November 2006
PLAYGROUP AND YOUTH CLUB TO CLOSE?
Could the end be in sight for both the Playgroup and the Youth Club? Over the
years many young people in Chipperfield have enjoyed evening meetings and
activities in the Youth Club building. Many parents of young children have been
able to take advantage of the excellent Playgroup run there by Sue Reynolds and
her staff on three mornings a week during term time.
Times change. There are other clubs and activities for young children in the
village. St. Paul's Church provides a youth club in the Parish Room on Monday
evenings with the services of a paid Youth Worker. The village Brownie Pack has
a waiting list as does the after school club. Dancing classes have dozens of
young pupils and the junior membership of the Tennis Club is flourishing with
regular coaching provided. There are eight youth football teams supported by
coaching and taking part in matches and competitions. And of course Blackwells
has a Youth Room with a pool table.
Do we need the Youth Club? Its past success has always relied on support from
parents, many of whom volunteered on a rota basis to help on club nights. This
support has dropped away and the club has struggled on with help from a
dedicated few who are now finding it difficult to continue.
The club premises are on land leased from Dacorum Borough Council and there are
30 years to run on the lease. Many communities would give their eye teeth for a
club building. Chipperfield has one - somewhat old-fashioned and it certainly
needs refurbishment to make it more attractive as a meeting place.
Do we need the premises? Is it worth spending money on? Are there any parents
with young families who will actively support the Youth Club? Could other
organisations in the village use the premises? Are any adults or parents in the
village prepared to offer our young people help and support with other
activities, coaching, training or interests which could take place on the
premises?
This really is a case of "Use It or Lose It". Chipperfield News would be pleased
to hear from anyone in the village with views on the future of the Youth Club
and the fate of the premises. Send your comments by e-mail to editors@chipperfield.org.uk
or post them in the box at The Post Office Stores or The Two Brewers.
POPPY APPEAL
November, and once again it is Poppy Appeal time and to remember the debt we owe
to the ex-Service community through the work of the Royal British Legion. In a
typical year the Legion provides:
¥ Accommodation for over 400 people in the seven care homes around the
country;
¥ Breaks for over 4,000 people in one of our three welfare break centres;
¥ Employment for ex-Service people many of whom are disabled;
¥ Individual grants for those in need;
¥ Home and hospital visits for the sick and house-bound
- and much more.
This support is expensive costing over £50 million every year and can only be
maintained by your generous support when the Poppy Appeal collectors knock on
your door.
On Remembrance Sunday, 12 November, there will be, as usual, a short service at
the War Memorial on the Common at 11.55am followed by a service in St Paul's.
P.E. Gardiner Secretary Royal British Legion
TIME FOR A TRIM
A reminder from the Parish Council that owners of village properties with
boundaries along roads and footpaths are required to ensure that their hedges
are cut back so that they do not overhang or impede vehicles or pedestrians. It
is particularly important that road signs are not obscured.
Should hedges along roads not be cut back, Hertfordshire County Council Highways
will, following a written warning, send contractors to do the work, followed by
a large bill to the property owner! The contractors use very large machines, so
if you value the appearance of your hedges, it would be wise to arrange for the
work to be done yourself.
For those people with properties adjacent to footways and footpaths, it would be
most helpful if they trimmed back hedges and overhanging shrubs so that
pedestrians do not get soaked by rain during the winter months. Please ensure
that the paths used by children on their way to school and older residents on
their way to the Post Office and shops are clear and safe for them to use.
CITIZEN'S ADVICE BUREAU
Free, confidential, independent and impartial advice available every Friday at
The Nap Surgery, Kings Langley from 9.00am-11.30am and The Memorial Hall,
Bovingdon from 1.15pm-3.45pm.
