Work raced ahead last week on transforming the space by Swan Road, now called ‘Swan Meadow’, which will provide a pollen and nectar feast for bees and other pollinators as well as a beautiful sight for residents. River of Flowers and WFEG volunteers have laid 120 sq.m. of ‘Patchwork Quilt’ meadow turf which should provide a bold display next summer and have also spread 40 tons of compost across the site, so that meadow flower seed can be sown into it over the next few weeks. That too will provide a wonderful display of flowers but will take longer to mature. Hundreds of crocus bulbs have also been planted along the grassy strips surrounding the meadow.
This fantastic project, could not be happening without funding from the South Staffs Water ‘PEBBLE’ fund, from Green Energy Networks who developed the Huddlesford solar farms and from Tesco's Bags of Help scheme, as well as monies raised via the Open Gardens weekend in July. Nor would it be happening without the dedication of the team of volunteers, aged from 5 to 75, who have done the bulk of the work. Thanks are also due to local farmers, Andy and Tom Cope and Paul Lowe of Huddlesford Holsteins and Barry Horton of Trelawn Services. Final mention to our Parish Council (whose land this will shortly become) for their support and encouragement at all stages.
Meanwhile most of the troughs along Main Street have been replanted with winter flowers and shrubs to provide a beautiful seasonal display. Each trough is now being planted and looked after by a local household, many of them the Open Garden participants: Terry & Jane Tricker have planted the new trough at the Chemists; Lyn Beal at the Co-op; Ruth & Mark Clevely at the Bell; Mary & Nigel Lawson the bus stop; and David and Rowena Sharpe have planted the 2 at the Dog. A big thanks to all of them
