Herald - Issue 397

Page 48 • The HERALD • 29th October 2020 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v A J GLEESON BUILDING & GROUNDWORK DRIVEWAYS EXTENSIONS BRICKWORK GROUNDWORK BLOCK PAVING Colours & Designs to suit your requirements Local Work Available to View CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION New Forest & Southampton 023 8084 4180 Mobile: 07770 771475 Bramdene, Main Road, Dibden, Southampton All Aspects of Garden Work Undertaken • Driveways • Paving • Artificial Grass • Turfing • Decking • Fencing • Hedge Cutting • Landscaping Hythe Garden Contractors Family company established 1977 For a free quotation please call 023 8084 3556 or 023 8084 0378 RPD Landscapes Building & Paving • Patios • Driveways • Fencing • Turfing • Brickwork • All Property Repairs Free Estimates 07707 390791 023 8007 0386 | DOWN THE GARDEN PATH | Bargain Plant Sell Off at New Forest Charity Garden Keen gardeners are in for a treat this autumn as Furzey Gardens is once again hosting its popular end of year plant sale. e charity-run garden in Minstead is o ering 20% o all plants and is open from 10am to 5pm every day until Sunday 1st November , selling hardy perennials and quality shrubs. Furzey Gardens is part of Minstead Trust, a charity supporting people with learning disabilities to live more independent and ful lled lives. e plants have been nurtured by the learning disability team in the nursery at Furzey, who learn skills that will help them towards greater independence. gardens but will need to leave their details for track and trace. Maddie, one of the people supported to work in the nursery, said: “I find my time at Furzey therapeutic. I like potting on the plants, pricking them out and collecting and sowing the seeds.” Sue Edser, Plant Nursery Instructor, said: “Autumn is the perfect time to plant shrubs and hardy perennials, including fuchsias, geums and penstemon. So grab this opportunity to stock up your garden at discount prices with all our quality plants with 20% off. Of course you will also have the feel good factor of knowing that every purchase helps us to support people with learning disabilities to live more independent and fulfilled lives.” Find out more and book tickets for the gardens at www.furzey-gardens.org From gathering seed, to pricking out to potting on and watering, the team are involved in every stage of raising the plants on sale. Visitors to the plant sales can also enjoy a light snack, cake or hot drink at the thatched tea rooms, which also provide training and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities. ose visiting the plant sales only do not need to book a ticket to the Gardeners and members of the learning disability nursery team at Furzey Gardens plant sales area Sir Harold Hillier Gardens has upheld a six year-long winning streak by once again scooping gold in the annual South and South East in Bloom Awards. Councillor Keith Mans, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “Sir Harold Hillier Gardens boasts a world- renowned plant collection which is thriving year- on-year thanks to the dedication and talent of staff, volunteers, Curator David Jewell and Head Gardener Fran Clifton, led by Director Clare Goddard. I am delighted that they have once again received the recognition they deserve, and strongly encourage people to pay a visit to experience this exceptional venue for themselves”. e 180-acre garden and Arboretum near Romsey was established in 1953 by the distinguished plantsman Sir Harold Hillier, and showcases owers, trees and plants from all over the world. It is home to some 14 national plant collections and more than 600 champion trees – the largest collection of any garden in Britain; champion trees being the best examples of their species. The Gardens have been under the sole trusteeship of Hampshire County Council since 1977. In this year’s judging, the In Bloom assessors noted that “The Gardens have in recent years achieved an exceptionally high grade in the competition” and that “the whole garden area continues to maintain this quality”. The assessors further noted that the new developments in the Gardens – such as a new restaurant which will open in spring 2021 and the upcoming creation of a ‘frontier garden’ featuring plants at the limits of outdoor hardiness in the British Isles – will most likely enhance these standards in future years as a year- round attraction. For more information about planning a trip the Gardens, becoming a Gardens member, or volunteering, visit hants. g o v . u k / t h i n g s t o d o / hilliergardens BLOOMING BRILLIANT! SIR HAROLD HILLIER GARDENS WINS GOLD AGAIN