The February Garden

February is still feeling pretty wintry, and while there may be a few shoots coming up, we've still got a while to go before spring really arrives. So what can you do in the garden in February?

Well, February is mainly the month for cutting the winter shrubs and foliage back to keep it neat, and pruning those shrubs to encourage growth in the spring. You'll need to protect any vulnerable plants from the frost if you haven't already, by wrapping them in insulation such as garden fleece, and raise pots and containers off the ground where possible.

In your vegetable bed you can start sowing vegetable seeds such as leeks, onions and celeriac under cover. The outside vegetable bed won't be ready just yet, but you can prepare it by removing the weeds and forking in plenty of compost, then cover it with plastic to warm it up ready for spring planting.

In the fruit garden it's mainly just pruning to be done. Stone fruit trees can be planted now.

Around February is the time to order any seeds and plants, so you can plan your spring garden from the warmth and comfort of your armchair. You can also give your gardening equipment a check, to make sure it's all ready for spring, get the lawn mower serviced and make sure the shears aren't rusty. It might also be worth checking garden centre sales, as this could be the perfect time to get hold of some great value pots and gardening equipment at a great price!

Personalised Valentines

You've got just under a week until Valentines day, so if you're searching the web for something to buy your other half, why not consider a personalised gift for your loved one. There are countless things you can get personalised on numerous websites, from cards to key rings, coasters to mugs. Using initials, names and photos, you can create a personalised gift which will be really unique. That way, no matter how small the item is, it'll be meaningful and appreciated, you can even get chocolates personalised! Not just for Valentines day though, gifts like these are great for birthdays, anniversaries or even just a treat for yourself!

(For those last minute guys and girls out there, don't forget to check the delivery date before ordering from the internet!)

Stoneywords writing competition

Stony Stratford's literary festival comes to it's close this weekend, and if you've not been involved with the event over the last couple of weeks, you've got a couple more opportunities to do so before it comes to an end.

Stonywords was started in 1995 to help brighten up some of those dark wintry days. There has been a collection of literacy themed activities, including talks, quizzes, exhibitions, poetry and more, and there is still a competition to get involved with before the event comes to an end.

A running competition which has been taking place throughout the festival is the 'History mystery', a short story writing competition focusing on what may have happened to the Stony Stratford town charter.

History says that King John rode into Stony Stratford on the 19th February 1215 and at some point around that time he signed a charter giving Stony its township status. However, there appears to be no historical evidence of such a charter, so the truth is unknown... 800 years have gone by, and it is time for you to decide what really happened.

The competition gives the chance for individuals to decide what happened for themselves, and create a short story as to what may have happened to the Stony Stratford town charter. The competition is open for entries until 9th February, and there is a 2000 word limit. Email submissions to stony800celebrations@gmail.com or via a competition box in the library. There are three categories, under 12's, under 18's and over 18's. The winner will be announced on the weekend of the 21st-22nd February, at York House's Cock and Bull Beer festival.

Weekend Events near you...

Friday 6th:

Bedford Art Society at Putnoe Heights Church, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start.
Derek Daniells demonstrates painting scenes of buildings and people in oils. Entry is free for members and £5 for visitors visit www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for more information.

The Bedford Branch of the Royal Anglian Regiment Association, 8pm.
Monthly meetings are held on the first Friday of the month. Bar opens at 7.30pm. If you are an ex-serviceman/woman of any arm please feel free to join.

Saturday 7th:

Fusion Youth choir in concert at St. Owen, Bromham. 3-5pm.
Tickets cost £5 for adults, children under 12 are £1. Refreshments are also available.

Olney Ward Councillor Surgeries
At the Pavillion, Lavendon. 12.30-1.30pm
and at Sherington Village Hall on the 21st February 12.30-1.30pm.

Sunday 8th:

HULA Animal Rescue 'Love is in the Hair' at Glebe farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise 1-3.30pm.
HULA dog parade at 2.30pm, bazaar and pet shed bargains, Valentine card workshop, fun and games for the children. Only £2 per adult, children go free. All proceeds go to the care and welfare of HULA's animals.

Social Paint in MK

If you're looking for something different to do for an evening out, Social Paint MK could be just your thing. Not just for the artists out there, Social Paint is a great night out for everyone. It offers a relaxed evening of painting for anyone wanting to get involved, and is held in a bar so you can enjoy a glass (or two) as you paint! There's even food involved, and whether you're looking to do some painting by yourself or want to have a fun evening out with friends or a partner, it'll be a great evening of entertainment, and probably different to what you've done before.

Wednesday 11th February at Loch Fyne in the Hub, Milton Keynes 
This is a Banksy Inspired evening, where you can come for a relaxed evening of painting while you enjoy a glass of wine and a light snack. Ticket holders can also enjoy a 30% discount off a meal before the event (reservations required).

Whether you've painted before and loved it, or have never tried it and always wanted to, it's a great evening of fun and creativity, and whether you come with friends or alone, it'll be a great evening. Why not give it a try?! Events will also be held in the following months, 5th March at the Slug and Lettuce again, 8th March at Giraffe Centre MK and 18th March at Loch Fyne in the Hub.

Wear it. Beat it. This Friday- Get involved!

This Friday is the 'Wear it. Beat it' day for the British Heart Foundation. You may have come across it a couple of weeks ago here on our blog, where we explained the main idea of the event, which is that as many people as possible get involved and wear red, or do something red themed, in order to help raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

Showing solidarity and commitment to the cause through wearing red is a great way of showing support, but it doesn't need to stop there. The British Heart Foundation are encouraging as many people as possible to get involved in the 'Wear it. Beat it' campaign, by hosting red themed fundraising events and activities.

For more information about fundraising ideas and what the day entails, have a look at our previous blog by clicking here, where you can also visit the official British Heart Foundation page. There are so many ways of getting involved, it would be great if everyone could in some way!

But what does the British Heart Foundation do? The British Heart Foundation is the nation's heart charity and the largest independent funder of cardiovascular research. Their work has been vital over the years in discoveries of treatments which are helping to change the UK's fight against heart disease.

The British Heart Foundation was founded in 1961 by a group of medical professionals who wanted to fund extra research into the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart and circulatory disease. Over the years their research has contributed to helping improve treatments and increase the life expectancy and comfort of those who live with heart diseases, most babies born with heart defects today now survive, which was not the case in previous years.

Get involved with the Wear it. Beat it. day to help contribute to further breakthroughs in research. You could host a red themed coffee morning, at home or at work, or you could encourage all your colleagues to wear red for a donation to the British Heart Foundation. Whatever you do this Friday, it's well worth making the effort and getting involved. Let's Wear it. Beat it.

February- Some things you may not already know...

1. Probably the most obvious- Valentines day. The 14th Feb, the day which you either love or hate (a bit like marmite) and has the shops decked out in red and pink for about a month.
2. Amethyst is the birthstone of February.
3. The birth flowers for February are primrose and viola.
4. February sees the national day of the sun celebrated in Argentina.
5. The Roman month 'Februarius' was named after the Latin term 'februum' which means purification, after the purification ritual February held in the old lunar Roman calendar.
6. Queen Elizabeth II was crowned on the 6th February 1952.
7. 'Candlemas' is held on the 2nd February and is a day which celebrates an early episode in the life of Jesus. Today the candles to be used during the year in the church are blessed on this day.
8. The snowdrop flower is known for traditionally appearing in February, and symbolises hope.
9. While pancake day varies between February and March depending on Easter, this year it's the 17th February- time to get that batter ready!