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The bulbs we planted are growing, just like the skills learned and feeling of wellbeing.

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Well done on completing your course and achieving your personal goals too. I hope that it will inspire you to develop your craft skills further. Our contact number is 07772 273033 - please do get in touch if we can help with any further information on how you can use your new skills in your community.

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Upcycle your old beads and clothes hangers to make these lovely decorated wire pumpkins.

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Upcycle your old beads and clothes hangers to make these lovely decorated wire pumpkins.

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Turn recycled wood into fabulous Autumn pumpkins

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Turn recycled wood into fabulous Autumn pumpkins

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Simply cut a circle big enough for you to be able to put your hand and spoon inside and scoop out the centre of the pumpkin.

When you have cleaned away all of the pumpkin inner, including seeds, insert a small tin or plastic cup into the hole you have made. This will be a lovely container that you can use to display your flowers - either in water or use wet foam oasis to create a lovely Autumn flower display.

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Victoria - Autumn Wreath-support from CPMS

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Victoria - Autumn Wreath-support from CPMS

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Where does the origins of scarecrows come frome - actually we have to travel all around the world to arrive at scarecrows as we now know them!  Take a look.......

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Where does the origins of scarecrows come frome - actually we have to travel all around the world to arrive at scarecrows as we now know them!  Take a look.......

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Whether they are spook-ified villains like in Batman or naïve and lovable travel companions like in the Wizard of Oz, scarecrows are a staple of the autumnal harvest season. They are categorized as "ephemerals" because they only come out to play in the crisp fall months between summer and winter, but, in truth, scarecrows are not ephemeral as they were created long ago and still exist today.
Stand Like an Egyptian?:
While they may be best known for their gigantic, majestic pyramids, don't let that overshadow the Egyptians' other equally majestic and important creation - the Scarecrow. The Egyptians were the first group of people in recorded history to use scarecrows, to protect their wheat fields along the Nile River. When the birds attempting to snack on their crops got a bit out of hand, they began covering wooden frames with nets in an effort to catch the pigeons that preyed on their wheat fields. These farmers hid in the fields and scared the birds into the nets - effectively (and literally) killing two birds with one stone: a protected crop and a nice dinner.
The Greeks Dressed Their Scarecrows in Togas:
Did the Greeks dress their scarecrows in togas? Maybe. We don't know for sure. What we do know is that around 2500 BC, Greek farmers carved Priapus, one of their least attractive gods, into pieces of wood to scare birds away from their vineyards. Priapus was the god of fertility and horticulture and his image in the field may have simultaneously blessed the crop while frightening the birds.
The Romans Always Copying the Greeks:
When Roman armies marched through Europe, they introduced the Priapus scarecrow to their people.
Japanese Farmers - Rice and Raincoats:
Around the same time the Romans were taking the Greek scarecrows continent-wide, Japanese farmers were making Kakashi, their own take on the scarecrow, to protect their rice fields. These scarecrows were shaped like people and dressed in hats and raincoats. Kuebiko, the Shinto god of folk wisdom, knowledge, and agriculture, is represented in Japanese mythology as a scarecrow - He cannot walk, but knows everything about the world.
German Witches Were a Bit Stiff:
In Germany, wooden scarecrows were carved to resemble witches.
It Feels a Little Medieval:
During medieval times, Britain forewent the inanimate route and welcomed child labor. Young boys and girls ran through fields of crops to scare away the birds - tiring, but effective. Eventually, though, farmers stuffed sacks with straw and used painted gourds as heads. They leaned these straw men against poles to make them look like they were people standing.
Native Americans Were the First to say "Get Off My Lawn":
Native Americans also opted for live scarecrows. Men would sit on raised platforms to shout at birds and other animals.
Good Ole' US of A:
In the United States, immigrant farmers introduced "bootsamon" or "bogeyman", human-like scarecrows dressed in old straw-stuffed clothes with a bandana tied around their necks. As Americans manifest destiny-ed their way across the country, scarecrows popped up all over the continent. This style of scarecrow stuck, with most western creations being stuffed with straw and donning old clothes.

