2nd April 2026 • The HERALD • Page 65 v INDEPENDENT, LOCAL AND PROUD v RYAN FENCING Quality Fencing & Gates 07769 706516 • 023 8084 1203 www.ryan-fencing.co.uk • Find us on Facebook A J GLEESON BUILDING & GROUNDWORK DRIVEWAYS EXTENSIONS BRICKWORK GROUNDWORK BLOCK PAVING Colours & Designs to suit your requirements Local Work Available to View CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION New Forest & Southampton 023 8084 4180 Mobile: 07770 771475 Bramdene, Main Road, Dibden, Southampton • All types of trees expertly felled, topped & pruned • Stump Grinding • Hedges pruned & trimmed • Lawns Laid • Fencing & garden work • Rubbish Clearance • Patios & drives jet-washed • Patios & Drives resurfaced or replaced Registerd Waste Carrier Licence CBDU374716 H Fully Insured H Evening: 01794 522092 Daytime Mobile: 07511 863693 Email: treefellers@gmx.com DOWN THE GARDEN PATH Beaulieu and District Gardening Club e 2026 programme for the Beaulieu and District Gardening Club opened in February with a customary social occasion when members gathered in East Boldre Playing Fields Hall for a Cheese Ploughman’s lunch and a fun quiz with a gardens theme. e March meeting took place in Beaulieu Village Hall where Bob Sawyer’s talk was “Propagating for Fun”. Bob is an expert judge at local horticultural societies’ shows and opens his garden in Bransgore in July for the National Gardens Scheme. Having spent many years as a professional in the horticulture industry and as an expert gardener, Bob was able to share his considerable experience to the bene t of those present. Propagation is a catchall term for the various means whereby plants can be reproduced, ensuring the survival of the species and ultimately the survival of the plant world and the planet. Using good visual illustrations, Bob went through the main methods of propagation, beginning by identifying the “tools of the trade”. ese included clean, sharp knives and secateurs, good quality peat-free compost and vermiculite, perlite, washed grit, or silver sand to create space in the compost for seeds and cuttings to reach air and moisture. ey were reminded to label every pot! Following on, Bob explained the main methods of plant propagation that an amateur gardener could use, beginning with seeds and bulbs, then techniques for taking cuttings, layering, gra ing and division. As plants become ever more expensive to buy, it makes absolute sense for everyone with a garden to have a go at “grow your own”, sowing seeds to grow something new or increasing their own stock for themselves or to give away. ere can be a sense of wonder and achievement seeing a new plant emerge and grow from a small seed or cutting, knowing it could be good to eat or a thing of beauty. Bob’s useful and informative talk certainly gave members the incentive and con dence to “have a go” at plant propagation, knowing that they are helping their health, wallets and the planet. On 23rd April, 7.30pm in Beaulieu Village Hall, Casper Todd, the head gardener at Lepe House will talk on the development of Lepe House Garden. is will be followed the next day, by a prebooked guided tour of the Lepe House Garden. On Saturday 9th May, 2pm-4pm there will be a Plant Sale at East Boldre Playing Field. On Tuesday 16th June, 7.30pm in East Boldre Village Hall, Ben Turner will talk on Tresco Abbey Garden. Visitors to talks always welcome £4. Club membership is £12 per annum, for details contact Lynne Hubbard: 01590 612408. Gardening Gloves At The Ready For The BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair At Beaulieu The BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair returns to Beaulieu from Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd May. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned grower, this vibrant day out has a host of horticultural highlights, plus delicious food and drink, and live music. From bulbs to pond plants, gardening gloves to furniture, shopping is a major highlight too. Spring Fair tickets include ‘access all areas’ to enjoy Beaulieu’s extensive grounds, gardens and attractions, including the National Motor Museum, Palace House, the medieval abbey and Secret Army Exhibition. Headline Spring Fair sponsor, Hillier, will be creating an impressive 20m x 15m neighbourhood of gardens that’s sure to draw visitors’ attention. Packed with inspiration and ideas to take home, Hillier’s design incorporates a Family Garden, a Potted Garden, a Cottage Garden and an Urban Jungle Garden. This Hillier Experience also features plant advice, a plant and accessories shop, a drop-in talks area with a line-up of speakers that are new to the Spring Fair, and daily sessions at the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage and Subscriber Lounge. ere’s more delicious food and drink at the Good Food Market, with artisan producers, a wide range of street food options, a vintage tea tent and live music. At the ‘In Conversation with’ Stage, horticulturalist Ade Sellars hosts a daily programme of relaxed gardening and foodie chat. Guests include Good Food editor and chef, Barney Desmazery, food and flower grower Helen Hutchings Cox, and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Ashley Edwards. Book tickets for the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair at: www. bbcgardenersworldfair. com BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine subscribers and Hillier Garden Club members enjoy discounted tickets. Parking is free and wellbehaved dogs on leads are welcome in outside areas.
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