Spring saw daffodils, tulips and snowdrops explode into colour all over Burntisland and, with summer just on the horizon, plans are well in place to extend the floral enhancement of the town. A grant has been made by the Burntisland Development Trust for the purchase of a further 10 containers and, more importantly, a water bowser to cope with the watering of what, by the end of this year, will be over twenty containers throughout the town.
Our Children
As the 'Burntisland Blooms' concept involves the whole town, I was keen to include our primary and nursery school children at an early stage. I was interested to learn that the primary school children have been playing their part in making the town look brighter. The school's Gardening Club decided to get the whole school and their parent helpers involved in planting over 1300 daffodils, tulips, crocuses and snowdrops in the bare patches of grass that fronted the school. Their efforts resulted in the colourful display shown above.
Containers
As well as the two existing containers at the Burgh Chambers, Fife Council will be providing and planting up a further twelve containers at various locations throughout the length of the High Street. The new containers ordered by the Community Council will be located as follows: 4 window-box type baskets under the four 'Welcome to Burntisland' signs, 4 baskets on the fencing at Burntisland Nursery overlooking the roundabout and 2 large octagonal planters to brighten up the concrete at the Aberdour Road and Kinghorn road entries into the town. I have had great fun planning the flowers for these new locations as well as the Burgh Halls so it will be interesting to see how this trial run proceeds.
Water Bowser
This little chap will soon become a familiar sight about the town. The SCH towed water unit was selected for its 200 gallon water capacity and its self contained pumping unit complete with telescopic lance and rose. It is of robust steel construction with overrun brakes, hand brakes, lights, a jockey wheel and a 50 mm tow ball. It can be towed by any vehicle with a towing bracket. I desperately need volunteers to set up a 'Watering team'. Obviously the bowser needs a car with a tow bar but, as I am envisaging a two-person team, please do not let that put you off from volunteering. The more the merrier because the more people who volunteer will mean less watering for everyone. The Amberol containers should only need watering, at the most, on a twice weekly basis in the very hottest weather but, with our typical summer weather that is really a worst case scenario!
As I have said before, Burntisland is a beautiful town and we now have a great opportunity to make it even more so. However, I cannot do it on my own and am looking for volunteers to help with growing on young plants, assisting with the planting up of our containers and with the watering.
So if you feel you would like to get involved, please give me a ring on 01592 874085.
Sheila McGregor
Cheerfulness can make any face look beautiful. It is an inexpensive way to improve your looks!