSwEsZkqM4Diz4SBmrj1t8vxWPgQiGHX2ikxUnK_9ABYBTlfYH_Go8g7jmUN/s206/original%20steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGyfRyp6oZRv0xv7VnQ0uF0GoJa_-1NySQwUqYQ6kLigJnWGYedITLCkcdRZHH86WKK90OZzc045u4Zk6LwdAHF_3ZkfKW990_Wv3KqEL-lQ13R0iCbOr5xzC4gGwqSwEsZkqM4Diz4SBmrj1t8vxWPgQiGHX2ikxUnK_9ABYBTlfYH_Go8g7jmUN/w241-h320/original%20steps.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally, the original steps start to appear. Here you can see one of our volunteers John Fairclough hard at work.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Although the top path is edged with railings now so that you have to enter the quarry a safer way further along, it is still fascinating to uncover the past and imagine what it would have been like in its heyday, back over 100 years ago. Now our generation will be able to walk those steps once more, steps which have been hidden for so long. Hopefully it will inspire others to read about the history of their local area. </span> <br /></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-79184340310837941872022-04-06T01:40:00.001-07:002022-04-06T01:40:25.566-07:00The Queen's Green Canopy.<p><span style="font-size: medium;">2022 marks the Platinum Jubilee of our monarch Queen Elizabeth II. As part of this amazing milestone, an initiative called The Queen's Green Canopy was formed. As well as encouraging everyone to plant more trees across the country, a dedicated network of 70 ancient woodlands will be set up, and 70 of the oldest trees in the country will be identified to mark Her Majesty's 70 years of service to her country.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlUoCsfUa-qZLIlPTFyJDcBvxk21EaVbV2CocD4ZmeLqhaAacOhPmObINciwsjMNFd7bbgTnxIA5Iu8nnsnh_njmETLzhCJBIsgHHwmKez-_Wt_BWB3R8a436BLw7ZnYtfdXX11rds9USot_NVAMi5t1rRIKWNujDiqaKZqIGnaMIByGiVsiGSRhi/s320/tree%20planting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="320" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlUoCsfUa-qZLIlPTFyJDcBvxk21EaVbV2CocD4ZmeLqhaAacOhPmObINciwsjMNFd7bbgTnxIA5Iu8nnsnh_njmETLzhCJBIsgHHwmKez-_Wt_BWB3R8a436BLw7ZnYtfdXX11rds9USot_NVAMi5t1rRIKWNujDiqaKZqIGnaMIByGiVsiGSRhi/w320-h204/tree%20planting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chairperson Annette Capper lending a shovel<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This will provide more sustainable countryside for future generations. Wirral Borough Council is planting thousands of trees across the borough from October 2021 to March 2022 and more will be planted in the coming dormant season from late October 2022. The Council already aims to double its number of trees by 2030.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Our Friends Group took part in tree planting for the Queen's Green Canopy on Saturday 26th March. Nicola Wallbank (Council landscaper) provided us with between 250/260 native tree whips, </span><span style="font-size: medium;">which were planted on the Oxton Fields. Councillor Allan Brame also came to help with the planting.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPE0kko0SBXyKc-Fxfcwk5GfLMIiwVttxbEq1WU3lh4BAau_3PbruimuCBarjMOXUPkHZKCEhRsGia8yHd4ibA0yUcTyv7aGEjNeMNbaAKeK63esfZR-0OIlWc20bCXG2-y4lxKjisEav_N4rfCBPEKWnJOQgNthIAWwlQeFEyjB2N8oS3sfpoWbo/s240/nicola%20wallbank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="156" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPE0kko0SBXyKc-Fxfcwk5GfLMIiwVttxbEq1WU3lh4BAau_3PbruimuCBarjMOXUPkHZKCEhRsGia8yHd4ibA0yUcTyv7aGEjNeMNbaAKeK63esfZR-0OIlWc20bCXG2-y4lxKjisEav_N4rfCBPEKWnJOQgNthIAWwlQeFEyjB2N8oS3sfpoWbo/w208-h320/nicola%20wallbank.jpg" width="208" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NeS5CEqs3hFerRt0znOrjnZ7Y-qe5LrogMm8rf7fEujYM-DVVrFaNYnhuPySyPHSs4eR-YMK6wX3FrYBjujZ9phpqQUUxb-RCqGAqHsfrbcSsGUPnWWsFP66sdfM_c00LBg3sa6LndVuo5LzvSmqeIgG56u9kB2sNU8C1AyVbDSsVk_eim8lOCUX/s206/allan%20brame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NeS5CEqs3hFerRt0znOrjnZ7Y-qe5LrogMm8rf7fEujYM-DVVrFaNYnhuPySyPHSs4eR-YMK6wX3FrYBjujZ9phpqQUUxb-RCqGAqHsfrbcSsGUPnWWsFP66sdfM_c00LBg3sa6LndVuo5LzvSmqeIgG56u9kB2sNU8C1AyVbDSsVk_eim8lOCUX/w241-h320/allan%20brame.jpg" width="241" /></a></span></div><span aria-describedby="jsc_c_ft" class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41"><div class="rq0escxv kuivcneq jwdofwj8 n8tt0mok r8blr3vg hyh9befq"><div class="do00u71z l9j0dhe7 k4urcfbm" style="padding-top: 100%;"><div class="gs1a9yip ow4ym5g4 auili1gw j83agx80 cbu4d94t buofh1pr g5gj957u i1fnvgqd oygrvhab cxmmr5t8 hcukyx3x kvgmc6g5 tgvbjcpo hpfvmrgz qt6c0cv9 rz4wbd8a a8nywdso jb3vyjys du4w35lb i09qtzwb rq0escxv n7fi1qx3 pmk7jnqg j9ispegn kr520xx4"><a aria-label="Open photo" class="oajrlxb2 gs1a9yip g5ia77u1 mtkw9kbi tlpljxtp qensuy8j ppp5ayq2 goun2846 ccm00jje s44p3ltw mk2mc5f4 rt8b4zig n8ej3o3l agehan2d sk4xxmp2 rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 mg4g778l pfnyh3mw p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x tgvbjcpo hpfvmrgz jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso l9j0dhe7 i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of du4w35lb btwxx1t3 abiwlrkh p8dawk7l lzcic4wl a8c37x1j datstx6m ni8dbmo4 stjgntxs jk6sbkaj kdgqqoy6 ihh4hy1g qttc61fc k4urcfbm" href="https://www.facebook.com/messenger_media/?thread_id=4417166611711621&attachment_id=515225383447474&message_id=mid.