You can give it a go yourself, with the prestigious Vigo Presses Steamer or Dryer. Steamers are perfect for extracting pure juice for drinks or jellies from black, red and white currants; berried fruits like elderberries, loganberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries; rhubarb, hard fruits like crab apples and quinces and stoned fruits like damsons, sloes and plums. Drying is the oldest known method of preserving food and there is a multitude of uses for dried products. As the food desiccates, water is withdrawn, eliminating both fermentation and rot and mould forming bacteria. The flavour is concentrated and vitamin, nutrient and mineral content is not affected. Dried fruits make delicious and wholesome snacks, perfect for those hungry ‘in-between meal’ moments. Visit www.vigopresses.co.uk for inspiration on preserving your produce this year. Vigo Presses Ltd, Unit 4 Flightway, Dunkeswell, Honiton, Devon EX14 4RD. Tel: 01404 890093
Mid August day out at Gillingham and Shaftesbury show The Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Show takes place on Wednesday, 16th August. With 73 of the 200 classes devoted to fruit, vegetables and flowers, the horticultural marquee is a mecca for gardening enthusiasts.. Entries are staged on the morning before showday and judged that afternoon, so that the marquee is open for visitors all day at this traditional one-day agricultural show. Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Show, Turnpike Showground, Motcombe SP7 9PL. For schedules call 01747823955 or email enquiries@gillshaftshow.co.uk
Thatched cottage holiday delight for garden lovers Set in three quarters of an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens, surrounded by fields and nestled within easy reach of the market town of Romsey, Hampshire, this cosy, homely thatched country cottage provides a peaceful location, ideal for a really relaxed holiday break for up to five people. Many places of interest are within easy reach such as Mottisfont Abbey gardens and the New Forest National Park which offers ample walking, cycling and other outdoor pursuits as well as wildlife spotting opportunities. Bedlinen is provided free of charge and there is parking for two cars. Visitors assured a clean cottage and warm welcome. Call Mrs Crane on 01794 340460 for further information.
Hill Close Gardens Trust Hill Close Gardens are the only remaining set of Victorian detached gardens open to the public. You can find out about their unique history and take a step back in time to 1896. There are 16 individual plots overlooking Warwick racecourse and some have brick built summerhouses where you can shelter and find out about the plots previous owners. Many events take place throughout the year including ‘Murder on the Terrace’ by Heartbreak productions on Tuesday 25th July. You can visit the ‘green’ visitor centre that turns into a
HILL CLOSE VICTORIAN GARDENS WARWICK Come and explore 16 restored Victorian gardens Open weekdays NovMarch: 11-4pm
Open every day April-Oct: 11am-5pm with Tearoom Sat, Sun and Bank Hol Mon Murder on the Terrace – by Heartbreak productions Tues 25th July 17:30 - Late £13.50 / £11 cons Art in the Gardens Sat 19th - Sun 20th August Art / Crafts / Workshops / Tearoom Normal entrance fees. Heritage Weekend – Free entry for all Sat 9th - Sun 10th September Garden entry £4.00 Child £1.00 HCGT & RHS Free Tel. 01926 493339 www.hillclosegardens.com Access by racecourse to Bread & Meat Close, Warwick CV34 6HF. 2 hrs free parking.
www.countrygardener.co.uk
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