Brig In Bloom A Snapshot of Our Year

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1 Brig In Bloom 2017 A Snapshot of Our Year 1

2 Introduction Welcome To Bridge of Earn Bridge of Earn occupies an enviable location on the banks of the River Earn, with a thriving agricultural hinterland and stunning views all around. The history and character of Bridge of Earn is echoed in our choice of planters and features, such as fishing boats and vintage agricultural equipment. We are very fortunate to have a small army of volunteers who selflessly give up hours of their time to help ensure that we maintain our high standards of civic pride. We are also very fortunate to have a number of businesses in the locality who have generously supported the campaign support is received from a staggering total of 218 businesses and contributors. The Island Spring 2017 This year, we have a very active year working with local schools on the Balmanno and Brickhall project site which will provide enhancement of the lives of locals, and in particular those who live adjacent to this area. The school groups have diligently researched local rural life, interviewed local farmers, recorded their reminiscences, visited the Museum of Rural Life at NMS Kittochsde and promoted and delivered an extremely successful Celebration event, attracting 500 visitors. Please do enjoy reading this portfolio, and your visit to Bridge of Earn. George Smith, Vice Chair 2

3 Horticultural Excellence From March until June, hundreds of bedding plant plugs are potted up and meticulously tended to by our volunteers these are used in the multitude of seasonal displays throughout Bridge of Earn. Plants are chosen accordingly giving consideration to colour combinations and textural contrast. Success on growing on the plants also allows us to raise funds by selling surplus to raise funds for the group. Given that the plants are grown on in the locality allows us to offer our supporters quality plants. We combine sustainable planting of a permanent nature with the colour and lasting blooms provided by Summer bedding. It s not all blooms though, as we also grow vegetables throughout the year in raised beds at Cultivation HQ, home to our 2 polytunnels. Fruit is also grown on site at the children s Orchard within this area. Bio Diversity Areas have also been managed by the Bloom group which provide the perfect backdrop for our vintage agricultural machinery. Combined with our horticultural excellence is our attention to environmental responsibility - overwintered plants are donated to the community for communal driveways. As the days draw shorter, bulb catalogues are dusted down and the Spring bulb selection for the boat features and planters are chosen, although we also enjoy sustainable plantings of daffodils throughout Bridge of Earn. Heughfield Road Polytunnels BRIG IN BLOOM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF Bridge of Earn also boasts many attractive residential gardens with our slightly acidic soil which lends itself in particular to ericaceous planting. 30 Half Barrels 44 Hanging Baskets 67 Planters Many of which are planted up twice a year 3

4 Horticultural Excellence Residential and Community Gardening The entrance to the Institute is planted up by Brig In Bloom volunteers, and the Church of Scotland garden provides a beautifully themed sustainable garden. Planting sessions have taken place with a number of community partners. Thousands of bedding plants are potted on and tended by Brig In Bloom as well as areas of sustainable planted being tended throughout. The prayer trail within the Church grounds of Dunbarney is inspirational and an area for quiet reflection Spring Display at Balmanno Island 2017 Spring Bedding River Earn War Memorial Bedding Plants for 2017 Potted On and Maintained by Brig In Bloom Community Orchard Trees Pruned in

5 Horticultural Excellence Gold Medal Winner In Beautiful Scotland 2016 Gold Medal and Category Medal Winner In Take A Pride In Perthshire Awards 2016 The efforts of Brig In Bloom were justly recognised with an invitation to the Garden Party at Holyroodhouse in July 2017 Grass Care and Maintenance is also undertaken by Brig In Bloom approximately 2 miles of verges require to be cut as well as the island area and other grass areas. Arrangements are in hand with the Riverside Lodges to also assist and support the bloom group with grass cutting. Strimming is also undertaken by Brig In Bloom. 5