Today, pesticides and more technologically advanced scarecrows (reflective ribbons, noise guns, etc.) are used in fields to protect crops. But scarecrows live on in our front yards as Halloween decorations and in festivals for competitions. The best thing about scarecrows is that they can be whatever you want them to be. In a plaid shirt and overalls. A pumpkin head. A painted burlap sack face. In a full suit and tie. Dressed as your favorite TV character. The possibilities are endless. Come check out what members of your community have come up with for their scarecrows at the Scarecrow Festival on October 10-15.

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Whether they are spook-ified villains like in Batman or naïve and lovable travel companions like in the Wizard of Oz, scarecrows are a staple of the autumnal harvest season.

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Try Art Journalling to support your wellbeing

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Try Art Journalling to support your wellbeing

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Want to get more creative and practise mindfulness at the same time? We've been talking to WEA creative writing tutor Harula for top tips and easy ways to journal mindfully.

September 25th 2023

5 Minute read

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A beginners guide to mindful journaling | WEA

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From writing rituals to creative prompts... discover tips for mindful journaling and how to start with this easy 5-step beginners guide from WEA tutor Harula.

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Mental Wellbeing - Little Things can Make a Difference

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Mental Wellbeing - Little Things can Make a Difference

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If you are feeling stressed, anxious, low or can’t sleep, Every Mind Matters can help with expert advice, practical tips and personalised actions to help you.

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Pot decoration and planting Daffodils and Crocus bulds, an enjoyable project

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Autumn Garlands using recycled resources

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Autumn Garlands using recycled resources

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Colour can have an huge impact on our day to day wellbeing, and an appreciation of how different cultures around the world celebrate colour helps us to remember just what a powerful tool for wellbeing it is.

Do you have any favourite colours that make brighten your day or are linked to favourite happy memories? Why not share them by leaving a comment below.

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Color symbolism in art, literature, and anthropology refers to the use of color as a symbol in various cultures and in storytelling. There is great diversity in the use of colors and their associations between cultures and even within the same culture in different time periods. The same color may have very different associations within the same culture at any time. Diversity in color symbolism occurs because color meanings and symbolism occur on an individual, cultural and universal basis. Color symbolism is also context-dependent and influenced by changes over time. Symbolic representations of religious concepts or articles may include a specific color with which the concept or object is associated.

Red is a primary color across all models of color space. It is the color of blood. It is often associated with love, passion, and lust but also danger and aggression. It is frequently used in relation to Valentine's Day. It can also be used to signify danger or warning but it is also associated with importance. For instance, it is used for stop signs and fire engines. In China, red is often used to symbolize good luck or happiness, and is used for many holidays or weddings. It also represents communism.

Blue is a primary color across all models of color space. It is the color of the ocean and the sky; it often symbolizes serenity, stability, inspiration, or wisdom. It can be a calming color, and symbolize reliability. In the Catholic Church, the Virgin Mary is most often depicted wearing blue, to symbolize being "full of grace" by divine favor. Blue is widely used for baby boys' clothes or bedrooms, although the reason blue is so strongly associated with boys is debated. Blue can also represent sadness and depression ("they have the blues").

Yellow is a primary color in many models of color space, and a secondary in all others. It is a color often associated with sunshine or joy. It is sometimes used in association with cowardice or fear, i.e., the phrase "yellow-bellied". Children tend to like this color, and it is used to market products to children; it is also used for school buses and taxi cabs since it is such a bright, noticeable color.

Green is a primary color in many models of color space, and a secondary in all others. It is most often used to represent nature, healing, health, youth, or fertility, since it is such a dominant color in nature. It can be a very relaxing color but is also used in the US to symbolize money, greed, sickness or jealousy. Saying that someone is "green" means they are inexperienced or new.

Orange is a secondary color across many models of color space. It is often associated with amusement, extroversion, fire, energy, activity, taste and aroma. It is the color most closely associated with autumn. It is one of the most attention-grabbing colors in human vision, and is often used to attract the eye (traffic cones, safety vests, etc.).

Black is a primary color across all models of color space. In Western culture, it is considered a negative color and usually symbolizes death, grief, or evil but also depression. People often wear black for mourning, although this practice is not as widespread as it was in the past.

White is a primary color across all models of color space. It most often symbolizes perfection, faith, innocence, softness, and cleanliness. Brides often wear white dresses to symbolize purity.

