Sunday in Milton Keynes

Don't get those post-Monday blues today, there's still a whole day of the weekend left to be enjoyed! As always, Milton Keynes is home to a variety of different events, and we've rounded up just a few of them to give you an idea of how you could spend the day...

HULA animal rescue are holding a fete and dog show at South Midlands animal sanctuary, Glebe farm, Aspley Guise, from 12-4pm. There will be a fun dog show (entries from 11.30am), doggie games, car boot and assorted stalls, pet photo competition (bring your best photos), bargains in the bazaar and pet bed shed. Come and meet some of the animals in search of a new home, there'll also be fun games for the children and delicious refreshments. Admission is £2 per adult and £1 for children. All proceeds to the care and welfare of HULA's animals.

Hackleton and District WI plant sale is being held at Hackleton village hall, from 10am-1pm. If you're sorting out your garden or just need a few extras to go in it, head over to the plant sale where you'll find a variety of shrubs, perennials and bedding for your borders, tubs and baskets. Homemade cakes and tea will also be available.

Lawnmower day. Milton Keynes museum have a selection of old mowers and their machines and are open from 11am-4.30pm. Family tickets cost £22 for 2 adults and up to 4 children.

Aspley Guise Open Gardens. Gardens will be open around the village from 12.30-5.30pm. The gardens range from those tucked behind small Victorian terraces to larger modern landscaped vistas and some classic gardens with period houses. The amazing gardens at Flaxbourne farm are also included. £4 admission. Light lunches, teas and plants for sale in the village hall where there is also plenty of free parking.

Mr Fothergill's Nation of Gardeners Campaign

In the last issue of the Phonebox Magazine you'll have noticed a feature about the Mr Fothergill's Nation of Gardeners campaign, with an interview with the local representative for Buckinghamshire, Diana Herniman. 

We found out about the campaign and what it requires of it's 12 gardeners across the country, with the aim of discovering more about the way in which plants grow in different locations around the country, and how, where and when they grow the best. Diana had been discovering that many of her plants were the first to bloom and quickest to grow compared to the others, an interesting point if you're a gardener in the Olney area.

We've grown quite interested in the campaign, and have been following it's progress on the official blog. If you're a keen (or budding) gardener it's well worth keeping an eye on the progress, as you're more than likely to pick up some interesting tips. One of the most interesting and useful things being studied during the experiment, is the differences in growing certain plants in the autumn compared to in the spring, letting you learn from the experiment rather than having to risk your own plants.

Having seen how well plants have grown in Diana's local garden, it's pretty inspiring to try at home for yourself. Knowing that you can grow your own beans, garlic, fruit etc. and grow them in abundance, makes it seem well worth it! Think of how much you'll be saving from not having to buy certain things in the supermarket, not forgetting how much better home-grown foods are bound to taste. Why not keep track of the Mr Fothergill's Nation of Gardeners campaign while planting your own seeds? It's time to go green!

Springtime in Milton Keynes

Well it's back to the grind for everyone today, if you were lucky enough to get the Easter bank holiday weekend off work that is, and somewhat unusually, this year we only have to wait a couple of weeks until the next bank holiday weekend is here! Hurrah!

Blossom is beginning to give way to leaves and greenery, and the evenings are getting lighter, is summer really just around the corner?! Even better, it looks like we've managed to avoid the snow this year! (without speaking too soon!)

For something to do at the weekend, why not visit one of the local farms and see the lambs. Spring lambing at Open Mead farm is running until the 30th April, and you can expect to see an abundance of furry white lambs and enjoy the springtime scenery, check out the sky trail for a birds-eye view!

The countryside all across Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas is buzzing with wildlife and springtime flowers, and the weather seems to be picking up ready to allow for some nice springtime walks and fresh air! If you missed getting out there this weekend don't panic, this is only a 4 day week, and the next weekend is just around the corner!

A belated happy Easter from all at the Phonebox magazine, we hope you had a great time!