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Pete’s garden jobs for the month

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In June, the garden really begins to bloom, says Pete Harcom. There are maintenance jobs to be done – but don’t forget to sit and enjoy it too!
The hot, dry conditions caused by direct sunlight coming through greenhouse glass in spring and summer can scorch plant leaves, encourage pests such as red spider mite and lead to the patchy ripening of greenhouse crops such and tomatoes and peppers. Greenhouse shade paint is easy to apply to the outside of the glass as and when you need it. It’s shower resistant and effective, but remember to wash it off again towards the end of the season.

June should be a month of calmer and warmer weather. Flowers in bloom now will include lonicera (honeysuckle), potentilla, iris, dianthus, astilbe, cistus, roses, early clematis, sweet peas (if you started them early), geraniums, weigela and wisteria to name a few. If you want a quick boost to an empty bed, now’s a great time for a visit to a garden centre to pick up some instant colour. The garden will be vigorously growing now, so here are just a few ideas to help keep on top of things …

In the greenhouse
Use blinds or shade cloth or apply shade paint on the external side of greenhouse glass to prevent overheating. Remember to open vents and doors on warm days – automatic window openers are a real bonus at this time of year.

Weeding
Now is the time to get into beds and hoe and/or hand pick annual weeds before they get out of hand. Keep deadheading (particularly roses) to remove faded blooms and help continue their display.

Planting
Plant out summer bedding, including potting-up hanging baskets. This is probably the last chance to plant shrubs, as the soil will be heating up now. Ensure you water them well and monitor. If your garden has a south-facing area this may be a time to consider growing some plants from warmer climates – agapanthus, evergreen jasmine (trachelospernum jasminoides), stone pine (pine nut trees), or perhaps Italian privet (ligustrum) and Mediterranean fan palms.

In Greek mythology, Iris was a messenger from the gods who travelled to earth on a rainbow. Wherever she stepped, flowers sprang up. Iris means rainbow; appropriate when bearded iris comes in colours from pure white to purple/black, and nearly every color in between.

Cuttings
Now is the perfect time to take softwood cuttings of many shrubs, including lavender, fuchsia, philadelphus and forsythia. Collect healthy shoots from the tips of plants and make 5-10cm long cuttings. Slice through the stem below a pair of leaves and remove the lower set of leaves. Simply push into a small pot filled with gritty cutting compost and place in a shady part of the greenhouse or a windowsill propagator until rooted.

Sowing
Start sowing perennials and biennials such as wallflowers and sweet williams for flowering next spring and summer. Sow seeds of polyanthus and winter pansies in trays, cover with vermiculite and place in an unheated propagator. You can then plant out into their flowering positions in autumn.

Watering and feeding
Feed fuchsias, petunias and any other flowering pot plants once a week to boost flowering. Use a high potash liquid tomato feed, and start once you notice flower buds forming; continue though to the autumn when the plants run out of steam.

by Pete Harcom at Sherton Abbas Gardening

Sponsored by Thorngrove Garden Centre

Unexpected opportunities at all levels

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Dorset apprentices are showing the wealth of opportunity, talent and diversity within the programme, says Ian Girling, CEO of Dorset Chamber
Whether you’re just starting out, upskilling, or looking for a career change, there’s an apprenticeship for everyone.

This month I’d like to talk to you about apprenticeships. A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hosting the 2022 Dorset Apprenticeship Awards, run by Dorset Chamber, supported by the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network and sponsored by Superior Seals.
The purpose of the awards is to celebrate the contribution apprentices make to the businesses and organisations in which they work. The event was attended by the Lord Lieutenant, local dignitaries, our finalists, employers, family and friends. The wonderful day was a tremendous celebration of the achievements of our 12 finalists.

A diverse appeal
We received more than 60 entries for the awards with three categories: intermediate, advanced and higher and degree level. The entrants covered a very broad age range and were from all across Dorset and a wide spectrum of industries. They really highlighted the diversity of the apprenticeship programme and the opportunities it can offer. Apprenticeships are available at all levels and, in contrast to the popular misconception, they are open to people of all ages. We had entries from people working in farming, HR, the legal profession, marketing and computer programming, to name but a few sectors.

