Kelsi-Dean Buck takes us through Thorngrove’s last summer hurrah: join them at the Dorset County Show for plants, bugs, and more!
Well, there we have it – the nights are rolling in and we are bidding farewell to summer … but not without one last hurrah before autumn!
“Thorngrove on tour” continues – this weekend we are joining many other amazing Dorset businesses and entertainment at Dorset County Show. Do come and find us on Saturday 7th or Sunday 8th September, where we will be pitched up with Employ My Ability, and staff from our site in Moreton, The Walled Garden.
Regular visitors to our sites – and readers of this column – will know we are more than just a garden centre and café. The work that takes place at Thorngrove, and The Walled Garden, is all in partnership with Employ My Ability as we look to continue developing our amazing environments for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Our students learn and gain valuable work experience which allows them to find their future within the local communities and beyond. (find out more at employmyability.org.uk)
Our stand at the county show will be stocked with beautiful plants and garden items, along with staff from Thorngrove and EMA to talk about what we do – and this time we’re even bringing some of our amazing exotic bugs with us. Yes, you read that right! Visitors to the Walled Garden may have already braved our ‘bug experiences’, but if not, now you can get a little peek yourself at the show. The bugs are part of our wider animal family at Moreton, along with goats, guinea pigs, rabbits and reptiles – all of which help our students develop new skills, and learn about animal care as they pursue careers in related industries.
So please do stop by and see us – we’ll be giving out vouchers too! If you’re reading this after the show, don’t fret, I’m sure we’ll have a few left over … pop into Thorngrove in Gillingham during September and ask us.
In the garden
With our new stock of spring bulbs at the ready, planting season will soon be underway and we’re on hand to offer inspiration and advice to those of you looking to plan ahead and grow your own. The cyclamen have also already arrived – they always signal the end of summer, and … yes … dare we say it … the looming whispers festive season!
We are deep in the midst of our Christmas planning and will have lots of exciting news very soon on what you can expect from us here in Gillingham. Stay tuned to our social media for up to the minute details, plus all the latest insight from the garden centre, and the café. We look forward to seeing you this season!
