Blooming Brilliant News: Issue 11While this March will signify one full year since the pandemic and our first UK lockdown began, it is also a month full of new growth, brighter evenings and weather warmer. It's a month where we can start to really see change all around us, providing renewed hope for a better year. March also brings with it the launch of Wild About Gardens 2021, our annual partnership with the brilliant Wildlife Trusts! We're really excited for this year's campaign, it's going to be a lot of fun. We can't yet reveal the theme for this year but do look out for an
email in your inboxes in the next few weeks and keep an eye on the Wild About Gardens website. Now on with the show! In this issue we've got pollution-fighting plants; ways to reduce, reuse and recycle; some fab videos and of course a few stories from you, our Blooming Brilliant community. We've also got a round up of our top jobs for March at the end of the newsletter so be sure to read to the end! Remember, please do keep sharing your stories with us via email for future issues and you can find more content on our Community Gardening Facebook and Twitter pages.
Pollution-fighting plants!
New research from the RHS Science team has found that the hairy-leafed Cotoneaster franchetii (or Franchet’s cotoneaster) is 20% more effective at soaking up pollutants than other shrubs.
|
New video series: Houseplants 101
Follow our brand new series presented by RHS horticulturist, Alex Young, as he guides you through everything you need to know about choosing and caring for your houseplants.
|
How to go plastic free in the garden
Global Recycling Day is on 18th March, a reminder to consider what we throw away and aim to be more resourceful. Here are our tips on how to switch to more sustainable materials.
|
Water saving tips
World Water Day, 22nd March, aims to raise awareness of the value of water and ways to protect it. Read our tips on collecting, storing and reusing water, ahead of summer.
|
Green front gardens
A recent survey has found that front garden greenery has increased dramatically.
Check out our 10 easy driveway plants that will help you green up and leave room for the car!
|
Slow TV
Sit back and enjoy 3 hours of uninterrupted bird song recorded at RHS Garden Wisley. The perfect soundtrack to help you unwind from a tough day or drift off to sleep.
|
Best friends walk for Bloom
Two 10-year-old best friends from North Lincolnshire have raised £870 for their local Broughton in Bloom group. The pair walked a total of 166.4 miles (the distance from Broughton to the Chelsea Flower Show!) over 31 days, with local residents cheering them on from their windows and doorsteps. The girls also plan to put some of the funding towards a year-round floral tribute to local NHS and key workers.
See their fundraiser here.
Competition for Scottish schools
Keep Scotland Beautiful has launched its annual Pocket Garden Competition aimed at school pupils in Scotland. Children are invited to design a small garden that reflects themes of wellbeing, wildlife, water and the environment. Winning gardens will be displayed at the Scottish Gardens Show at Scone Palace later in the year, or via an online showcase if restrictions are still in place. Click here to read more about the competition and to see previous winners.
Community orchard planting
Over half term last month, 14 families in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, helped to plant 17 apple and plum trees, close to a popular walking trail. The Rochdale in Bloom group, who organised the planting sessions with designated timeslots for each family, hopes that residents and passers by will be able to help themselves to the delicious apples for many years to come. See more from the group here.
Do you have a story to share?
We're always looking for more brilliant things going on in communities that will provide inspiration to others or put a smile on people's faces. If you've got a great story to tell, email us at communities@rhs.org.uk.
Jobs for MarchThis is the month to start mowing lawns, getting on top of weeds and protecting any new growth from pesky slugs.
This is also the perfect time to plant out onion sets, early potatoes and summer-flowering bulbs. Read on for more...
Add yourself to our mailing list
If you've been forwarded this email or found it online and you want to keep up with the latest community gardening news, sign up to our mailing list by clicking the link below:
|