in Bloom

Newsletter Spring Summer Edition 2019

Blooming in Guildford Borough since 1981 Guildford in Bloom Competition blasts off for 2019 Guildford in Bloom, the borough's favourite horticultural celebration is open for entries. This free competition is open to everyone, of all ages, living and working in Guildford and closes on 16 June. This year we showcase a lunar theme to mark the 50th Anniversary Open to all in the Borough of the first Moon landing and launch a new category: & FREE TO ENTER ‘Best Site for Nature Conservation’. Albury, , Ash, Burpham,

The annual initiative brings together community groups, Compton, Clandon, Horsley, businesses, schools and residents to promote creative Effingham, Merrow, Normandy, plant cultivation to naturally enhance the borough. Now Onslow, , Puttenham, Ripley, in its 38th year, it champions health, well-being and Send, Seal & Sands, , collaboration while blending the Council's corporate Shalford, , St Martha, Stoughton, priorities of community, place making and innovation. , Wanborough &

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Formed in 1981, Guildford in Bloom brings together community groups, businesses, HOW TO ENTER schools and residents to promote imaginative The Guildford in Bloom Competition is open to ways to make the Borough look it’s best and to promote health & wellbeing, community anyone in the borough who loves gardening working and champion Guildford’s natural and wants to help make Guildford a beautiful environment. place to live, work and visit.

Continued from front page: Peter Getting involved is free, quick & easy O’Connell, Director of Environment explains:  Simply choose a category – see the choices ‘As always, it doesn’t matter how big or small to the right. You can enter one category per address. your garden is or how perfectly maintained or  Use our online form at wild it is. Guildford in Bloom is focussed on www.guildford.gov.uk/guildfordinbloom working together and taking part in a fun,  Or, email or post your details including your healthy activity. We’re delighted to launch our name, category choice, address to be new category for 2019, ‘Best site for Nature judged and your contact details to: [email protected] Guildford Borough Conservation’, which is suited to larger areas Council, Parks & Leisure Services, Stoke of private or public land where the aim is to Park Nursery, Nightingale Road, Guildford protect and conserve wildlife habitats and GU1 1ER species population.’ He adds: ‘Entrants can  Entries must be received by Sunday 16 choose to theme their gardens, allotments or June 2019 (schools deadline is 24 May 2019) garden projects. This year we are celebrating  Judging takes place between 1 – 19 July the ‘50th Anniversary of the first Moon 2019. It’s not possible to advise individual landing’ and the theme for schools is ‘the entrants of the exact day and time of judging colours of summer’. With kind thanks to our (with the exception of vegetable/kitchen gardens, wildlife gardens and premium sponsors Chapter Financial and neighbourhood project categories) Allianz.’  Winners will be notified by email and invited

to the awards ceremony to be held at We continue to promote entries from young on 17 September gardeners. ‘Student Garden Showcase’ is 2019 open to all senior school, further and higher education students. The garden, allotment or horticultural project can be located on the THEME—50th Anniversary of educational premises or elsewhere in the the First Moon Landing . Students are encouraged to design, create and maintain a garden, allotment or project of their choice. Judges will be looking for good design, plant quality, diversity, sustainability and overall impression and extra points will be awarded for innovative design or feature. Competition Categories Closing Date Best Front Garden Your garden must be visible to the public from the footpath. It will be judged 16 June 2019 on design, colour, quality of plants and all year round interest. Gardens will be divided into a small or large category.

Best Allotment & Vegetable/ Judged on the variety and quality of vegetables grown, evidence of Kitchen Gardens good horticultural practice, use of space and sustainable management. All allotment plots entered must have the plot number clearly on display.

Best Garden for Wildlife Open to all gardens including businesses and community projects where the design, choice of plants and management is especially welcoming to wildlife.

Best Site for Nature This category is suited to larger areas of private or public land where Conservation the aim is to protect and conserve wildlife habitats and species population.

Best Pub in Bloom We are looking for the best Pub in Bloom. A well balanced design, good use of colour and quality planting will score high marks.

Best Container Garden Open to balconies and gardens that are based on pots and baskets. Must be visible to the public.

Best Neighbourhood Project This category recognises projects that green up the local area and include those organised by sheltered accommodation, village halls, residents associations, councils, voluntary groups and charities etc. Judges will be looking for good design, colour and plant quality as well as input from residents or the community.

Student Garden Showcase This category is open to all senior school, further and higher education students. The garden, allotment or horticultural project can be located on the educational premises, or elsewhere in the Borough of Guildford but it must be in the Borough. Students are encouraged to design, create and maintain a garden, allotment/vegetable plot or project of their choice. Judges will be looking for good design, plant quality, diversity, sustainability, organic management and overall impression. Extra points can be gained for innovative design or feature.

Best School in Bloom This year our theme is ‘The Seaside’. We are looking for imaginatively themed gardens or novel containers. Children’s involvement with the design, planting & upkeep and meeting the theme of the competition will score high marks. Note: dates for the school competition are different to the main competition dates.

