Buckingham in Business July 2015 issue

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 11/06/2015 18:40 Page 1

EE FR

Distributed to Buckingham & Many Surrounding Villages

July 2015

Monthly

BUSINESSES THAT ADVERTISE IN A RECESSION ARE THE ONES THAT SURVIVE AND COME OUT THE OTHER END

To advertise telephone 0844 6933228 website: www.inbusinessmags.co.uk

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 11:05 Page 2

Fully qualified 24 years experience No job too small

Fully insured Local tradesman All building work undertaken

• Brickwork • Stonework • Garage Conversions • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Extensions • Patios • Landscaping • Fencing • Roofing etc For your free no obligation quotation call: 01280 423847 or 07701073720 www.homefixbms.webeden.co.uk e:homefixbuilders@googlemail.com

2

To advertise call 0844 6933228

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 11:05 Page 3

C o n ten ts

4 Editor’s Comments...

9 Cloudy 2 Clear Windows - Service With A Smile!

11 Plan Ahead To Aviod The Six Week Headache!!

Motorhome Holiday Hire see page 15

12 Health & Beauty 12 Are You Looking After a Frail or Disabled Relative or Friend?

16 Events for July 18 Summer Pet Special 20 Gardening in July £25 25 WIN Buckingham Garden Centre Competition

26 Index

£25.00 See Page 26

WANTED RELIABLE Monthly DISTRIBUTOR for

Steeple Claydon

Please contact Kate or Mandy 0844 693 3228

inbusinessmags@gmail.com

3

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 11:05 Page 4

The aim of the monthly Buckingham In Business Magazine is to support businesses in order that the local community can flourish.

Website: www.inbusinessmags.co.uk

Email: inbusinessmags@gmail.com

Office: 0844 6933228 Home: 01905 381011 Mobile: 07899 757473

Welcome...

July ISSUE 2015

.......What are you looking forward to in July? I’m a little unusual, because I can’t wait for the schools to break up……and no, I’m not a teacher!! I’ve always loved to ‘get my kids back’ for the summer, enjoying any moment I’m not at work, in their company; being impulsive, with impromptu picnics and afternoons at the park. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either – so if you’re dreading the approaching six-week break, we’ve a feature on how to handle it, on Page 11.

If you’re off to the beach anytime soon, we’ve a page of handy tips on looking and feeling your best, before you brave the bikini, and according to our expert, it’s all about inner confidence – sounds interesting!

For everyone with pets, holidays and hot weather bring new challenges; who should care for them when we’re away, how to keep them safe and comfortable in the heat. With lots of useful info on Page 18, we’ve got the answers you’ll need to make this a stress-free season.

Enjoy the sunshine, count down to the school holidays, until next time……….

ADVERTISING Mandy Mills FEATURES EDITOR Kate Martin NEXT ISSUE COPY DATE

15th July 2015 © 2015. All artwork and copy appearing in this publication is copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

All information published is correct according to those who supplied it and no responsibility is taken if it is not. Care is taken to ensure all advertisements are truthful and no liability is accepted for errors or emissions. The right to refuse advertisements is reserved. The use of this publication for canvassing, direct marketing or any other activity apart from sourcing local goods and services is strictly prohibited.

Mandy Mills Editor

The above title is a division of The Best Area Magazines Ltd The Wood Cottage, Broughton Hackett Worcs, WR7 4BB.

4

To advertise call 0844 6933228

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:39 Page 5

inbusinessmags@gmail.com

5

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:39 Page 6

Take a look at my website..

www.bespokeinteriorskw.co.uk

It’s Time To Upgrade Your Home A quality company established for over 20 years, Bespoke Interiors has earned its well deserved reputation for the production of a first class service.

Products ranging from Interior Carpentry, Stairs, Doors, Wardrobes Storage Solutions and Kitchens to Exterior Windows and Doors.

All work can be designed to meet your needs, budget and time schedules.