%24gAA-xY77OBoWGLy4td1__ejMimkh_" role="link" tabindex="-1"><div class="n00je7tq arfg74bv qs9ysxi8 k77z8yql i09qtzwb n7fi1qx3 hzruof5a pmk7jnqg j9ispegn kr520xx4 art1omkt ot9fgl3s pedkr2u6 akwz6i9j k19f6yf2" data-visualcompletion="ignore" style="border-radius: 4px;"></div></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div></span><br /><p></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-47481114012194959002022-01-16T11:09:00.000-08:002022-01-16T11:09:15.917-08:00Threats to the Arno and Oxton Fields.<p> <span style="font-size: small;">As you are already probably aware, Wirral Borough Council is in a dire financial situation. They need to make huge savings in order to balance their books. They have come up with suggestions to claw back money. Some of these proposals include the closure of libraries, sports centres and public golf courses, as well as a reduction or cessation of the maintenance of several green spaces across the borough.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Our Liberal Democrat Councillor Allan Brame has brought this to our attention, as " The Arno and Oxton Fields ........are to be included in the proposal to significantly increase cessation of maintenance of amenity green space, including up to 10-15 Local parks/recreation grounds, and highway verges."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">This poses a real threat to the future of the Arno and Oxton Fields. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">If you want to object to these plans and show us your support, please sign the petition. You can either go to Wirral Liberal Democrats <a href="https://wirrallibdems.org.uk/en/petition/save-the-arno-oxton-fields" target="_blank">Save The Arno & Oxton Fields</a> and submit your support online, or click on the link below to find a form which you can collect signatures on and put in the post.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">All signatures must be submitted before the 20th February 2022. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Click on the link below ( which will open in a new window ) <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a1qMRspc3buMF6uie9km3X5xO-sxvXg4/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Petition Form</a> </span><br /></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-20765471102548248062021-10-03T05:21:00.000-07:002021-10-03T05:21:28.483-07:00Spring Bulb Planting<p> On the 2nd October, we arranged to spend our first Saturday of the month event planting bulbs. Areas at the side of the pathway into the Arno from Ingestre Road, as well as beside the entrance to the Quarry, had been cleared of weeds in preparation for planting. Despite the weather being damp and dismal, many volunteers turned out at 10am with gloves and trowels to help get all the bulbs into the ground.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESTFJVGZfwP8Jy3ImOY962HuaTlVPLp5vX9suaOEEaXlDusnMoWCc4_cj1fyqV7VOZTwV2k-nNXPYlLJvNNJofeFwkvqguqSydEAoki16HOYbfCkIh0ry3kAzEN3DuCTzqJ6JCZjMlTI/s2048/Desktop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESTFJVGZfwP8Jy3ImOY962HuaTlVPLp5vX9suaOEEaXlDusnMoWCc4_cj1fyqV7VOZTwV2k-nNXPYlLJvNNJofeFwkvqguqSydEAoki16HOYbfCkIh0ry3kAzEN3DuCTzqJ6JCZjMlTI/w640-h384/Desktop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p> There were 650 bulbs in total of five different varieties. We arranged the bulbs first in random groups with the taller varieties at the back, smallest near to the front edges of the pathways. It didn't take us long to plant them all. By 11.30 am all the work was finished and our Chairperson Annette Capper was ready in the shed with hot drinks and biscuits. All we need do now is wait for the Spring with a view to seeing all the delightful Spring flowers poking up through the ground.</p><p>Fingers crossed the local squirrels don't find them before they get a chance to grow!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELABUeHx2XabBazt7zO04LM1mpvWhgQorzCjMtgI8ouGJYzU0H2HNR-WzlmVlG5HajO1jko2D08Il8DzYTD-iYbM4fuDJnaF4gjNU1_PGsKvr5Cy_NAoPkbdMG7Hxyl6Y4j9k1ILA_GE/s3539/Desktop4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="3539" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELABUeHx2XabBazt7zO04LM1mpvWhgQorzCjMtgI8ouGJYzU0H2HNR-WzlmVlG5HajO1jko2D08Il8DzYTD-iYbM4fuDJnaF4gjNU1_PGsKvr5Cy_NAoPkbdMG7Hxyl6Y4j9k1ILA_GE/w637-h161/Desktop4.jpg" width="637" /></a></div><br /><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-42013127909696601912021-08-04T11:08:00.000-07:002021-08-04T11:08:26.387-07:00First Saturday volunteering<p><span style="font-size: medium;">This coming Saturday 7th August is when we generally meet to work in the Rose Garden. You can join us in volunteering at 10am when we gather to see which jobs we can concentrate on. At this time of year, we are mainly trying to keep all those flowers coming for as long as possible. This means deadheading, both of roses and herbaceous perennials.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you prefer, you could go litter picking, or weeding of shrub and rose beds. We are a very friendly group, always pleased to welcome new volunteers. if you are unsure how to deadhead roses, there are plenty of us ready to give advice. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After such a long time isolated because of Covid and the pandemic, this is the first time we have really been able to advertise our activities. Gardening has been proven to have both physical and mental health benefits, especially when you can work as part of a volunteer group. Do as much or as little as you feel able. Every little bit counts!