01483 444718 Last Years Winners

Best in Competition—Lisa Keech, Best Front Garden and The Robin Hood, Best Pub Well Done to all 2018 award winners

Best School in Bloom & Shamley Green School

Best Container Garden Mr & Mrs K Comerford

Best Wildlife Garden Pewley Down Volunteers

Best Pub Garden The Robin Hood

Best Allotment/Kitchen Garden Les & Stella Hind, Bowers Lane

Student Garden Showcase Ben Harbour & the University of Student Garden Team

Best Front Garden Lisa Keech

Best Neighbourhood Project Stoke Hospital

Best Themed Entry (Peace) Dorothy Walden Award Snaky Lane Community Wildlife Group

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Going For GOLD Your garden, public space or allotment plot does not have to be a perfect, manicured specimen to win an award. Everybody is judged separately. Entries will be recognised with a gold, silver gilt, silver, bronze or commended certificate. Of course, many entrants ‘GO FOR GOLD!’ To help you go for gold, see the judging criteria below. Best Allotment & Vegetable / Kitchen Garden

Marking Criteria Detail Quality/maintenance of plants Health and vigour of plants; absence of pests and diseases; no/few weeds present; correct pruning and support of plants; size and quality of crop. Diversity of plants/crops and all year Good range for all year round production of vegetables, fruit in season and possibly round cropping flowers. Use of space/layout Well planned layout relative to space. Include appropriate use of glasshouse, shed and hard landscape (where appropriate) Sustainability (e.g. water butt, com- Sustainability (e.g. water butt, compost bin, mulches, companion planting). post bin, mulches, companion plant- ing) Evidence of organic management Use of companion planting and approach to pest and disease management, fertilising etc. Best Pub / Front Garden / Neighbourhood Project / Student Garden Showcase

Marking Criteria Detail Quality/maintenance of plants Health and vigour of plants; absence of pests and diseases; no/few weeds present; correct pruning and support of plants; deadheading etc. Diversity of plants/All year round in- Range of plants that compliment each other and provide interest throughout the year. terest Quality of design/use of space Well planned design relative to space. Include appropriate use of hard landscape. Good use of colour/texture/form Does the garden/project/feature make an impact in a pleasing way? Sustainability Use of mulches, draught resistant planting, approach to pest and disease management etc. Additional features/overall impression Has anything innovative been done to enhance the overall impression given?

Best Container Garden

Marking Criteria Detail Quality/care and maintenance of Health and vigour of plants; absence of pests and diseases; no/few weeds present; plants correct support of plants; deadheading etc. Diversity of plants Range of plants that compliment each other and provide interest. Quality of design/use of space Well planned design relative to space. Possible use of interesting/novel containers. Good use of colour/texture and form Does the garden make an impact in a pleasing way? Overall impression Incorporating the above and the general look and feel of the site.

Best Wildlife Garden

Marking Criteria Detail Quality/maintenance of plants Management/control of dominant species. Peat free compost, nectar rich flowers (e.g. herbs). Diversity/wildlife value of plants Is there a wide range of plants that complement each other and provide interest and particularly attract insects and other wildlife? Some lawn left to grow long/ Mini wild flower meadow. Quality of design/use of space Well-planned design? Has the entrant made best use of the available space? Is there a pond, bucket pond or any body of water in the garden? Possible features: Dead wood / Log pile / Stone pile Mixed native hedge /shrubs. Bird, bat or hedgehog box / insect hotel, bird bath. Year round interest Food sources and nesting sites throughout year (for example, hollow stems insects, hibernation sites), bird feeders, nesting material, Fruit trees or berry bearing shrubs. Sustainability Use of a water butt, mulches, compost bins/heaps or wormery. Could also mean using old/native species of plants. Clever recycling of old materials? Evidence of organic management Companion planting, mulches, some plants left to go to seed? Absence of slug pellets, weed killers and other biocides. Overall impression Incorporating the above and the general look and feel of the garden.

Picnic in the Castle Grounds

The Guildford in Bloom launch event, ‘Picnic in the Castle Grounds’ will be held on Saturday 1st June 2019, 12:30pm to 4pm. This is a family event and FREE to attend.

At 12:30pm the Mayor of Guildford will officially unveil the new floral carpet bed. From 1pm to 4pm there will be music and entertainment from the bandstand with Guildford Fringe Festival.

Other entertainment for all the family including craft, games, face painting, plant potting and lawn bowling with the Castle Breen Bowls Club. Teas, coffees, cakes, Pimms and ice creams will be on sale. You can bring chairs, rugs and a picnic, but please no tables, fires or gazebos.

Saturday 1st June 2019 12:30pm to 4pm

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Schools Gardening Competition 2019 Now Open

Our theme this year is ‘The Colours of SUMMER’. We are looking for imaginatively themed gardens and novel containers. Think about what Summer means to you. Think about the plants you will use. We particularly like plants that are grown from seed. We also like vegetables and plants that attract wildlife. Think creatively about the containers you will use. Used containers and objects would be a great idea. We want you to have fun designing, planting and looking after your gardens. FOR MORE DETAILS SEE https://www.guildford.gov.uk/guildfordinbloom

Playgrounds for Wildlife Call for Schools to take part in Study Schools, as well as meeting the theme, ’The Colours of Nearly 15,000 school children SUMMER’, the judges will be looking for plants that attract from over 500 schools have been digging up their playing fields and wildlife, especially birds, bees and butterflies. Here are counting and identifying the some benefits of creating a playground for wildlife: creatures they find living there. The three-year study, supported  It creates a respect & responsibility towards nature by BTO and EDF Energy, has been able to identify that dry  Develops practical skills summer weather may be putting  Encourages care for the environment some of our bird species at risk as it triggers a significant drop in the  Encourages an understanding of the need for number of earthworms and invertebrates available in parts of conservation and preservation the UK.

