It was all hands on deck around head office this week!  Anyone who had a minute spare had to grab a spade and help pack the grit that arrived…or whoever knew how to drive a tractor had to get behind the wheel! (Just joking of course!)

Its that time of year again when we need to prepare ourselves just in case their is another winter like the last one heading our way!

For those who keep up to date with our blog – you should remember one from last year about the antics of a certain member of our team at the  “end of year works do”!  On hearing that we were going go-carting, one of our lads booked himself in for a few “sneaky” lessons on the racecourse before the event so that he was sure to win the prize!  Thats what I call competitive!

This year we are going to the stunning Rivington Barn, near Bolton for their “Bavarian Hoe down”.  Be sure to check our blog on the 21st November for any “goings on” this year!

We would like to give Mark Shaw a warm welcome to Envirocare.  Mark is the Regional Manager for our new depot now open in Wakefield, Yorkshire.

Having already taken on his first members of staff, the depot is sure to be a hub of activity before we know it.

Mark has over 20 years experience in the grounds maintenance & landscaping industry and we wish him every success in his new role.

Our superfit Mick has been raising more money for charity, this time completing the Manchester 100 mile bike ride, we could not be more proud of the contributions Mick makes towards charity and the challenging activities he partakes in to do this. Starting at Wythenshawe Park, the 100 mile round trip passes through Northwich, Delamere Forest, Nantwich and Middlewich, Mick completed this in under six hours. 600 other cyclists gathered on the lovely September day, along with a large number of supporters who ensured every one crossed the finish line with a smile on their face. The Christie provide treatment to patients and also research into cancer, the donations and fundraising make a vital difference to the services, facilities and equipment they can provide.

Our cameraman has returned from holiday and now we can share our pictures of Tatton Festival. We visited Tatton Festival, showing the weekend 20-24 July 2011, in the beautiful grounds of Tatton Estate, there were some stunning show gardens and some individual flower displays.

A variety of bright colours and arrangements amidst the tents, each design team showing their own flair for style, either going for a traditional style garden, something from an English country home or suitable for tea on the patio and some with more of a unique twist, incorporating a Mini cooper or the wombles.

It was a pleasure to see some of the indoor flower arrangements, some set out on cake trays, some arranged around a mini bar and some vases filled with flowers suspended in a holder from the ceiling. 

We always have a superb day out when we visit the various flower shows, it shows the direction different gardeners are taking and imaginations at work. The next one is Southport Flower show on the 18^th – 21^st August 2011.