We have reached that time of the year again when our garden centres are transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland. We have an all new Grotto for Santa this year at Burton Latimer, and we will also be running Storytime with Santa, aimed at pre-school children. At Elton, our Breakfast with Santa returns; all our events are open for booking on our website.
Our Christmas trees will be in stock towards the end of November to suit all budgets and with expert friendly advice. The oldest living Christmas tree is believed to be sited in our neighbouring county of Bedfordshire, located in Wrath Park. Thomas de Gray planted it in 1856 and each year it was brought into his mansion and decorated for the families festivities, to be planted back again after the Christmas season; this continued until the tree became too big to move. Don’t forget that Cransley Hospice will be operating their tree recycling scheme this year . Making a donation to have your tree collected at the end of the season will help with much needed funds for the Hospice.
Another plant closely associated with Christmas is Mistletoe. This is a ‘hemiparasetic’ plant which means it gets it nutrients and water from the host tree it grows on. We have all heard of the romantic notion of being kissed under the Mistletoe. However, in ancient Britain it was considered a sacred plant that could only be cut by druid; it was a symbol of peace and those that met underneath it were banned from fi ghting.
Some of our favourite plants for this time of year are: Skimmia Japonica - an evergreen shrub, with dark green aromatic leaves and produces shiny red berries throughout the winter months; Nandina - also known as Heavenly Bamboo, with green ripening to bright red berries in the autumn months and lacy foliage turning to a reddish purple; and Leucothoe - another compact evergreen shrub whose changing leaf colours ensure it earns its place in the winter garden.
The typical Christmas card scenes of snow are rarely seen these days, but it is best to be prepared to protect your garden. Avoid where possible walking on snow covered lawns as this can cause damage to the turf underneath. Shake excess snow off of plants to avoid the branches bending, or breaking, or permanently disfi guring the plant. Where safe to do so, remove snow from the roof of greenhouses to avoid damaging the frame under the weight of snow.
The Mulberry Café at Elton is ideal for a festive catch up with colleagues, friends or family, and there is a huge selection of Christmas food, chocolate and cake on display at both sites for the table, as a gift or simply a treat for yourself; you’ll never be stuck for a gift idea with a visit to our Giftware Department with something for all ages. We would like to take the opportunity of thanking you for your custom again this year - whether in person or via our online store - and would like to wish you a very happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to welcoming you to our centres over the festive season.
Finedon Road Burton Latimer NN15 5QA
01536 722635
OPEN HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9am - 6pm Sun: Open for browsing - 10am Tills open - 10.30am - 4.30pm
Only minutes from J10 off the A14 and midway between Kettering and Wellingborough
Elton Walled Garden Elton PE8 6SH
01832 343104
OPEN HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9am - 6pm Sun: 10am - 5pm
Disabled Access All Major Credit Cards Accepted www.bosworthsgc.co.uk
Visit our online shop: www.bosworthsonline.co.uk www.facebook.com/BosworthsGC
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