 Encourages working together as a team Chris Packham, Nick Baker and Iolo Williams have all taken to  Creates an awareness of the passage of the seasons YouTube to encourage more schools to join this exciting  Helps to remove fear of creepy crawlies science project to understand the effects of climate change on our  Enhances and protects the school environment soils and ecosystems. The next dig takes place in March and we  Encourages recycling need more schools involved. Find out more about joining the project  and it is lots of fun! https://www.bto.org/support-us/corporate- support/corporate-members/edf-energy STOKE HOSPITAL OPEN GARDEN SATURDAY 13TH JULY 2-4.30pm Have you ever wondered what is behind the red brick wall on Stoke Road? This July you have the chance to visit this secret garden and enjoy the tranquility of the beautiful walled garden, awarded Gold in Guildford in Bloom 2016, 2017 & 2018!

Hospital of William Parson, known locally as Stoke Hospital, is a Grade II listed almshouse, dating from 1796.

Entrance -Adults £5 to include Tea & Cake, Children £1.

There will also be plants, books and crafts on sale. All monies raised will go towards maintaining Wanted—Volunteer this historic building and garden. Gardeners and Helpers For further information email

[email protected] Headway Surrey based in Stoughton are looking for volunteer garden helpers to help with growing seeds, potting, planting and fence painting. They also need donations of plants, soil, compost, plant feed, pots, pebbles, vertical plant systems or hanging baskets.

For more information, contact 01483 455 225 [email protected]

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Just Saying! and sitting in the shade. While better men than we go out, and start their working lives, By By The Telegraph, published in April 2016 grubbing weeds from garden paths with There’s nothing better for the mood than a broken dinner knives.” Rudyard Kipling spot of gardening. Is that really true, though? “The soul cannot thrive in the absence of a What with pests, weeds and aching knees, garden. If you do not want paradise, you are there’s a streak of black humour in the not human. And if you are not human, you do outdoor art. Here’s a selection of wise, witty not have a soul.” Thomas More and pithy words from people with mud under “Gardening requires lots of water – most of it their nails... in the form of perspiration.” Cartoonist Lou “A weed is a plant that has mastered every Erickson survival skill except for learning how to grow “Weather means more when you have a in rows.” American columnist Doug Larson garden. There is nothing like listening to a “What a man needs in gardening is a cast-iron shower and thinking how it is sinking in back, with a hinge in it.” American essayist around your green beans.” Marcelene Cox

Charles Dudley Warner “The best way to make sure you are removing “There can be no other occupation like a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. gardening in which, if you were to creep up If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a behind someone at their work, you would find valuable plant.” Gardener’s adage, author them smiling.” Horticulturalist Mirabel Osler unknown

“You know you’re a hard-core gardener if you “Early to bed, early to rise. Work like hell and deadhead flowers in other people’s gardens.” fertilise.” American gardener Emily Whaley

Writer Sue Careless “We can complain because rose bushes have “The great French Marshal Lyautey once asked thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have his gardener to plant a tree. The gardener roses.” Abraham Lincoln objected that the tree would not reach maturity “A weed is a plant that is not only in the wrong for a hundred years. The marshall replied, ‘In place, but intends to stay.” Ecologist Sara Stein that case there is no time to lose. Plant this “God made a beauteous garden, With lovely afternoon!’” John F flowers strown, But one straight, narrow “Hand-weeding is not the terrible drudgery that pathway, That was not overgrown. it is often made out to be. Some people find in And to this beauteous garden, He brought it a kind of soothing monotony. It leaves their mankind to live, And said, ‘To you, my minds free to perfect the brilliant repartee with children, These lovely flowers I give. which they should have countered a relative’s Prune ye my vines and fig trees, With care my latest example of unreasonableness.” flowers tend, But keep the pathway open; Your Christopher Lloyd home is at the end.” Robert Frost

“Our is a garden, and such gardens are not made by singing, ‘Oh how beautiful!’ celebrates the collaboration brings to life the hidden power of power of plants as Anti-Stress Garden plants, their value for sustainability and the innovative ways we can experience the natural comes to RHS Chelsea Flower Show world. It has provided a brilliant experience for our students in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Transporting city dwellers to the Surrey Hills using who have been busy experimenting with plant scent and sound generated by plant energy, the electrodes and signals as we prepare to showcase University of Surrey has teamed up with our engagement with plants and technology at RHS Gin to present an Anti-Stress Garden at this year’s Chelsea.” RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Professor Tony Myatt said: “By creating a This exciting collaboration sees the University soundscape orchestrated by the plants in the partner the premium gin brand, acclaimed Surrey- garden, I hope visitors will enjoy and appreciate the based garden designer David Neale and Dutch natural sound environments of the Surrey Hills, and horticultural pioneers Plant-e, to explore plant be inspired that the garden itself has a role to play in technologies that encourage wellbeing. Through their combined expertise, the team will create a sustainable oasis of calm for visitors to enjoy.