Telephone Advice Helpline available on Thursdays 10am - 1pm on 01442 875142
CHIPPERFIELD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
On Saturday, 23 September, the Society held its last show of the year. It was
very well supported with a record number of exhibitors with their usual
wonderful quality of flowers, fruit and vegetables adding to the terrific
display of fifteen alcoves of floral art work. The photography section was
stunning and the children's section attracted several delightful entries.
Numerous exhibits of beautifully created handicraft from quilts to woodwork
together with a mouth watering array in the domestic section, all added up to a
very special show. Pam Dickins, president of Sarratt Horticultural Society
presented the prizes. Once again our very grateful thanks must go to our judges
and everyone who gives their time so generously to make our shows both fun and
successful.
We are, however, very sad that our wonderful photographic judge Ken Ellis, who
gave us so much support and encouragement, died suddenly on 18 September. He
will be greatly missed.
SHOW RESULTS
The Silver Rose Bowl Most Points Vegetables, Fruit & Flowers Frank Venables
The W.Bates Cup Runner Up in Vegetables, Fruit & Flowers Mike Leon
The Henry Butcher Cup Most Points Chrysanthemums Brian
Bartlett
and John Cheers
The G.A.Usher Challenge Bowl Most Points all Flowers Frank
Venables
The Timberlake Cup Best Onions in Show Frank
Venables
The Peter Franz Cup Most Points in Domestic Section 2006 Anne
Fowler
The Junior Challenge Trophy Most Points in 2006 Meg
Ward
The Mrs C.P.Brousson Challenge Trophy Most Points Floral Art Eileen Foulgham
The National Chrysanthemum Society's Medal Best Exhibit Brian Bartlett
The National Dahlia Society's Medal Best Exhibit Alex
Parker
The Handicraft Trophy Most points in all 2006 Shows Marguerite
Browning
GOD'S ACRE
Until recently I have been too busy living to worry about my funeral
arrangements but now as the years creep up on me and my joints begin to creak,
my thoughts occasionally drift to my eventual funeral plans. I guess that like
many people the main issue is do I want a burial or should I go for cremation?
On my walks past St. Paul's churchyard on bright sunny days I often think that
this would be my ideal final resting place but recently my thoughts have
switched to "will there be any room for me?". In the last few years the old path
has been turned into plots but now this too is coming to an end and shortly
there will be no plots left. The obvious answer would be to extend the
churchyard, taking in more of the Common. This land is owned by Dacorum Borough
Council and enquiries lead me to believe that Dacorum has little enthusiasm to
address the legal hurdles required to transfer common land for use as a
cemetery, for as long as it provides a municipal cemetery in Hemel Hempstead the
Borough fulfils its legal obligations.
I am told that St. Paul's Church is looking at re-using the old, un-marked plots
around the church building. An emotive issue for many and mixed feelings for me
too. If I opt for burial do I not want my remains to rest in peace for eternity,
not just for 150 years? Another option would be for the village to acquire a
plot of land away from St. Paul's which could be turned into a new cemetery.
As in life, death does not bring any easy answers but I do know that time is
running out for decisions to be made if Chipperfield people wish their final
resting place to be in the village. Please will someone ask the people of the
village what they want?
This article was submitted by J.S. and no address was supplied. Chipperfield
News does not normally publish anonymous contributions but it does raise an
important issue and I know that many residents are concerned about the future of
the churchyard and the future provision for both graves and the interment of
ashes. Chipperfield News would be pleased to receive other comments both for
publication and/or to pass on to the Parochial Church Council
Editor
NEW WEEKLY LUNCH CLUB ON THURSDAYS
Starting on 9 November, Blackwell's will be providing a two-course lunch with a
cup of tea for all residents over 60 every Thursday. Cost only £3.50. Seats
must be booked by Tuesday so the chef knows how many to cater for. The lunch
will be held at 12.30pm in the attractive Member's Lounge. Phone Blackwell's on
01923 264708 by Tuesday 7 November to reserve your place. If anyone needs a lift
it can be arranged through Chipperfield Care (01923 264700).