Tel: 01296 733833 Mob: 07855 851004 6

To advertise call 0844 6933228

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 15:14 Page 7

Beach body blues? It’s all in the mind!!

We all do it, the inevitable countdown to holiday; half excited, half dreading the ‘dare to bare’……but with a little advice from our beauty expert, the seaside can all be plain sailing…….

Prepare in advance, both physically and mentally; don’t panic and live on lettuce, whilst coating yourself in fake tan, the night before – get healthy and happy a month ahead and you’ll feel great!

• Eat well – bin the processed rubbish, cut portion sizes, go for local fruit and veg in all colours, every day, with moderate amounts of carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread and potatoes. Add dairy in moderation, chicken, fish, eggs, beans or nuts for protein. Any extra pounds will fall off steadily, whilst you’re nourishing your body, and you’ll glow with health.

• Drink plenty of water – flavour with juice if you need to, but keep it sugar-free and have a sports bottle with you in the office, in the car – keep sipping for clearer skin.

• Sleep!! De-stress, avoid caffeine at bed time, remove energy drinks from your life entirely, and aim for eight hours a night whenever you can. You’ll feel better, think more clearly and be calmer and happier.

• Be around people who make you happy. Enough

positive comments from friends and colleagues can counteract the negativity from an ex-partner or demanding boss, so help yourself to feel better by spending time with those who make you happy.

Even just a catch-up evening once a fortnight, or a swift half with mates on a Sunday – it helps us feel better.

• Exercise – the way you enjoy it! No point jogging if you hate it, why not swim, walk the dog for miles, cycle, go pony trekking? Exercise with friends or family is much more fun, so plan evening or weekend activities throughout the summer, to get you all moving and enjoy the company.

• Delegate – none of us are superhuman, and our self-image deteriorates if we feel we’re not achieving as much as we’d like. By reducing the demands in our daily life, we can succeed and achieve more easily, adding to positive feelings that build to make us happier as people.

• Love yourself!! Whatever your shape or size, smile!!!! A happy person is instantly more attractive, no matter what shape they are in. Remember that everyone stresses about how they look, and the super-slim or gym-toned bodies you see on the beach quite possibly house much less happy souls than yours – love being you, and enjoy your holiday!!

38 Tanners Drive, Blakelands, Milton Keynes, MK14 5BP Unit 12, Beachampton Business Park, Nash Road, Beachampton, Milton Keynes, MK19 6EA

Tel: 01908 218875

www.EandEservices.co.uk

inbusinessmags@gmail.com

7

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:39 Page 8

8

To advertise call 0844 6933228

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:39 Page 9

inbusinessmags@gmail.com

9

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:39 Page 10

COMPETITIVE

RATES

Winterhills, Silverstone, Towcester, Northants NN12 8UG

www.grahamchurchillplant.co.uk

LEE’S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Everything you need for your home & office improvements PAINTING, DECORATING, KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, CARPENTRY, TILING, WOODEN FLOORING, & MUCH MORE ...

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE

Tel: 01280 701504

Mob: 07956 039268

All Building Work Undertaken

Insurance Work Extensions Groundworks Conservatories Landscaping Roofing Kitchen Fitting Gas Boilers, General Servicing & Plumbing Bathrooms & Ensuites etc...

10

To advertise call 0844 6933228

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 11:03 Page 11

Plan ahead to avoid the six week headache!!

For children, the countdown to the long summer break begins in earnest, with plans for seaside holidays, long lazy days in the park or splashy fun in the paddling pool……

For parents, who have to work all summer long, it’s not so easy. Juggling a job, children and playschemes or childcare when the schools are closed for six weeks isn’t a piece of cake, but with a few ideas below, it may just get a little less stressful!

• Get together with their friends’ parents before school’s out. Plan a rota that works around your days off, interests and strengths, and child-share. No money’s involved, children can play with their favourite friends and do fun new activities – growing vegetables, stencilling, creating with salt dough, woodwork or calligraphy, for example. As good as a playscheme, but free!