6 Environmental Responsibility Water Management We have invested in automatic watering systems which are programmed to provide water for the young plants and hanging baskets. We have also rigged up a system to provide the most efficient coverage by building a support platform for the plants. Also, our new 6 tier planter system stores 33 gallons of water per container, which we forecast will reduce watering frequency by at least 50%. We have also invested in 44 self watering hanging baskets which will also feature a reservoir for greater water efficiency, allowing less travel time anddistance and therefore lower carbon footprint. Composting As a loyal sponsor, Binn Skips also provide the group with compost, delivered by skip. This makes an ideal receptacle for our own organic waste which is later collected by Binn Skips and recycled. Sustainable Transport Bridge of Earn is surrounded by core paths which link to the city of Perth and the village of Forgandenny. Some of our volunteers also prefer to take to two wheels rather than four! Community Litterpicks We undertake regular Community litterpicks. Little Blooms Birds, Bees and Trees Working in partnership with Perth Beekeeper s Association, Brig In Bloom s Little Blooms have learned of the importance of bees in the environment and their fascinating world. Bridge of Earn falls within the Tay Landscape Partnership area, which has launched initiatives to increase the amount of bee keeping within the area. This includes attending classes, providing free hives, advice and help and support with bee keeping. Regular workshops are held for the Little Blooms at the Polytunnels, where they learn of the importance of nature and gardening. 6

7 Environmental Responsibility Bio Diversity Areas Management of the Deich Burn continues with the removal of invasive species, allowing a more natural habitat to establish. Wildflowers have also established and likewise at the Island. Outwith the areas managed by the group, the natural river habitat also provides a wide diversity of habitat, as does the are adjacent to the Deich Burn at Heughfield Road. Set aside areas adjacent to the Edinburgh Road also provide diversity of habitat. Up Cycling, Re Cycling and Lending A Hand! The surrounding farms always provide a great source of vintage equipment for our displays and planters. The bio diversity area harks of a bygone era with the installation of vintage farm equipment built to last!likewise the seed barrow and boats are linked to the history and character of the area. This year we have also assisted Kenmore In Bloom with the provision of a fishing boat which was refurbished by the Community Payback Team. Community Recycling at The Institute Recycling Facilities are readily available at the institute allowing us to recycle Glass, Textiles and Dry Cyclates. It s A Bug s Life! Bugs are encouraged with the development of a Bug hotel within the grounds of the Church. This was created by the Bridge of Earn Scout Group, who also made planters for the Church door. 7

8 Community Participation Primary 1 pupils from Dunbarney Primary School enjoy a soup lunch, made with vegetables grown by the Little Blooms - September 2016 Bulb planting with Dunbarney Primary School Primary 1 and 2 with Primary 6 buddies. November 2016 The 200 Club helps raise our profile and raise funds from the Community all year round. Brig In Bloom donate and erect the local community Christmas tree. December Visit to NMS Museum of Rural Life, Kittochside 40 local residents, and 35 Kilgraston and Dunbarney Pupils enjoyed the visit in April 2017 arranged by Brig In Bloom as part of the Brickhall and Balmanno Project Bridging The Past April 2017 Scouts Community evening in the Church Grounds May 2017 Fund Raising Coffee Moring and Plant Sale May

9 Planting Up by Dunbarney Primary 6 s Community Participation Struan Motors have provided us with a pick up vehicle for the past 13 years. The vehicle is maintained and taxed by Struan Motors the fuel is charged from Bloom funds. Affectionately known as Busy Lizzie. Local farmers assist with the siting of heavy planters Celebration Event Bridging The Past A small selection of our 218 sponsors 9

10 Future Plans The Brickhall and Balmanno Project Our major focus in the foreseeable future is continuing to work with the community in delivering the Brickhall and Balmanno Project. Our Celebration event on the 16th of June this year surpassed all expectations with a footfall of over 500 visitors. Galvanised by such enthusiasm another community event is planned for November Given the target funding required of over 50K, we will continue to raise funds and seek grant funding. To date, we have been awarded grant funding from Lochelbank Wind Farm, and currently have a live application with Tesco Bags For Life, and the Gannochy Trust. An application will also be made to the Community Environment Challenge Fund, a note of interest having been submitted. Out with these plans, we will continue our activities with our winning formula of Brig In Bloom. 10

11 Finance Brig In Bloom Income Streams to Year End Brig In Bloom continues to be financially stable by securing income streams through the endeavors of the Committee by fund raising, pursuing potential funding sources and contributing many volunteer hours. The group also seeks to get best value from any purchases and to invest in machinery and equipment for the future. The generosity of Struan Motors continues in supplying a vehicle for use for the group also reduces potential costs. Brig in Bloom also received CECF funding for the purchase of a new strimmer and ride on mower to replace the existing with a more energy efficient engine, thus reducing running costs. By growing on bedding plants ourselves, we also make substantial savings as well as providing a further income stream. 11