Pink is a prominent secondary or tertiary color in many color space models. It is associated with softness, sweetness, love, and immaturity. There is an urban legend that pink was a masculine color before the mid 20th century,[citation needed ] based on evidence of conflicting traditions before about 1940. Del Guicide (2012) argues that pink-blue gender coding has been broadly consistent in the UK and the US since it appeared around 1890.

Color plays an important role in setting expectations for a product and communicating its key characteristics. Color is the second most important element that allows consumers to identify brand packaging.

Marketers for products with an international market navigate the color symbolism variances between cultures with targeted advertising. Car manufacturer Volkswagen ran a commercial in Italy with a black sheep in the middle of a larger flock symbolizing those who owned a VW Golf as unique and self-assured among a crowd of others who were not. In several cultures around the world, a black sheep represents an outcast and is seen as something undesirable, while in Italy, a black sheep represents confidence and independence.[citation needed ]

A flock of black and white sheep grazing in the Italian countryside

There are many additional variances in color symbolism between cultures. Cold is symbolized by blue in East Asia, the US, and Sweden while warmth is symbolized by yellow in the US and by blue in The Netherlands. Sometimes the meanings of colors are in stark opposition across geographic boundaries, requiring products marketed to specific demographics to account for those changes across different markets. For instance, feminity is symbolized by blue in The Netherlands and pink in the US, whereas masculinity is symbolized by blue in Sweden and the US, and red in the UK and France. In some instances color symbolism in marketing is constructed. The sales volume of a company whose product is defined by the name of its color is susceptible to the symbolism and association of that name - in one example, a company selling a paint color named "off white" more than doubled its sales simply by renaming the same color "ancient silk".

A Catholic archbishop and cardinal in choir dress. Bishops traditionally wear purple, cardinals red.

A group of young Buddhist monks in Cambodia. Orange, symbolizing enlightenment, is an important color in Buddhism.

Color symbolism has changed over time. Between the 5th and 17th centuries, the color was largely related to a religious context. Blue was symbolic of heaven and white of purity. Today, purity is still symbolized by white in Australia and the USA but by blue in other countries like India. Similarly, the church influenced the perception of colors like crimson and purple. Largely because the dyes for these colors could only be sourced from precious pigments, religious figures like Madonna, Cardinals and the Virgin were seen in scarlet and purple. Today, purple symbolizes evil and infidelity in Japan, but the same is symbolized by blue in East Asia and by yellow in France. Additionally, the sacred color of Hindu and Buddhist monks is orange. The Renaissance was also a time in which black and purple were colors of mourning. Today, Mourning or death is symbolized by white in East Asia, black in the US, and blue in Iran, while happiness is symbolized by white in Australia and NZ, and yellow in China.

There is a general disagreement over whether reactions to color and their symbolism are a result of cultural conditioning or of instinct. Several studies concluded that color is part of the social learning process because of the significant symbolism within the culture. High quality, trustworthiness, and dependability are symbolized by blue in the US, Japan, Korea and green and yellow in China - as well as purple in China, South Korea, and Japan. Because of these variances, critical cues vary across cultures. Warning signs are coded differently as a danger is symbolized by green in Malaysia and red in the US and Mexico. The same color of green symbolizes envy in Belgium and the US, but envy is symbolized by yellow in Germany and Russia, and purple in Mexico. Even the colors that denote powerful emotions vary. Love is symbolized by green in Japan, red and purple in China, Korea, Japan, and the USA. Unluckiness is symbolized by red in Chad, Nigeria, and Germany. Luckiness is symbolized by red in China, Denmark, and Argentina. The traditional bridal color is red in China and white in the USA. Ambition and desire are symbolized by red in India.

One example in which different conceptualizations of color may lead to confusion is the coloring of upward or downward trends in financial markets; whereas in most of the world green or blue is used to denote an upward trend and red is used to denote a downward trend, in mainland China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, the reverse is true. This confusion often leads to Western media outlets using incorrect or reversed headline images to accompany reports of a major economic upturn or downturn in an Asian market.

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it.

