A Year In Bloom
Autumn
Volunteers painted the High Street planters that they look after, to protect them ahead of the cold winter months. They were helped by two Chagossian refugees who were briefly housed in Chesham and volunteered their free time to support Chesham in Bloom. A lot of weeding, feeding, pruning and deadheading also took place.
A vine weevil infestation observed in some of the planters such as those at Lums Yard and Baines Walk was successfully treated with nematodes, as recommended by last year’s RHS judges.
Autumn was, above all, a time for preparation with volunteers adding peat-free compost, potting perennials and planting spring bulbs.
One technique employed by the group was lasagne planting, whereby bulbs were carefully layered to ensure a continuous flowering display from late winter through to late spring. The spring bulbs included tulip clusiana, allium, tête-à-tête daffodils and Dutch iris. These should return year after year.
Painting High Street planters to ensure a uniform colour and longevity
Impact and colour observed at Market Square in October.
Winter
Poor weather led to some damp working parties, however a walk to review all the sites maintained by Chesham in Bloom took place at the end of December and there was plenty of evidence of winter colour. Crocosmia was planted.
“Winter is a lovely time to let the garden rest and go through catalogues and dream of springtime.” - Volunteer
Silverleaf and primroses brightened up the entrance to the Town Hall.
Crocus, evening primrose and primulas complement each other in these high street planters.
Spring
Alliums dancing in the wind in the prairie bed at Baines Walk. Rich in nectar, they attracted many pollinators.
Narcissus and crocus created a vibrant setting at Market Square.
The bulbs planted outside the library as part of a family activity added a bright splash of colour to a previously uncultivated area.
Over a warm couple of days in April, volunteers came together to develop the beds at Chesham Moor. They cleared the triangular wildflower bed, spread compost and scattered wildflower seeds. They also tidied the herb garden, where signs encourage visitors to the Gym & Swim to help themselves, and added several new herbs.
Before and after - in April, the stumpery was cleared of weeds, revealing snake’s head fritillary and honesty.
The tulip display in the raised library bed.
East Street, where a barren patch has been transformed into a bee-friendly space with lavender and oxeye daisies.
A pocket of colour at Townfield
Summer
An early heatwave in May, followed by another in June, saw volunteers having to implement the watering rota much earlier than usual.
Hollyhocks and lavender greet residents arriving in Chesham by bus or car at Star Yard. This bed is packed with colour and drought-tolerant, low- maintenance plants.
Work in progress at Sophie’s Yard.
Freshly planted, adding interest to a very visible corner of Chesham.
Another transformative project: the raised bed on Red Lion Street. The intricate twinning design had proven difficult to maintain, so Chesham in Bloom member Paula, who is an artist as well as a keen gardener, designed and planted this attractive bed. It features marigolds, osteospermum, petunia and verbena.
Before
Work in Progress