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We will be serving refreshments to anybody who comes to help. If you missed our plant sale, we still have some plants which you will have an opportunity to purchase. They are a real bargain and all proceeds go towards increasing the range of plants we grow and replacing roses.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The first Saturday in each month is our regular gathering, weather permitting. Even if it rains, you can still meet for a hot drink and a chat. We look forward to getting to know new volunteers from our local community. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-HORjoozM1b6eQlJl-_OGQPW2lKSoal76JUxmmv99lJgeOtuPgH13oKRKuK6YuGbbtf9kmX6ysW9XtoTCVpZzUDdhkveDJoNmP0OUYkfFtzAn18WqT5MRmqG-tn57rqsRXtQSDn25NU/s1100/daedheading+rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1100" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-HORjoozM1b6eQlJl-_OGQPW2lKSoal76JUxmmv99lJgeOtuPgH13oKRKuK6YuGbbtf9kmX6ysW9XtoTCVpZzUDdhkveDJoNmP0OUYkfFtzAn18WqT5MRmqG-tn57rqsRXtQSDn25NU/w390-h244/daedheading+rose.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How to correctly deadhead a rose bush.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span> <br /></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-16295080595046120752021-06-13T08:05:00.001-07:002021-06-13T08:05:22.828-07:00Plant Sale<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPJE0tZuxAvPvz6OzIk1nHbW-LZWIDYyzwwgrRypx8ivd3wPiZQ0qFgcNxNAYp4DzZ4DxhS7g_CxZsgA0rRmCRQklbMDZinG7S2PLw7iBPNeb4xoi9SlpZ70OMcKrSd6Etp8F__zNeiQ/s843/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="597" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPJE0tZuxAvPvz6OzIk1nHbW-LZWIDYyzwwgrRypx8ivd3wPiZQ0qFgcNxNAYp4DzZ4DxhS7g_CxZsgA0rRmCRQklbMDZinG7S2PLw7iBPNeb4xoi9SlpZ70OMcKrSd6Etp8F__zNeiQ/w454-h640/Capture.PNG" width="454" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-80666908124331104762021-05-25T11:38:00.002-07:002021-05-25T11:38:54.991-07:00A Day in the life of the Arno<p> This year, due to Covid restrictions, we took part in the Virtual secret Gardens of Oxton event. We created a short video showing how the Rose garden is well loved and well used within the community of the local area. Hope you enjoy watching. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy2yoi65IbwUeJy3S0xiUhnN0mCCavmE8GSpeZ5tPym-YtgvVD4WuDc3fqK6kzbYtSwOc5GgzkUWpmhcz7VAQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-42683776615738552272021-03-23T00:00:00.002-07:002021-03-23T00:00:02.991-07:00National Day of Reflection<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> This Tuesday 23rd of March marks the anniversary of the first national lockdown. The Royal Horticultural Society is partnering with Marie Curie to show support for this day of reflection.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We are still in a national lockdown and today marks the anniversary since the first lockdown. It is a national day to reflect on all those who have died during the Covid 19 pandemic . As a nation, we have suffered a huge collective loss. Every death has been devastating for their relatives and friends left behind. Many have been unable to say a proper final goodbye to their loved ones, or even to comfort each other with a hug.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Today, we are showing our support for all those bereaved during the pandemic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The arrival of Spring always fills us with optimism for a brighter future, and no flower epitomises Spring more than the humble daffodil. We all have room for some daffodils, even in a container or windowbox.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yhOnlJ7P9Z4VEPqP8Rox8L4R8RsQBbukKQsT8IjoWhtvDnSg6GoqOi1WoOOXQVUKN49V1Dz5_52TJdBtynvp9eHFbfr13pOnfdcZvZR7uGXf6Bh8gYs7zODJW7F-mWJtbtXO0EjZQHE/s1333/photo-1583624875994-73f37df9cb76.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yhOnlJ7P9Z4VEPqP8Rox8L4R8RsQBbukKQsT8IjoWhtvDnSg6GoqOi1WoOOXQVUKN49V1Dz5_52TJdBtynvp9eHFbfr13pOnfdcZvZR7uGXf6Bh8gYs7zODJW7F-mWJtbtXO0EjZQHE/w314-h419/photo-1583624875994-73f37df9cb76.webp" width="314" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Take a walk down Duckpond Lane and see all the lovely daffodils planted near the trees, enjoy all the Spring flowers in the Rose Garden and stop for a sit on a bench. Spare a moment or two to reflect on the last year and all those who have lost their lives during the pandemic. Soon lockdown rules will end, and we will be able to meet our friends and families and look forward to making plans for the future, which can only be brighter.<br /> </span><br /><p></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-56815856578188993092021-02-03T02:40:00.001-08:002021-02-03T02:40:38.598-08:00Concerning news 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY-YZTTe1RZ-a6DUglEqbf8T4AJvfdJPtoOsgX8pB4hRg8pLg7Cc3ssBymEFA6MEJBg_ZJlAn-aFa15GhOG_zbqADkZUQJq6rLAH3DKS1s3cdR6Xey1ESgnlfNWmN2zyai7m-IPu_JuQ/s2041/only+in+oxton.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="2041" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY-YZTTe1RZ-a6DUglEqbf8T4AJvfdJPtoOsgX8pB4hRg8pLg7Cc3ssBymEFA6MEJBg_ZJlAn-aFa15GhOG_zbqADkZUQJq6rLAH3DKS1s3cdR6Xey1ESgnlfNWmN2zyai7m-IPu_JuQ/w457-h313/only+in+oxton.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It has recently come to light that Wirral Borough Council is proposing to cease any maintenance of the Oxton Fields as part of its measures to reduce costs. The Oxton Fields is only one of forty five suggested sites across the borough.