Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year

We would like to thank our friends; neighbours, partners, sponsors and funders for their continued support throughout the year and wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful 2014.

How to grow pea shoots from Vertical Veg

"Looking for an easy crop to grow inside this winter? If you haven't tried them yet, pea shoots are fantastic. Pea shoots are great for small spaces – they grow fast, taste delicious and are rich in Vitamin C, A and protein. Easy to grow, they’re also perfect to try if you’re starting out. Seeing (and eating!) the fruits of your labour in just in two or three weeks is rewarding and motivating. Plus, pea shoots are a good choice for a shady spaces or to grow inside over winter  - just sow a stray or two and keep near a bright window".

 Find out how at: http://www.verticalveg.org.uk/how-to-grow-pea-shoots/

Barrow Borough Council Xmas opening times and refuse collection dates

What A Wonderful World........With David Attenborough

Help available with heating bills....

More support is now available to vulnerable adults below pension-age in Cumbria who may be struggling with heating bills. Cumbria County Council has set aside £47,000 (forty-seven thousand pounds) this winter to help low income families with children aged under-5 years, disabled people and people with long-term health conditions that are made worse by cold. One-off grants of £125 will be available to vulnerable households which meet the criteria, from December 2013 until end the end of February 2014. The funding comes from the council’s Ways to Welfare programme which provides support and advice to working-age people throughout the year who are experiencing severe hardship. The winter help will compliment support already available for pensioners in Cumbria through Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Fund and other government schemes.

Families with children under-5 years can apply for Cumbria County Council’s new cold weather grants through the following organisations:

• For Barrow, Millom Keswick, Workington Cockermouth and surrounding areas, contact Action for Children on: 01900 325251

• For Maryport, Aspatria, Wigton, Silloth, Carlisle, Brampton, Penrith, South Lakes, Kendal and surrounding areas, contact Barnados on: 01900 898040 or email debbie.young@barnardos.org.uk

• For Whitehaven Cleator Moor, Egremont, Seascale and surrounding areas, contact the Howgill Children’s Centre on 01946 62681 or email Diane.kenmare@howgill-centre.co.uk

Adults below pension-age with disabilities, or a long-term health condition made worse by cold, can apply for support by contacting Thelma Waite at　DACE on 01228 674882.

For all other enquiries, people should contact Cumbria County Council’s Ways to Welfare programme on 01228 221100 or email communitysupport@cumbria.gov.uk

Councillor Beth Furneaux, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for Adult and Local Services, said: "This is one-off funding of £47,000 which the county council is making available to help vulnerable people stay warm this winter.

"The latest figures show that that there are around 190 more deaths in Cumbria in winter compared to non-winter months.

"Keeping warm is a basic human need and this one-off help is there to help vulnerable working-age adults to stay safe and well this winter.

"Although times are tough for local government, we are determined to make sure that the vulnerable receive the help they need."

Information on other forms of support and advice available to Cumbrians this winter, can be viewed online at: http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/brrr/

Merry Christmas......

We would like to thank our friends; neighbours, partners, sponsors and funders for their continued support throughout the year and wish you all a Very Merry Christmas.

Little logs in our undergrowth

Barrow and District Disability Association - Santas Grotto

Furness College Christmas Fair - Thursday 19 December

Lunchtime for Robin

Harvesting and sowing chive seeds

A first sign of bulbs

Bulbs and cuttings in the poly tunnel

Decorating plant pots

Our friends from New Roots begin painting and decorating plant pots.

Sowing and growing winter crops

Fallen fruit

Last task for today - watering the cuttings and seeds.

Adding a central feature to our communal herb garden planter

Quote for the week.......

“Why did you do all this for me?' he asked. 'I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.' 'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing.” - E.B. White

Recycling and re-using plastic bottles to help protect cuttings and seedlings

December colour

Preparing to sow seeds for overwintering in the poly tunnel

Our herb cuttings and strawberry runners in the poly tunnel

Transplanting our hebe cuttings

Feathered friends enjoying some of our bird feeders

Getting into the festive spirit

Quote for the week......

“One word can end a fight; one hug can start a friendship; one smile can bring unity; one person can change your entire life!” - Israelmore Ayivor

How to plant and grow bulbs, corms and tubers

"Planting bulbs, corms and tubers is an easy way to ensure colourful displays in your garden, particularly in spring before the rest of the garden has woken from its winter dormancy. Bulbs can be planted in containers or borders, and look particularly effective when naturalised in grass. Thompson and Morgan have detailed information about bulbs, corms and tubers to suit all sites and soils"

When to plants bulbs and tubers

What soil do bulbs prefer?

Which way up should bulbs be planted?

Growing bulbs in containers

How to plant bulbs in grass

Planting depths for bulbs and tubers

For more information please visit the Thompson and Morgan website.

Growing winter crops on our community grow your own scheme

Maintaining our mint planters

Valued volunteer Alex pruning mint in the raised planters.

Among todays tasks included........

Clearing leaves from the guttering on the compost toilet.

Preparing to clean some of our bird feeders