• Look for activity days at your local leisure centre, riding school or tennis club. These are great value, staff are qualified to instruct and care for kids, and they are out in the fresh air, enjoying sports and

gaining confidence. They get booked up quickly, though – so call today to book your place.

• Older siblings, cousins or teenage neighbours may like to earn a few pounds babysitting – but make sure they’re sensible and mature enough to cope. It’s a big responsibility, caring for younger children, and basic First Aid training is a must.

Your local college, Red Cross or St John’s Ambulance offer one day courses, covering the essentials, and you’ll feel much more secure leaving your children even for a couple of hours, if they’ve had the training.

• Grandparents are great! For childcare with a smile, grandparents who have retired enjoy seeing the children and kids get spoiled rotten and have a lovely time. If ground rules are different at Granny’s, have a chat beforehand about the issues that really matter to you, to avoid conflict over the summer. Discipline and technology were both different ‘in their day’, so make sure you agree on these, and then the summer will be a breeze!

To advertise call 0844 6933228

11

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 11:03 Page 12

H e a l t h &B e a u t y

Are you looking after an ill, frail or disabled relative or friend?

We at North Bucks Carers support local unpaid carers in Buckingham and surrounding area, who enable ill, frail or disabled friends or relatives to live as good and independent a life as possible.We provide a program of speakers, some helpful to the caring role, some informative on topics such as changes to the NHS and some simply entertaining. Our group is entirely run by volunteers, most of whom are former carers themselves.

Our meetings are held every second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 10am till 12 noon at the Buckingham Community Centre.

So if you are an unpaid carer, looking after someone close to you full or part time, regardless of whether you receive benefits or not, why not come along and see for yourself what North Bucks Carers social mornings have to offer?

For more information please visit www.northbuckscarers.org, you can also e-mail us: info@northbuckscarers.org

12

PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELLING

PAT THOMPSON

MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, MBACP. •I am a registered Psychotherapist with over 20 years experience, the last 18 years being in private practice in this area.

•I work with a broad range of people from many walks of life including: - Some who are deeply unhappy, without knowing why.

- Some who cannot break out of abusive patterns of behaviour which are damaging to themselves or others.

- Some who are overwhelmed with powerful feelings, thoughts and emotions and cannot make sense of them.

- Some who have lost their way and a sense of who they are.

These different issues show up as:

STRESS, ANXIETY & DEPRESSION, EATING DISORDERS, RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS, LOW SELF-ESTEEM, PHOBIAS & OBSESSIONS,

to name a few...

•I believe that people’s present day problems are often rooted in the past and can be ingrained, I can help to resolve these and put them into perspective.

For an initial appointment please contact

Tel.01869-811241 or E-Mail: pt.thompson1@gmail.com www.pat-thompson.co.uk

To advertise call 0844 6933228

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:43 Page 13

H e a l t h & B e a u ty

Orthodontics at Claydon Dental Practice

info@claydondental.co.uk inbusinessmags@gmail.com

13

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:43 Page 14

P&B ROOFING & Building Contractors Ltd

ALL TYPES OF FLAT ROOFING TILING, SLATING, RE-POINTING, REPAIRS AND RE-ROOFS FASCIAS AND GUTTERS REPAIRED OR REPLACED CHIMNEYS RE-POINTED A L L W O R K C A R R I E S I N S U R A N C E WA R R A N T Y

F R E E E S T I M AT E S

Tel: 01280 730831 MOBILE: 07956 114001 Credit Cards Accepted Established 20 Years www.PBROOFING.co.uk

Does your oven need divine intervention?

...call an Oven Angel.

We get through the grime to show the shine non caustic fluids used, no fumes, no smells, not harmful to children or pets..

