Page 46 - Phonebox Magazine November 2007

Autumn Berries
Just as the seasons are turning from autumn into winter, many trees and shrubs carry colourful displays or fruits and berries which brighten up the dark mornings. Not only do they look great, but provide important food for birds and wildlife in the garden at this time of year.
Trees that are worthy specimens for autumn colour include the rowan (sorbus aucuparia), with white, yellow or orange clusters of berries depending on the species. The common crab-apple, especially the cultivar Malus ‘Golden Hornet’ is popular for its bright yellow fruits.
There are so many shrubs to choose from, but my favourites are Euonymus europaeus or spindle bush (pictured) which has lovely coloured red/pink leaves during autumn too, and the bristly stemmed Rosa rugosa, which carries its large rose hips for many months all at differing stages from orange through to ripe red, shiny hips.
Don’t forget the diminutive perennials either! Although less to choose from, worthy candidates are Iris foetidissima, with evergreen strappy leaves and fat seed pods which split to reveal shining orange berries, and Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii, also known as Chinese Lanterns, with their papery orange lanterns enclosing their berries. There is really no reason to have a dull, boring and brown garden this month, when a few well chosen specimens can bring it to life.
MIDLAND TREE SPECIALISTS
Commercial & Domestic 24 Hour Emergency Call Out
£5 MILLION PUBLIC LIABILITY N.P.T.C. REGISTERED
a All aspects of tree surgery work carried out by qualified and experienced arborists
a Hedges reduced, trimmed, shaped
a All debris removed from site
a Stump grinding/wood chipping
a Firewood and woodchip supplied
For more garden maintenance, advice, design, and planting ideas, visit www.applegategardens.co.uk
Britain’s Lawn Experts
Most homeowners can expect to see excessive MOSS on their lawns this autumn, due to the damp humid summer we experienced. However, help is at hand. Your local GreenThumb operators are available now to help and advise you. They can treat your lawn; the moss and the weeds, to ensure you can have a lawn to be proud of.
° Moss Control
° Hollow Tine Aeration
° Scarification
° Disease Control
° Free Lawn Analysis and quotation for our service. Relax and phone GreenThumb, Britain’s Lawn Experts on:
0800 0111 222
Alternatively please call 01327 810185 for your local Milton Keynes office
www.greenthumb.co.uk
a All areas covered, no job too big or small, free quotations and advice
01604 813498 MOBILE 07801 296 637
www.midlandtreespecialists.co.uk
“Stan’s” Cake Stall
Wow! What fantastic support, once again, for Stan. Despite a damp start, the cake stall, on Saturday 13th October, was a great success. Stan was there and enjoyed all the attention.
We had several people who made the cakes, some who gave a donation and many who bought the cakes. The total raised was £161.07. This will buy Stan two bags of food (post free if I buy two, saving £7), two large tubs of Protexin, two months’ joint care tablets and Stan’s favourite food – chicken!
Many, many thanks to everybody who supported us once again.
Jayne Stevenson
46 Phonebox Magazine