Guests will experience the soothing sounds of the Surrey Hills – projected via a plant-controlled soundscape created by two professors at the University of Surrey.

Professor Tony Myatt, Head of Department of Music and Media, has designed a natural, three- dimensional soundscape featuring audio recordings from the Surrey Hills. The orchestration of this soundscape will be done by the garden itself, through the power of plants.

Director of the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, Professor Richard Murphy specialises recreating these beautiful soundscapes. I’m sure in plant science and sustainability. By using sensors the garden will reveal more about what’s going on to detect and capture changing electrical signals inside plants and how we can work with them, rely directly from the plants, the garden will be able to on them and benefit from them. We are absolutely govern and interact with the soundscape. delighted to be working with our inspirational Surrey Hills partners, Silent Pool Gin and Neal Richards These natural sounds, which help the body relax, Garden Design, to enhance guests’ experience of will be combined with plants that have been selected this garden.” for their wellbeing properties. Ian McCulloch, Co-Founder of Silent Pool Gin said: The result will be a stunning garden packed-full of “We are thrilled to be working alongside University of roses (powerful antioxidants), elderflower (used for Surrey and award-winning garden designer David swollen sinuses), juniper (a known digestive aid), Neale for this Chelsea Flower Show partnership. By chamomile (sleep-booster) and iris (moisture- looking at the ways in which we can use plants to booster), many of which also feature among the 24 generate energy and sound, we’ve been able to botanicals in Silent Pool Gin. The aroma will work alongside the professors to create a positively impact on the five multisensory Silent Pool Gin garden. The garden will million receptor cells in the brain and their links to emulate sounds inspired by the beautiful Surrey the limbic system – which governs emotions, Hills, a celebration of local heritage of both the Silent behaviour and long-term memory. Pool Gin distillery and the University.” David Neale of Neale Richards Garden Design says: After the Flower Show, the garden will be donated to “After winning the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show Cherry Trees; a small local charity which provides People’s Choice award last year, we wanted to take home-from-home specialist short breaks for children this one step further. The inspiration came from and young adults who have a range of complex spending time in the tranquillity of the01483 Surrey 444718 Hills. disabilities including learning, physical and sensory We wanted to find a way [email protected] using plants to allow impairments. everyone to enjoy that sense of calm – and the University of Surrey’s soundscape and knowledge of Professor Richard Murphy said: “This truly exciting plant technology has made that possible.” Calling all green fingered young gardeners, get involved by entering Student Garden Showcase

This category is open to all senior school, further and higher education students. The garden, allotment or horticultural project can be located on the educational premises, or elsewhere in the Borough of Guildford but it must be in the Borough. Students are encouraged to design, create and maintain a garden, allotment/vegetable plot or project of their choice. Judges will be looking for good design, plant quality, diversity, sustainability, organic management and overall impression. Extra points can be gained for innovative design or feature.

‘Dig it’ Got caterpillars in your creeper? Bugs in your buddleia? Or lumps in your lawn? Perhaps you have conquered the critters that feast on your plants and want to share your secret? Tune into ‘Dig It’ for all your green fingered needs and gardening questions answered by their team of experts.

Every Sunday 0900-1200 on BBC Radio Sussex & Surrey 04- 104.6FM & on DAB

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019: Royal Hospital, London Gate, Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4SR Dates: 21 - 25 May 2019, Tuesday – Friday: 8am - 8pm, Saturday: 8am - 5.30pm

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2019: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU Dates: 1-7 July 2019, Tuesday – Saturday: 10am - 7:30pm, Sunday: 10am - 5.30pm

RHS Garden Flower Show 2019: Wisley Gardens, Wisley Lane, Wisley GU23 6QB Dates: 4-9 September 2019, Tuesday – Saturday: 9am - 6pm, Sunday: 9am - 5pm https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-hampton-court-palace-garden-festival Your allotment in Spring and Summer Pull out April  Use fleece when necessary to protect plants and seedlings.  Continue to direct sow carrots, peas, beetroot, cabbages and salad crops.  Marrows, courgettes, pumpkins, squashes and cucumbers can all be sown in a heated greenhouse or propagator.  If any rhubarb flowers appear then cut them out near the base as otherwise they will steal food and energy from the plant.  Cut asparagus spears if your beds are at least 2-years old.  Plant main crop potatoes  Mulch around fruit with well-rotted manure.  Keep an eye out for any pests and take corrective action.  Late summer and autumn fruiting raspberries should be cut back to approximately 23cm from the base.  To encourage early flowers cover strawberry plants with cloches or fleece.  Keep weeding your plot to stop competition with crops.

May  Early direct sowings of vegetables can be given their first thinning.  Earth up potatoes by using a hoe to pull up the soil when they are approximately 23cm (9″) high.  If weather conditions allow, runner and French beans raised under glass can be planted out towards the end of the month. Seeds could also be sown outdoors at this time under cloches or fleece.  Sow sweet corn in the greenhouse and also outdoors at the end of the month, into early June.  Sow broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale (for transplanting to final position when large enough), lettuce, radish, spinach and swede either outside or under cloches.  Keep fruit well watered in dry spells to ensure good setting and fruit development.  For more growth on grape vines, pinch out the tips of shoots that are two leaves beyond a developing fruit truss.  Harvest rhubarb stems that have been forced under jars by pulling them sharply away from the crown.  Lay straw between strawberry plants.