No hidden charges

T:01296 730437 / 07912 141 012 Call an Oven Angel today

www.ovenangels247.co.uk 14

To advertise call 0844 6933228

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:44 Page 15

www.centraleisure.co.uk

Motorhome & Caravan Service Centre

Brackley

MOTORHOME HOLIDAY HIRE Buckingham

SERVICING ACCESSORIES

TYRES

All Insurance & warranty undertaken

All Motorhome & Caravan Accessories supplied and fitted to the highest of quality

FOR ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES AVAILABLE

@centraleisure

Unit 2 Greatworth Hall Greatworth Banbury Oxon OX17 2DH

central.leisure@hotmail.co.uk

T el: 01295 760800 15

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:44 Page 16

FREE Listing just email: inbusinessmags@gmail.com Every Monday/Thursday Buckingham & Stowe Running Club. Please see our website for more information http://www.buckinghamrunningclub.com or email buckinghamrunningclub@hotmail.co.uk

Every Monday

SCUBA diving with Stowe Sub Aqua Club, see the web for more information.

StoweSubAqua.co.uk Every Wednesday Buckingham Camera club meets at Padbury Village Hall 8:00 to 10:00pm

Sun 28th June Lenborough Singers Concert 'Musical Menn' Sat 4 July till Sat 11 July

Buckingham Summer Festival - week long festival of music - information and tkts for all events on sale at TIC, Old Gaol (www.buckinghamsummerfestival.org)

Sat 4 July

Buckingham Choral Society present Gilbert & Sullivan 'The Yeoman of the Guard' 8pm - Buckingham Parish Church - tkts on sale at TIC, Old Gaol Sun 5 July Formula 1 British Grand Prix, Silverstone Race Circuit

Sun 5 July

Buckingham Tennis Club Open Day - 10am-4pm Chandos Park

16

8 till 19 July

Winslow Hall Opera presents 'La Traviata' - info and tkts from www.winslowhallopera.com or 07544 72650

Sat 11 July

Battle Proms Picnic Concert, Blenheim Palace - music, fireworks, cannons, cavalry, Spitfire air display - tkts on sale at TIC, Old Gaol

Sat 11 July

"Tingestock" concert Tingewick Village Hall - 6pm tkts on sale at TIC, Old Gaol

Sun 12 July Dog Show - Bourton Park paddock - details from 816426 Tue 14 July Bastille Day Boules competition - 7pm - Old Cattle Pens, Buckingham Town Centre - BBQ and wine - organised by Twinning Association all welcome

Celebrating 100 years of the WI Sat 18th July Flower Festival 10-5pm Holy Trinity Church, Gawcott Cream Teas on the Green 3-5pm Sun 19th July Flower Festival 2-5pm Holy Trinity Church, Gawcott

Sat 25/Sun Silverstone Heritage e Silverstone Thur 30 J Play aroun Parishes' fu games f children age 0free event fun Buckingham Council Chand Buckingh

BUCKINGHAM LIBRARY

Bucks Integrated Sensory Advice Service Advice and information on sight and hearing loss home assessments, hearing aid maintenance and support.

Second Tuesday of the Month 10.00-12.00am Buckinghamshire Community Foundation Grants/funding for community groups Wednesdays 10.00-4.00

Aylesbury Vale Community Bank Want to save and borrow? Free drop in session fo advice on saving and affordable loans 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month 10-11am Reminiscence Coffee Morning Share your memories over a cup of coffee 3rd Thursday of every month 10.30-11.30

Learn my Way Get on Line Sessions Improve your computer and Internet skills One to one sessions at a time to suit you

Knit and Natter Group Enjoy a coffee and a natter while improving your crafting Every Thursday 2-3 pm

Buckingham Art For All (Bafa) meetings at Well Street Methodist 8pm to 10pm Tuesday 14th July Phil Madley The Magic of Encaustic Wax Painting Phil Madley is an innovative, contemporary artist working with encaustic wax techniques to create original and unique paintings. His individual works of art challenge and engage his audience at different aesthetic and emotional levels, generated by the artist's choice of media and creative vein.