Prior to its being widely studied in a scientific context, color symbolism was theorized upon by curious individuals in other humanities. These early theoreticians include German polymath Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (in his Theory of Colours) and Russian abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky (in his Concerning the Spiritual in Art, among others). Although color treatises such as these are often unscientific (Kandinsky, for instance, was heavily influenced by Theosophy), they occasionally find resonance with artists, philosophers and others working in " softer" subjects.

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Color symbolism in art, literature, and anthropology refers to the use of color as a symbol in various cultures and in storytelling. There is great diversity in the use of colors and their associations between cultures and even within the same culture in different time periods.

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Celebrating colour and cultures from around the world - Mandala Art

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Celebrating colour and cultures from around the world - Mandala Art

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Discover the history of mandala design and get tips for how to draw your own versions of these sacred symbols.

What is a mandala?

In the ancient Sanskrit language of Hinduism and Buddhism, mandala means "circle." Traditionally, a mandala is a geometric design or pattern that represents the cosmos or deities in various heavenly worlds. "It's all about finding peace in the symmetry of the design and of the universe," says artist Saudamini Madra.

Artist and math professor Fernanda Bonafini began making mandalas just for the joy of it. "In the process of drawing mandala artwork, you feel much calmer and more peaceful and your breathing and heartbeat slow down. The sensation in your mind and body and their connection, is very good," Bonafini says.

People in different cultures all over the world have created mandalas, suggesting that the form speaks to something deep within every human being. The brilliant psychoanalyst Carl Jung believed that the mandala represents the Self and that drawing a mandala gives a person a sacred space to meet that Self. He considered making mandalas an effective form of art therapy, helping to calm and comfort people struggling with mental health issues.

Mayans, Aztecs, Australian aborigines and European Catholics all created mandalas in one form or another, but mandalas are most common in Buddhist and Hindu art of the Indian subcontinent.

Buddhist sand mandalas.
For centuries, Tibetan Buddhist monks have made these cosmic diagrams out of coloured sand. As they place each grain of sand intentionally using metal funnels and sticks, monks enter a flow state. When they approach the centre point of the artwork, they experience the transcendence of Self and the reality of a universe in which all beings are free from suffering. Then, after days or weeks of labour, they practise nonattachment and demonstrate the impermanence of all things by destroying the mandala.

Hindu mandalas.
Also called yantras, mandalas came to Hinduism from Buddhism. Traditional yantras are square, with a gate on each side around a centre circle that contains one of the Hindu gods. Through the meditative creation of a mandala, the artist summons that god to help them to discover cosmic truths.

How to draw your own mandala.

Begin with a rough idea of what you want to create. Choose circular or rectangular, black and white or colour. You might want to draw petals and leaves for a floral mandala. But don't worry if you're not sure what you want. "Sometimes I have no idea what I'm doing," Madra says. "I just start from the smallest layer, the innermost circle and then I grow it out and it changes. I like the free flow." If you need inspiration, study patterns in your surroundings for possibilities or look at some of the mandala examples on Behance.

The first step for any mandala is to make a grid. "We want it to be symmetrical and we want all of the patterns to be equal," says Madra. Bonafini suggests drawing grid lines that cross the circle at every 30 or 45 degrees. Whether your overall shape is square or circular, you can start around the centre point with a circle. Then decide what basic shapes you want to radiate from that circle, like an inverted U or V. Then, the next layer should be slightly different. You might change the shape a little, fill it in with different strokes or colours. "It's the same pattern, but these small variations will give you a different look once your piece is completed," says Madra.

If you're not sure what patterns to apply, study the ones you like in other mandalas. Choose the patterns that resonate with you and combine them how you like. Bonafini recommends practising the patterns by themselves before putting them on a circle. "Try to train your arm to do the movement so you can get them to be the same size. That's what makes the mandala aesthetically pleasing."

Madra suggests collecting patterns you like. "Create a repository of patterns, so any time you feel like you're stuck or like you're drawing the same patterns again and again, you can refer back to your repository."

The digital drawing advantage.

You don't have to draw in sand or gel pen to create a beautiful mandala. Bonafini loves drawing on her tablet. "I can create and if I don't like it, I can erase. I can do the same pattern multiple times. With paper, if I imagine something and then it doesn't work, I lose the whole thing." Plus, a tablet allows you to bring all of your art supplies with you wherever you go. You can add to your mandala whenever the mood strikes you.