June  Plant out appropriate greenhouse raised vegetables.  Second thinning of direct sown vegetables can be made and further sowings can be continued..  Protect carrots from carrot fly and cabbages from caterpillar damage by covering the crop with fleece or mesh.  Start to harvest early potatoes usually as plants come into flower.  Inspect fruit bushes and trees for pest and diseases, and treat as necessary.  As new canes of raspberries and blackberries appear, tie to support wires but remember to keep them away from last year’s growth as this will flower and fruit this summer.  Protect soft fruit from birds, squirrels and other pests.  Strawberry crops that have been kept under glass, cloches or fleece should now be uncovered so that pollinating insects can gain access.  Protect brassicas from pigeons and cabbage white butterflies.  Check gooseberries for sawfly caterpillars and control as necessary. July  Onions should not be allowed to go short of water as this will affect the size of crop. Should conditions be dry it is advisable that the plants are watered once or twice a week; and do keep the weeds down.  Remove side shoots on tomatoes and stop the plants when 4-5 trusses have been produced. Feed regularly with a high potash liquid fertiliser. Do not allow plants to dry out as this can lead to blossom end rot.  Check second early potatoes to see if they are ready to harvest. Water every week if conditions are dry.  Start to harvest beetroot and other crops, including garlic and autumn planted onions.  Continue to make sowings of carrot, lettuce and spinach.  Sow spring maturing cabbage using varieties such as April or Offenham 2.  Regularly pick runner and French beans and courgettes to encourage further cropping.  Pot-grown sweet corn can be planted out and it is best to place the plants in blocks rather than rows spacing them out about 45cm (18″) apart each way.  At this time herbs such as thyme and sage produce fresh healthy new stems which if cuttings are taken will quickly root.  Continue to harvest soft fruit.  Prune established plums and apricots.  Protect fruit bushes from birds by placing netting over them, but remember to check daily making sure no birds are trapped.

August  Sowings of Japanese bulb onion can be made outdoors from mid to late August for harvesting in July the following year.  Sowings can also be made of winter lettuce and radish.  Start to lift and dry main crop onions  As you lift your potatoes, you could replace them with late season potatoes which will give you a second crop in October.  Main crop potatoes can be lifted as required for immediate use and where they are to be stored, harvest in September or early October.  Watch out for potato blight if conditions are hot and humid.  Any crops that are in flower, have fruit or pods on them must be watered well.  Keep annual weeds under control by hoeing.  Cut down canes of summer fruited raspberries that have finished cropping, tying in new canes to supports  The runners of new strawberry plants should be secured into pots of compost or soil allowing them to root.  Sow overwintering green manure.

September  Plant onion sets of an over-wintering variety from the middle of the month.  Plant garlic bulbs using a suitable variety.  A few cut-and-come again salad varieties could be planted in pots for tasty leaves in the autumn.  Lift main crop potatoes and allow to dry prior to storing in wooden trays or sacks in a dark, cool, frost-free shed or garage.  Transplant spring cabbage into their final positions.

October  In sheltered areas make sowings of broad beans towards the end of the month.  Lift and store root crops such as carrots, beetroot and potatoes.  Cut down asparagus to near ground level.  Prepare the ground for planting soft fruit. Select a well drained, sunny position that is not prone to late frosts. Dig over the area incorporating well rotted farm-yard manure or garden compost removing all perennial weed roots. Celebrating 400 Years Abbot’s Hospital

2019 is the 400th Year Anniversary of Abbot’s A number of events are being held across the Hospital; it was 1619 when the original year to mark this important moment in the foundation stone was laid. history of Abbot’s Hospital. They include:

Abbots Hospital is one of Guildford's hidden Shakespeare 'Sonnet Walks' ~ 27 & 28 April treasures! Set at the top of the High Street it is 2019 a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and Abbot’s Hospital is being included on the Tour bustle of the town. It is possible to enter the of the Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC) archway from the High Street and view the ‘Sonnet Walks’ over the weekend of the upper courtyard which is home to 27 of 27th /28th April 2019. Guildford's elderly residents. Garden Party ~ Saturday 22 June 2019

A Large Garden Party is being held on The Hospital is an Alms house rather than a Saturday 22nd June 2019 to which all medical hospital. It was commissioned by residents will be able to invite up to 4 people George Abbot and the first stone was laid in (family) to come to tea and cakes in the lower 1619. The building is styled on the Oxford quad area. Also, all Governors and Staff will be College architecture that George Abbot was invited. We are also inviting the Lord familiar with from studying there. Lieutenant of Surrey who will unveil the Jane Allison painting of all the residents who are at To apply to live at the Hospital you will usually Abbot’s Hospital in 2019. need to have been born in the Borough of Exhibition ~ Saturday 28 September 2019 to Guildford and then lived in the Borough of Saturday 26 October 2019 Guildford for 20 years or lived in the Borough There will be an Exhibition of Abbot’s inventory of Guildford for 2 years immediately prior to items and this will be held in the Guildhall in being offered residency. Out of area Guildford from Saturday 28th September 2019 applications are permitted but there is a limit to to Saturday 26th October 2019. the number of residents from out of area at any one time. No more than one-third of total Lunch Party ~ October 2019 residents can be from out of area. Applicants There will also be a large lunch party at should be at least 60 years of age (or in the Abbot’s in October 2019. It will be for all case of a couple, one person should be at residents, governors and staff. It will be a least 60 years old) and they should be of major event held in the Upper Courtyard area. modest financial means (which means 'capable of claiming for Housing Benefit') and they should be in sufficiently good health to be Guildford in Bloom wish you well in your 400th capable of 'independent living'. The Master, year and look forward to welcoming you to our Michael McKechnie, would be pleased to neighbourhood gardening competition. discuss eligibility for residence with individuals or couples and their relatives. Meet your Guildford in Bloom Committee and Judges

