Our Projects
We're often asked by residents how they can best get involved with Wilmslow in Bloom. As well as our ongoing projects, we have got some new initiatives for 2021
so that everyone can do their bit and get Wilmslow blooming again.
Adopt Your Street Sign
We've seen this project work in other towns and it's a really simple way to brighten up areas around the town. Either individually or together with your neighbours and friends why not ‘adopt’ YOUR street sign? It may just need a clean and polish or a tidy up of the weeds around it and for the more adventurous amongst you the addition of flowers or shrubs that can be tended throughout the year.
If everyone of our street signs becomes adopted in this way - imagine the impact it will have on our town! You may have seen all the great street signs planted up around Chapel Lane and surrounding roads.
We are keen to show how this initiative grows so send us your photos (before and after would be amazing) or once its in full bloom. We’ll add these to the website and our social media sites and they will also become an integral part of this year's submission to the RHS In Bloom Competition (we’re after another Gold folks!)
Please send your photos to to: wilmslowinbloom@gmail.com
The Community Gardens
As well as the Community Garden at The Temp, Transition Wilmslow has now taken on new land to create more community gardens at Oakenclough primary school and the 'Secret Garden' off Styal Road. Each of these gardens is led by a different person but you can email us to find out more if you'd like to get involved.
COVID rules mean that we have to socially distance and where possible use our own tools but you are welcome to come and weed, plant, water or just chat and enjoy the lovely gardens we have all created. Oakenclough is a big site and needs lots of work to create beds, dig the pond, and get ready to plant - why not come and join in? Lockdown means that getting outside and connecting with nature is even more important for everyone's health and benefit.
​
For details please of how you can get involved please email transitionwilmslow@gmail.com.
Yarnbombing!
Wilmslow In Bloom is now looking extra bright an colourful as part of our 'yarnbombing' of the town centre this summer.
Several groups of local knitters and crochet hobbyists have made an amazing array of items to add colour and personality to the town. Bees, flowers, bright stripes knits and much more have been added to tree trunks, railings, bollards and more. Have a look at Grove Street, the Methodist Church and several shop windows which are displaying the work. It looks great!
We're very grateful to everyone who has supported this project, including OXFAM who have provided a drop off point for spare wool as well as being super creative!
Raq's Grave
Did you know that Romany's dog Raq is buried here in Wilmslow?
​
The grave is overgrown and we have, with permission from The Romany Society, been tidying and replanting this area respectfully to the memory of Romany way of Life and his beloved dog.
​
Volunteers have been working hard to clear the area which looks much lighter, brighter and tidier and we will keep working on the project.
​
If you'd like to get involved, please email
Ruth Menlove at rafm59@btinternet.com
The Pond
This derelict pond by the cricket pitch and the Leisure Centre was identified as an area that would benefit from attention some years ago and a grant from the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ scheme was won to fund some of the work. The water was tested to ensure there was no evidence of newt habitation in May 2016 and 7 self-seeded sycamores were felled later that year to allow more daylight into the area. Teams of volunteers cleared saplings and growth in and around the pond. 2,000 bog-loving plants were introduced in February 2017. In 2018 a pair of ducks nested and raised 8 ducklings.
​
The pond is plagued with nettles and bramble that are helpful to wildlife but that will choke the planting around the pond. There is an ongoing programme to keep both species under control.
​
Across the road the Old Stables building is under renovation. Some bird cherry trees adjacent have already been removed to help protect the foundations. The In Bloom team has been working in this area to clear holly to open and improve the appearance of the area. Work is ongoing. Hedging whips have been planted around the electricity sub-station that will, in time, help disguise the amenity.
​
Contact: Ruth Menlove rafm59@btinternet.com
Wilmslow Station
Volunteers have been working hard to make Wilmslow Station look even smarter and more welcoming. Large half barrel planters have appeared on the platforms (donated by Wilmslow Garden Centre and painted and filled by Phil Barton and his team. New planters at the front of the Station were donated by STE Waste.
​
Volunteers have been tidying and weeding the large bed by the steps to the station car park and cleaned and re-varnished the Incredible Edible Apple.
Chapel Lane
Chapel Lane has had plenty of work going on to make it look fantastic this year. New planters as well as a pocket garden which has been installed in a veery unloved part of the Lane. Led by Julie Dawn Potts, volunteers have cleared an overgrown patch of scrub, planted it up and decorated the adjoining wall. It looks tremendous.
​
The whole area is greatly supported by the local businesses and residents who really 'Love the Lane'.