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:50 Page 17

Sun 26 July tone Classic tage event tone Circuit r 30 July around the es' fun and mes for age 0-12 years nt funded by gham Town Chandos Park, kingham

ng loss, 00am tion s

ion for s 11am fee 1.30

ns skills you roving

Saturday and Sunday 18th & 19th July

FRINGFORD OPEN GARDENS Fringford, nr Bicester, Oxfordshire. OX27 8DY Once the home of Flora Thompson, author of ‘Lark Rise to Candleford’, Fringford will be holding an Open Gardens weekend. At least 9 gardens will be on show with a huge variety of styles and sizes, including gardens of 18th century cottages, a walled garden, a simple cottage garden with work in progress and a herb nursery.

St Michael and All Angels church will feature floral displays and local historian Martin Greenwood will be on hand to answer questions about the history of the church and the village as a whole.There will be plant and garden bric-a-brac stalls, a children’s I – SPY flower trail and tea and cakes will be available in one of the gardens.

Cost: Event passport – valid for both days - £5.00 with under 16’s free.

Tickets and parking on the village green OX27 8DY All proceeds to St Michael and All Angels Church

Saturday and Sunday 18th & 19th July

SHELSWELL SUMMER CELEBRATION

In the evening after the Open gardens event we shall be hosting An Evening of Music and Poetry at 6.45 pm in the church.

With Wendy Craig Alister and Jane Bentley – Oboe and Cello Maxwell Spiers – Piano From the Royal Ballet Sinfonia Cost: Tickets on the door - £10 with wine and canapés served in the interval.

Further information contact: Jane Petry fringfordjane@aol.com 0780 3082408 or Penny Wood penelopewood@btinternet.com 01869 277310

send your charity event to Mandy at

inbusinessmags@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE Whittlebury Charity Shopping Fair 2015

The fair will take place on Wednesday 23rd September 5pm to 9pm and Thursday 24th September 9am to 3.30pm at The Orangery and Pavilion, Whittlebury Park, Nr Towcester NN12 8XW www.whittleburycharityfair.co.uk Everyone is invited to attend this wonderful shopping extravaganza in The Orangery and Pavilion, Whittlebury Park, near Towcester, the venue is generously donated by Geoff and Carol Sargeant. There will be over 70 stallholders from all around the country selling clothing, gifts, toys, china, jewellery, home accessories and so much more. Shoppers can either get started on their Christmas shopping early or come to treat themselves from this unique selection of stalls. All the monies raised will go to Helen & Douglas House, an Oxford based hospice that provides care for babies, children and young adults with life shortening illnesses.

Macmillan Northampton, cancer support in Northampton and the new charity this year, KidsAid. KidsAid is based in Northamptonshire and works with children and young people who have suffered traumatic events such as bereavement, domestic violence, abuse or neglect.

They support them by providing play, art and drama therapy as well as parenting courses and family therapy. Early intervention to support these children and young people brings real benefits to their lives and ensures that these traumas do not manifest in later life.

For further information contact Emma Danby 07901827352

17

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:50 Page 18

Summer Pets Special ‘7’ Year Warranty on All Worcester Boiler Installs

Full Heating Installation - Boiler Replacements Solar Hot Water Systems - Hot Water Cylinders Boiler Servicing

C a l l To d a y F o r Yo u r N o

Obligation Quotation

maxheat@sky.com

‘Dogs die in hot cars’ – we’ve all seen the slogan, but how can we avoid stressing our pets in Summer?

Pets can’t cope with overheating.

Dogs are unable to sweat, so they try to cool down by panting, but it’s best not to overheat them in the first place.

Keep dogs cool, with plenty of water to drink, and they’ll thank you for it. Walk them in the early morning and late evening, when it’s coolest. Don’t shut them in the conservatory whilst you’re at work – they’ll roast before you return!

