Hoe weeds as they appear. Dead head spring flowering bulbs as they finish flowering. If daffodils have flowered poorly, lift and divide bulbs, replanting the larger bulbs. [Read more…] about May Gardening Tips by Wellie
hobby
Eastleigh parkrun 400
If you were near Fleming Park last Saturday morning (21st April) you might have seen a number of tutu-clad people – both male and female – heading to or from Dragonfly Park. What was going on? Was it a flash-mob performance of Swan Lake? A group of half-hearted entrants to a drag-queen competition? Take-your-ballet-dancer to work day?
The reason was far more exciting than those possibilities. It was the occasion of the 400th Eastleigh parkrun, and the event organisers thought that a tutu-wearing event would be a good way to celebrate. [Read more…] about Eastleigh parkrun 400
April Gardening Tips by Wellie
Feed rose bushes and check them for black spot. Remove infected leaves and treat plant with a fungicide. The tips of Marguerites, Pelargoniums and Fuchsias can be pinched out now to encourage bushy growth. [Read more…] about April Gardening Tips by Wellie
March Gardening Tips by Wellie
Dead head daffodils as they fade, but allow the foliage to die down naturally. Feed borders with a general purpose fertiliser. It is best to get supports into borders early, so that plants can grow up through them. [Read more…] about March Gardening Tips by Wellie
Newfoundlands in the Snow
I think it is correct to say that most dogs love snow, especially the thick coated dogs that are protected from the cold. My Newfoundlands, with double coats, will roll about in the snow, eat it, and will sleep undisturbed if allowed whilst the snow covers them. [Read more…] about Newfoundlands in the Snow
Places Leisure Community Celebration Day
Places Leisure (the new leisure centre at Fleming Park) held a Community Celebration Day yesterday (17 February). “You’re an active sporty type of person,” the editor told me. “Go down and see what is there.”
I tried to protest that a bit of running each week doesn’t necessarily define an active sports type of person, but actually was quite looking forward to the chance to go and have a look round the facilities. [Read more…] about Places Leisure Community Celebration Day
February Gardening Tips by Wellie
Prune late summer flowering shrubs that flower on current year’s growth such as Buddleia, Lavatera, Hydrangea and deciduous Ceanothus. Group Three clematis can be cut down to 30cm from ground level. Once winter flowering heathers have finished, they can be trimmed with shears. [Read more…] about February Gardening Tips by Wellie
Monty’s Acting Debut in Celebrity Showmance
Earlier this Summer we were invited by a ITV company to bring one of our Newfoundlands to appear in a programme which required a large dog, with sound temperament, who would work with strangers and be totally relaxed with people, crew and dogs. We chose our brown dog, Monty, who was then just over a year old and extremely friendly towards other dogs and people.
Although Monty’s father, Berkeley, has appeared in several TV shows this was Monty’s first appearance. [Read more…] about Monty’s Acting Debut in Celebrity Showmance
January Gardening Tips by Wellie
If the weather is cold and wet, why not sit inside with a cup of tea and a slice of Christmas cake and plan what you would like to do in the garden for the rest of the year. Look at seed catalogues for ideas of what to sow. [Read more…] about January Gardening Tips by Wellie
Carting Dogs in Chandler’s Ford – David Lamb
Introduction
Hello, I am fairly new to the blog, so I ought to introduce myself and explain my connection to Chandler’s Ford. I arrived here in 1973, as a student, having hitchhiked my way from Swansea, heading for Southampton University where I had been offered a place to read for my PhD.
In those days hitchhiking was a popular means of transport for young people, although it is rarely seen today. The kind person who gave me a lift for the final stretch from Newbury, dropped me off in Chandler’s Ford at the junction where Leigh Road meets Bournemouth Road and I was pointed towards the bus stop where I could make it by public transport for the next few miles. However, I had a look at Chandler’s Ford, took a walk up Fryern Hill and saw an advert for a bungalow to let. I must have made an impression on the agent who offered me the property, and several weeks later my wife and I moved into our new surroundings. Later we bought a house in Chandler’s Ford and remained here until this day. [Read more…] about Carting Dogs in Chandler’s Ford – David Lamb
Gardening Tips for December by Wellie
Clear paths of moss and lichen so that they are not a slip hazard (elf ‘n’ safety!). Check that there isn’t any fuel left in your garden machinery before storing over winter, as stale fuel is often the reason why a mower will not start at the beginning of the following season.
