Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

North Edinburgh Arts AGM

 

North Edinburgh Arts
Invites you to an
Annual General Meeting

To be held at
North Edinburgh Arts
15a Pennywell Court
Edinburgh, EH4 4TZOn Wednesday 8th November at 12 noon
Soup and sandwiches will be served at 12.45pm
Creche available on request

Come and hear about the work of NEA, our current and future projects, and have an opportunity to share your ideas for the organisation with us.To RSVP and reserve a creche space call Sandra on 0131 315 2151 or email admin@northedinburgharts.co.uk by the 1st November.

 

 

November garden plant of the month: Osmanthus

Sweetly-scented shrub
Osmanthus is a holly-like shrub with leathery, sharp leaves and small white scented flowers. This plant has various cultivars which all differ in terms of leaf colour. It is an evergreen shrub which is also very suitable for topiary or hedging.
Osmanthus: lovingly pricking leaves! 
Osmanthus is a genus of 30 species from the Oleaceae family, which also includes the olive. They are an evergreen shrub which is very hardy, originally from China, Japan and the Himalayas. They grow relatively slowly, making them easy to look after. The shrub requires little pruning and remains compact, which is ideal for on the balcony and patio. Osmanthus x burkwoodii is a hybrid of two holly-like plants. The plant has beautifully scented white flowers and is a real enhancement on the patio. Other Osmanthus species are particularly attractive because of their leaf markings and colour, and can therefore still be used effectively in the garden in November. The fact that the leaves resemble holly means we often associate the shrub with the festive period. Osmanthus heterophyllus comes in a number of cultivars, of which the best-known are ‘Tricolor’ and ‘Variegatus’ and ‘Goshiki’. Its origin and appearance mean that the plant works well in Japanese and Oriental gardens combined with other garden plants from those regions such as Skimmia and Pieris.
Caring for Osmanthus
Osmanthus will remain healthy and attractive by following a couple of simple tips. The plant is particularly hardy, and very easy in both full sun and partial shade and even full shade.
•   Osmanthus enjoys a normal humus-rich soil, not too wet and not too dry.
•   Give the plant a mixed fertiliser in spring and autumn to keep it healthy.
•   If the plant is pruned at the right time, it can last for years. Pruning too early in the winter can cause the branches to freeze.
Osmanthus pruning tips 
Osmanthus does not grow particularly rapidly and only really needs pruning if it gets too big, or if it has ugly or dead branches.
The best time to prune Osmanthus is the end of February or beginning of March. It’s not a good idea to do it any sooner, since the branches can then freeze. If Osmanthus is used as a hedge or other topiary form, it’s advisable to prune it in June and September. It’s a good idea to prune every year if the plant is used as a hedge or for topiary. Osmanthus burkwoodii is best pruned after flowering in May/June, so you can still enjoy the beautifully scented flowers.
More information about Osmanthus and other garden plants can be found at Thejoyofplants.co.uk.

Cabaret coming to Edinburgh Playhouse

Cabaret, starring Will Young, who reprises his award-winning performance as the enigmatic Emcee, and Louise Redknapp, making her stage debut as Sally Bowles, comes to the Scottish capital this November. Rufus Norris’ acclaimed production of Kander and Ebb’s musical masterpiece is on at the Edinburgh Playhouse in a five night run, from Tuesday 14thuntil Saturday 18th November, as part of its record-breaking UK tour. Continue reading Cabaret coming to Edinburgh Playhouse

Deirdre Brock: “City of Edinburgh Music School must stay open”

Following reports that the City of Edinburgh Music School faces an uncertain future, Deidre Brock MP has written to the Council’s Education Committee calling for a rethink and assurances that the specialist service will remain open. The school is based in Flora Stevenson Primary and in Broughton High, in Deidre’s Edinburgh North and Leith constituency. Continue reading Deirdre Brock: “City of Edinburgh Music School must stay open”

Starting gun sounds for historic Leith Fort site

A partnership between Port of Leith Housing Association,the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government has delivered a new community of affordable homes in Leith. An opening ceremony will take place today at the site of the 18th century Leith Fort, which was the original home of Edinburgh Castle’s world famous One o’clock gun. Continue reading Starting gun sounds for historic Leith Fort site

Study reveals British tourists prefer holidays at home

British tourists prefer spending their holidays in the UK rather than abroad, according to a new study. More than half (53%) said exploring the British Isles was their favourite type of holiday, while 47 per cent said they prefered camping in the UK over a package holiday in a warm location or a European city break. Continue reading Study reveals British tourists prefer holidays at home

Lord Provost opens Garden of Remembrance

Poppyscotland Learning Competition launched

Frank Ross, the Right Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, led a special group of wreath-layers at the annual Opening Ceremony of the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance, at the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens yesterday. Continue reading Lord Provost opens Garden of Remembrance

Outlander develops next generation of skilled Scottish screen talent

A team of twenty Scottish-based trainees have been selected for an intensive skills development training programme on season four of the award-winning TV production, Outlander, 15 of whom will be taking their first step into the film and TV industry. Continue reading Outlander develops next generation of skilled Scottish screen talent