If you’re taking pets on a long drive – on holiday, for example – set off very early in the day, enabling you to plan rest stops for your dog to walk about, have a drink and a pee, and avoid the typical mid-day heat

All types of Domestic Electrical Work Carried Out

No call out charges Free Quotations Friendly Local Electrician Part P Approved Additional Sockets / Lights, Full Rewire, Exterior / Lighting, Fault Rectification, Electric Showers, Consumer Units.

SERVICE

88 Westbrook End Newton Longville

Tel Home: 01908 649143

Mob: 07541 025351 www.evelingelectrical.co.uk 18

To advertise call 0844 6933228

Call us NOW for the latest SKY offers

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:50 Page 19

and traffic jams.

Fair-skinned pets can get sunburn – so they need sunblock, too! This even applies to pigs and horses, who can get burnt noses when it’s sunny.

Rabbits are prone to Fly Strike in hot weather – maggots that live in dirty bedding and can eat your pet alive. Treat with a preventative spray, from your vet or pet shop, and keep hutches particularly clean in summer.

A litter tray filled with woodshavings works well, because it can be easily emptied every day, keeping your pet clean and happy. Plan for holidays – pet sitters are a great alternative to traditional boarding kennels, or how about ‘home from home’ boarding, to ensure your pets are happy whilst you’re having fun in the sun!

Misty Units Replaced

Over 30 years Experience

FULLY QUALIFIED PLUMBERS &

GAS ENGINEERS

New Boilers / Power Flushing Full Heating Installation / Boiler Servicing Landlord Certificates / General Plumbing Bathrooms / Licensed to install Megaflo & Unvented Cyclinders

T: 01280 841035 Mobile: 07831 898705 Leaks & Repairs Gas Safe Registration No.35528

www.samooreservices.co.uk

• PVCu Windows & Doors

• Safety/Toughened Glass

• Laminated Glass • Mirrors

• Table tops

PLUMBING & HEATING

• Leaded Lights

LOCAL FRIENDLY SERVICE

Email: info@brackleyglass.com Website: www.brackleyglass.com

Tel/Fax: 01280 703277 Mobile: 07793 206253 inbusinessmags@gmail.com

19

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:50 Page 20

T he Ga rden in J uly Making green space in our front gardens More of us, it appears, are paving our front gardens to be able to park our cars, but this doesn’t have to mean a no plants rule, writes Buckingham Garden Centre’s Chris Day. A few weeks ago the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) published a report saying that three times as many front gardens are being paved over than a decade ago.

The RHS has called on householders to turn away from gravel, paving and concrete, now used in almost a quarter of British front gardens, and brighten up the front of their houses with plants, shrubbery and grass for the public good.

Vincent Landscapes of Buckingham est1990

www.vincent-landscapes.co.uk

Specialists in Landscape Design and Construction, from an idea to your Dream alfresco living space, where you work rest and play.

•Patios •Walling ( brick and natural stone) •Bespoke timber buildings •Fencing •Garden timber constructions For a free no obligation quote call or email Darren on

07918 193315

01280 817944

vincent-landscapes@hotmail.co.uk its not a job, its our passion!

20

Reversing the trend that has seen 4.5 million front gardens totally paved over is “vital for the nation’s health”, the RHS said, “for wildlife, to mitigate against pollution and heat waves and to protect the UK’s homes from flooding”. One in three front gardens have no plants growing in them, according to the report called Greening Grey Britain, which looked at front gardens in 2005 and this year.

The society also believes planting can help boost community spirit among neighbours in the street as they can socialise while they tend their front gardens, saying “it’s a very good way of connecting people”.

RHS director-general Sue Biggs, said that

To advertise call 0844 6933228

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 08:50 Page 21

whatever the pressures to pave “there is always room for plants”.She added: “We need to urgently increase plants in urban environments, and better understand how to select and use ornamental plants, not reduce them.”

Losing greenery also means the streets are less able to regulate urban temperatures, the report said. Hard surfaces absorb heat in the day and release it at night making it hot.

