Gardening - The Garden in October and November

We are well and truly into Autumn now and time to put the garden to bed - to a certain extent.  You can happily cut back herbaceous perennials hard to tidy up the garden, but there is no harm in leaving them as sometimes seed heads can be attractive, especially after a frost, and it gives small insects somewhere to hide.  If you cut back herbaceous geraniums sooner rather than later, they may put on new growth that will last through the winter.

Annuals can be cleared as they start to fade, and replaced with winter flowering pansies, violas, heathers and berried shrubs.  It is worth popping to the garden centre to see what is colourful now - especially berries and leaves - and fill the gaps.  Shrubs will give year round interest if they have berries as well as flowers, ideal for small gardens.  Now is a good time to plant shrubs as the autumnal warmth will settle them in before winter. 

If you have a greenhouse, clean the glass after removing all shading and give the whole structure a good wash and repair, before replacing any plants.  You will be surprised what will survive in an unheated greenhouse, and it is often worth potting up a few tender plants to see if they will last a bit longer under glass.

Lawns can be cut up until the first frost, and Ivy can be pruned.  Bulbs can still be planted, and November is the time for tulips to be planted.

While it is still warm, keep up the weeding and don't forget to water and feed pots and baskets that you have planted for the winter.

Chaunterell Way play area

We had a letter from a resident on Ladygrove:

I am concerned about the childrens play area behind Chaunterell Way.  I take my young grandchildren there most weeks and every time we visit we find that the gate has been left open.  The whole point of it being enclosed is for the safety of the children and also to keep out any dogs that might be out unaccompanied!!

Seems obvious to me that if there is a gate then it should be closed!!

Also a couple of weeks ago I had to clear up a lot of broken glass (bottles) from around the slide and climbing frame.  If a child had fallen over they could have had a very nasty injury.  I don't know how we can stop this happening unless the community police officers maybe patrol a bit more often or maybe residents could keep an eye out and contact the police if there is anyone there making a nuisance of themselves.

Well done on the revised newsletter.

kind regards

The TFLRA have since contacted the Town Council asking if someone could look into this, and maybe put a notice on the gate, and are waiting to hear from them.  We've also asked if the Community Police would like to come to our next meeting.  We will keep you posted.

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Update - reply from the Town Council

The Town Council replied to us, and have agreed to put a notice on the gate to remind users to close it behind them.  They will also check that the gate is easy to close.  They confirm that they litter pick the area 4 or 5 times a week and say that they should be able to respond to reports of dangerous items within 24 hours or sooner.  They ask also for the co-operation of the community in all this.  The Community Police have agreed to pay attention to the area on their patrols.

Kevin-the-postman

Farewell to Kevin-the-Postman!!  Kevin of Coleridge Drive is retiring at the end of November after delivering mail for 35 years, the last 25 years of which doing the Ladygrove and Tithe Farm deliveries.  We shall miss his cheery daily presence but wish him well for his retirement.

Council's future plans for Vale of the White Horse

If you are interested in learning more about the Council's plans for the future of the Vale, don't forget that there is a public meeting about this in the Guildhall at 6pm on Wednesday 19th November.

AGM

Reminder that the TFLRA AGM will be held on Tuesday 18th November at 7.30pm in the Jephson flats Common Room, Bridges Close.  All residents are welcome!