October issue of Gardener’s Blether, the newsletter of Glenfinart Walled Garden (PDF).
Ardentinny Champion
Ardentinny Community Trust is delighted to report that Dennis Gower is the recipient of a Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Community Partnership ‘Long Standing Champion Award’.
The award was presented at the Partnership’s Annual Gathering which this year was entitled “Food for Thought’ to reflect the role that food and drink can play in community life. Very apt, considering that Dennis was the driving force which took Ardentinny’s Glenfinart Walled Garden project from initial approach on the community’s first right to buy; through a village-wide consultation process; subsequent purchase; and development of the garden to what it is today. Namely, a community space which includes a welcoming and contemplative sensory garden; an orchard; a children’s garden; and a productive organic vegetable garden, all made possible by the dedicated hard work of a number of volunteer organisations and individuals. The project benefits the local and wider community in a variety of ways, offering support and development while catering for special needs.
However Dennis’ contribution to community is not confined to the garden. He has served as a community councillor for the past 9 years and, on the Council’s behalf, was instigatory in negotiations with Forestry Commission Scotland on a local hydro scheme. Therefore, this ‘Long Standing’ award is both fitting and deserved.
Ardentinny Community Trust Newsletter – October 2015
Harvest Fair welcomes the visitors
What has now become an annual event, last weekend’s Glenfinart Walled Garden’s Harvest Fair celebrated another year of garden produce and progress.
The garden’s resident horticulturalist/gardener Franziska Schmidt and her amazing groups of volunteers excelled themselves in what has been a difficult year, weather-wise, for all local gardens.
Delicious apple juice was pressed from the orchard’s apples and soup from the vegetable garden provided warm and welcome sustenance.
The ubiquitous tea tent show-cased local baking skills and a variety of stalls provided additional interest.
There was also plenty for the kids from story-telling and jousting with the Green Knights to decorating their pots with Potter Bill.
Live music kept everyone upbeat and a very successful day culminated in raising approximately £1500.
Click image to enlarge
Glenfinart Walled Garden Masterclasses get underway
Glenfinart Walled Garden held the first of this season’s Masterclasses today. Resident expert horticulturalist and gardener, Franziska Schmidt, ably took participants through the importance of good soil maintenance with natural fertilizers to ensure healthy crops; and the intricacies of identifying and preparing natural pesticides to keep plants as bug-free as possible.
There were lots of interesting questions, answers and general discussion over tea and around the garden and the group was unanimous in its appreciation of a most informative and motivating gardening masterclass.
The next one, entitled, ‘The Art of Making Soil, Composting Techniques’ will be held at the garden from 12-3 p.m. on the 18th October. Participation is free.