Save time with symmetry.

Create beautiful mandalas in no time with the symmetry options in Adobe Photoshop. You can achieve instant symmetry by clicking the butterfly icon in the Options bar to open the Paint Symmetry menu.

Choose either Radial or Mandala to divide your circle into segments. Radial allows you to choose up to 12 segments and each brushstroke repeats around the centre point. With Mandala, you can choose up to 10 segments at a time and each mark you make on the canvas will be both mirrored and repeated in each segment. It's easy and mesmerising and you might be surprised at the beauty you can quickly create.

On a new layer, select the Brush, Pencil or Eraser tool. Remember that you can vary your brushstrokes and use watercolour techniques and if you keep each ring on a separate layer, you can change the lines or shading of a ring without having to adjust every other ring.

As you get more experienced and add complexity to your patterns, keep in mind Madra's advice to beginners: "Always remember the three Ps: practice, patience and perseverance."

You might also be interested in...

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In this guide, discover the history of mandala design and get tips for how to draw your own versions of these sacred symbols.

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Autumn Scarecrows using upcycled resources, fabulous cheery faces for the start of this harvest festival season!

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Autumn Scarecrows using upcycled resources, fabulous cheery faces for the start of this harvest festival season!

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Try using foliage collected from your garden or hedgerow, or local green space to tuck a cheery seasonal bouquet in your scarecrows top hat!

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Sweep away those cobwebs this Autumn with this fabulous broom that you can make at home

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Sweep away those cobwebs this Autumn with this fabulous broom that you can make at home

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Add some colour from your garden, use fabrics, recycled lace and ribbon, buttons and bows, to create these beatifully crafted items.

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Please find below the link for part 2 of session 1 where we take a look at Select and clean two pots you will use for container gardening during this course. Again any questions please ask, I hope you enjoy the video and please upload your photos of your project.

Please allow 5 hours to complete all of the activities covered in today's session.

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Container Gardening - Session 1 Practical 1

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Cleaning and Maintaining your Garden Containers and Pots

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Cleaning and Maintaining your Garden Containers and Pots

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Please use this information to help you clean two pots ready for planting as part of this course.

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Growing plants in containers is a great way to bring life and colour into otherwise dull spots in your garden. Patios, balconies and window boxes are all places where plants can be easily introduced in containers. Here you can discover how to keep your container plants happy, healthy and looking good.

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Recap on today's Container Gardening to help with your practical activity. 

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Recap on today's Container Gardening to help with your practical activity. 

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Choosing the best garden containers for your garden is as important as selecting the plants you will put in them. You can showcase your flowers and foliage by choosing the right container in which to display them.

You also want to make sure you choose the right size of pot or planter to insure your plants' best performance

The wrong-sized container or one that is made of unsuitable material could leave you with a garden of yellowing or wilted plants in a few weeks.

Pick a suitable planter in the beginning and make sure it is clean and sanitized. Never reuse a pot without cleaning it first - you may infect new plants with disease or pests.

Finally, where you want to place the container and what you want the container garden to accomplish for you is important when making your selections.

Which type of garden containers will work best for you?

All garden containers have advantages and disadvantages, depending on your container gardening goals, the types of plants you will be using, and where you will place your container.

Baskets - they are lightweight and great for planting annuals. Baskets can be hung almost anywhere so they don't take up valuable floor space in small areas. They are generally not as deep as other containers, and if they are hung, they are exposed to wind so watering frequently is needed.

Boxes - they are one of the best garden containers for shrubs, trees and larger perennials since their squared off shapes allow for more root growth. They also work well for growing vegetables, especially those that are tuberous like potatoes, carrots, turnips, etc that grow beneath the ground and need deeper soil. Boxes come in lots of materials. They can also be placed as window boxes, rail and fence planters.

Troughs - these are a lot like boxes, but generally are more shallow. Traditional troughs are made of concrete, but you can also find them in lighter weight materials now and can even make your own. Antique troughs that were actually used for feeding livestock can be quite pricey. These are the best garden containers for growing succulents or alpine gardens if you find one.

Pots and urns - there is an almost limitless supply of pots and urns in all different sizes, styles, materials and colors. They range from traditional styles with graceful curves to geometric shapes that complement contemporary homes.

