Wednesday 10th September 2025 - Garden Centre, Knotweed Issues to be Resolved and More Early Autumn

It’s a year since the village’s garden centre closed - residents continue to say, how much they miss it.  Since its closure, as well as Homebase (another source of plants and garden items etc.), the closest garden centres have been, North Walsham, Aylsham and Holt.  We now have one closer to hand, JD Plants, located within Groveland, which is on the outskirts of Roughton.  We were recommended to take a look, which we did yesterday afternoon.  What we found was a well laid out area with good quality plants and trees at very reasonable prices, along with garden implements, seeds, bulbs, potting compost and pots etc.  Given this is a relatively small area, compared to other garden centres, the owner, Josh, has put a lot of thought into its layout.  I wish him all the best for his new business.  Needless to say, I purchased some plants!

Good news on the Japanese knotweed front.  On Monday, the Cabinet meeting at NNDC approved the plan to deal with the slump on the promenade and the section of the cliff supporting knotweed.  Peter found the recording of the meeting and the details of the proposal.  Here is the link to the document showing the seven points on the agenda (item 13) which were agreed at the meeting.

Just two more today, of the autumnal photos I took at the beginning of the month.

Alexander Seed Head

This plant flowers from March to June, with seed heads quickly forming while the green foliage dies back.  It loves sea breezes, hence the large numbers here on the coast.  The stems, seeds and roots are edible and are popular with foragers.  However, as with anything growing wild, don’t eat any part of the plant unless you are 100% sure you have identified it correctly.

Ivy Flower

This particular ivy flower has yet to open but when it does, along with its neighbours, it will attract, peacock and red admiral butterflies as they prepare to hibernate.  While other flowers are dying back and have or are setting seed the ivy blooms provide a valuable source of nectar and pollen for various types insects.