Herald - Issue 410

v FOR GOOD ADVICE, ASK YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v 5th August 2021 • The HERALD • Page 49 RYAN FENCING Quality Fencing & Gates 07769 706516 • 023 8084 1203 www.ryan-fencing.co.uk • Find us on Facebook SPADEWORK Family Landscaping & Fencing Team ] Decking & Natural Sandstone Paving ] Patios ] Driveways ] Block Paving ] Turfing ] All Types of Domestic & Commercial Fencing ] Security Fencing Supplied & Fitted Tel: (023) 8089 4909 Mobile: 07703 566814 u F ree E stimates u F ully I nsured | DOWN THE GARDEN PATH | Beaulieu Horticultural Society On 24th July, members of Beaulieu Horticultural Society gathered at Shallowmead Nursery in Boldre for an a ernoon tour of the plant nursery and plant centre, followed by tea and cakes in the attractive courtyard garden. Shallowmead is an independent, family run business started in 1947, initially growing tomatoes. It lies in a sheltered position in the Lymington River valley at Boldre. Today, it grows a very wide range of high quality plants perfect for the local soil and climate, which makes it well worth a visit for gardeners in the New Forest and Hampshire. e group was welcomed and shown around by the Nursery Plant Manager who gave a most interesting demonstration of plant production. Appropriately, the group began the tour in the propagation glasshouses where there was a very impressive variety of plant material from cacti to conifers. Row upon row of plant cuttings and seedlings were starting growth in carefully labelled trays on tables in a closely monitored and controlled heated and misted environment. As growth proceeds, the plants are moved on into appropriate size pots and compost. e potting compost is now all peat-free, apart from some very special requirements for some plants and propagation and so research for all peat-free is still ongoing. e Nursery does not use chemical controls, relying on biological controls and good plant care. All the plants are container grown in glasshouses. It was a very impressive set-up with thousands of plants being propagated and grown. e Nursery prides itself on the high quality and variety of plants, 95% of which are home produced and grown. Shallowmead is a local plant nursery where the passion to produce their own quality plants from seeds, cuttings and division was very evident. Previously wholesale only, theNursery has been transformed over the last four years. It has created a new large, light and airy covered retail plant sales area with a wonderful selection of home grown plants, all attractively displayed. Alongside, there is a selection of gifts, accessories and garden sundries. It has opened Mabel’s café and courtyard garden for delicious light lunches and tea. ere is also a well stocked farm shop, concentrating on organic and locally produced foods and drinks. So, all in all, Shallowmead has created a very enjoyable place to visit. Also in July, members enjoyed a guided tour, led by the Head Gardener, of Beaulieu Palace House Victorian Walled Garden followed by special refreshments. On 29th July there was a most informative and useful talk by John Trim, a very experienced horticultural show judge, entitled “What the Judge looks for”. Afternoon talks are planned for September and October. New members are always welcome. Contact: 01590 612408. On Saturday 7th August the Summer Show, including a plant stall, is being held in East Boldre Village Hall, from 2.15pm until 4pm. All welcome and free parking. Members visiting Shallowmead Farm ENJOYING A CREAM TEA e Living a er Loss group headed by Dot Croall enjoyed a strawberry cream tea and a garden visit at the Healthy Haven Garden on Tuesday 29th June. The volunteers are holding more garden visits and cream teas throughout August and into September. To book your garden visit and cream tea on a Tuesday a ernoon at 2.30pm please contact Christine Bennett by calling: 07795 976807 or private message her on Facebook. Living afer Loss team enjoyed their garden visit and cream tea