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Suggestions for the fields have included re-wilding and further tree planting, as well as allotments. This green space is crucial for both the physical and mental wellbeing of our local residents in Oxton and Prenton. This has been clearly evident during the Covid pandemic, as it is used daily by all age groups for their exercise during lockdowns.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As Friends of the Arno and Oxton Fields, we already have lines of communication with the Council department for parks and gardens. We realise that some chages may be needed but assure you that we are here to protect our green space and will work towards a plan which will safeguard this area for our recreational use.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Councillors Stuart Kelly and Alan Brame are also ardent supporters and will be campaiging on our behalf within the Council.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>You can support us by becoming a member and also volunteering with activities we organise. Becoming a paid member costs as little as 10p per week! £5 per year for a single member of £7.50 for a household per year. Your membership fees and donations have already helped to fund so many projects. To join up, click on the <a href="https://friendsofthearno.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html">tab for joining</a> and follow the instructions. </b><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><br /></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-41686858612634189552020-11-25T00:53:00.000-08:002020-11-25T00:53:48.586-08:00RHS Northwest in Bloom 2020<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xfaDmyJQaVuYveDlmzVHjwggGsxHRRQWWZoUq6mvcFH6ByLMQjZkZ0vG7LHCnrqZQl8uNyfE6xi2D7qUF3pzLc6j9qHXFBIZbG_k4gmKGUfUgN1csqP-WL6pn_30fnkL9wh0Nax2PfU/s2048/certificates+arno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2048" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xfaDmyJQaVuYveDlmzVHjwggGsxHRRQWWZoUq6mvcFH6ByLMQjZkZ0vG7LHCnrqZQl8uNyfE6xi2D7qUF3pzLc6j9qHXFBIZbG_k4gmKGUfUgN1csqP-WL6pn_30fnkL9wh0Nax2PfU/w574-h373/certificates+arno.jpg" width="574" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2020 certificates. <br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /></p><p>Due to the Covid Pandemic, our usual entry into the Northwest in Bloom scheme which is run by the Royal Horticultural Society, has been impossible. However, many of our volunteers have continued to work in the Rose Garden, keeping it a beautiful sanctuary, where many people have gone to exercise and escape during this difficult time.</p><p>Our volunteers have planted 700 bulbs at the top of the garden , leading into the Quarry. The Friends group has received generous donations from visitors, one of which funded all those bulbs, which should be a wonderful sight next Spring to lift our spirits. </p><p>In light of the currant situation, and in recognition of the contribution our Friends have made to the community, we have been awarded three certificates from the RHS Britain in Bloom.</p><p>The three certificates are as follows:-</p><p>For inspiring others</p><p>For recognition </p><p>For sharing your kow how</p><p>With new hope in sight as new vaccines are close to being brought out, we all look forward to being able to return to normality in 2021. <br /></p><p></p><p><br /> <br /></p>Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-71420068986070636902020-09-06T07:19:00.000-07:002020-09-06T07:19:40.659-07:00Plaque in Memory of Bill Blackledge MBE<p>The Oxton Society has won many gold awards from North West in Bloom since they have been decorating the village with beautiful hanging baskets. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvEFqcZOgQWdgC40H4oHk5_5TTPZiGzy6s6UkXVWB4e7fjrqw3v2-o5LH5UfajbUBZ8CBza8i2WxmcTviyOwbWon968pCbed0kc_w5Yj5zGp7liysUuXUV5HRSr4FvgFuo8XzQ2YychQ/s2048/hanging+baskets.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvEFqcZOgQWdgC40H4oHk5_5TTPZiGzy6s6UkXVWB4e7fjrqw3v2-o5LH5UfajbUBZ8CBza8i2WxmcTviyOwbWon968pCbed0kc_w5Yj5zGp7liysUuXUV5HRSr4FvgFuo8XzQ2YychQ/s320/hanging+baskets.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Award winning hanging baskets in Oxton village.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvEFqcZOgQWdgC40H4oHk5_5TTPZiGzy6s6UkXVWB4e7fjrqw3v2-o5LH5UfajbUBZ8CBza8i2WxmcTviyOwbWon968pCbed0kc_w5Yj5zGp7liysUuXUV5HRSr4FvgFuo8XzQ2YychQ/s2048/hanging+baskets.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> </p><p><br /></p><p>Over the last two years we have entered the Arno quarry and Rose Garden into the North West in Bloom scheme. In our first year we reached a level 4 which meant we were a thriving community working to provide a beautiful green space for everyone to enjoy. Last year 2019, our second year of entering the competition, we worked even harder and achieved a level 5 of outstanding, the highest level for our category. I posted about it on this blog and showed the certificate we were awarded.</p><p><br /></p><p>Earlier this year, Bill Blackledge MBE, chairman of the RHS North West in Bloom, sadly passed away. John Booth, our committee member who built the bee hotels, together with so many other projects, decided that we should put up a plaque in memory of Bill somewhere in the Rose Garden. Due to Covid-19 and lockdown we were restricted in what we could do. However, last Saturday 5th September 2020 we gathered, not too closely of course, to unveil the plaque beneath one of our bee hotels. </p><p>Members of the Oxton Society joined us for this ceremony, as he was also well known through the Oxton village North West in Bloom achievements. If you click on the link below, you can learn more about this remarkable man.