Editor's choice April 2008

Blooming Marvellous

With over 10,000 plants growing in greenhouses at the Tree Nursery, this year Balsall Heath’s entry for Britain in Bloom looks set to be the biggest display so far. This year the theme is ‘Local Roots’ and will involve local schools and community groups looking both at the history of Balsall Heath and the future. One of the projects being incorporated into this year’s entry involves planting herbs and vegetables specific to certain cultures and then using them in cooking to demonstrate to children how they can be used. A further project being planned will be the creation of a sensory area to give a local, disabled young girl the chance to experience the smell, taste and touch of plants.

Britain in Bloom is one of the largest horticultural campaigns in Europe, with over 1,000 communities taking part throughout the UK and this year as with every year organisers of the Balsall Heath entry need volunteers to help with planting, watering and general plant maintenance. Balsall Heaths Britain In Bloom Coordinator Pat Wing, said of this years entry, “Schools and parks will be the feature of the entry this year but we do need to show off residents front gardens to the judges. If anyone would like to show their front garden to the judges, whether it is a full planted garden, hanging baskets or one border they are more than welcome to join in”.

If you would like to volunteer then contact Bob Deering or Pat Wing at the Tree Nursery on 446 6182/3.

Children’s Art Competition

Heart of England In Bloom are running a regional art competition that is open to young people up to the age of 16. Designed to raise awareness of the local environment, the competition has the theme of trees. Any medium like paint, pen and ink or computer-generated imagery can be used so long as it is no larger than 51cm wide by 76cm high. There will be a total of 14 prizes up for grabs with the awards ceremony-taking place later in the year. Entries must be submitted by June 15th. For a copy of the application form contact Pat Wing on 446 6182/3.

Tree Planting

A series of tree planting events will be taking place at selected venues throughout Balsall Heath over the next month as part of a drive to improve the local environment. The first of these was at the St. Paul’s Nursery where five trees were planted with each having differing leaf colour to indicate the changing seasons. Eventually, once the trees have reached a more mature stage, they will have the added benefit of providing shade for the children to play under. More planting is to follow at the Balsall Heath City Farm with further planting expected to take place by other groups to green-up, Balsall Heath.