So, what are the best options when it comes to ‘greening up’ our front gardens?

If you have to resort to gravel then simply improve the soil, work plenty of organic matter into it, including grit if you’re on Buckingham clay and then lay an heavy duty landscape fabric ‘underlay’ (to supress weeds and retain moisture) before placing the gravel. This should be sufficiently free draining not to cause any issues around the vehicle, but enough to keep the greenery happy. Now you have the perfect opportunity of growing all sorts of alpine rockery plants, herbs and other low-growing perennials which if placed carefully, could work with the positioning of your vehicle.

There are many good specialist companies offering advice and installation of these types of driveways, but we would strongly

FREEPHONE: 0800 6951944 MOBILE: 07788 513780

FULLY QUALIFIED AND INSURED TREE CARE AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE Leylandii & Conifer problems solved Hedges reduced and trimmed Pruning, thinning and felling Large or small jobs welcome

Find us at yell.com

10% DISCOUNT FOR OAP’S

inbusinessmags@gmail.com

21

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 10:34 Page 22

recommend you do make sure you do your homework first as it’s an area rife with rogue traders.

If block paving, Tarmac or concrete is the only option, then your planting needs to be more creative, perhaps using the existing walls and fences, porches and any remaining narrow borders to help stage your collection of wildlife encouraging shrubs and perennials.

From my observations often dressing vertical space with climbers such as climbing roses, Montana clematis or Virginia creeper is a quick and effective greening approach, which will instantly take off the hard edges of your frontage and help soften

the smallest of gardens.

Your creativity will hold no bounds as pots, wall ‘manger’ baskets and hanging baskets will inject some serious instant seasonal colour.

Opt for flowers with a long flowering season – hardy Fuchsias, Pelargoniums (Geraniums) and Marguerites are good choices. Remember to work into the soil or compost some slow-releases fertilisers to help maintain the display and to save you time feeding your pots. However, you’ll still need to water regularly. If you are setting up a large arrangement of containers and baskets then installing a Hozelock micro-drip irrigation system will ultimately

Established 1992

Local Garden Construction Specialist with a reputation built on lasting quality Blocked Paved Driveways, Patios & Paving, Walls, Steps, Fencing and all aspects of Garden Construction

22

To advertise call 0844 6933228

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 10:34 Page 23

inbusinessmags@gmail.com

23

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 10:34 Page 24

save you time and effort. You can even set up the system with a timer so watering can be done at night when its cooler and the plants will absorb the moisture more effectively.

A sunny front garden means more options as far as plant selection is concerned, however if there’s little sunlight you can still grow the likes of Begonia semperflorens, Fuchsias (all types – basket, bush and hardy varieties) and the blight resistant Busy Lizzies - New Guinea Impatiens, which will flower their socks off.

The close proximity of pots and baskets to the house and the front door lends the possibility of growing heavenly perfumed plants to help add another dimension to your garden. As well as the usual contenders – evergreen Honeysuckles and Roses, make sure you plant some Ten Week Stocks, Sweet Peas for obelisks and trellis works and maybe some sweet smelling Cherry Pie plants (Heliotrope).

I quite like the idea of plant formality in front gardens – instantly you will provide structure, hopefully evergreen in nature to provide a rich green palette. Good contenders here would be Common Box, Rosemary, Lavender and Hebes. Again, you might want to opt for a variety of forms – topiary round balls, pyramids and spirals can add heaps of

24

character, especially if presented in attractive and tasteful containers.

You can even edge your drive area with fruit trees! Literally knee-high step-over apples are a really cool way of growing fruit in limited spaces. Indeed as gardens get smaller, planting apples trained as stepovers is one of the best and most attractive space-saving ways to grow fruit.

As the name suggests, the stepover is a low-growing, horizontally-trained tree that can literally be 'stepped over' – perfect next to your parked car! You can buy potgrown trees ready trained and you need to be planting them around 1.8m (6ft) apart.