Come of the best garden containers are those vessels that have outlived their original use and can be converted to planters. Use old wicker baskets, leaky galvanized buckets, watering cans, wheel barrows - use your imagination.

Size matters

The larger the garden container, the better it will be for growing plants. However, if you plan to move the garden containers and pots from one area to another for any reason, avoid heavy planters made of materials like concrete.

If you garden on balconies, decks or rooftops, keep in mind that big, heavy plant containers weigh a lot when filled with rocks for drainage, soil, plants, water and any kind of mulch or pebble. Make sure your floor is going to support a large container before you decide to use one. Baskets are a good choice.

Take measurements and decide before you shop how much area you want a pot, box or basket to cover. Garden containers always look bigger in the store. Measure your deck, railing, porch or balcony area and keep those numbers with you.

The best garden container will complement its location

Deciding where to place your container garden is a big factor in container selection. Tubs, pots, boxes, planters and baskets can all complement the right location.

There are all kinds of areas around the house and yard for container gardens. Some of the first that come to mind are porches, decks and balconies, but so are patios, terraces and driveways. Paved paths, walks and in-ground flower beds are others. Fences, retaining walls and carports offer nice spots. Homes with pools, barbecue pits and outdoor kitchens have great spots for container gardens both for decorative appeal and practicality.

Think about the placement of your plant containers and what you want them to do for you. Will you be creating a welcoming entry or using plants in containers to separate two outdoor living areas? Or, do you want to plant herbs or vegetables for practicality, but have them be pleasing to the eye as well?

Don't you love the look of this entry area? The urn is too big to use right by the front door, so small shrubs anchor the door. The urn is used in the larger area leading to the entry. Just a touch of red in the container coordinates with the front door. It only takes the one well coordinated, well placed pot to create great impact and curb appeal at this home.

Does the container complement its contents

Watch the scale - don't upset the balance

The best garden container will be chosen based on the size of the plants and where the pot will be placed. Scale is important for balance in your container garden.

A tall plant in a little pot looks awkward; short, airy flowers would be dwarfed in a large, heavy planter. In the same regard, you wouldn't want to set two little planted pots on either side of a front entry with a heavy oak door. They would have no impact at all. Huge concrete containers on a small deck would be just as ineffective.

The best garden containers for small areas might be small pots or boxes that can be displayed in a grouping. Use pottery feet, bricks, or plant stands to raise the containers and pots to different heights. This is pleasing to the eye but also adds depth and definition to your garden.

Different sizes, shapes and colors of pots and urns are fine for groupings, but make sure all of the containers have something in common - color, shape, or material. This keeps the grouping from looking too "hodge podge" and has more visual appeal. The pots for these vegetables are all made of clay and have pretty much the same shape although they have been painted different colors.

If you have containers that you want to use for gardens, but they are made of materials that will rust, or disintegrate after being exposed to water, use a plastic pot for planting and just set that inside the decorative pot.

You can apply several coasts of a weatherproof sealant to woven, wooden or some metal containers. Remember that just painting a pot does not make it waterproof.

What do you want the container to accomplish?

When it comes right down to it, selecting the best garden container depends on what you want it to do for your outdoor areas.

Do you want the container to be a part of the display? Are you choosing planters for their color, motif or design - to go with the patio furniture or the color of the house?

Or do you want to use containers as you would a garden bed - a spot of dirt where you will plant beautiful flowers or foliage? If so, maybe your container is just that - a container - and you want it to blend into the background or hide it completely - the choice is absolutely yours.

Containers with saucers can contribute to root rot. The saucers collect water and cause the potting mix at the bottom of the container to stay soggy. If you like to use saucers, bill them with gravel before positioning your pot on them. That way, the pot will never sit in standing water.

So choose your container wisely and let it help you accomplish your gardening goals.

Return from Garden Containers to Container Gardening Design

Return Home enjoycongainergardening.com

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Choosing the best garden containers for your garden is as important as selecting the plants you will put in them. You can showcase your flowers and foliage by choosing the right container in which to display them.

