Herald - Issue 414

Page 52 • The HERALD • 28th October 2021 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS 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 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 | Furzey Gardens Host its Popular End of Year Plant Sale e charity-run garden in Minstead is o ering 20% o all plants including quality perennials and shrubs, until Sunday 31st October . Furzey Gardens is maintained by people with learning disabilities, who are supported to learn skills that help them to live happier and healthier lives. It is a social enterprise of local charity Minstead Trust. 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. 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 gardens. Henry, one of the people supported to work in the nursery, said: “I like helping with plant sales, doing things like dead-heading to make new flowers grow. I enjoy weeding because it makes the plants look nice and smart for people to buy.” Sue Edser, Plant Nursery Instructor, said: “We love this time of year. It’s perfect to give new shrubs the best chance possible to become established over the winter before flourishing in the spring. We have Weigela, Buxus, Pittosporum and many more, just waiting for you. The people we support in the nursery have been hard at work preparing plants for you to enjoy in your own garden. We love the circular nature of our work: we produce quality plants for you to enjoy at home, which in turn helps us achieve a great sense of happiness.” Furzey Gardens is open seven days a week, 10am until 4pm. Find out more and book tickets for the gardens at: www.furzey-gardens.org Joe watering the plant sales area Sadly many of our beetles are struggling, and here’s why… 1. Loss of habitat e way we use our land in the UK, from intensive farming to urban development, has led to shrinking patches of habitat for beetles, making it di cult for many populations to survive. 2. Loss of connected habitats As well as getting smaller, habitats are becoming more fragmented, with less connection between them. at’s why our gardens can make a huge di erence – not only are they important habitats, they can also provide corridors for beetles to pass through until they nd the perfect spot. 3. Climate change Climate change is having an impact on all wildlife and beetles are no exception. Warming temperatures and shrinking habitats can mean beetles struggle to survive where they once thrived, and of course this causes problems for the other animals and plants that rely on them, too. 4. Pesticides e use of pesticides is resulting in serious declines across lots of invertebrates, including many beetles. Even pesticides that aren’t intended to target beetles can harm or kill them, so it’s important to avoid using them. Alternatives to using pesticides in your garden 1. To get started, try to learn as much as you can about the sort of invertebrates that may feed on your plants. Consider if they really pose a threat, or whether they help contribute to a balanced, healthy garden. If co-existence is out of the question, there are many ways to control unwanted visitors whilst avoiding pesticides that can cause unintended harm to beetles and other creatures in your garden. 2. Tolerating some nibbled leaves and even a few aphids will encourage a balanced garden where damage does not get out of hand. 3. Encourage natural predators such as predatory beetles and other invertebrates, hedgehogs, birds, and frogs by creating food and shelter for them in your garden. 4. Plant the right thing in the right place – stressed plants are more likely to succumb to damage. 5. Pick up and move any invertebrates that might be nibbling crops a little more than you’d like during the spring and summer; checking a er rainfall for slugs and snails can help too! To learn more about the threats beetles are facing, how to avoid using pesticides and herbicides, plus other ways you can help, download e Wildlife Trusts’ guide to taking #ActionForInsects: www.wildlifetrusts.org/take-action- insects BEETLES UNDER THREAT Information from Wild About Gardens