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qLgzwmv7_eDIKf5LDH57ZSbrgQzostVZ3u5mU10qziF_km7XfsA_Jo3f73syUg20otRLR28XBTf9-syR4M7pAJRcGFpC95UV0MVLU0B8FciuNbSavNLZOwkmyvztQA96ql92ENRTJic/s2048/119000592_246821769856012_4346699534819196622_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qLgzwmv7_eDIKf5LDH57ZSbrgQzostVZ3u5mU10qziF_km7XfsA_Jo3f73syUg20otRLR28XBTf9-syR4M7pAJRcGFpC95UV0MVLU0B8FciuNbSavNLZOwkmyvztQA96ql92ENRTJic/w400-h300/119000592_246821769856012_4346699534819196622_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gathering for the unveiling.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3-qeUD6sZYmBaUD8GzBd3AvPPo9qsR8kQQQB_J675UHhvJAlz3AUfinPXAAdyCOIauDjOYrsIR-jCMnjwKIgQTQld6DdxG_tz8eX2mNtHCmaniXcHCrqrXjOvna8llLkhfaKpJ5uAeg/s2048/118994699_670922673517517_3159385695174661570_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3-qeUD6sZYmBaUD8GzBd3AvPPo9qsR8kQQQB_J675UHhvJAlz3AUfinPXAAdyCOIauDjOYrsIR-jCMnjwKIgQTQld6DdxG_tz8eX2mNtHCmaniXcHCrqrXjOvna8llLkhfaKpJ5uAeg/w240-h320/118994699_670922673517517_3159385695174661570_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Booth gives his short speech about Bill.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgysvQceF5vcnzvBaq8og56RLxBI6wlsrOSr4qEv427S4X0_15RijTwjOHdtCvWWvMXvw5LB3mLTmez_vwAeTqhoR-I-zdSujujaogJlhMCpKOIWh_rqcb3nkibta29G34bvYHQmxIAk/s2048/118868194_668227327118685_5359282293429814682_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgysvQceF5vcnzvBaq8og56RLxBI6wlsrOSr4qEv427S4X0_15RijTwjOHdtCvWWvMXvw5LB3mLTmez_vwAeTqhoR-I-zdSujujaogJlhMCpKOIWh_rqcb3nkibta29G34bvYHQmxIAk/w240-h320/118868194_668227327118685_5359282293429814682_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plaque in Bill's memory.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/bill-blackledge-north-west-bloom-18100529?fbclid=IwAR0-xUUv9zguUertwuhNGKfOoezjg3Zbe1oTC6B9rZGD_YxF6_W3PNG-6V8" target="_blank">About Bill Blackledge MBE</a><br /></p><br />Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-10102505404059162172020-08-04T08:30:00.001-07:002020-08-04T08:30:50.200-07:00Helping the bees.Despite all the restrictions we have faced during the Corona virus pandemic, we have still quietly continued to make improvements to the Rose Garden. The plight of the bee population has been well documented recently. We can all play a small part in helping to improve the chances of bees in our gardens and local green spaces. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qHUt04EMPsTNpycvg_j5jzR8dPmbFWXFaFN00ODggWStxe1WQwry0l9HSz755Iy5F7C0gCowoAhYEcTTPcS36CRUcNCd4OPwMy4WOpn96Yya7YYqJmVNJoIvVvl_7EzcvmRtvHLbank/s1600/117117984_1674504362717559_7086033385553635692_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qHUt04EMPsTNpycvg_j5jzR8dPmbFWXFaFN00ODggWStxe1WQwry0l9HSz755Iy5F7C0gCowoAhYEcTTPcS36CRUcNCd4OPwMy4WOpn96Yya7YYqJmVNJoIvVvl_7EzcvmRtvHLbank/s320/117117984_1674504362717559_7086033385553635692_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedum and yellow Inula bee favourites.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YASPEB93K6vZvhTXobSRzlKdcF0vEUjGRZSFpdpRTO5iS0ysusmagCDL1XDDIZjT15t9COM4eqqrIIndBi8sMp8m1iiPGdkx_qZDn213SWSclATNytSVjV7afwJ9Nt8zo6BfT-KNgJ8/s1600/pulmonaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="199" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YASPEB93K6vZvhTXobSRzlKdcF0vEUjGRZSFpdpRTO5iS0ysusmagCDL1XDDIZjT15t9COM4eqqrIIndBi8sMp8m1iiPGdkx_qZDn213SWSclATNytSVjV7afwJ9Nt8zo6BfT-KNgJ8/s320/pulmonaria.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulmonaria, an early Spring flowering perennial. </td></tr>
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The long border already provides pollen and nectar over as long a period as possible. Starting in late January with hellebores and snowdrops, then comfrey, pulmonaria, daffodils,crocus and forget-me-nots, followed by many more perennials. Sedums are partuclarly good for bees in September. The border always has something in flower until as late as October. If you too plant in your garden with bees in mind, you will attract a myriad of flying insects to your plot. A garden without butterflies and bees would be a sad place indeed. The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) has online lists of which plants are beneficial to bees, butterflies or both. There is lots of information available online, or in books. Kate Bradbury is a passionate advocate of wildlife and ways in which we can help.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRVn52YZdaP6ArcGLyo7RGigb1rIh8IsIBNlH8hfACcgp3DUJd0IQyoWq6lZa2ixvgu7W-KRqw0myxWIIodwfRuCWWO6YZ0sDt0tp744n2IEXz6bO6wtL0CnoeGvvX3sNexiGAOQBluU/s1600/116908286_745005752739948_1531869835939147018_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRVn52YZdaP6ArcGLyo7RGigb1rIh8IsIBNlH8hfACcgp3DUJd0IQyoWq6lZa2ixvgu7W-KRqw0myxWIIodwfRuCWWO6YZ0sDt0tp744n2IEXz6bO6wtL0CnoeGvvX3sNexiGAOQBluU/s400/116908286_745005752739948_1531869835939147018_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long border at the beginning of August.