Category: Event

Mass snowdrop planting 20th September

Mass Snowdrop Planting

to commemorate World War 1

Sunday 20th September at 10am, meet at The Buttercross

This September Otley in Bloom will be working with schools, community groups and other interested parties to plant snowdrops to mark the centenary of the First World War. 5000 bulbs will be planted across the town in key locations to mark this important anniversary.

Why snowdrops?

Snowdrops have been chosen as they are a symbol of peace and hope, and a link to the white war graves. They are also an early source of nectar for bees. The snowdrops will flower in spring 2016, creating larger clumps every year from then on to create a lasting legacy.

If you would like to be involved, or can think of a good place to plant some snowdrops, let us know….

www.otleyinbloom.co.uk or call 01943 462390

Snowdrops and War – Some Facts

There is also a connection with the Crimean War. Unlike the poppy’s association with the blood spilt in the First World War, the purity of the snowdrop enchanted the soldiers bogged down in Crimea (1853-1856). The flowers heralded spring on the battlefield. Many survivors brought the bulbs back to plant in their gardens.

Snowdrops contain their own anti-freeze. They were harvested during the First World War to make anti-freeze for tanks.

On a sunny day, snowdrops are highly scented and give off a honey smell. If you have enough plants the perfume will fill the garden.

Picnic in the park

The annual Otley in Bloom picnic (a bring-and-share event) was held in Wharfemeadows Park on 19th July, to coincide with Otley Brass Band performing there. We sat by the nectar bed and admired the flowers and bees, and the children who came had fun trying to fly a kite and playing with an umbrella. It’s not all hard work at Otley in Bloom.

Yorkshire in Bloom summer judging day 2nd July

Yorkshire in Bloom judges Brendan Mowforth and Timothy Stewart were given a guided tour of local highlights on a lovely sunny day. They were led by Otley in Bloom committee members Katie Burnett, David Bellerby and Edie Bates, along with mayor Councillor Philip Bye and town council leader, Cllr Ray Georgeson.  They looked at Wharfemeadows Park including the nectar bed, the town centre, Bridge allotments, Gallows Hill nature reserve, and the Whartons Primary School.  They were shown a display and presentation at Courtyard Planters followed by lunch at the Black Horse Hotel.  Otley in Bloom is hoping to match its success last year, when Otley won a Gold Award in the competition’s town section and was named category winner.

We will find out how we did on the 8th Sept at the Awards Ceremony at York Racecourse, which we hope a couple of our members will be able to attend.

Summer town centre planting session

Summer Town Centre Planting Session

Sunday 17th May at 10am

 meet at The Garden School, 9 Westgate

Would you like to help prepare Otley for Summer?

Do you like planting up containers?

Do you fancy spending a morning with like-minded people?

Join us for this event.  Some of the work will be done around town, and some of the work will be done inside (so it’s safe if you want to bring children – they can get involved too).

For more details call 01943 462390.

Yorkshire in Bloom judging day 8th April

The spring judging for the Yorkshire in Bloom competition is on 8th April. We have been busy planting, tidying and weeding, trying to make Otley look as lovely as we can ready for the judges. This picture shows the little garden at Bremner Street opposite Asda, after we’d pruned and litter-picked (a whole bin-liner-full of litter this time!), and planted some new flowering plants.

We will be out on 7th April in the evening picking up litter, trying to show the judges Otley at its best. if you’d like to help us, we’re meeting at the Buttercross at 7pm. (This will be instead of our normal monthly meeting.) If you have floral displays outside your house or business, it would be lovely if you could make sure they’re looking their best too.