Chipperfield Before Living Memory
CARE OF THE POOR AND SICK IN CHIPPERFIELD
Quite recently, I just happened to be looking at the Chipperfield/Kings Langley
section of the 1822 Ordnance Survey Map, when my eyes alighted upon the words
Pest House. Pest House Lane, now Croft Lane, was clearly marked and there on the
left hand side, at the lane end, was marked the Pest House. So at last, we have
it in black and white. At that time there was no marked track through to
Scatterdells Lane, as there is on later maps.
The 1839 Tithe Map showed Pest House Field and Pest House Meadow on either side
of the end of Pest House Lane. Unfortunately, no-one could recall having been
told by a forebear, where exactly this building had been and yet everyone knew
of its existence. Is there any evidence of a former building in the existing
field? May be the foundations have lain undisturbed for well over a century.
At this time, Chipperfield did not have its own church and so came within the
ecclesiastical parish of Kings Langley. The Parish Vestry was a forerunner of
the Parish Council and its members had responsibility for the care of the poor
and the sick. In 1750, the village workhouse was situated in Kings Langley High
Street, on the site where there is currently a ladies' fashion shop and prior to
that a hat shop. Workhouses were built in the 18th century to provide shelter
for the destitute, who were given the opportunity to work at tasks such as
weaving, straw plaiting or stone picking.
During the 18th century, people with infectious diseases such as diphtheria,
scarlet fever, measles and smallpox, were cared for in isolation buildings
called Pest Houses and it appears that Chipperfield's Pest House catered for the
residents of both Chipperfield and Kings Langley. Even though it did not become
compulsory for children to be vaccinated until 1867, Dr.Wotton of Kings Langley,
carried out vaccinations in Chipperfield on Mondays between 9.00 and 10.00a.m.,
as early as 1840.
In 1834, the Poor Law was changed and the whole system reformed. Six parishes,
which included Kings Langley, were brought together as the Hemel Hempstead
Union, which was later to become Hemel Hempstead Rural District Council.
Fourteen Guardians, including two from Kings Langley, were elected annually to
fairly administer the Poor Law under the guidance of the Poor Law Commissioners
in London.
A major change in the law, resulted in the abolishment of the old workhouses.
Kings Langley workhouse was closed in 1834/35 and demolished shortly afterwards.
The poor were transferred to the new Union Workhouse in Queensway, Hemel
Hempstead, built to accommodate 100 paupers. Some will recall that this building
later became the maternity hospital. All the parishes had to contribute towards
the upkeep of the Union. In 1843, it was calculated that it cost just under 4d.
a day, to maintain a pauper in the Union House.
The 1834 Poor Law Act also stipulated that workhouses should provide sick wards,
and an infirmary was built in Hemel Hempstead with 224 beds for the aged, infirm
and chronic sick. The Pest House was no longer required in Chipperfield and Miss
Liddle recorded in her book that the property was sold to John Parsley, Lord of
the Manor, in 1838.
(Reference books: Dacorum Within Living Memory, The History of Kings Langley
and A History of the Shops in Kings Langley High Street.)
Mary Nobbs
VILLAGE FOOTPATHS
By the time you read this the new permissive footpath up Whippendell Hill will
have been "officially" opened.
This is the final stage in the Parish Council's project to link our footpaths to
provide safe routes for walkers through and around the village and has been
achieved by County, Borough and Parish councils working together,
Thanks must be recorded to the generosity and co-operation of the landowner,
Alan Smith and a lot of hard work by Councillor Mark Jarrad on behalf of
Chipperfield Parish Council, Liz Rafferty on behalf of Kings Langley Parish
Council, the Clerks of both Councils, Mark Carter from the Countryside
Management Service, Steve Dibben from Herts. Highways, Clayton Rae, Dacorum's
Rights of Way Officer, and the help of Geoffrey Baldwin and his family. It is
now possible to walk from Chipperfield to Kings Langley in safety, away from
the traffic.