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXH3N1yw6lpdXNMKS01E5S4thh43U_Mk5S_3setJSBdqtlnz3ude1kve1mCBO1EwrP68dndxTYPmOhreoM3IaAXMFHvlJx4vWwl-B5p6UUARfpElvJfjDC27Eh2wEydMwWJOaNks6pC8/s1600/bug+hotel+%2526sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="230" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXH3N1yw6lpdXNMKS01E5S4thh43U_Mk5S_3setJSBdqtlnz3ude1kve1mCBO1EwrP68dndxTYPmOhreoM3IaAXMFHvlJx4vWwl-B5p6UUARfpElvJfjDC27Eh2wEydMwWJOaNks6pC8/s320/bug+hotel+%2526sign.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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The Friends group has already installed bird nesting boxes and a bat box around the edges of the Rose Garden. Recently, we created a bug hotel inside one of the shrub borders to provide shelter for all kinds of "minibeasts". The bug hotel has been very popular. So much so, that children and their parents have made well trodden paths to and from it. We even used an old fallen branch as a rustic seat close by.<br />
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Our latest additions are two bee hotels for solitary bees to lay their eggs in, which hatch out the following Spring. Apart from honey bees, which can sting you if disturbed and which live in large hives, all the other 230 or so wild bee species are called solitary bees. They do not build communal nests. None of them will sting you and most do not even have stings. Our bee hotels are aimed at these solitary bees, paricularly Mason bees and Leafcutter bees. The female places a store of pollen in a tube, lays an egg on it then blocks it up, before laying another egg and so on until the tube is full. After the egg hatches, the bee larvae eats up the pollen store before it turns into a bee and burrows its way out around March time the following year. Sometimes birds will try and peck into the tubes to eat the bee larvae over Winter. The nesting tubes can be kept in a cool shed during the winter for protection from predators, then brought out again in March.<br />
It is important to replace the nesting tubes every couple of years to prevent the build up of any pests and diseases. Solitary bees are only around in our gardens for a few months during which they mate and lay their eggs before dying. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEIAgDqKyMgQtr9JnVODAEnDyePSFcmQdfle-hd7o6y6dLg6QByIqlmszcYLDBQGY3tihFbbCkJZlWPruv767o5whBKSg9IFGIaDstNvTlBArBkrIs3i0iG_0tDK2mtTKVdA4nM3THxo/s320/116869199_215374729849951_995531887956178390_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="235" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top end of the long border.</td></tr>
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As you can see, our bee hotels have a roof to keep rain out. They are in a South facing sunny position and are up at a height where they can fly in and out easily. All bee hotels should be at least a metre off the ground. Hopefully we will see bees flying in and out this Summer, busily laying their eggs. We are a little late for Mason bees this year, but Leafcutter bees are still around. They are particularly fond of Globe thistle(Echinops),which is just in flower now at the top end of the long border. We have even used a lovely blue globe thistle flower in our Friends group banner logo. They use curled up leaves, often nibbled from rose leaves, to block each egg cell. Hence the name leafcutter bee. Maybe you can build a bee box for your garden too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR_HMSqF2YxzLZmRhFlGbw2oomCAmQQcnVg0oZHnG9EFGyz1O92474WWIb3mkoRds8jHE5RS2kpRbmNGsGT95LsU2JF-_7TNxa7YIEOtmpTMX_adFq3STQxugfq-gTgnh4icOw3QRNPA/s1600/117243653_739773543511978_1596058531928996315_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR_HMSqF2YxzLZmRhFlGbw2oomCAmQQcnVg0oZHnG9EFGyz1O92474WWIb3mkoRds8jHE5RS2kpRbmNGsGT95LsU2JF-_7TNxa7YIEOtmpTMX_adFq3STQxugfq-gTgnh4icOw3QRNPA/s320/117243653_739773543511978_1596058531928996315_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle of the long border.</td></tr>
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<br />Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-72653625826995236662020-07-04T11:52:00.000-07:002020-07-04T11:52:49.131-07:00Recent Developments 2020<div class="" dir="auto">
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Since Lockdown began on March 23rd 2020, the new "normal" way of life has changed somewhat. Our volunteers were unable to gather together, join in our shed for hot drinks, plan events or even have our Committee meetings. Now we have Zoom virtual Committee meetings. Our planned events were all cacncelled as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. No Spring Plant sale, no plant stall for the Secret Gardens of Oxton, no Litter picks. </div>
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This morning, Saturday 4th July, was the first volunteer Saturday when we were allowed to meet up in the Rose Garden, albeit at 2 metre social distances. </div>
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Indeed the Rose Garden and The Oxton Fields have been a lifeline for recreation during this lockdown. Many people in the community have used these valuable green spaces for their daily exercise outings, as every other place, apart from food shops, was closed. Families have had picnics and enjoyed the good weather, when usual home visiting was prohibited.<span class="oi732d6d ik7dh3pa d2edcug0 qv66sw1b c1et5uql a8c37x1j muag1w35 ew0dbk1b jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"> </span></div>
