IN the past few weeks the In Bloom committee has organised two events to suit all ages – at the end of March a Gardeners Question Time in the village hall coupled with a cream tea proved irresistible. Our four professional horticultural experts - Jon Heath, head gardener at Bretforton Manor, Sarah Malleson, area supervisor at Hidcote Manor and her colleague Vicky Cody, deputy head gardener at the world famous garden and Tony Perryman, horticultural consultant with a lifetime of vegetable growing were able to answer the many questions thrown at them from pruning cherry trees to growing swedes successfully, from planting in shady areas to preventing ducks destroying the garden

And then it was “fun-time in the forest” on Sunday, April 6 when the In Bloom committee organised a Spring Wellie Walk, through the meadows and into a nearby wood. Marian Hay greeted us at the entrance stile and encouraged us to find interesting “treasures” – this is one of the activities which Pebworth School pupils enjoy when visiting Forest School. Pebworth in Bloom has been instrumental in raising funds to create a wonderful resource in the wood, a purpose built shelter, and it was interesting to try out the many activities that the children take part in, such as quizzes, observation exercises, drawing etc. Toddlers loved hiding in the dens and as volunteers had already got the campfire blazing we were soon all busy whittling sticks on which to toast marshmallows and hot cross buns. It was a delightful morning for all ages (and the well-behaved dogs) and we hope to repeat the walk in the autumn.

During the past few weeks volunteers have put in an enormous effort to clear St Peter’s churchyard of dead branches and twigs and to plant a “Golden Garden” to celebrate the RHS Britain in Bloom 50 years anniversary. The colourful display of daffodils, planted last autumn on the verges, has enhanced the village and Pebworth School playground in particular looks wonderful with the many pots of daffodils which the pupils have planted.