Keep raking up those leaves from the lawn and borders. [Read more…] about Gardening Tips for December by Wellie
Gardening Tips for November by Wellie
Rake up leaves on the lawn. Tie-in long whippy shoots of climbers and wall shrubs. Prune roses to prevent wind-rock. Now is the time to prune most deciduous trees, a lot of deciduous ornamental grasses can be left until the spring. [Read more…] about Gardening Tips for November by Wellie
Gardening Tips for September by Wellie
Start planting bulbs for spring display now. As a quick rule for depth of planting, bulbs should be planted 3 times the height of the bulb.
Prune late flowering shrubs and finish trimming evergreen hedges by mid September to make sure they are in shape for winter. Divide herbaceous perennials if they have outgrown their space or are looking tired. Doing this will improve their flowering and shape and invigorate them. [Read more…] about Gardening Tips for September by Wellie
Gardening Tips for August by Wellie
Summer is in full swing, and to keep your garden looking lovely there are a few things to do this month.
Dead head regularly to maintain flowering, cut back perennials that have collapsed. Continue to summer prune wisteria. [Read more…] about Gardening Tips for August by Wellie
Chinook
Every infantry man in a combat zone loves to hear a Chinook. Wop, wop, wop, you can hear the characteristic sound, you know what it is but you can’t see it. The twin rotor helicopter is coming in at 160 mph with 10 tons of stores and ammunition or re-enforcements. Once it lands, it will be there for 60 seconds, there will be no departure delays, no last calls for passengers, no check in queues. What isn’t taken off or loaded within the time is left where it is. [Read more…] about Chinook
Gardening Tips for July by Wellie
Dead head roses and bedding plants regularly to prolong flowering.
Keep containers watered and fed to ensure continued good performance. [Read more…] about Gardening Tips for July by Wellie
parkrun 101 – a run (or walk) in the park
A few years ago someone told me that a group of people meet in Fleming Park every Saturday morning to run 5 km. My first thought was “why would they do that?”, swiftly followed by an assumption that it was a training run for a local running club, and wouldn’t be open to non-runners like me.
That’s before I discovered parkrun. I ran my first parkrun – after over 25 years of not running – in March 2015 and since then have been back 100 times – pretty much every week. I think it’s safe to say I’m hooked. [Read more…] about parkrun 101 – a run (or walk) in the park
Gardening Tips for June from Wellie
Everything in the garden is in full swing now. Dead head spent flowers so that the plants don’t use all their energy into making seedheads, rather they can produce more blooms instead.
Carry on cutting the lawns regularly, mow in different directions to prevent wear patterns and to encourage upright growth. [Read more…] about Gardening Tips for June from Wellie
Exclusive – Chandler’s Ford man found in Pyrenees
José Ascaso had been riding his chestnut mare most of the day and was beginning to feel tired. Together, they had made good progress deep into the Pyrenean valley alongside Rio Ara. His plan was to spend the night in Broto, a small mountain town, and ride on into Ordesa Gorge the next day. The valley had become steep and narrow with the mountains rising to 6000 feet on both sides. He hoped to spot the Lammergeier, it is known to fly in the gorge. It is a large vulture with a wingspan of almost 3 metres and weighing up to 7 Kg. It feeds on bone after the other vultures have taken the flesh of dead animals. [Read more…] about Exclusive – Chandler’s Ford man found in Pyrenees
Gardening Tips for May from Wellie
Summer is approaching but don’t be tempted to put out summer bedding until the risk of frosts are over, and make sure they have been hardened off before planting out.
Dahlias can be planted out at the end of the month. Stake any herbaceous plants that will flop over or be damaged by high winds. [Read more…] about Gardening Tips for May from Wellie