Even in the depths of winter flowers can appear, to surprise and delight us. As some of the coppery leaves of the beech trees are still clinging on in February, the blooms of Cyclamen coum appear as miniature splashes of colour in shades of pinks, purples and sometimes white. Even the small oval leaves have marbled patterns on them. Best planted on rockeries and in small containers so they don’t get lost among larger plants.
The subtle bicoloured blue and pink of Pulmonaria or Lungwort is a welcome addition to the palette of colours and this one has leaves with white polka dot spots on them too. The common name probably refers to its suggested use in the past for treatment of chest conditions. It ideally prefers a slightly damp and shady spot.
One of the most showy particularly when mass planted in lawns are the crocus with all their different varieties, the larger hybrids varying from deep purple to white, dark yellow and even striped. The smaller, usually earlier specie varieties are more reserved in colour often with creamy outsides to the petals and a deeper waxy colour inside. If the soil is reasonably drained they’ll gradually increase in number. From a bottle shape, they only open fully in the sunshine.
As we move into March, though the chill can still hold on, we are greeted with the cheerful lemony yellow of primroses, little patches of warm promises for the days ahead.
Article by ANDY GOOD Blooming Good Garden Design and Landscaping City and Guilds Horticulture T: 01594 839313 or M: 07837 612410
Would you like to help us make a difference in our centenary year?
Described by someone who knew her well in 1924, our founder Margarette Golding was a remarkable woman of great courage, intelligence, and foresight who was the driving force of Inner Wheel, a name she had chosen. She had great understanding of human nature, and faith in women which inspired her to create the organisation which next year, celebrates its special one hundredth anniversary. Margarette’s wish for Inner Wheel was to promote true friendship, encourage the ideals of personal service, and foster international understanding.
Today, Inner Wheel is one of the largest voluntary service organisations in the world, with women working to help local, national, and international charities. We all have reasons for getting involved, and make firm, lasting friendships whilst fundraising to make a difference to people’s lives.
In the Forest of Dean, our group led by President Helen Freeman meets once a month at Forest Hills Golf Club. We support local charities including the Food Bank, Baby Bank, Women’s Refuge, CANDI Youth Space, Blood Bikes, FRED, and many more.
Our main fundraising comes from two annual Rotary Half Marathon’s for which we provide catering. At the Speech House pavilion we provide a selection of scrumptious cakes, bacon rolls, tea, and coffee for runners to enjoy and also sell T-shirts to boost funds.
We have fun, and there’s the option to join in activities such as skittles, coffee mornings, and trips out. If you would like to make a difference, contact us on 07730 269362.
https://innerwheel.co.uk/district-10/royal-forest-of-dean/
Hello all, Friends of Heart of the Forest wish to tell you a bit about who we are and invite you to join us. Friends of Heart of the Forest is the PTA for Heart of the Forest Community Special School, a specialist educational setting within the beautiful Forest of Dean. Heart of the Forest (HOF) provides an inclusive education for pupils aged 2 to 19 years, who have MALD (Moderate Additional Learning Difficulties), SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties) and PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties.)
Our main purpose is to enrich the lives and learning of our amazing pupils. Over the years, Friends has raised money through many different means and events, this money raised going towards the pupils. This includes play equipment for both the playground and classrooms. Friends have also funded special experiences for our pupils, experiences that they would otherwise find difficult to access.
This year we have slowly been bringing our events back, since being stopped by Covid for the past two years, and have managed to hold coffee and cake afternoons. The money raised at these events has enabled us to provide leavers’ hoodies and leavers’ photo books for the pupils moving on to college. This was such a rewarding experience and is the reason why Friends exist. We welcome all parents of the HOF family to join; we promise you will be greatly welcomed. Likewise, we welcome anyone who wishes to get involved with Friends from the community. Every bit of help is very much appreciated. If you wish to join Friends, or wish to get in touch, please contact the Chair of Friends at mwall@heartoftheforest.gloucs.sch.uk
Thank you very much and best regards,
Friends of Heart of the Forest
Yes – The Forest Bee reaches places other brochures can’t go:
Schools: Dean Academy, Dene Magna, Lakers and John Kyrle in Ross, plus a few junior schools around the Forest.
Doctors’ Surgeries and NHS health professionals eg nurses gave them out when doing flu jabs this winter
Village Agents who support the over 50’s across the Forest, sponsored by Gloucestershire Rural Community Council.
Organic Veg Boxes (Forest Food Hub, Field Fayre)Leisure Centres and Gyms
Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) at Belle Vue Centre, Cinderford
Care agencies (by request)
Great Oaks Hospice (by request)
Village & Community Halls via our network of tutors
Plus, of course, all the usual: Libraries, Cycle Centres, Forest of Dean, Ross & Monmouth Tourist Information Offices, Forest of Dean District Council offices, Midcounties Co-ops, village shops (and yes, they are welcome in ALL of them, including those very pushed for space), cafes, pubs, Taurus Crafts, Harts Barn Craft Centre, Vantage Point, several chip shops (particularly popular with the Littledean one, so thanks to our distributor there who is constantly topping them up).
We also have a popular Facebook page and Twitter feed.