Do make sure they are grafted on a M27 rootstock as they need to remain beautifully compact!

Another clever trick to make the best of your borders is to simply raise them. Again the extra height will help create a clever illusion of depth to the area and often gives you the opportunity to create a border of soil specific to the plants you wish to grow. A raised bed – you can pick up units relatively cheaply from the Garden

To advertise call 0844 6933228

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 10:34 Page 25

Centre - could accommodate a fine display of year-round interest heathers, choice dwarf conifers or even a collection of blueberry plants all growing in specific lime-free (ericaceous) compost. Oh, you’ll need to use rain water on these plants when they require watering as our water in this area is hard and limy.

Whacky containers to grow your plants is another option, although you’ll need to tread carefully as taste can (and does) often upset the neighbours!

I’ve seen cast iron baths filled to the gunnels with bog plants – Hostas, Iris and Mimulus are all great contenders. You could even use a Butler sink to act as a perfect container for a collection of alpine rockery plants, carefully planted it could flower for months on end!

Even recycled chimney pots – planted to link into your house colour - can make quite a fun statement; however do go easy on the gnomes! by using containers.

A Buckingham Garden Centre Gift Voucher worth £25!

With summer well and truly with us there’s never been a better time to get your garden in shape and here is a great opportunity to boost your front garden interest by entering our easy-to-enter competition.

To win simply answer the following question and TWO lucky readers will have the chance to win a Buckingham Garden Centre Gift Voucher, worth £25 - perfect for giving the garden a much-deserved treat or two!

Question: These roses have a common acclaim; ‘Peace’, ‘Nozomi’, ‘Rosy Cushion’, ‘Mountbatten’. What is it?

A. They have won awards B. They are all pink flowered C. They are all thornless Pop your answer A, B or C together with your name and address to: competition@buckingham-nurseries.co.uk Or by post to: Buckingham Garden Centre, Tingewick Road, Buckingham, MK18 4AE.

Tel: 01280 822133 www.buckinghamgardencentre.co.uk www.facebook.com/BuckinghamNurseries Open 7 Days a Week.

The closing date for entries is 31st July 2015. .

inbusinessmags@gmail.com

25

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 13:41 Page 26

I N D E X page number Artificial Lawns 23 Bathrooms 2,6,20 Beauty 12 Blinds/Curtains 8 Brickwork 2,10,14,20 Builders & Supplies 2,10,14 Caravan Servicing Repairs 15 Car Dealers 28 Carpentry 6 Carpets 11 Car Services/Repairs/MOT’S 7,28 Chimney Repointing 14 Chiropody 12 Coach Hire 5 Computers 5,11 Counselling 12 Dentist 13 Driveways 22 Electrician 18 Extensions 2,10,14 Fencing 2,20,21,22 Garage Conversions 2,10 Garden Design 20,21,22 Garden Maintenance 20,21,22 Gas Engineer 10,18,19 Guttering & Fascias 14 Home Improvements/Refurbishment 2,6,10,14,21,22 Kitchens 2,10 Landscaping 2,10,20,21,22

26

page number Motorhome Hire 15 Osteopathy 12 Oven Cleaning 14 Painting and Decorating 10,21 Patios & Paving 10,20,21,22 Plumbing/Plumbers & Heating 10,18,19 Printing and Design 2 Property Maintenance 6,10,14,21 Roofing 2,14,27 Stonework 2,10,20 Skip Hire 10 Tiling 14 Tree Surgeon 21 Turfing 21 TV, Radio & Satelite Aerials 18 Tyre Sales 15 Video Production 2 Windows/Conservatories & Repair 6,9,19,27 Wood Floors 10,11 Work Uniform 19

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 13:41 Page 27

inbusinessmags@gmail.com

27

Buckingham July 2015 _9x.qxp_Buck Nov 2013 10/06/2015 13:41 Page 28