The Park Blog
By mid October all the spring bedding and bulbs were planted and the new roses were pruned back for spring. By the end of the month it was time to say goodbye to our second apprentice, Tom Loader, who has achieved an NVQ Level 2 and is now qualified for spraying herbicide and fungicide. We wish him well. Early winter pruning was done in various areas and some shrubs moved to the commemorative garden in time for a well-attended, moving memorial service. The box blight has not got any worse on the clock and has had two applications of seaweed extract. The fountain has been turned off and the pump removed for winter to avoid freezing. Bulbs have been planted around the blue cedar and also around the town with FPP, Whitby in Bloom and some schools. The Christmas tree looks lovely with its new lights and handmade decorations, the switch on performed by Walter Turner in a low-key event. The friends’ dinner was a lovely afternoon, all enjoying a delicious meal. In the final weeks before Christmas, 100 whips were planted in the wildlife border, 25 wild cherry and 75 crab apple, for the Big Tree Plant. Also, two tree planting ceremonies took place. First, Kath Horsley planted a magnolia tree and the Mayor John Freeman donated a Golden Metasequoia for the Queen’s jubilee. Plenty to do in the new year for us all, so enjoy the festive break, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all! Keith.
2012-12-22 20:52:30
18th September Yorkshire in Bloom Awards at York Racecourse was a lovely day for those lucky enough to attend,with Whitby doing incredibly well in a number of categories and for Pannett Park, the Yorkshire Rose
GOLD Award! What a fantastic achievement for us all.
Thanks on my behalf go firstly to Chris and his team of managers from SBC for their support throughout. I would also like to thank my immediate team of Geoff and Tom for all of their hard work, and Pete and Anth for their help and teamwork. Next, to Steve Daley who helps keep the park litter free at weekends and also to Whitby in Bloom, with whom we worked. We've also had help from college and work experience students, as well as various groups in the community garden, particularly Dalewood House who are so enthusiastic. Finally to the Friends of Pannett Park for all their dedication and support, and for asking me to receive the award was a real honour.
We've all worked so hard in, at times, horrible conditions and so to each and every one of you thank you, well done and be proud. Keith.
2012-10-01 16:19:44
In May, the carved wooden statue of Kupe, a warrior who explored the South Seas and New Zealand, was unveiled
in the South Seas Garden. This was a well attended occasion, including Maori dancers and music, which everyone enjoyed.
Next on our agenda was to plant box hedging around the edge of the new shape floral clock. Both staff and friends enjoyed the planting a great team effort.The friends then turned their hands to teak oiling all of the benches and litter bins in the park. After the Jubilee bank holiday weekend we awaited delivery of the bedding plants for the clock, which were supplied by Altbys of York. An excited and eager team awaited their arrival at 7.30 am and worked so hard, showing great team work and enthusiasm. A great sense of pride was felt by all on returning this iconic landmark to its former majestic state.The official unveiling was a lovely day enjoyed by invited guests, sponsors and the public.
The rest of the summer bedding was planted and naturally watered in by the excessive amounts of rain, which has made gardening a real problem. June saw Armed Forces Day and the Olympic torch parade and apart from one heavy shower all went well. The weeks leading up to Yorkshire in Bloom were, to say the least, extremely challenging, probably the worst weve seen in years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, including staff and friends alike, for their fantastic efforts in quite dreadful conditions. How we all managed to achieve the standards for the day of judging is nothing short of a miracle, so sincere thanks to you all. The judges had a wonderful day and were thrilled by their visit. Lets hope we get our just rewards! The Green Flag was awarded in July for the third year running having been judged earlier in the year by a mystery shopper. Pannett Day was a little more low key compared to other years but fine weather and a gentle flow of people combined to make a pleasant day. Heres hoping for much better weather for us all to enjoy in the remainder of the summer. Many thanks again!
Keith Wright, Park Keeper
2012-07-29 20:28:10
Spring started very dry with lots of water needed for the newly planted roses, various additions in the Jurassic Garden, plus the large specimen Atlantic Blue Cedar, Metasequoia and Prunus Serrula. Mid March saw diverse weather from a week of balmy sunshine to the next, snow and gales which resulted in some tree damage. Yorkshire in Bloom judges were not put off by the inclement weather, enjoying their tour of Whitby and ending in the park, which they described as the ‘jewel in the crown.’ The spring bedding, bulbs and blossom were spectacular in both colour and scent. A wet start for the Easter event didn’t dampen the public spirit, resulting in a very successful event. Three insect piles were made and our friends from the Beaver Scouts have added a number of bug hotels in the park. Over 4000 wild flower plugs have been planted in the wild flower areas including primula, cowslip, dog violets and wood anemones. Next was the new herbaceous border. This was prepared and planted linking in with the existing borders and the new obelisks. If early spring was extremely dry, late spring has been in complete contrast, making gardening conditions difficult, but very welcome for the newly planted. The floral clock has taken on a new shape to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, so watch out for the developments. Let’s hope for an improvement in the weather for our busy summer ahead.
2012-05-12 12:25:15
A warm welcome to the new year to FPP old and new! 2012 started with strong winds which caused some damage but nothing drastic. The rose bed project continued; all soil to be removed to a depth of 18 inches and fresh soil and compost returned. This was required due to specialist diagnosis of rose (soil) sickness. New varieties were chosen, taking advice from local supplier Rogers of Pickering. The planting of Hybrid Teas and Musk roses has now been completed and a mycorrhiza was added to boost root growth. More new shrub planting to follow soon. Plenty of winter colour this year with cornus, mahonia and the sweet smell of sarcacocca and an abundance of winter berries for the visiting birds. After the kind and relatively dry winter weather early signs of spring are evident with bulbs and bedding giving colour. Looking forward to spring!
2012-02-25 13:28:12
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