This winter will see the start of another co-operative project. Hertfordshire
County Council, Dacorum Borough Council, the Countryside Management Service and
Chipperfield Parish Council will be working together to provide a Designated
Disabled Access route through the woodland on The Common.
The improved route should be of benefit to both visitors and older, less nimble,
residents as well as families with young children.
Footpath Survey
The Countryside Management Service are carrying out a survey of footpaths and
would appreciate some help. There is no time scale and it involves walking our
paths, checking signage, the condition of stiles, gates and path surfaces and
entering your findings on a check list. If you would like to help please contact
me. Mark Carter from CMS will meet you and explain what is required.
Liz Holliday 01923 267483
YOUR DAILY PINTA
At present, 80% of liquid milk consumed in the UK is home produced and we have
one of the highest standards in the world for milk production, both in terms of
quality and animal welfare.
Ten years ago British dairy farms were paid 24.5p per litre. Despite rises in
production costs dairy farms now receive an average 18.4p per litre, with many
farmers losing 2p on every litre of milk leaving their farms.
In 1995 there were over 28,000 dairy farms in England and Wales. By 2005 there
were fewer than 15,000 and almost a third of dairy farmers intend to leave the
industry within the next 2 years. Many dairy farms are going bankrupt and if
this continues we could see the end of milk production in this country within
the next few years.
It seems strange that at a time when so many people are concerned about the
quality of the food they eat, when the Government is concerned about the rise of
obesity and funds campaigns for healthy eating that few people are aware that
supplies of good quality, home produced milk are at risk. Do we want to drink
imported milk?
NEWS FROM OUR CHURCHES
CHURCH OF OUR LADY
A case of white satin
Father Des returned at the end of September from his annual visit to his brother
Terry in Tanzania. In addition to his single man's tropical kit - modestly
contained in a small bag, he also took a near portmanteau-sized case!
Curiosity would have been raised had the contents of that case been revealed for
within were ten, yes ten, wedding dresses - all complete with bridal veils and
other accessories. Those of us who knew the contents of the bag beforehand were
quite concerned lest an overzealous customs inspector might jump to entirely the
wrong conclusions and Fr. Des might end up as one more item of bad press for the
Catholic Church.
The reason for the dresses is the celebration in June next year of the fiftieth
anniversary of the church in the mission area, which includes Fr. Terry's parish
of Chingulungulu. Part of the celebration will be a grand Nuptial Mass with the
marriages of ten couples, - hence the ten dresses. White weddings have become a
tradition in Tanzania and an expensive one for all but few of the local people.
Weddings tend to be put off until the money can be saved for the all-important
dress and other trappings as custom now demands.
Two years ago Fr. Terry took back three dresses, small, medium and large which
could be loaned free of charge to the brides to be whatever their size, who with
help from the local seamstresses could have their white wedding sooner rather
than later. The scheme has worked well, but with ten weddings at the one time it
was once again Fr. Des, and generous donors from Chipperfield, Sarratt and
elsewhere who came to the rescue.
Best wishes to the couples concerned, and to the church in Chingulungulu!
Parish Quiz
November 17th (Friday) is the date set for our annual parish Quiz Night and
Supper.
This year our venue is Ley Hill Memorial Hall. We look forward to another jolly
round of mind teasers to be solved in company with members of our parish and
friends - anyone in fact who wants to join in the fun.
Tickets £6.50 each from Fr Des, Nora Perry 01494 771304 or Katy Nolan 01923
262646.
BAPTIST CHURCH
We had a traditional Harvest Thanksgiving service with a beautifully decorated
church, and many gifts of vegetables, fruit and other food goodies. These,
together with flowers, were sent out to our village folk and were gratefully
received.