Apprenticeships are no longer the preserve of the skilled trades – now careers in an enormous range of industries such as social media, design, PR and even law offer apprenticeships as entry routes.

Winning stories
The three judges had an extremely difficult task in identifying the finalists and winners. We all found the entries to be inspiring. We didn’t just read about the fantastic contribution these apprentices are making in their place of work but also the impact this has had on their personal lives. We heard from employers who have really embraced the apprenticeship programme and offer great support and mentoring to their staff.

A personal success
My daughter is at the beginning of her career, having taken the apprenticeship route, and it has given her a tremendous start. However, many of her peers did not take this route and were discouraged by their parents, who preferred their children to follow the traditional A level-to-university route.
I would urge anyone to really consider apprenticeships as a fantastic way to gain qualifications and vital skills while working and earning a salary. As a parent, I couldn’t be happier with the opportunities this has given my daughter. Visit www.apprenticeships.gov.uk to find out more.

By Ian Girling

Sixpenny Handley’s Jubilee song

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The BV was delighted by an invitation from Sixpenny Handley First School to come and share in their Jubilee picnic in the school grounds.


The playground was beautifully decorated with handmade bunting and artwork depicting Her Majesty the Queen, all created by the children. Tables and chairs were ready for a feast, and parents were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the children.
At last, the children made their made their red-white-and-blue-dressed entrance, and after a short welcome and thank you speech by headteacher Mrs Musselwhite the children entertained everyone with a Jubilee song.


Children and parents then gathered around the tables to enjoy a community picnic.Sixpenny Handley First School is a thriving Victorian village school well attended by 107 children from the local community. Mrs Musselwhite proudly told me that this event was the jewel in the crown of their week’s activities: “After the last couple of years, it was so lovely to get everyone together and do something for the community that has supported us through so much.” She was also keen to point out that the day was a team effort by the whole staff, who had contributed or made everything that was on offer.
After the picnic, the celebrations continued for the children, with a brilliantly entertaining storytime on the field, with local author Chris Connaughton.

Let’s not forget the senior pets

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The team at MGAR share the story of Herman, just one of the senior pets they rescue and rehome every year. Do you have room for a senior pet?

Herman is a sweet boy who has suffered far more than any dog should. He is an 11 year old Lurcher and he came into our Lincoln Farm Centre this year as an unclaimed stray. The staff could see that he has had a hard life. He was emaciated when he arrived, and struggled to walk as he was so drained of energy. Herman was in desperate need of some love and care. Even though he was in such a poor state, he would always stagger to his feet to greet the staff with a very waggy tail – the team felt he knew he was finally safe. The vet suspected that two of his legs were previously broken and had just been left to heal, which meant that they have not healed correctly and he is a little wobbly when he walks.

Every penny counts
Along with his starved body, Herman also had overgrown nails, rotten teeth and pressure sores all over. He was taken for emergency dental treatment where he had 18 teeth removed, as he had track lines on his gums indicating an infection. He also required a second operation for another six teeth to be taken out, as it was too dangerous for him to be under general anaesthetic any longer due to his age.
The cost of Herman’s operations and treatment has already cost over £1,400, with the possibility of this
increasing with further procedures. Despite his trials and ailments, Herman is the most wonderful, adoring and cheeky old gent who has stolen the hearts of everyone that has met him.

Your support could help
The cost of providing care is the sanctuary’s largest expense – but we firmly believe it’s necessary. Animals should be able to live a happy and pain free life. We spend a staggering £2,500 per week on veterinary fees, and for older animals at our centres like Herman, these are usually age-related medical issues.

A quiet old age
We all understand how important it is to have some peace and quiet and a safe place to rest, which is what we aim to provide for all pets who find themselves in our care. It is unsettling for any pet to have their world
turned upside down. But in their golden years it can be devastating. We rescue thousands of senior animals and sadly they are often overlooked, which means they spend longer at our rescue centres.
Today, we ask you to not look the other way and help with the ever-increasing costs of caring for them. A donation today will truly help, and 100 per cent of every donation goes towards the care and welfare of the animals at our rescue centres.

