Otley has its own Phlox

We’ve been putting in some research on the Otley Phlox and Fred M Simpson.  This is the potted history.

Fred M Simpson had a poultry business in the 1930s on the site of Stephen Smiths Garden Centre, Pool Road.  In the 1950s he moved towards plant breeding.  His successes were:

  • Otley Korean Cushion Chrysanthemums called “Lucy Simpson”, “Margaret Simpson” and “Grace Simpson” – no longer available.
  • A lupin “Otley Yellow” – no longer available.

His best work however was with perennial phlox which Otley in Bloom would like to bring back to the town.  He came up with the Otley Regal series: “Windsor”, “Balmoral” & “Sandringham” are still available at a few nurseries through the country; “Glamis”, “Harewood” and “Holyrood” are no longer available; also “Otley Choice” and “Otley Purple” which are available at a few nurseries. 

If you know anything about the man, or have any of his plants in your garden we would love to hear from you.

Craven Street garden

It was a very successful taskforce at Craven Street a couple of weeks ago with a good turnout, especially thanks to the local residents who had responded to Katie and Mike’s note. There were around 15 of us altogether, and it was enjoyable working together and sharing ideas. Some of the local residents took a great interest in the proposed garden, not only did they work hard, but also advised about how to lay a lawn, and took lots of stuff to the tip. With their extra help we were able to dig over the site, clear out weeds and stones, plant some bulbs and scatter grass seed. It was good that it rained that afternoon! Hopefully the grass will germinate soon, if it hasn’t already.

Katie did a great job in providing notices, barriers and coffee and cake. 

We have a bench for the space, and perhaps we can all get together and finish off in the Spring with some wildflower seed along the fence.

Otley in Bloom – after the yellow bikes, the gold award

Otley in Bloom is celebrating a golden year after Otley was awarded Gold and Category Winner by Yorkshire in Bloom.  This is a great achievement for the town and Otley in Bloom would like to thank the following for their support and assistance:  Otley Town Council, LCC Parks and Countryside, Neil Wilson and his team at Wharfemeadows Park, Streetscene Services, the Otley BID, Otley Lions, The Rotary of Otley Chevin, Otley Wetlands Nature Reserve, Beks Electrical, Waitrose, Courtyard Planters and all the businesses, organisations and individuals in Otley for their contributions and brilliant floral displays this spring and summer. Special thanks and congratulations go to the Whartons School, who received a Silver Gilt Award in the Young Persons category.
Picture shows David Bellerby, Otley in Bloom’s Competition Co-ordinator, receiving the Awards from Jim Butress of BBC 2’s The Big Allotment Challenge at the Yorkshire in Bloom Awards in York today, September 16th.

Otley in Bloom received a Gold Award and was judged Category Winner (category 2C, Town) in the Yorkshire in Bloom Award ceremony in York. The yellow bikes with floral baskets received their own Certificate of Achievement, recognising the hard work behind reclaiming them from scrap and re-inventing them as a quirky floral celebration of the Tour de France. The colour schemes in Wharfemeadows Park and the displays by local churches, shops and businesses caught the judges’ eyes, and Otley was praised for its community spirit and celebrations of local heritage visible around the town.

The yellow bikes are moving on

The yellow bikes with flowers have been a big hit locally and nearly all have now found new homes. Some will still be seen around Otley – one will remain in a central spot as an Otley in Bloom ‘noticeboard’. One is being given as an anniversary present, one is being adopted by a Dutch bike enthusiast and one will travel Wakefield way for a September flower festival. Donations have been truly generous, to help keep Otley a well loved and cared for place to live and work. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible.

There are still a few yellow bikes waiting for adoption. If you are interested in one, please contact Katie at Courtyard Planters on Westgate (01943 462390).