Grow Your Own in Wincanton

Wincanton resident Pat Champion has grown a whopper of a sunflower. Having grown sunflower plants over the years she decided to try something different this time, and bought a packet of ‘giant sunflower’ seeds. After germination the young flowers were planted in their final garden positions, and nurtured in Pat's usual diligent way.

Pat expected them to grow larger than the normal varieties she had grown in the past, but to her amazement and delight, giant really did mean giant. One of her plants reached 12 feet in height, towering above the six foot garden fence. Standing beside her tallest bloom you could be forgiven for thinking that Pat was in the land of Lilliput.

Can you beat Pat's 12-footer? Send the Wincanton Window a picture of you standing by your flower, or any other impressive specimen, to .

Pat’s interest in gardening grew over many years, and today people of all ages are still discovering gardening for the first time. Whether you have a window box, or acres to spare, you can still grow flowers and vegetables. Cooking your own produce is very satisfying.

For inspiration why not visit the Wincanton & District Gardeners Association Flower Show on Saturday 3rd September at 2:00pm in the Memorial Hall. It promises an impressive display of locally produced vegetables, flowers and crafts. For information about the show contact the secretary, Gill D'Arcy on 01963 33160.

For the gardener who wants to scale up why not consider renting a local allotment? Do your gardening side by side with other enthusiasts and learn from their experience. Currently there are 45 allotments on Town Council owned land just off Moor Lane.  At present one quarter-sized allotment is available, at a current annual rent of £11.25.  There is currently no waiting list. For more information contact Muriel Cairns, Deputy Town Clerk, Wincanton Town Council, on 01963 31693.

Wincanton is blessed with two garden centres. Otter Nurseries (part of the Otter Group) on the Bruton Road just after the racecourse has a wide range of gardening and craft resources. They also have a restaurant that has proved popular with the local community.

The Growing Medium is the creation of experienced garden designer and landscaper Andy Cole of Lifestyle Landscapes, who for more than 16 years has created stunning gardens and landscapes all over the country. Based at Hopkins Court on the Bennett's Field Trading Estate, Andy has a good range of herbaceous perennials, herbs, trees and garden tools.

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