From left to right Anne—Wildlife, Diana—PR & Events, Mike—Allotments, Rosemary—Sponsorship, Paul—Chairman, Shirley—Community, Lysandra—Secretary, Caroline—Business & Community, Amanda—Business & Sponsorship

Helping our Community to Plant Spring Bulbs Guildford in Bloom pulled out all the stops to help other groups plant over a thousand spring bulbs in early December to cheer up the entrance to the Park Barn Day Centre and for the public to enjoy. It was a very enjoyable busy morning and very chilly but very thankful to the Park Barn

Centre for the hot beverages and bacon butties. By Shirley West

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Chapters Financial Financial planning to help you succeed, whoever you are

Allianz To enable people to move on and up in life and business

Levanter Developments Levanter Developments is a property development and investment company based in Surrey

Tunsgate Quarter Shop. Dine. Enjoy.

University of Surrey Surrey is a world-class, research-led University and proud to call Guildford home

BMI Mount Alvernia Hospital Providing facilities for advanced surgical procedures together with friendly, professional care

Greener Guildford Greener Guildford brought to you by Experience Guildford

Pub Watch Pre-empting crime & anti-social behaviour in licensed premises

Guildford Allotment Society Keep fit, eat healthier food, save money, get fresh air, get an allotment today!

Clandon Park Garden Centre Visit our exciting Christmas Shop for trees, wreathes & decorations

Guildford Borough Council Your local Council providing local services

Experience Guildford Here to make sure your time in Guildford is the best it can be BBC Radio Surrey ‘Dig It’ – the gardening phone-in with Joe Talbot. Call 0800 232 1045 for green advice

Vivace Chorus Beautiful music in great venues

Guildford Shakespeare Company “This company is nothing short of miraculous. A beacon for the Arts” – Brian Blessed OBE

Vantage Point Magazine Your best view of what’s going on locally

Guildford Lions Club Formed in 1957, we are one of the leading clubs in the area

Waitrose Fabulous Festive Feasts – Order now for a stress- free Christmas Guildford Fringe Festival Bringing quirky events to our wonderful town

Guildford Summer Festival Your beautiful summer starts here

Visit Guildford In the heart of the Surrey Hills

Lauren Beckwith Lauren Beckwith Local design and print

Guildford Beekeepers We run theory & practical courses for anyone considering beekeeping Sponsors and Supporters

Guildford in Bloom 2018 has been an unprecedented success, and we have been so pleased to share the good times with our growing band of supporters and sponsors. Premium sponsors Allianz and Chapters Financial have been brilliant and loyal supporters over several years to achieve a huge growth in entries. This in turn has attracted new major sponsorship from Tunsgate Quarter, BMI Mount Alvernia Hospital and the University of Surrey. More recently we have welcomed Levanter Developments and Greener Guildford.

Category sponsors Pubwatch, Residential Search (front gardens) and Guildford Allotments Society annual Awards Ceremony. Many entries involve a have forged a special relationship with their chosen much wider community, whether schools, areas. Sponsorship in kind through Clandon Park community groups or charities, and with support Garden Centre has been much appreciated by our from Guildford Borough Council and Experience schools, with a fabulous schools award ceremony Guildford we can offer excellent and widespread at the Garden Centre, and lots of fun for young publicity across the Borough. families in potting up plants at the June Castle Picnic. We have many supporters to thank—see What’s not to love about gardens, and having your the list to the left. name connected with so many positive and engaged local people, whilst helping to enhance But of course we could always do more, and more the natural environment throughout Guildford entries mean more prizes and bigger events, and Borough. The much valued ‘feel good factor’ we would love to work with more partners. abounds for all who get involved. Please do contact me to talk about the many and varied ways Guildford in Bloom is one of those causes that has you or your business might be associated with the no down side, the contestants and their families Guildford in Bloom 2019 competition and events. love it with huge enthusiasm and filled the Rosemary Napp, [email protected] auditorium at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre for the

Proud to Sponsor Guildford in Bloom

Allianz aims to be an outstanding competitor in personal and commercial insurance, helping people and companies move on and up in business and life.