Charity Open Day at Hillbrush celebrating 100 years!

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SEE HOW A BRUSH IS MADE AND DONATE TO CHARITY AT HILLBRUSH

To celebrate 100 years in business, Hillbrush is hosting a charity day on Wednesday 6th July for the public to see behind the scenes of its working brush manufacturing factory at Mere in Wiltshire.

Hillbrush staff will provide insight into the history of the business, machinery and brush making while visitors will get a chance to see and follow the production of the company’s brushes, many of which are used in the Royal households, from start to finish.

All proceeds from the day will be donated to The Royal Warrant Holders Charity Fund (RWHCF). The RWHCF was established in 1902 to support the charitable activities of Royal Warrant Holders. Hillbrush has been a Royal Warrant Holder, supplying brushes to the Royal Households since 1981. The Fund donates to small local charities in which Warrant-holding companies or their employees are actively involved.

Tours will take place every hour from 12noon with the last tour at 6pm and ending at the company’s Visitor Centre, Visit Hillbrush. Hillbrush guarantees that visitors will never look at a brush the same way again!

The tour will include:

⊛ injection moulding department
⊛ fibre dressing
⊛ brush making
⊛ warehouse and centenary building
⊛ packing and despatch

A discount will be available with each ticket to be used for food and beverages, or in the shop, at Visit Hillbrush. Book a place here: https://www.hillbrush.com/en-gb/centenary-charity-day

Deputy Manager | Oxley Sports Centre

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(Maternity Cover initially 14 months with the possibility of further opportunities)

£22,000 – £25,000 (dependant on experience)

Oxly Sportes Centre is Sherbprne’s premier facility for swimming, gym, exercise classes and climbing.

Join our team and play a part in building and inspiring a fitter, healthier community.

This role is responsible for the experience a customer has when visiting the centre promoting first class customer service and a wholly enjoyable and friendly welsome. Ensuring a safe, efficient, economic and customer orientated service is always provided for members and visitors. With specifuc responsibilities as designated by the Centre Manager, front of house, the Coffee Pod, Swim school. and the promotion of the company.

Responsibilities include:

  • Management of the Front-of-House team and theservices they provide.
  • All forms of facility and brand promotion be that digital of via traditional means
  • Optimising income generating opportunities across the business and ensuring income targets are achieved
  • Creating a cohesive, efficient and operationally dynamic team that are values and appreciated by customers and team members alike
  • Creating the best customer experience for all facility users for the duration of their visit ensuring the highest possible standard is achieved
  • Ensuring facilities are clean, safe, presentable. and welcoming at all times
  • Responsible for the facility on a daily basis.

To receive furher details please register your interest by contacting Samantha Welch on 01935 818378 or emailing [email protected] To apply, doenload the application form from www.oxleysc.com/careers and return to Samantha Welch on [email protected]

Harvington Properties Ltd | Various Construction vacancies

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Harvington Properties Ltd are looking for the following personnel:

  • Forklift driver
  • Brickie labourer
  • Bricklayers
  • Stonemasons

Paying excellent wages on a site in Stalbridge with views over the countryside. Friendly work atmosphere. No timewasters need apply. Work available throughout the Summer and into Autumn.