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Further info to get you started with containers

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Further info to get you started with containers

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With container gardening, you don't have to live in the country to enjoy getting your fingers dirty and growing something in the soil. Even people who live in metropolitan areas can surround themselves with bright splashes of floral color and taste the fruits of their own labor. Let's learn more about how to garden in containers.

Novice Container Gardening

Container gardens are popping up everywhere from nostalgic window boxes to balcony terraces. Container gardening is a great way for apartment dwellers to still be able to enjoy nature in a smaller setting. Novices to container gardening should keep a few basic tips in mind, however, to guarantee success.

Container Gardening Tips

The container you choose does not need to be anything fancy or expensive. You don't even have to buy it at a gardening store. The basic rule for container gardening is that whatever you select should have good drainage. If the container you choose does not already have pre-installed holes, you can easily install them yourself. Simply drill holes that are about half an inch (1.5 cm.) in diameter.

Keep in mind that plants for container gardening depend totally on you for care. You will need to keep them frequently watered, fed, and taken in out of the elements. Water requirements are especially important with container gardening. During summer months, your containers may need watering twice a day. Additionally, you will need to pay special attention to containers made from clay and other unglazed pottery. Porous containers tend to dry out more easily than other materials. Without careful attention, your container garden can be in critical condition before you even know it.

Almost any kind of plant is suitable for container gardening; the depth of the root length, however, will determine how large a container is required. Plants for container gardening that will extend to long root depths, such as trees, will need deeper containers, whereas shorter root length plants will do fine with more shallow containers.

Adequate sunlight is essential to any successful garden, and container gardening is no different. Keep in mind you may need to move your plants from one location to another in order to follow the path of sunlight. It may be beneficial for you to place heavier containers on castors in order to facilitate moving more easily.

Mixing and matching plants for the purpose of container gardening is quite popular and can produce glorious results. When selecting plants to place together in your container, however, keep annuals and more permanent plants separated.

Learning how to garden in containers doesn't have to be hard. By following these simple container gardening tips along with a little tender loving care, you can be well on your way to having the container garden of your dreams.

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With container gardening, you don't have to live in the country to enjoy getting your fingers dirty and growing something in the soil. Read this article for more information on gardening in containers.

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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Please share your photos, top tips, ideas, feedback with us. If you have any difficulty uploading your work please just get in touch with me - Brad Parkes, 07772 273033 or email carolparkes@chaseaquaruralenterprise.com

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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Please share your photos, top tips, ideas, feedback with us. If you have any difficulty uploading your work please just get in touch with me - Brad Parkes, 07772 273033 or email carolparkes@chaseaquaruralenterprise.com

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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Please share your photos, top tips, ideas, feedback with us. If you have any difficulty uploading your work please just get in touch with me - Brad Parkes, 07772 273033 or email carolparkes@chaseaquaruralenterprise.com

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

# data[].attributes.body
Please share your photos, top tips, ideas, feedback with us. If you have any difficulty uploading your work please just get in touch with me - Brad Parkes, 07772 273033 or email carolparkes@chaseaquaruralenterprise.com

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

# data[].attributes.body
Please share your photos, top tips, ideas, feedback with us. If you have any difficulty uploading your work please just get in touch with me - Brad Parkes, 07772 273033 or email carolparkes@chaseaquaruralenterprise.com

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Please take a look at our group agreement, we want everyone to feel safe, supported and included.  We want everyone to achieve as much as possible by taking part.

To approve and to leave any suggestions please use the space below.  It is important that all course members submit their approval of the Group Agreement

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https://careers.staffordshire.gov.uk/jobs/latest

WeRecruit is the new Staffordshire County Council's career hub which will improve the recruitment experience for you! It is accessible on both mobile and desktop devices, and will include all candidate communications and show your application progress.  You can now easily: apply for jobs, manage your profile, find information to support your job search. It will also allow you to set up job alerts, so you can quickly access jobs matching your chosen criteria.

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This website is using cookies to improve your browsing experience and to enable social media functionality. By clicking "Turn cookies on", you agree to such purposes. Read more about cookies.

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Jobs and careers with Staffordshire County Council

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This website is using cookies to improve your browsing experience and to enable social media functionality. By clicking "Turn cookies on", you agree to such purposes. Read more about cookies.