Please note the earlier date of our lunch in December. This is because of our
other events, one being the visit of the Chiltern West Gallery Quire on December
10, and the opening of our Christmas Tree Festival on December 8. Please note
these dates and look out for further publicity in Chip News and posters round
the village. We'll be very pleased to see you.
ST PAUL'S AND HOLY CROSS
Never have I had a Monday like it! Two assemblies in School (great fun as far as
I am concerned), a real privilege to help children think about the world, how to
live in it, what God might be like ... and then no fewer than seven meetings
totalling nine and a half hours ... the last one attended by an over-busy
executive who rushed in from work before going for 'tea' at past 9.00 o'clock!
I was exhausted. I shall not plan another day like that!
God in creation has things to teach us. The rhythm of the Seasons clearly shows
that unless there is the outward rest of autumn and winter, the vibrancy and
activity of spring and summer would not be (I know some plants use the seasons
differently - but all have their 'dormant' period).
Over busyness - trying to do too much - is a curse of today's living, yet we are
all caught up in it. The autumn season reminds me - yet again! - of the need for
less activity, and of a renewing of the inner resources.
Do we give time, for recuperation - dare I say for "doing nothing". It can seem
such a waste of time- but if we are not renewed ...
And where do we go for refreshment, renewal, so we are equipped for the business
of life?
I am reminded of these words from Isaiah chapter 40:
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the
Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his
understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Even youths
grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall:
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on
wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be
faint.
With my greetings
Jim Stevens
ST PAUL'S AND HOLY CROSS YOUTH WORK NEWS
It has been good to get all the youth activities back up and running after a
busy summer away. It has been a real blessing to have Andy (a gap year student)
join me for the year, I will let him introduce himself.
"Hi there! It's been really great to meet so many of you already, and I'm
looking forward to seeing the rest of you soon! Thank you so much for your warm
welcome. I am originally from Blackpool, but I spent the last academic year
working as an Intern at Christ Church Chorleywood, doing youth and children's
work. I am really excited about what God has in store for me and all of us in
the two churches this year, from what I've seen so far there is huge potential
for great things to happen! Thanks again for your welcome."
Andy
I am constantly giving thanks to God for all He has done in the youth and
children's work since I started my job two years ago. Things have been growing
rapidly and we now have four Small Groups (fun Bible studies) for school years 6
to 9 and one for years 10 to 13 running. Contact has moved to two groups, both
still meeting on a Monday evening, with Years 6-8 coming from 6.15 to 7.30pm and
Years 9 & 10 from 7.45 to 9pm. So far this has worked really well, we are able
to do more interactive games with the younger group and the older group enjoy
having more space to chill out and catching up with their friends. This term in
both groups we are going to be looking at the 10 Commandments.
This term we will be seeing the launch of Accelerate, our new fun filled
Saturday morning club for School Years 1 - 6. We will be having a jungle theme
throughout this year with games, drama, music, crafts and fun Bible teaching.
The first Accelerate is going to be on 11 November. If you would like more
details about any of the youth activities mentioned then don't hesitate to get
in contact with me: jenny.newman@holycrossstpauls.org.uk
Jenny Newman
DENNIS (JOE) MORTON
10 May 1929 - 26 September 2006
Joe, as he was known to most of us, was born at Tower Hill and at the age of 3
moved to Scatterdells Lane where he lived all his life. He went to Miss Jordan's
school in Alexandra Road until he joined his Dad in the building trade. After
some family illness, he went to work at Hadlands where he made lots of friends.
Following his retirement, Joe spent most of his time in his garden growing a
variety of vegetables. He was a well-known figure in the village, riding his
bicycle to the shop to buy his groceries and flowers to take to his parents'
grave in the churchyard.
Joe was cremated on 6 October and his ashes interred with his parents, Amy and
Jim Morton, on 9 October. He will be sadly missed, particularly by his brother
Bob and his wife Barbara and his cousins, June and Dave.
