scouts christmas tree sale

Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society

During benign October weather, gardeners were able to catch up with end-of-season chores. Autumn tints were splendid with surprising flourishes from Springtime shrubs, such as Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Christmas Cacti owners were remarking that some were budding nicely and likely to flower for Christmas or earlier! Bulbs should be planted by the end of November. If not..... check the recommended depth for each bulb, not just the ‘rule of thumb’ of 2.5 times the depth. Add horticultural grit to the bottom of the hole, or Vermiculite or Perlite. This helps drainage so keeps the bulb healthy. The last bulbs to plant are normally tulips. Sometimes delays occur but bulbs will catch up or fall into dormancy depending on conditions. For best results, place one type of bulb in a pot and when they flower, arrange these for effect. ‘Lasagne’ type planters may be fashionable but are disappointing. Different bulbs pop up at different times and often the display is sparse because bulbs are over or yet to come. Remember bare-rooted shrubs etc., ordered earlier, will be appearing and need to go in promptly. Give these a good drink, keep moist in a bucket in a cool shed and plant when the ground is frost-free. Prepare a hole wide enough to spread the roots freely over the soil, add compost and mound slightly in the middle to encourage roots to grow downwards, then sprinkle the roots with organic Micorhizzal powder and position on the mound. If roots are too long, this is the time to trim them and will do no harm. These are the plant’s anchor roots. The fibrous ones are those which suck up nourishment. Firm the soil to support the plant. If the tree has a trunk, include a stake to prevent root rock. This should be angled at 45 degrees and point into the prevailing wind. Tie the stake to the tree lower down the trunk but not too tightly. Movement should be limited near the roots but allowing flexibility for the trunk to sway. A little tugging on the roots encourages them to get working! Find us on Facebook and read our new e-letter with members’ contributions.

Scout’s Christmas Tree Sale

Scout Hall, Barr’s Brae,Kilmacolm, 10am to 2pm On Saturdays 28th November, 5th and 12th December.

Kilmacolm Scouts will be bringing some early festive cheer to end the year by selling our usual fantastic Nordmann non-drop Christmas Trees. Due to Covid restrictions the trees will be pick-up only this year but we can cater for all sizes at prices well below the big stores. All money raised goes to funds that help provide skills and adventure for young people. We will be selling from our Scout Hall in Kilmacolm and possibly in Bridge of Weir too for those who usually come from Renfrewshire to buy their tree and who don’t want to break the Tier 4 lockdown.

temporary cycling routes [cont]

Full details of each route are available now on the Council’s Spaces for People cycle routes webpage and as the Bridge of Weir to Houston route has been added to the programme, an online survey is open until Sunday 20 December for more detailed feedback. There are also webinars on each route being hosted by the design consultants, with the Bridge of Weir to Houston webinar at 7pm on Thursday 3 December and the Howwood to Paisley webinar scheduled for 7pm on Thursday 10 December. Anyone wishing to participate in either webinar can email ei@renfrewshire.gov.uk and they will be provided with the joining instructions. Councillor McEwan added: “We are working hard to hear from anyone with an interest in these routes and are contacting local businesses directly to ensure we’ve considered their needs. “These are the first routes we are bringing forward and next year we hope to share the developed designs for others. While they are temporary measures, if they prove popular then we can look at more detailed discussion and consultation to develop them into permanent cycling routes as it’s so important we enhance the active travel opportunities across Renfrewshire.” The Spaces for People Fund is managed by Sustrans who give tailored support to successful projects to assist with the planning and delivery of the new temporary infrastructure. Tim Aeberli, Infrastructure Coordinator, said: “Sustrans is delighted to see the delivery of the first two Spaces for People-funded popup cycle routes in Renfrewshire gathering pace. Bridge of Weir, Houston, Howwood, Johnstone, Elderslie and Paisley will benefit from safe, segregated links which will make it easier to walk, cycle or wheel while maintaining physical distancing. “We look forward to hearing feedback on the proposed routes, and to find out how the new routes will support you for safe and active journeys to schools, workplaces and essential shops in your area.” As part of the feedback process, residents, schools, businesses and communities are being asked for their opinions – as are key active travel organisations across the country. Clare Skelton-Morris, Communications & Monitoring Manager at Cycling Scotland said: “During lockdown, we heard from so many people how much of a difference cycling was making to their health, enjoying cleaner air, quieter roads and reduced feelings of stress. As we continue to battle against Covid-19, getting outside and active is more important than ever to look after our physical and mental health. “We’re encouraged to hear these safe cycling routes are being introduced in Renfrewshire and hope, longer-term, that these routes may be developed into permanent, protected and inclusive infrastructure, which is the highest priority to enable more people to cycle.” For more information on the proposals, visit www.renfrewshire. gov.uk/SpacesForPeopleCycleRoutes.

get ready for winter weather

With colder, wetter weather approaching, homeowners and businesses are being asked to identify whether their area is at risk of flooding and, if so, ensure they are ready in advance. As part of its #RenReady campaign, the council are encouraging residents to take proactive steps to avoid flooding damage, including: •

Creating a list of useful numbers such as the council, emergency services, electricity and insurance companies;

Checking gutters and drains around their property are clear and reporting public drains in need of attention;

Being ready to switch off gas and electricity supplies should this be required;

Ensuring everyone living or working in the property knows what to do should flooding occur by creating a Flood Plan;

Following up to date weather reports so that they’re not caught out by adverse weather. In the event of severe flooding, residents can check for localised updates via the council website and social media, or via the Floodline Service on 0345 988 1188. Flood Alerts and Warnings are also posted live to SEPA’s website at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of RC’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “Unfortunately as winter approaches, this brings darker nights and harsher weather. So, it’s important that we are all prepared to deal with the effects of heavy rainfall and know what to do if it arrives, especially if you live in an area prone to flooding. “We’re working hard to ensure that areas we know are at risk are prepared in advance by clearing drains and trying to divert the natural flow of water - but we can also provide you with support in an emergency. You should create a flood plan so you’re not caught out and do all you can to protect your property from the risk of flooding. As always, we’re available to support you and offer advice so please get in touch if you need assistance.” Renfrewshire Council is working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the SEPA website has information on how best to stay safe, including a postcode map outlining the flood risk in each area. Vincent Fitzsimons, SEPA’s Head of Hydrology and Flooding Services, said: “While you can sign up for Floodline at any time it’s important you have time to understand what those messages mean - and what you can do in advance of rainfall. We want to encourage people to make the time to visit sepa.org.uk/signup and get registered. If you’re not online you can also call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. “There’s a wealth of information available at floodlinescotland.org. uk to help you prepare, including what to do before, during or after a flood. There’s advice for your homes, your business and you travel, with links to key sources of information. Don’t wait until flooding’s at your door, sign up to Floodline now and make sure you’re ready before you need to be.”