T Find out more www.allianz.co.uk / H Y @allianzuknews / Linkedin A O

N U

K The University of Surrey taking into consideration that the hedge can act as a natural filtering barrier and screening measures the efficacy of the children’s’ playground in Stoke Park from the harmful fumes from the cars at Stoke hedges at the Stoke Park Road. The two sensors measures the in Guildford chemical species carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Ozone (O3) plus

The Global Centre for Clean Air Research at atmospheric particles of different sizes (PM1, the University of Surrey, in close cooperation PM2.5 and PM10). The data are measured with Guildford Borough Council, has recently every minute to gain high spatial resolution in deployed two low-cost air quality sensor units the measurements. The air quality monitors at the outskirts of Stoke Park, Guildford. This are what is called “low-cost” sensors, and thus work is part of Guildford Living Lab under the does not constitute regulatory grade iSCAPE project. The research is targeted at instruments. The sensors will be in Stoke Park measuring the influence of the hedge on the for six months to measure the seasonal air pollution concentration in the vicinity of variation. The measurements from the Stoke Road. This work follows the previous sensors can be accessed on smartcitizen.me/ work recently published by GCARE team lead kits/5527 for the station outside the park, and by Professor Prashant Kumar on this topic, smartcitizen.me/kits/5528 for the station inside but this time via long-term simultaneous the park. For further info contact measurements inside and outside the park via [email protected]. sensor technology. This work is important

A Common-Sense Guide to Using Coffee Grounds in the Garden

Okomoko Coffee shop in Farnham gives away coffee grounds for free to gardeners. Mulching coffee grounds can be incredibly beneficial. See the ‘common-sense guide to using coffee grounds in the garden’ written by Anne Marie Hendry on the website GrowVeg https://www.growveg.co.uk/guides/a-common-sense-guide-to-using-coffee-grounds-in-the- garden/ Sprinkle used coffee grounds around plants as a slow release fertiliser

01483 444718 [email protected]

Garden Waste Scheme – sign up now

Spring is in the air – and if you do not want to compost and are unable to take your garden waste to the local Community Recycling Centre (rubbish tip) you can sign up to our garden waste collection scheme. For an annual fee of £38 per bin, you will receive:

A 240 litre brown bin, delivered four to six weeks following sign-up to the scheme along with a fortnightly collection. What do we collect? What we don't collect  Grass cuttings  Flower pots and seed trays  Garden prunings  Soil and turf  Hedge trimmings  Rocks, stones and pebbles  Leaves  Animal/pet bedding  Small twigs and other woody waste  Kitchen or food waste  Dead plants and weeds  Timber  Branches no larger than 7.5cm (3 inches)  Large branches (more than 7.5cm or 3 in diameter inches) in diameter  Household waste or metal objects

See our terms and conditions at www.guildford.gov.uk/gardenwaste

How much do I pay? You can join at any time during the year but subscriptions run until 27 March 2020 – this cost is not reduced if you join later than the start of the subscription year. Each bin costs £38 and you can have as many as you need.

Signing up to the scheme - how do I pay? You can sign up and pay in a number of ways including: Online - all you will need is your postcode and a credit or debit card. Or through our Customer Service Team on 01483 444499

01483 444718 [email protected]

JANUARY Dust off the winter cobwebs and enjoy a walk in JULY The Castle Grounds is famous for its stunning the beautiful Surrey countryside—Pewley flower beds. During the summer months it Downs is an important local nature reserve, hosts many free events including bandstand close to the town centre with great views—GU1 concerts and outdoor theatre performances —

FEBUARY Phyllis Tuckwell Memory Meadow is a stunning, AUGUST The amazing Stoke Park Paddling Pool is a colourful carpet of spring bulbs located within children’s paradise and FREE to visit. Bring a Stoke Park, GU1 1ER picnic—GU1 1ER

MARCH Sutherland Memorial Park has an exciting SEPTEMBER Anyone for tennis? Did you know that you can children’s playground and a variety of sports hire tennis courts and other sports pitches facilities—GU4 7JU across the borough’s parks.

APRIL The magnificent bluebells in Chantry Woods OCTOBER The fascinating Chilworth Gunpowder Mills is can not be missed—Don’t forget to take your hidden in the Tillingborne Valley and has 17th cameras—GU4 8PZ century ruins—GU4 8NP

MAY The Surrey County Show returns to Stoke Park NOVEMBER Guildford’s newest children's playground on May Bank Holiday Monday and is a popular opened in 2016 at Onslow Recreational family attraction—GU1 1ER Ground. Also visit the Arboretum right next door —GU2 7QP

JUNE Visit the award winning Riverside Park Nature DECEMBER Take a break from Christmas shopping and pop Reserve with a mosaic of different habitats into one of our Town Centre Parks: Quakers including an 800 meter boardwalk across the Acre next to the library, Wesntnye Gardens reed beds—a bird watchers paradise—GU4 overlooking the and Allen House

01483 444718 [email protected]

Hanging Baskets & Castle Grounds Summer Bedding

More than 7000 plug plants will be planted into the Town Centre hanging baskets and Castle Grounds Carpet Bed display towards the end of May. Here are some of the plants that will be used:

Baskets and Troughs Carpet Bed A total of 5100 plants are used. Plants include: The carpet bed is 3m wide x 3m high and has a coverage of 9m2. The design shows the crest of Calibrachoa 'Can Can Terracotta' Guildford/Frieberg 40 years. Plants are annual, Pelargonium 'Butterfly Purple' 3cm plugs in natural colours and include: Nemesia 'Frambosie' Alternanthera A – bronze Pelargonium 'Fantasia Red heart ' Alternanthera D – burgundy Actotis 'Flame' Alternanthera E – Green Verbena 'Show Boat Burgundy' Alternanthera P – yellow Verbena 'Endurance Purple' Antennaria Alba – silver Petunia surfinia 'Hot Pink' Helichrysum White Wonder Petunia surfinia 'Deep Red' Senecio serpens Petunia surfinia 'Tea Yellow' Sempervivum tec Rubin Fuchsia 'Swingtime'