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were saddened to discover that this week our Bug Hotel in the Rose
Garden had been vandalised. That, coupled with 4 roses being stolen, is
extremely upsetting. Particularly as members of the community had given
their time and money in contributing to and caring for this great asset
The Rose Garden.</span></div>
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The Police and Parks and Gardens have been alerted to the theft of the roses. Could we ask the community to be alert and report any suspicious activity to the Police non-urgent call line 101.</div>
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Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-86098523798498211752020-04-28T09:54:00.000-07:002020-04-28T09:54:09.680-07:00Difficult times 2020Since 23rd March we have been in lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic. This has meant that council gardeners cannot mow the lawns in any areas except cemeteries. We have all been told to only venture outside for daily exercise or to get food or medicines. The long border has been left to fend for itself, but we have noticed that some of last year's dead stems are actually acting as supports for this year's growth to push through. Many locals are still using the Rose Garden for their daily walk, joggers doing laps of the rose beds, as well as many dog owners giving their canine companions some much needed fresh air.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHD7unP1hu5QRRqHTuyW1SLEVh5CPantuQAwhCJ0RKoe_DsQc_BIXKqWIAPQhrCINfht_-YYt41bPauhdsVBu1YtUX8xx7e0lQm6rFBXFmTTcemATMHitwzSmCDuKXHa1gDFT4DU9sZOU/s1600/Arno+bat+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHD7unP1hu5QRRqHTuyW1SLEVh5CPantuQAwhCJ0RKoe_DsQc_BIXKqWIAPQhrCINfht_-YYt41bPauhdsVBu1YtUX8xx7e0lQm6rFBXFmTTcemATMHitwzSmCDuKXHa1gDFT4DU9sZOU/s400/Arno+bat+box.jpg" width="225" /></a>Blue tits have been sighted using some of the nesting boxes which John Booth and John Hall had alreday set up last year. Keeping to the 2 metres rule for social distancing, our Secretary Peter and John Booth have continued to prune the roses, which they wanted to complete before the end of March. We are striving to make improvements to the Rose Garden, not just for us humans, but for the wildlife too. With this in mind, John Booth had built a bat box. With the help of his son Phil and Peter, they installed the bat box high up in one of the mature trees. Quite a task as it is a substantial structure and needed to be very securely attached.<br />
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We hope you are all staying safe and that it won't be too long until we can all resume some kind of normality in these difficult times. We miss meeting you and chatting while our volunteers are gardening in the Rose Garden. Please enjoy your exercise in and around the Rose Garden, quarry and Oxton Fields. We are happy for dogs to be off lead in the quarry area and on the oxton Fields, but would appreciate it if you could keep their leads on whilst in the more formal Rose Garden.<br />
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Although we are not meant to stop and sit, perhaps you can keep a look out and see if you can spot any birds nesting in our boxes. See you soon and look after each other.Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-41153084694548659862020-03-08T07:28:00.000-07:002020-03-08T07:28:07.193-07:00Wirral History and Heritage Fair 2020This year's fair took place at the Town hall in Hamilton square on Saturday 7th March. While the rest of our team were busy working in the Rose Garden, preparing for our Spring plant sale , some of our Committee attended the Fair to represent us at the Town Hall.<br />
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Linda Atkinson, Membership Secretary and Annette Capper, Chairperson, helped by John Booth and John Hall, set up our stand in order to raise Public awareness of our Friends Group. Our stand has been much improved recently to showcase the various activities we carry out to benefit the local area and community, such as tree planting, rose planting, litter picks, plant sales, Christmas grotto etc.<br />
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Some other activities planned this year include an Easter hunt and Tallest sunflower growing competition. We planted 150 tree whips a few weeks ago and a few of our Friends have already been on a willow weaving course, courtesy of TwigTwisters, with a view to coppicing some locally grown willow to create plant supports for the long Border in the Rose Garden. One possibility would also be to create a living willow serpentine tunnel on the Oxton fields for children to run through!<br />
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If you want to get involved, become a paid up member of the Friends of the Arno and Oxton Fields. There are lots of practical ways you can help out too. You can do as little or as much as you want. We are a very sociable group and would love to meet new members. <br />
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<br />Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-73145564594582447142020-02-27T08:01:00.000-08:002020-02-27T08:03:30.841-08:00Young Tree Planting February 2020.The weather has been extremely wet and windy throughout most of February. We have finally received our order of native tree whips from Wirral Borough Council. A couple of our Committee members met with Neil Garnett from the Council to agree on how many the Friends Group would plant and whereabouts on the Oxton Fields would be suitable. We set a date for Saturday 22nd February.<br />
