Out & about

This busy group had another successful morning at the Cemetery where one of the beds is now almost fully edged with decorative stones; A Norwegian Fir and a couple if box hedges have been planted nearby. A grit bin left in the wrong place was emptied, relocated and refi lled. The grass has been cut in and around the Community Orchard which is starting to show evidence of fruit on the bushes. The car park bed at The Fox and Hounds has been weeded and tidied; and the bed around the footpaths at Houston Primary has now been edged. 3 separate areas on the approach from Bridge of Weir have been cleared and scattered with lupin seeds. This will hopefully provide Summer colour for years to come. The group would also like to thank the kind resident who made a donation while they were tidying up.

PLEASE, MAY...

...we get back to nearly normal, please may the weather be good. In normal times, May is one of Brighter Bridge of Weir’s busiest periods. There’s a lot we need to do to be ready for summer. We managed to get through last year’s diffi culties, and things are certainly looking more promising now, so we’re hoping for the best. HERITAGE GARDEN...

The long-awaited ‘unveiling’ of Brighter Bridge of Weir’s Heritage Garden will take place on Saturday, 22nd May, at 11am. We are mindful that the pandemic has not gone away and so it won’t be a bells and whistles event, however, we were determined to get the work opened up for summer. We are very grateful to you all for the support that we have received from the community. PLANTERS...

The summer plants for the street planters, barrier baskets and the like are due for delivery either at the end of this month or the beginning of next. We’ve already been out tidying things up here and there, and even painting a wall, so we are match fi t. Let’s hope that everyone gets the chance to really have a very merry month of May (and June)..

local community, local life ............... 30 Bridge Of Weir Horticultural Society

Last year, April was a warm and sunny month which gave gardeners a welcome distraction and a chance to get on with Spring and Summer projects. A year on and this April was the coldest for 8 years with fearsome frosts, courtesy of a Scandinavian High bringing problems for gardeners nurturing early flowering shrubs. One member was out at 4.00a.m. throwing tea towels over budding rhododendrons – but it worked! A Prunus Tomensosa (pictured) spent flowering time mainly beneath fleece. Although not the coldest winter, the combination of conditions has caused damage for some. Spring bulbs have flourished, starting with a long, colourful display of Snowdrops along with winter Heathers. Unusually, hardy English Lavender and its French cousin, succumbed as did Rosemary. This is normally a tough and robust shrub seen on Mediterranean hillsides but the combination of cold and wet is too much for some plants. This year there has been frost burn on hardy evergreens, such as Eucryphia. In addition, many herbaceous plants just failed to reappear. Perhaps, the gardeners’ mantra should be: “Every loss creates opportunity for a new plant”. We have all read about the therapeutic effect of gardening; being outside in a green and relaxing environment, ambling along a country lane or walking through the park. Hopefully those new to gardening will want more of this “feel good” factor and will again be working in their gardens. The Society cannot meet yet but Members receive regular information via e-mail and in a Newsletter. As well as seasonal advice, the current issue discusses the pros and cons of Vermiculite v Perlite and there’s also a view of deer enjoying some down-time on member’s lawn – what a sight first thing in the morning! As soon as regulations allow, there will be a Committee meeting.

Spring colour is everywhere at RSPB Lochwinnoch, with fl owers, butterfl ies and damselfl ies round every corner. The Aird Meadow Trail is a great place to fi nd bluebells, and sheltered, sunny spots along the Barr Loch and Dubbs trails are havens for basking orange-tip butterfl ies. Take a look at our sightings board to fi nd out what’s been spotted recently – from summer migrants like willow warblers and ospreys, to resident mammals like otters and roe deer, May is a great month to fi nd wildlife. Have you visited the reserve recently? Share your sightings with us on Facebook @RSPBLochwinnochNR or twitter @ RSPBLochwinnoch. We’re Open! Updates for visitors: Our shop is now open 10am to 4pm every day - come in and say hello before exploring our trails! There is a small fee for access (adults £3, children £1.50, under 3s go free). Our carpark, accessible toilet and picnic area are also open. Be mindful of the breeding season. If you’re planning a visit to the reserve, help us take care of our wildlife. Our ground nesting birds are particularly vulnerable to disturbance. Walk dogs on leads or under close control, stay on the trails and keep noise to a minimum. We ask that all visitors follow the latest Scottish Government restrictions on travel and group sizes and advice on physical distancing and hygiene. Thank you for your continued support and patience in these challenging times. Stay safe everyone. Visit our website for more details, including the latest information about our facilities and opening times https://www.rspb.org.uk/ reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/lochwinnoch/

Nothing lifts the spirits in the morning more than the dawn chorus. Think of it as caffeine for the soul. But wouldn’t it be great to identify a bird just from its song alone? To help, the RSPB has created a bird song ID playlist with some of the common birds you’ll fi nd in and around your garden or local area. Have a listen here and see who you can recognise next time you’re sitting in the garden... https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-songs/what-birdis-that/