Issue 24 - September 2012 (PDF) - Chipping Norton Times

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8 A beautiful lawn is no accident... - it’s the result of a programme of care over a sustained period. In this monthly column, local lawn expert Alan Mann of Beautiful Lawn, talks how to restore your own lawn to vibrant good health. Following one of the wettest and coolest summers ever recorded, your lawn may look green and healthy but a host of problems have been created by these unprecedented conditions. Now that we are moving into autumn, it’s time to deal with them before they really take hold. We all know that grass needs water. We may not know that it doesn’t like being permanently wet, particularly not when combined with warm temperatures. This creates a damp, airless environment that encourages the development of two of the biggest threats to the health of your lawn - moss and disease. Moss loves the conditions that grass hates - so, if you have moss in your lawn, it’s likely that your grass is already struggling. Moss is particularly invasive because it breeds twice a year - in the early spring and autumn. If it is allowed to breed unchecked it spreads exponentially and can take over a lawn very quickly. To stop the problem getting any worse in the immediate future your moss should be treated with a ferrous sulphate spray in early autumn to stop it sporing this season. The resulting black moss debris will need to be removed with a hard scarification. However, that won’t stop moss breeding again in early Spring. To completely eradicate moss from your lawn, you need to address the conditions it enjoys - in particular, shade and damp. Start by removing the lower limbs from trees and cutting back shrubs that cast permanent shadow over your grass. This allows air and warmth to circulate through the grass. The biggest difference you can make is to improve the drainage in the soil underneath the lawn and this should be done using a hollow-tine aerator to remove plugs of soil from the lawn. Then apply a top dressing of sand and loam and brush it into the lawn. This will fill the holes left by the aerator and introduce looser material into the sub soil, improving drainage and easing soil compaction. ““TToo ccoommpplleetteellyy eerraaddiiccaattee mmoossss ffrroomm yyoouurr llaawwnn,, yyoouu nneeeedd ttoo aaddddrreessss tthhee ccoonnddiittiioonnss iitt eennjjooyyss”” Your Lawn in September Fungal infections which are normally only seen in the autumn have thrived during this wettest of summers. Many of them enjoy the same conditions as moss so they can be addressed in the same way, although a chemical control will require the application of a fungicide and this is best carried out be a professional. Finally, don’t forget to raise the height of your mower blades as the rate of growth slows during September. Keep mowing the lawn for as long as it keeps growing, but this should be at less frequent intervals as we move later into the year. ALAN MANN
LINDY ALLFREY – Portrait Artist, Stow on the Wold In June 2012 Lindy Allfrey won an international award for her painting ‘Model in New York’. An elegant notice posted on her website says: THE SOCIETY OF WOMEN ARTISTS 151st EXHIBITION 2012 MALL GALLERIES, LONDON Patron : HRH Princess Michael of Kent PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENTS’ CHOICE Award for ‘Model in New York” Oil on Linen by Lindy Allfrey The paragraph below the announcement tells us a little more about the Award and why it is special…. “Founded in 1855, the Society has had a unique history dedicated to promoting art by women. The Annual Exhibition at the prestigious Mall Galleries, showcases a stunning and eclectic mix of artwork in all media. The Society encourages variety and versatility and features some of the finest contemporary women artists from all over the world, thus sustaining a reputation for excellence. Visit www.society-women-artists.org.uk for more info.” Lindy’s website is well worth a browse, with background notes hinting at the skills and professionalism that underpin her confidence and enthusiasm. Lindy regularly books herself into classes, workshops and tutorials, studying in Florence and more recently in America. “Art is continuous training. It’s a life’s work - there is no limit. It’s exciting.” “Once you have the tools, and know how to use them you don’t have to think about it…..and then you can express yourself.” The result is a growing number of awards, among them ‘The People’s Favourite Painting Prize’ at the 125th Anniversary Exhibition ‘John Singer Sargent’ in Broadway in 2010. The winning portrait was “The Lady in Red” and it can be seen at Lindy’s studio at Walton House in Stow on the Wold. Lindy Allfrey with the winning portrait “Model in New York” “Portraiture is special….when you are painting a portrait it’s a special time. It’s fun - everyone is surprised at how much they enjoy the process.” Lindy runs workshops and classes in her studio, sharing her knowledge and experience with her students. Small groups meet regularly and 3day courses offer tuition for beginners or a brush-up of rusty skills. Lindy teaches Still Life as well as Portraiture. www.lindyallfrey.co.uk Left: Captain in the Irish Guards Qualified gardener • Specialist Pruning Telephone: 01386 700903 • E-mail: nickplantsperson@btinternet.com 9
Page 1 and 2: CHIPPING NORTON TIMES Issue 24 Sept
Page 3 and 4: CHIPPING NORTON TIMES From the Edit
Page 7: STOW ON THE WOLD TAXI SERVICE 6 SEA
Page 11 and 12: With over 10 years experience the R
Page 13 and 14: conservation is important, and some
Page 15 and 16: COTSWOLD BOOKSTORE 20 High Street,
Page 18 and 19: 18 Paying Too Much Tax? Contact Rob
Page 20: 20 BOURTON ON THE WATER THE ROYAL B
Page 23 and 24: OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Support
Page 25: West Oxfordshire District Council h
Page 30: 30 Rural Cinema - September The Pla
Page 35 and 36: Increasing fuel prices push volunte
Page 38 and 39: 38 StoW SKIPS QUAlItY SERVICE • C
Page 42 and 43: 42 Home-Start Needs Your Help Being
Page 45 and 46: Cotswolds Health and Fitness Club
Page 47 and 48: MORETON-IN-MARSH BOWLS CLUB Report
Page 49 and 50: Olympic Glow MORETON RANGERS FOOTBA
Page 52 and 53: Chadlington Flower Club Julie Thomp
Page 54 and 55: 54 Rotary Club of Chipping Norton C

Issue 24 - September 2012 (PDF) - Chipping Norton Times

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