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Useful Learner Information -  British Values, Protect yourself, Feeling and Staying Safe:

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Useful Learner Information -  British Values, Protect yourself, Feeling and Staying Safe:

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https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Education/Community-learning-service/ProviderInfo/Safeguarding-and-Prevent-duty-overview.aspx

Using the internet safely and protectiing personal information:
https://www.deliveringforscotland.gov.uk/at-home/internet-safety/

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Manage your own mental wellbeing with new wellbeing hub

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Manage your own mental wellbeing with new wellbeing hub

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Volunteering can help improve your self-esteem and emotional health

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Volunteering can help improve your self-esteem and emotional health

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Safeguarding information for learners from Staffordshire Community Learning / county council

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Safeguarding information for learners from Staffordshire Community Learning / county council

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Safeguarding and Prevent duty: overview - Staffordshire County Council

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Information, guidance and documents on Safeguarding and the Prevent Duty.

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The Skills Toolkit from Department for Education  provides access to free, high-quality courses to help build up your skills in digital and numeracy. Find out more: gov.uk/theskillstoolkit #TheSkillsToolkit

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https://www.getsafeonline.org/

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From the Blog

Blog

Who are you really talking to online?

The internet is a fantastic innovation that has, in many ways, made life more convenient, given us more choice, brought enrichment and for many, made...

Our Partners & Supporters

Our Mission

Our Mission

Get Safe Online is the UK's leading source of unbiased, factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety.

Our website is a unique resource providing practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobile devices and your business against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other problems encountered online. It contains guidance on many other related subjects too - including performing backups and how to avoid theft or loss of your computer, smartphone or tablet.
Read more about who we are

Get Safe Online around the world

Get Safe Online has a presence in 24 countries around the world. Each country benefits from its own Get Safe Online website, customised to deliver the best and most relevant experience for individuals and businesses. Many of the countries also have a community of Get Safe Online Ambassadors and Advocates working on our behalf.
Read more about our International Sites

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Get Safe Online | The UK's leading Online Safety Advice Resource

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The UK's leading online safety advice resource. Providing free, impartial internet safety advice to help keep you and your family safe online.

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Explore your creativity with classes in illustration, photography, design, and more.

No Commitments. Cancel Anytime.

You're in the driver's seat. Join millions of students crafting a unique learning experience to help them get where they want to go.

Learn with Emily Henderson, Kelis, Marques Brownlee, Jessica Kobeissi, and thousands of acclaimed creators eager to share their knowledge with you.

Unlock a passion, side hustle, or new professional skill with thousands of classes in design, business, and more.

© Skillshare, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved.

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Explore your creativity with classes in illustration, photography, design, and more. No Commitments. Cancel Anytime. You're in the driver's seat. Join millions of students crafting a unique learning experience to help them get where they want to go. Learn with Emily Henderson, Kelis, Marques Brownlee, Jessica Kobeissi, and thousands of acclaimed creators eager to share their knowledge with you.

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How can we help?

We know everybody's different, but choose the statement that best describes you or your situation and we'll suggest some relevant topics.

Still not sure where to start?

Don't worry. We're here to help guide you to the information you need. Use the links below and we'll point you in the right direction.

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Support with your English for speakers of other languages

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Support with your English for speakers of other languages

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English for speakers of other languages | Staffordshire Community Learning

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Staffordshire county council subsidises the costs for adult and community learning, making most courses either heavily discounted or available at no cost to you

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More online safety including advice for parents

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More online safety including advice for parents

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Welcome to the UK Safer Internet Centre, where you can find online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online.

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Thank you for enrolling on your course, I really hope that you enjoy learning some new creative art and craft skills inspired by your journeys outdoors this Autumn. We hope that you will continue to develop and enjoy your new skills once the course finishes.

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Two useful careers links worth following on Twitter for the latest info about careers.

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Two useful careers links worth following on Twitter for the latest info about careers.

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@nationalCareers and
@CareersWestMids

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Beat the cold - some links you may find useful

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Beat the cold - some links you may find useful

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Beat the Cold provides energy advice and guidance to address fuel poverty (https://www.beatcold.org.uk/).

Support with Cost of Living Resources: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Community/Cost-of-living-support/Here-to-help.aspx

Hypothermia Advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypothermia/