For SNADS’ autumn production, award-winning director Toby Greenfield has chosen the hit West End play Rabbit, written by Nina Raine. The story follows 29-year-old Bella on her birthday. Friends and former lovers meet for a drink to celebrate, but as the Bloody Marys flow, the bar becomes a battlefield … In the uncivil war between the sexes, what happens when the females have the real fire-power – stockpiles of testosterone, lethal wit and explosive attitude? And what happens when patriarchy gets personal? When the only man you really love is dying? With its relatable, comedic characters and heartbreaking scenes, there won’t be a dry eye in the house. Get your tickets while they last – Rabbit is brought to life on 19th to 21st October. Tickets from The Exchange, Sturminster Newton (or phone 01258 475137)
Formed in 1930, Sturminster Newton Amateur Dramatics Society’s (SNADS) first production was a locally-written pantomime of Dick Whittington; thus starting the tradition of the SNADS pantomimes being penned and directed by local writers. In 1967, SNADS moved into their then-new home, the Sturminster Hall, and for the first time had a permanent stage on which to perform two plays and a pantomime annually. Now, under chairman John Skinner, SNADS has a large and enthusiastic membership, starting from 13 years and up, and aims to create hours of entertainment for all on their professional stage within The Exchange. A SNADS show is not to be missed!
Even if you’ve not read one of her books, you’ve no doubt come across Victoria Hislop’s name on a bookshelf or heard it in a chat about good reads. Victoria wrote The Island in 2005, inspired by a visit to Spinalonga, the abandoned Greek leprosy colony – and was named Newcomer of the Year at the British Book Awards. The novel became an international bestseller, with more than five million copies sold worldwide. She is renowned for drawing the reader into the rich and diverse worlds of the Mediterranean. In her second book, The Return, she wrote about the painful secrets of Spain’s civil war. And in her third novel, The Thread, Victoria returned to Greece to tell the extraordinary and turbulent tale of Thessaloniki and its people across the 20th century. The Sunrise, set in Cyprus, and Those Who Are Loved, which tells the story of Greece’s traumatic period of occupation and civil war during the 20th century, were both number one bestsellers in the UK and Greece. Victoria is now an honorary Greek citizen, her books have been translated into more than 35 languages and have been bestsellers in China, Greece, France, Israel and Norway as well as in the UK. This month Victoria headlines at the Dorchester Literary Festival with The Figurine, her latest book, inspired by the story of the Elgin marbles.
The dancing storyteller Born in Bromley, Kent, Victoria studied English Literature at Oxford, going on to work in publishing and journalism after graduation. As a journalist, she wrote on education and travel for national newspapers and magazines. As well as studying the Greek language (it is her ultimate ambition to read everything and anything without the presence of a dictionary by her side), Victoria spends her spare time reading, swimming, dancing – and boxing. While recovering from breast cancer surgery in 2021, Victoria agreed to be a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, Greece’s version of Strictly. She gained celebrity status in Greece following the success of The Island, when the book was made into a hugely popular television series To Nisi by Greek TV channel MEGA. This month she told the Daily Mail that the rigorous demands of the intense schedule helped enormously in her recovery: ‘It made me regain the sense of self I’d lost in those months after diagnosis. Today, I’m a show-off at any party where there’s a chance to dance, and I’ve embraced a new fitness regime which includes boxing. It demands the greater level of fitness I managed to achieve and the footwork is reminiscent of dancing.’ Victoria is known not just as a writer but as a storyteller, allowing her readers to dive into rich history from a very personal perspective, making the past feel incredibly present. And so to the 19 random questions…
1. What’s your relationship with Dorset?For a decade we (Victoria and her husband Ian Hislop) had a cottage near Sherborne and went there every weekend until our children were around four and six. The landscape was beautiful and we used to go for long walks with them in their small wellies – and we went to the Tutankhamun Museum in Dorchester so many times! They were magical years.
2. The last film you watched? Oppenheimer. I went to the cinema last Sunday with two friends – we were the only ones there! I thought it was spectacular – brilliant script and acting. And so many people thought it was too long – I thought it was too short! It was totally enthralling from beginning to end.
3. What would you like to tell 15 year-old you?Don’t worry. One day your hair will be less frizzy than it is now – a nice man called John Frieda will come to the rescue.
4. Tell us about a sound or a smell that makes you happy?The smell of oregano – either fresh on a Cretan mountainside, or just from a packet when I bring it back to London.
5. What was the last song you sang out loud in the car?I sang along with Lady Gaga to Always Remember Us This Way from A Star is Born. I have decided it will be my next karaoke choice, so I am learning all the words too.
6. What book did you read last year that stayed with you? What made you love it? My name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout. It was so original, with such a clear voice – so true and so real. I absolutely loved it and wept at the end because the relationship it describes is such a painful one. I haven’t stopped reading Elizabeth Strout since.
7. What’s your secret superpower?Skipping for ages without a break. My skipping rope always travels with me.
8. Your favourite quote?“Books give a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” – PlatoI really don’t think it needs any explanation … does it? It’s simply true!
9. It’s Friday night – you have the house to yourself, and no work is allowed. What are you going to do?I watch Gogglebox – and if there are some repeats, then I watch those too!I think it is a piece of genius – to watch people watching television and listen to their conversations. It’s funny and heart-warming. If I run out of Gogglebox, then I try and find some Celebrity Gogglebox!
10. What in life is frankly a mystery to you?Junk food. It’s expensive, unhealthy, doesn’t fill – so it creates litter and mountains of rubbish, encourages obesity and diabetes. Why are people allowed to abuse their bodies like this? Everyone pays a price in the end.
Chip Shop Chips or Home Baked Cake? Home baked cake, any day – especially if it is still warm. It’s a massive treat.
What would you most like to be remembered for? Revealing some of the dark reality of modern Greek history.
What was the last gift you either gave someone, or received? I was given a bracelet with a “mati”, the evil eye, by my publisher on publication of The Figurine.
Tell us about one of the best evenings you’ve had? My 60th birthday – myself, Ian, our two children and four very close friends all went to Crete for a few days. On the evening of my birthday we were in my favourite taverna in Plaka (opposite Spinalonga) and I sang with some local musicians.
What is your comfort meal? Beans on toast, with lots of Marmite under the beans, and HP sauce squirted on the beans.
Cats or dogs? Cats, all my life. I have never had a dog.
What shop can you not pass by? Boots – there is always something I need.
What’s your most annoying trait? Insisting on ridiculously early arrival for a flight (it’s fine when I am alone, but very annoying for a travel companion!).
You have the power to pass one law, uncontested. What will you do with it? I would ban smoking – everywhere, all the time, for everyone.
Victoria Hislop at Dorchester Literary Festival 14th October, 2pm to 3pm
In her new novel, bestselling author Victoria Hislop shines a light on the questionable acquisition of cultural treasures and the price that people – and countries – will pay to cling on to them. Of all the ancient art that captures the imagination, none is more appealing than the Cycladic figurine. An air of mystery swirls around these statuettes from the Bronze Age and they are highly sought after by collectors and looters alike. When Helena inherits her grandparents’ apartment in Athens, she is overwhelmed with memories of the summers she spent there as a child. As she sifts through the dusty rooms, Helena discovers an array of valuable objects and antiquities. How did her grandfather amass such a trove? What human price was paid for them? Helena’s desire to find answers about her heritage dovetails with a growing curiosity for archaeology, ignited by a summer spent with volunteers on a dig on an Aegean island. Their finds fuel her determination to protect the precious fragments recovered – and to understand the origins of her grandfather’s collection. The Figurine was published in hardback September 2023, and available online here as well as from your favourite bookshop.
A local couple raised £1,100 with a Macmillan coffee morning to thank their village for their support and kindness during the toughest of times
Gemma Hampton has been bowled over by the support and kindness of her village
When Gemma Hampton’s husband Andy, 54, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour this year, she wasn’t sure how she was going to manage, or where to turn for help. But she needn’t have worried – the Hinton St Mary villagers stepped up. ‘Andy had to have six weeks of daily radiotherapy and the villagers promptly made up a rota to take him to the Robert White Centre in Dorchester, which helped me so so much,’ says Gemma.
The sun shone for the Hinton St Mary Macmillan fundraiser
It takes a village The couple have two young children – Isabelle is three and Henley is just a year old. ‘The villagers have also supported us in other, deeply practical ways I would never have thought to ask for. Walking our dogs, looking after our children and even cooking meals for us as family. ‘Through the support we learned just how many other people have needed the support of MacMillan at some point. We decided to host the coffee morning as a way to raise money for MacMillan while thanking everyone for their help, which has made such a difference to us this year. ‘Local businesses donated wonderful prizes for the raffle and it felt like everyone from the village helped – whether it was hosting at the coffee morning, selling raffle tickets or baking cakes. It was held in the Hinton St Mary village hall, and our tiny community managed to raise £1,100.10!’ Gemma says Andy has now started the next course of treatment – six cycles of chemotherapy over six months. So far he is doing well with his treatment.
Dorset Chamber could be the Chamber of the Year, thanks to its focus on innovation and support for Dorset members in challenging times
SHORTLISTED: Dorset Chamber has been shortlisted for a top award by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Representing businesses employing nearly six million people in the UK, BCC notified Dorset Chamber that it is in the running for Chamber of the Year. Pictured, the team at Dorset Chamber.
Dorset Chamber has received a prestigious nomination for the Chamber of the Year award from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), confirming its exceptional contribution to the Dorset business community. Representing firms employing nearly six million people in the UK, BCC has recognised Dorset Chamber’s outstanding efforts. This month Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber’s CEO, made an online presentation to a panel of judges. The announcement of Chamber of the Year will be made during the first-ever Dorset Business Festival, a four-day event in Bournemouth that includes The Future of Business conference, a business expo, and the first Dorset Business Awards since the pandemic. The accolade arrives as Dorset Chamber gears up to celebrate its 75th anniversary, underscoring its longstanding commitment to the region’s business landscape. Ian Girling highlighted the significance of this nomination; ‘We are in the running against four other chambers, out of the 53 accredited chambers which make up BCC’s UK network, having submitted a detailed award entry which demonstrates how we are delivering the best experience possible for our members in these challenging and changing times.’
Dorset Chamber’s proactive approach to business support has been a hallmark of its success. The organisation has been at the forefront of advocating for various workplace matters, from raising awareness about the impact of menopause to hosting online workshops addressing environmental, social, and governance issues. Caron Khan, the President of Dorset Chamber, emphasised the chamber’s achievements, stating, ‘To date, 360 businesses have engaged in our latest programmes, and we had a highly successful re-accreditation by BCC, with several areas of best practice and innovative new ideas highlighted, including online networking events connecting chambers across the UK and a ‘got-your-back’ campaign for pressurised business owners.’ Dorset Chamber’s commitment to excellence is further evidenced by its excellent rating in a Net Promoter Score survey of its members. The organisation has been rated as the leading chamber nationally, boasting 113 five-star reviews. Its strong presence on social media, reaching nearly 18,000 users, and a monthly business magazine that reaches 10,000 readers have solidified its reputation. Ian Girling underscored the chamber’s ethos, stating, ‘Our chamber is very much about what we can do for members, not what members can do for us, with regular touch points in-person and online.’ Dorset Chamber faces competition from four other chambers shortlisted for the award: Cumbria, Glasgow, North-East England, and Staffordshire.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day, Dorset Mind volunteer Annabel Goddard emphasises the importance of taking back your mental health
As a nation we seem to have mostly acclimatised to the notion that ‘mental health is a human right’ – as recently declared by the UN – and many of us are proactive about our own health. We can also recognise when our friends and family might need extra support with their mental wellbeing. Taking the power to own our mental health has become increasingly important, given the collective struggles over the past few years – the pandemic and subsequent cost-of-living crisis giving us more to worry about. For some, this is much worse than others. As winter looms, the anxiety and stress surrounding paying the winter bills plus the approaching festive period is at an all-time high. Mental health support from the NHS is an invaluable resource – one for which I personally am extremely grateful for. However, it took me six months to begin treatment after I’d been referred, due to the overwhelming demand across the services. For most of us, there is a big gap between initially seeking support and actually receiving it. While we wait for services to open and for some serious intervention from the government, how are we able to take back the power back into our own hands surrounding our mental health and take action? Dorset Mind is asking you to focus on this on World Mental Health Day, 10th October. These issues can feel much larger than us, of course, but we can all start taking some regular steps to maintaining our own mental wellbeing as individuals. The biggest changes can come from starting small; if we all focused on these as a community of empowered individuals, incrementally it could lead to something huge.
Help yourself Consider asking your GP what else you could do to support yourself if you’re waiting for services. For example, ask if they provide Dorset Mind’s Active Monitoring service (a programme of supportive intervention and guided self-help to improve mental health and wellbeing). This service has been successful so far in providing support to people who may be in those in-between periods, and has been some guidance to those wanting to get their lives back on track. Where possible, do budget some time for enjoyment. This can be low cost if needed – anything from trying a new hobby such as painting or writing to taking up a new sport. Having hobbies and creative outlets can significantly reduce our collective stress and anxiety.
Checking in It is important, now more than ever, that we are all present and checking in with not only ourselves, but those around us. If you know someone who might be struggling with their mental health, give them a text or a call, and allow them to know you are there. Sometimes just knowing someone has thought of you, that there is someone on the other end of the phone, is enough to make us feel less alone – and we can all do with some compassion right now. And keep talking yourself – try not to be afraid to open up to your friends and family if you are struggling, it’s possible they could even have experienced the same situation and you may be able to find common ground. You’re there for them, and in turn they’re your support network if you aren’t able to support yourself.
Support for you: Visit dorsetmind.uk for local mental health support and ways to keep mentally healthy Call Samaritans on 116 123 for free 24/7 emotional support Call Dorset’s mental health helpline Connection for support on NHS 111
The equestrian summer season has been resoundingly normal this year – Sally Cooper spoke to competitors at the County Show to see why they do it
Teresa and Aussie, winners of the Champion Veteran Cup at Dorset County Show
What a difference a year makes! As the summer draws to a close and autumn commences its mellow fruitfulness it seems a good point to reflect on the equine summer that we have all once again enjoyed. As Covid limitations become a thankfully-hazy memory, the equestrian calendar was incredibly normal this year, to the benefit of both the horse and rider. We have enjoyed the return of Pony Club camp, adult camps, dressage competitions, three day events, horse shows and, of course, that oh-so-very British agricultural show. Our own Dorset County Show was back at full throttle for 2023. The winner of the In Hand Veteran Class and Champion Veteran Cup, Teresa, has been showing successfully for years (whispers decades!) and after a ten year break – including the Covid seasons – was so pleased to be back among the friendly Dorset horse community this summer, feeling the buzz of the showing arena once again.
Not the rider! This year Teresa Elson has been showing her 19-year-old veteran (that’s an elderly horse, not a rider classification!) who is a skewbald Irish Draught crossed Thoroughbred, a pleasant chap called ‘Aussie Boy’ or just Aussie to his mates. Teresa had been showing him under saddle (ridden), to the amusement of many; Aussie’s brakes seem unable to work in the arena. Therefore, this summer Teresa changed to in-hand showing (where the rider walks, and just leads the horse) – and Aussie promptly returned to his usual impeccable manners and happy disposition. She was delighted to win her Veteran Class at the County Show, and was even more proud to ultimately win the coveted Champion Veteran Cup for the overall three equine sections. Teresa has several tips for successful equine showing. Firstly, ensure that the horse is fully fit and healthy – watch their weight, as overweight animals are actively discouraged. Do practise in-hand work with your horse in walk, trot and standing still in a square position – this is what the judge will expect to see. In particular, she says to remember that at the end of a day it is a subjective competition – different judges look for different things – and if it doesn’t go your way it’s still been a great experience. And of course there is always another show! It’s always easy to see happy faces in the show-ring, regardless of placings. The general consensus of the County Show group seemed to be that the buzz simply from being there and showing is what makes all the hard work and early mornings worthwhile. ‘It’s all about the partnership that you develop with your horse,’ says Teresa. ‘The benefits that you gain from that friendship are immeasurable, no matter about the rosettes.’
Last year Charlie Saunders launched a premium hedge cutting service, promising ‘your hedges and fencing, perfected’ – it was an instant success
Before …And after …
When it comes to specialised hedge cutting services in Dorset, Charlie Saunders stands a cut above the rest. While many gardeners and tree surgeons will tackle hedge-related jobs, it’s not their primary focus. Enter Hambledons. Born out of Charlie’s vision to fill the niche, Hambledons dedicates itself exclusively to hedge cutting – boasting not only top-tier equipment but also a passion that shines through in every trim and snip. In just a year, Hambledons has experienced exponential growth, illustrating the soaring demand for hedge expertise. This isn’t merely about cutting unruly hedges; it’s about providing the best in the business. Quick, efficient, professional, and priced just right – that’s the Hambledons promise.
Beyond hedge cutting, their comprehensive range of services also extends to fencing solutions. Whether you are looking for a standard wooden garden panel, for sustainable recycled plastic fencing, or if you have specific needs in specialised agricultural and equestrian barriers, they’ve got you covered. Affiliated with the Dorset Council’s Trading Standards Approved scheme, Charlie’s commitment to excellence is evident. Your hedges and fencing are in expert hands. Ready for a transformation? Reach out to Hambledons on 01258 721552 for a no-obligation quote and a conversation about your needs.
The village’s playing field and allotment is a testament to community, sport – and generosity spanning generations. Rachael Rowe reports
Alec Adams
The sound of leather on willow at Alec’s Field in Hazelbury Bryan is all part of a traditional English afternoon in late summer. But who was Alec and why did his descendants recently travel to Hazelbury Bryan with a single cricket ball?
Hazelbury beginnings Alexander Richard Adams (Alec)was born in 1886. He lived at Hope Cottage in Hazelbury Bryan. His father, Arthur, was chief steward to Queen Mary and King George and lived mostly in London, only visiting occasionally to see his three sons. Arthur was keen to ensure his sons had a good education and learned the ways of the countryside. Queen Mary was a godmother to Alec Adams. Even as a young boy, Alec was passionate about playing cricket. He excelled in the sport and was known for his fast-bowling. Naturally, he played in the village team, which at that time was made up of the local squire, his nine sons … and Alec! He was so mad about cricket that in 1903 he cycled from Hazelbury Bryan to Bournemouth to see his hero, the legendary WG Grace, play! The family moved to Birmingham in the early part of the 20th century and Alec was selected to play cricket for Warwickshire. War was declared in 1914 and all competitive sports were stopped. So, unfortunately, Alec was unable to take up his place, but he continued to play cricket for Aston Cricket Club and was presented with a cricket ball in 1926, when he was 40, for taking ten wickets against Kings Heath. Same roots Steve Upshall was born in 1896 and also grew up in Hazelbury Bryan – the illegitimate only child to a single mother at a time when such a thing was deeply frowned upon, and by all accounts they lived in poverty. Steve’s mother was unable to read and write – when he was older Steve used to send her postal orders and she kept them in a drawer as she didn’t know what they were. She died in 1931, aged 60.
Alec Adam’s daughters, Hazel Chidley and Suzette Adams, wearing Hazelbury Cricket Club caps
Steve moved away and made his fortune, but he always kept an ambition to help his home village. In 1951 he purchased a parcel of land to be used by villagers. Covenants on the land ensured that the field was accessible for everyone to enjoy in perpetuity, for both recreation and, with the allotments, for the provision of food so that no villager would ever go hungry. It was reported in the Western Gazette at the time that he also presented ‘a pair of ornamental gates, costing over £100 and made by the same firm responsible for the magnificent entrance gates to Buckingham Palace.’ They were wide enough to allow travelling fairs to enter the field. For the official opening, Alec Adams and his two brothers were specifically requested to attend. Members of the management committee were entertained to lunch at the field, and Alec brought along his wife Lily and their daughters Hazel and Suzette. Afterwards, Alec Adams opened the ground, known forever after as Alec’s Field. Several hundred people were in attendance at the festivities, and the day’s programme of entertainment was ‘numerous and varied’ as reported by the Western Gazette. ‘In addition to the 60-class flower and produce show, there was a baby show, fancy dress parade and a programme of sports.’ There was also a wild plan for an ‘aerial bran tub drop’ in which prize vouchers were to be dropped from an aircraft – first prize being an air trip to Scotland – but this had to be cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions!
Suzette Reynolds (left) and Hazel Chidley, Alec Adams’ daughters, on their first visit to the pavilion
The Humber Snipe On the day, the winner of the ‘Best Model made by a boy under 11’ was one Christopher Eyres, a lifelong Hazelbury Bryan resident who remembers both Steve Upshall and Alec Adams: ‘Steve was a bright active boy, but very lonely. He made friends with the other boy in the village who also had an absent father – though Alec was older by almost ten years. ‘Arthur had provided Alec with a substantial hen house to provide for egg production, and Alec taught Steve how to grow fruit and vegetables and also how to care for the chickens. He also helped Steve with his education, ensuring he could read and write. ‘Eventually, the Adams moved to Birmingham and Steve moved initially to Briantspuddle as a dairy farm assistant, which he didn’t enjoy, before finding work with a prosperous local builder Johnny Silverthorn. During the 1920s the work dried up, and the ambitious Steve heard that the port of Ipswich was expanding and in need of construction workers. ‘He started as a labourer before launching his own construction company. Steve never forgot his Hazelbury connection, visiting Wonston regularly to stay with his cousin Billy and his wife. ‘His arrival was always noted locally – he always drove a luxurious Humber Snipe! He would often visit my Grandparent Eyres to hear all the news. ‘He struck upon the idea of buying the field he had grown up looking out at, and gifting it as a permanent playing field to the community. A deal was done with Mr George Ross of Wonston, and the field was signed over to the Parish Council in July 1951. ‘Steve remained in contact with Alec up until Alec’s death in 1962, and he never forgot the kindness shown to him by Alec when they were younger.’
Suzette Reynolds (Alec Adams’ daughter), Jim Bettle and Sally, Alec’s granddaughter
A new generation When the new cricket pavilion opened in 2021, Alec’s family were once again invited to attend. Alec’s granddaughter Kay Chidley says: ‘Unfortunately the pandemic put a stop to us coming. However, we decided to visit Hazelbury Bryan as soon as we could, just to see the field and pavilion. While there we bumped into Jim Bettle. He is an extraordinary person, the life and soul of the cricket club, he coaches youngsters and gives his time to the place. Mum (Alec’s daughter Hazel) said she wanted to do something for the club. She’s nearly 90 now. ‘So we got the cricket ball which was presented to my grandfather for taking ten wickets and had it mounted in a trophy. Hazel and Suzette also donated £1,000 to the cricket club. ‘It was such a lovely day. Everyone we spoke to said that this place is the soul of the village and it works for everyone. When we made the presentation, all the cricket club members were there. You could see all the 10 and 11 years olds hanging on to every word that Jim said. ‘The four grandchildren want to continue to keep those connections with the village and Alec’s Field. And when you feel the world is full of people who just want to make a quick buck and then you meet someone like Jim, it’s wonderful.’ Alec Adams’ kindness all those years ago has been returned in many ways in Hazelbury Bryan and its benefits will continue for years to come.
As autumn sets in, this month’s jobs are a mix of tidying up from summer and planning some spring time treats, says gardener Pete Harcom
Choose interesting pots and just a few plants can make a stunning indoor display
This is a good time of year to take stock of the garden and consider what has done well – and what hasn’t! It’s the end of summer annual sort-out in the garden, and in general autumn is also the best time of year for planting trees, shrubs and hedges. Here are a few jobs for the month. ..
Clear up your borders! Remove your annuals and plant up for spring with wallflowers, pansies and bulbs. Cut back and divide any herbaceous perennials and protect half-hardy plants with leaf mould or compost if you are leaving them in the borders. Hardy fuchsias (despite their label) will definitely benefit from this extra protection.
Greenhouse-keeping Remove the spent plants to the compost heap and prepare the greenhouse for winter sowing. If you have shade paint on your greenhouse glass, now is the time to remove it – on a dry day remove the paint carefully with a dry cloth. This will help let in more light and help grab the winter sun’s heat. Using a warm solution of disinfectant, clean pots, trays, staging and the inside of the glass to reduce pests and fungal infection. Finally, move any tender plants (fuchsias, pelargoniums etc), into the greenhouse to overwinter.
Miniature irises are some of the earliest splashes of colour in the garden
Bulb planting As the borders are still full, consider planting up some pots with bulbs for an early spring display. They are some of the first flowers to emerge, and in the grey early months of next year you’ll be so glad you did it. It’s not just for the garden either – miniature bulbs especially lend themselves to creating indoor displays on tables or plant stands, where you can really appreciate their blooms up close. There is a wide range of spring flowering bulbs, corms and tubers available now to grow in pots – and the bulbs can be layered, too. Try placing tulips at a lower level, cover with soil and then plant irises in a second layer above them. This gives a two-tiered display with the irises emerging first and the tulips pushing up through them later as the irises fade.
Mix your bulbs and layer your planting for added interest and longevity in your displays
Here a few more pot combinations to consider:
Smaller daffodils or narcissi with daisies or pansies/violas
Snowdrops and moss work well in a window box
Ferns and fritillaries are great for a shady spot
Primulas, purple sage and anemone
Dwarf tulips, pansies and winter aconites – also iris reticulata
It is important to give bulbs in pots a well-drained soil mix, using loam-based compost and potting grit (two parts compost to one part grit). Top-dress the compost with more grit to neaten it up and to stop ‘crusting’ of the top layer of pot soil. A good general rule is to plant bulbs double the depth of the bulb height – and in pots they can be planted closer together than they would be happy with in the ground.