  • Brickie Labourer : £130-150 per day + extra for Forklift ticket
  • Brickie : £180-£220 per day based on experience
  • Stonemason : £200-£240 per day based on experience

Please Contact David on: 07531 686 735

It’s always a busy month of sowing

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Growing from seed always has an element of risk – Barry Cuff shares his challenges this month, along with the wide variety of veg he’s bringing on, and his weevil battle

May is always a busy month on the plot and one of the main sowing times. We always like the challenge of raising our vegetables from seed rather than buying plants from a garden centre. Raising from seed can be a challenge – but it is so much cheaper. Most seed packets contain enough seed for at least two years, and if stored correctly they do retain their viability. Our allotment association is a member of the South West Counties Allotment Association which enables us to buy flower and vegetable seed at a fifty per cent discount, with a choice of seeds from Suttons and Kings Seeds.
We always sow more than we need to cover losses on the plot, and any surplus young plants are given to neighbouring plot holders.
This is what allotmenteering is all about – sharing and swapping with friends.
Vegetables raised in modules during the month include cauliflowers, broccoli, romanesco, courgettes, cucumbers, squash, gherkins, sweetcorn, French beans and runner beans. For the first time we only managed to raise 25 Swift sweetcorn plants from a packet of about 50 seeds. A second packet of the same variety was bought from a garden shop, and these were more successful; enough to complete a block of about 50 plants.
During the month we planted out the first sown sweetcorn, Brussels sprouts, runner beans, French beans, gherkins and courgettes.
Sowings were made of carrots, Beetroot, peas, mangetout and snap peas.
We look forward to digging our first new potatoes early in June.

Weeds and pigeons
Weevil has again been a problem with our peas, taking out many seedlings before emergence, but we have replacement seedlings to fill the gaps.
Pigeons are becoming a major problem on the site, with all plot-holders having to erect nets over their young brassica plants. The council does not allow shooting on their land so it has to be netting or some type of silent scarer.
With rain falling on about 12 days this month, plants, seedlings and weeds have made good growth. Weeding can be a back-breaking job, especially among young seedlings where the hoe will not go!
In the small area for flowers both Californian poppy and bastard balm have kept the bees happy.

by Barry Cuff

Sponsored by Thorngrove Garden Centre

Reaching for that spotlight

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The glasshouses and polytunnels at Thorngrove are bursting with colour now, and Kelsi-Dean Buck is celebrating the start of rose season
Roses are one of the oldest flowers – archaeologists have discovered rose fossils that date back 35 million years. The oldest living rose is 1,000 years old, and grows on a wall on the Hildesheim Cathedral in Germany.

Isn’t it April that’s supposed to be full of showers? May was flip-flopping on us here in Gillingham with scorching sun one day, and torrential rain the next. The fun never stops when it comes to the weather in England. At least we have weather though, right? I’m not sure having the same climate all year round sounds all that interesting to be honest, and as far as our gardens are concerned, too many dry days and we’re out there doing a rain dance anyway!
We’re welcoming June and the approaching summer, and it’s now the time of year when you should be thinking about increasing the watering of your plants. Even on the more overcast days, the warmth will see them being more thirsty.

Busy days
June in Thorngrove is, in a word, cramped! But in the best way. There’s barely enough space to contain the range of plants we have in right now, and it seems as soon as some space is cleared in the glasshouses or polytunnels, new plants take their place ready to be nurtured. An almost endless list is coming into flower, meaning the courtyard and glasshouses are brighter than ever… plus, the first roses have officially bloomed! The first two weeks of June should see even more of them making themselves known and we cannot wait until they’re fully on display, as usual reaching for that spotlight. It really does take your breath away when they’re all flowering.

Gaillardias are brightening up gardens now

The roses are here
Always one of our most popular plants, the roses are a major draw at this time of year. It’s always when they’re fully in bloom that customers tend to pick them up, so don’t miss out! That being said, we wanted to shine a bit of that proverbial spotlight on some of the other seasonal plants which may be overshadowed by the stunning rose season.
There’s such a diverse range to fill your borders, beds, and planters with, including some stunning lilies, dianthus, clematis, geraniums, begonias, chrysanthemums, gaillardias, as well as a brilliant selection of lush Heucheras. And I’ve not started on the trees and shrubs to fill those corners of your gardens or line your walls. Honestly, we could do a four-page spread highlighting what’s looking good right now.
Stop by Thorngrove in June and get your summer garden looking the best it can possibly be. We’re on hand for advice as always, and look forward to seeing you!

Kelsi Dean Buck – Thorngrove Garden Centre

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