Dave and Heather Morton
KEN ELLIS
11 August 1936 - 18 September 2006
Ken was born in Hackney and the family moved to Stanmore in the early 1940's. At
secondary school he became Head Boy and Captain of cricket and football. He
played for Middlesex County Boys Football Team and was offered a place in Spurs
Junior Squad. He was also an exceptional athlete and ran with success with the
Shaftesbury Harriers.
Ken pursued a career in art. He moved from studio work and advertising to
employment with the Reader's Digest where he became Art Director and remained
with the Company for 34 years until his retirement. It was a job he loved!
In his late teens he launched into sailing. He and his father built his first
boat, a Cadet, and Ken enjoyed outstanding success both as a helm and crew. He
sailed with Tony Soanes, of Chipperfield, a life-long friend and two other
great sailors Brian Ellis (no relation) and Keith Musto (Olympic Silver
Medallist). Ken's most memorable wins with the above were in Fireflies and
Merlin-Rockets, being twice National Champions and winners of the prestigious
Endeavour Trophy (Champion of Champions). Ken was a lifetime member of Aldenham
Sailing Club where he made a huge contribution over the years and was appointed
Commodore in 1982. Here, both he and his sons, Richard and Peter, won everything
in their class. Returning to Cowes in later life to compete, the trio sailed
their Etchells to a Cowes week win.
Ken's prowess in sport was matched by his administrative skills. In 1976 he was
introduced to the Royal Yachting Association and from that time served on many
committees. This contribution to the sport led to his becoming Chairman of the
R.Y.A .from 1996-2001. In 2002 he was given the I.S.A.F. Silver Medal Award for
services to yachting. Latterly, Ken was involved with R.Y.A. 'Sailability', a
charity providing sailing for the disabled.
Ken, family and friends, were delighted that he reached his 70th birthday which
was celebrated in sunshine at a most memorable garden party at the home of Tony
and Ann Soanes. It was also a day which marked the great marriage between Ken
and Sue which began in 1958. Despite his own battle with illness in the last two
years of his life, he continued with his work as fundraiser and trustee for
Sailability. He was actually on his way to a fundraising event at The Royal
Yacht Squadron in Cowes when he died. It was a mark of his typical determination
and courage in life. How wonderful to be instrumental in raising £20.000 as a
final gesture and at the very place where his vision for sailing began.
Barry Steel
VILLAGE PEOPLE
David and Hazel Bell of Croft Lane are pleased to announce the birth of their
first grandson. Oliver Reginald Maker was born safely on 19 September to proud
parents Elizabeth and Steve. The baby weighed in at 6lbs 10oz and the family are
all progressing well.
Best wishes to Joan Jackson, formerly of Little Windmill Hill, now living in
Kings Langley, who celebrates her 90th birthday this month.
We regret to announce that following a long illness, Joan Beavis of The Common
died peacefully on 9 October.
We extend our sympathy to her husband John and all members of the family.
NEW WOODLAND RANGER
Peter Sandall has been appointed as our new Woodland Ranger and can be seen in
the woods on The Common working to keep them litter-free and ensuring that the
paths are clear and in good order. Peter lives locally and is known to a number
of residents for whom he undertakes gardening and maintenance work. If you come
across any dumped rubbish or fly-tipped items in the woods (or anywhere else in
the village), please contact Peter or the Parish Clerk on 01923 263310 so that
it can be removed.
MELLOW FRUITFULNESS AND ALL THAT
As I write these notes we are enjoying a few days of wonderful Autumn sunshine.
The grassy ride down to the wildlife pond is drenched in dew which sparkles in
the low sun.We have just eaten our own apples and pears with our breakfast,and
yesterday we had mushrooms that I had picked on Ted's early morning walk. My
cupboards are full of damson jam and blackberry and lime jam. Everything is full
of Autumn's fruitfulness.
