Banner Cross Methodist Church
Eco Garden Group Meeting
Thursday 27th October 2022
Present: Tim Wilson, Paula Jones, Yvonne McIntosh, Stewart McIntosh, Andrew Watchorn, Ann Barker & Chris Barker
Apologies: Gen & Sean Ashton
Wildflower areas at front of Church
It was agreed that a proposal based on the unsuccessful application to Methodist Insurance be made to Church Council at the next opportunity. This would provide a budget to develop the front of church with additional seating & wildflowers. Yvonne to circulate previous proposal
An approach will also be made to local businesses to sponsor seating & planting. Tim to take forward
A visit has been made to Pictorial Meadows at Manor Top who provide wildflower meadows. Two options available turf at £21 per sq meter of Seed £1.65 per sq meter.
Turf would provide immediate impact, with seed taking longer to establish.
It was agreed that we would look at using turf on the ‘bank’ & use seed around the edges. The circular area been left without new planting to accommodate any events that may take place.
Hedging along boundary with Schoolroom development
The saplings provided by the Woodland Trust are due in November & we will need to arrange a gathering to plant these. There is also a need to prune the ivy & the pyracantha at the top of the drive
Apple Tree
Andrew to consider a suitable position & report back to the group
Wild Life water feature
Yvonne to obtain a suitable small container bearing in mind the shallow soil in this area.
AOB
Andrew pointed out that flowers planted in the raised beds quickly went to seed unless dead headed on a regular basis. We will consider edibles for this area next year.
Signage. Gen to provide an update. To now also include guidance on the picking of the rhubarb.
Compost from the greenhouse to be spread on raised beds
Next Meeting to be advised when hedge saplings arrive.
Tim Wilson
27th October 2022