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The 150 tree whips we agreed to plant were either Alder or Goats' willow, both native varieties which sustain wildlife. Willows in particular are an excellent caterpillar food for many types of moth. Both tree types like wet ground to thrive so the boggiest areas of the fields were ideal spots. Indeed we already had some willow and alder in the largest copse which regularly gets flooded. These trees help to soak up a lot of excess rainwater, so of benefit to us as well as the insects.<br />
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Despite heavy rain the day before, we wrapped up warm and wellies on, we trudged out with our spades to start planting. The Council had provided the tree whips, stakes and netting to give the trees the best possible chance of getting established. The netting will also help to prevent the whip being mown over once the grass starts being cut regularly. Neil had stated that they would leave these areas for the grass to grow longer which is also of benefit to wildlife, part of their aim to increase biodiversity. To be fair, the ground is so wet in these aeas that mowing is virtually impossible anyway.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Councillor Allan Brame came to say hello. </td></tr>
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About 12 of us worked for a good two hours planting, staking and netting the tree whips. Luckily the rain stayed off and by 12 noon we had completed our task and all the tree whips were in the ground. We headed back to the Rose Garden to warm up with hot drinks and biscuits. A well deserved treat for all the very muddy work. There are another 100 tree whips which the Council will plant on the other side of Duck Pond Lane. Native Hawthorn, Blackthorn and perhaps some Birch.<br />
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A few of our Friends group have since been on a willow weaving course, with a view to being able to coppice some willow in the years to come to make plant supports for the Long Border. We may even build a living willow tunnel on the Oxton Fields for local children to play in. Watch this space!<br />
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<br />Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951566576483319175.post-25926386530145878142020-02-09T03:03:00.000-08:002020-02-09T03:03:54.660-08:00February 1st 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last saturday 1st February was our first chance to all meet together this year to start preparing the Rose Garden for the Spring. As usual, we gathered at 10am and discussed which jobs we wanted to carry out.<br />
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Our secretary Peter had already spent lots of hours tidying the top shrub beds either side of the rose arches, so he continued with that. Our Membership secretary Linda and her sister Pauline started painting the front of our gardeners' shed, as they have planned a lovely floral design to brighten it up. Sian and Dave worked hard clearing common cornus from the centre of a shrub bed, which had got out of hand and was taking over. A couple of us tackled some of the brambles and nettles which were starting to appear in the long border, as well as potting up a few ground covering perennials. Weeding was carried out by the side of the shed with a view to creating a nursery bed for growing on small plants.<br />
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Another job carried out was to reinforce the shrubs alongside the entrance from Storeton Road, whilst also pulling out lots of encroaching ivy. Many people seem to have created a makeshift path, cutting across the shrub bed when they should be using the formal paths provided. As we had planted bulbs, we were keen to make sure this cut through was no longer an option. It only takes a few minutes longer to walk around the path!<br />
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Paths were brushed, more work was done in and around the shed and more wood and sticks were added to the Bug Hotel. <br />
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To warm us up, Sarah made hot drinks for us all, with shortbread biscuits to keep us going. It was lovely to come together and get so much done in only a couple of hours. As the saying goes, "many hands make light work!"<br />
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There were lots of signs that Spring is just around the corner. The snowdrops are poking their heads above ground and beginning to open. Hellebores in the long border are looking stunning in shades of pink and cream. Crocus flowers are starting to appear on the top lawn by the Memorial stone.<br />
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If you want to help as one of our volunteers, we would be delighted to have your company. You can do as much or as little as you feel up to, and there is always friendly chat as we work. Hot drinks are provided too. Come along and join the team. We meet ( weather permitting) every Monday morning at 10am and also the first Saturday morning of each month at 10am.<br />
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<br />Friends of the Arnohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13331003390162954481noreply@blogger.com0