Saving precious green space in Kirton Close, Norcot

Norcot Labour have launched a petition to save precious green space in the Watermead Estate.  Current plans would see the space covered with 18 properties causing local to lose this little green lung.

Councillor Debs Absolom said "It is a build that is proposing 18 properties on the estates green space where local people walk their dogs, children walk to school, play & learn to ride their bikes, a route for all whether off to the bus stop or get some fresh air.

When this estate was built this green area was for residents and wildlife...it must stay that way."

Cllr Absolom with Cllr Jo Lovelock, Anrysh Kaur, Ellie Emberson and residents

 You can see the planning application here: http://planning.reading.gov.uk/fastweb_PL/detail.asp?AltRef=171219

You can also comment or object on the proposed development adding your voice to those already concerned about these proposals.

This map shows the area of green space that will be lost if these plans go ahead.



Norcot Labour are out with a petition Saturday 18th Nov at 10.30am meeting at Windrush Way junction on Water Road. Please join them and help save this precious space.

National Gardening Week! Get growing folks....

This week is National Gardening Week.   As my previous posts make blatantly obvious I love gardening.  I think I have been inspired by, and hopefully inherited the skill of, my maternal grandmother.  I have nothing but fond memories of her garden in Caversham and have chosen plants based on those memories - peonies, potentilla, lambs ears (not sure of their real name - they have soft furry leaves) and roses.

You don't have to have a big garden to grow things and enjoy gardening.  While I rented I grew things in pots so I could take them with me.  My huge bay tree started as a 15 cm plant in a pot.  I still grow fruit trees and veggies in pots and troughs as I don't have the space to have them in the ground.

It's not too late to start some seeds or buy a few plants from your local garden centre and I have picked up many a bargain from car boot sales too.  It's doesn't have to be an expensive hobby and growing fruit and veg can save money in the long run.  Definitely worth a go.

Buds and seeds

My obsession with my garden continues and this past weeks fine weather has meant I have finally got some planting done.  The baby was in a co-operative mood and didn't climb the garden furniture so I planted:

Runner beans
Courgettes
Squash (I am trying to grow at least one for the third year - fingers crossed)
Cherry tomatoes
Tomatoes
Chillis
Garlic

I will plant more in the next week or so.  My new dwarf fruit trees are starting to bud, my cherry is setting itself up to blossom and my nectarine tree looks stunning.

Looking forward to the new gardening year!

I'm sure I'm not alone in enjoying browsing through seed and plant catalogues (maybe I am?).  When they start dropping through the door in January I actually look forward to finding a quiet moment to have a good look and start planning my garden for the coming year.