Yesterday, as we left for our mid day walk, Ted's a three walks a day dog, we
heard the haunting sound of a buzzard mewing. What a great sight in a clear blue
sky to see two buzzards, wings slightly raised, soaring above our heads. They
were circling together almost as if in a game of tag. They both seemed to be the
same size, so were they two youngsters? Female buzzards are quite a bit bigger
than their mates so I do not think they were a pair. Their flight was effortless
as they rose ever higher, presumably riding a thermal air currant. Then as we
watched, we noticed that way above them was another buzzard, also circling, but
much higher. Mum or Dad keeping an eye on them maybe? It seemed as if they had
called "mew mew, look at us" just as we had come outside! It certainly made my
day.
Having buzzards in the woods has helped to keep the rabbit numbers in control
but now that myxomatosis is once again rife in the area I hope there will be
enough to keep the pair going.These days some rabbits seem to be resistant and
buzzards do eat other small mammals such as mice and voles as well as beetles
and worms. It is when they are raising their young that rabbits are essential.
A few years ago we rented an alpine chalet in the French Alps for a couple of
weeks. It was on the side of a mountain beside the highest hay field,which was
just being cleared when we arrived. The field was too steep for a tractor and
baler, so the hay was raked up by a tracked vehicle used on the ski slopes and
taken to the baler, which was stationary on the side of the lane. During our
stay we had breakfast watching a pair of buzzards pulling worms from the freshly
cleared field. They looked so comical as they ran along, head often to one side
and then plunging their hooked beaks into the soft soil to pull out some truly
huge worms. Breakfasts became leisurely affairs as we sat on the veranda
watching the floor show. Now I can see them from my own back door. How
wonderful.
Wendy Bathurst
YOUR GARDEN IN NOVEMBER
After all that autumn colour comes leaf fall and time to make compost! Of course
we can fill up the green wheelie bin but it's more satisfying to make our own
compost and all the dead plants we have dug up and the small prunings can go in
with the leaves. Don't forget to add a little Garotta to the compost heap. After
all the dry weather we should get plenty of rain to fill the water butts and of
course rain water is much better for plants than tap water. Herts County Council
are still subsidising water butts and compost bins at the garden centre for
Hertfordshire residents.
November is the traditional planting month for bare root plants such as hedging
and soft fruit like raspberries. At this time of the year, sap stops rising so
it's the ideal time to dig up and divide herbaceous plants and to move
established trees and shrubs.
Digging of the vegetable garden should be well under way now and farmyard manure
should be added for all the crops, with the exception of root crops. Lawn mowing
should continue until the grass stops growing, but never cut grass too short at
this time of the year. The mower will require its annual service so that it is
ready for use next spring. Do keep off the grass when it is very wet or frozen.
Lay planks on grass if it is necessary to use a barrow. If November starts
fairly mild, a light dressing of autumn feed can be applied. Grass seed can
still be sown while the ground is still warm, and turfing can be done until the
ground becomes frozen.
With the approach of winter, taps and outside pipes will need to be lagged and
hosepipes put away. In very windy weather, evergreen shrubs may dry out and need
to be watered.
Pots containing evergreens will need to be wrapped up to stop the roots freezing
in severe weather. The pump will need to be taken out of the pond and the pond
heater put in. The greenhouse will need to be lined with bubble plastic and the
heater checked.
Bulbs such and daffodils and tulips can still be planted in the garden and the
amaryllis (hippeastrum) will need to be planted indoors. Some of the lilies will
need to go in now. Bedding plants such as pansies, violas, primroses and small
cyclamen can be planted and so too can wallflowers, sweet williams, Canterbury
bells and forget-me-nots (myosotis). Now is the time to plant roses, fruit
trees, alpines, conifers and climbing plants. This is a good time to take
hardwood cuttings of many shrubs. Broad beans and some peas can be sown. This is
the time of the year when the berried shrubs look their best and when shrubs
such as Euonymus alatus and the Blueberries (vaccineum) are a blaze of
staggering autumn colour.
Terry Simmonds