Attracting Wildlife: We choose varieties for the bedding that are good for wildlife where possible. The colour and scent will attract insects and this in turn attracts foraging bats particularly in Castle Grounds. We know from our ecology surveys that bats forage through the Castle Grounds valley in the summer months, so it appears that the bedding plants are attracting moths at night. Sadly, many varieties of annual bedding are sterile as they have been developed for their colour and long life at the sacrifice of producing pollen. But the world is still full of many true annuals, and although they may not all be as brightly coloured, during their brief life they are one of the most productive sources of nectar of all plant types. This is because annual flowers are particularly keen to be chums with pollinators because they need to be pollinated before they set seed, so to ensure they attract pollinators they produce pollen and lots of it. We do choose varieties for the bedding in the Castle Grounds that mix the long life and colour we need with some good for pollinator plants. Single flowers rather than double for instance (double being hard for insects to reach any pollen that does exist). Some annuals that are definitely good to grow for insects are poppies, forget me knot and cornflowers.

Experience Guildford is working with the Town Centre Businesses, Guildford Borough Council and Guildford in Bloom to provide an even greater number of fabulous hanging baskets—thank you Experience Guildford. Dates, Games and Movies

November 2018 School Gardening Competition Opens March 2019 GiB Gardening Competition Opens April 2019 Newsletter – Spring edition May 2019 High Street Come and see us at the Farmers Market in Guildford 24 May 2019 Schools Gardening Competition Closing Date 27 May 2019 Come and see us at the County Show 1 June 2019, 12:30pm Castle Come and picnic with us at ‘Picnic in the Castle Ground’, a fun, free, family event 3 – 14 June 2019 Schools Judging 16 June 2019 Public Competition Closing Date

19 June 2019, 9:30am Clandon Park Schools Gardening Competition Awards

1 – 19 July 2019 Public Competition Judging 17 September 2019, 6:30pm Yvonne Arnaud Award Ceremony November 2019 Newsletter – Autumn edition 9 December 2019, 4:00pm Guildhall Sponsor Reception

WORD SEARCH H A A F O X G L O V E W

C O E R E H R L E D H B Lilly

N P N E S K H M Y L I L Poppy

I T R E J O Q U P Y A U Rose

D A I S Y V B O P N S E Freesia

J T B I F S K G O I V B Orchis

P Q L A C G U G P M H E Blubell

K C J F Z U G C W I Y L Daisy

E A T U L I P E K D Z L Honeysuckle Z T P D O R F Q M L C X Poppy S A V D L W Z R O S E Y Foxglove U D I H C R O X N E F B

How many bees and how many butterflies can you find in this newsletter?

WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO STAR IN OUR GUILDFORD IN BLOOM MOVIE. Would you like to take part in the Guildford in Bloom Movie? We are looking for community groups, businesses, schools, families and individuals to take part in our mini movie. Contact Lysandra on 01483 444715 [email protected] Get Involved: Committee Member, Supporter, Sponsor

Welcome from our Chairman, Cllr Paul Spooner

We are lucky to live and work in a beautiful place. Guildford itself is a historic town with a rich and varied architectural heritage. Outside the town, our many lovely villages are set in some spectacular scenery designated for its long-term protection.

As a Council, we’re proud of our own award winning parks and countryside - I often wish that I had more time to relax in the stunning Castle Grounds during the warm summer months. As I walk through Guildford though, I do get the opportunity to appreciate the wonderful colour that our hanging baskets and troughs bring to the town.

But Guildford in Bloom adds so much more. There is something special about our residents, communities and businesses coming together and making our borough a greener, cleaner and even more attractive place to live, work and visit. I have been lucky to see at first-hand how Guildford in Bloom has encouraged residents to transform their own gardens, both large and small, inspired schools and their pupils to learn about plants and nature and motivated communities to come together with fantastic projects to enhance their areas. Judging the “Best Pub in Bloom” is always a pleasure!

Guildford in Bloom has been running for over 25 years and its success is thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers working hand-in-hand with the Council. I am proud and privileged to have been a part of this for the last 4 years and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute. As we continue to grow and expand, please come and join us by becoming a sponsor of our 2019 campaign.

 Become a committee member

 Volunteer to Judge or become a category specialist

 Help run our schools gardening competition

 Encourage entry into our gardening competition

 Become a sponsor

 Engage and work with our communities

 Write articles for our newsletter

 Support our fun events

 Share your knowledge on gardening, wildlife etc. For more information and an informal chat, phone Lysandra McCulloch on 01483 444 718 or email [email protected] We hope you have a very happy and healthy gardening season, from all on the Guildford in Bloom Committee,

Contact Us

Guildford in Bloom Guildford Borough Council, Parks & Leisure Services, Stoke Park, Nightingale Road, Guildford GU1 1ER 01483 444718 [email protected] www.guildford.gov.uk/guildfordinbloom

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