Martineau Gardens is open every day except Sundays and Bank Holidays. We are closed on Monday 31 August 2015.

If you’re planning to visit Martineau Gardens on Saturday 29 August, the Gardens are open but the car park is being used for the cricket and the car park will be full – we’d love you to come and visit but please leave the car at home, (or arrange to be dropped off) and use public transport. Martineau Gardens is well served by buses. The nearest bus routes are  1, 45, 47, 61, 63, X64. To plan your journey by public transport, visit  www.traveline.info  and use the postcode search – Martineau Gardens postcode is B5 7UG. Alternatively, arrive by bike and bring your bike down to our bike rack, close to the Pavilion.

When you arrive, the gates will be locked, please phone the office on 0121 440 7430 and we will unlock the gates for you.

If you’re a cricket fan, you can find out more about parking here: www.martineau-gardens.org.uk/2015/08/parking-for-cricket-fans/

Martineau Gardens’ buildings – location for the ‘Sustainable Gardens’ networking event

Last month Martineau Gardens was delighted to host the latest ‘Fit for the Future’ Network event. Head gardeners and garden managers from different member organisations got together and shared case studies and solutions for making gardens more sustainable. The event was chaired by Caroline Hutton, Director of Martineau Gardens,  and organised by Fit for the Future. Round the table were people from the National Trust, Powis Castle, the Eden Project and Kew Gardens. Topics discussed included off grid gardens – looking at renewable energy and sustainable water systems, improving energy efficiency in garden buildings and sheds used as offices and developing environmental standards for parks and gardens. All themes that are close to our hearts here at the Gardens.

‘Fit for the Future’ organisations touring Martineau Gardens

You can find out more about the progress we are making with rainwater harvesting here: www.martineau-gardens.org.uk/visitor-information/the-gardens/water-harvesting/

Photocredit: National Trust Photographer

Southern Hawker Dragonfly photocredit: B Perry

Dragonfly larva emerging photo credit: B Perry

It’s this time of year that dragonflies emerge from our wildlife pool. Here are some fantastic photographs, taken by our volunteer wildlife recorder, Brian Perry.

One shows a female Southern Hawker dragonfly perched at the edge of the pool – this is the only photo we have of an adult dragonfly at Martineau Gardens. Congratulations to Brian!  The other photograph shows the dragonfly larva – it’s clinging to a stem before the adult dragonfly begins to emerge.  If you look carefully you’ll notice a white line behind its head, which shows that its skin is starting to split ready for the adult to come out.

Record Amounts Raised

THE MARTINEAU GARDENS SUMMER GARDEN PARTY 2015

A record amount of funds was raised for  Martineau Gardens at our recent Summer Garden Party Fundraiser on Saturday 11 July. The event, co-ordinated by supporters and volunteers of the charity, raised over £7,077 for Martineau Gardens, doubling that which was raised last year. The sounds of Chet Baker,  Miles Davies, Herbie Hancock  and more,  performed by award-winning jazz musicians The Bryan Corbett Quartet  were the perfect backdrop to a beautiful evening. The weather was warm, the roses were in full bloom and guests enjoyed music, cheese and wine and took part in a charity auction.

Thanks to Shakespeare Martineau (courtesy of whom we enjoyed the fabulous food and wine), Jeremy Thornton from Biddle and Webb (our pro bono auctioneer), to Hayley from Majestic Wine who stayed for free to serve wine to our guests, and most importantly,  to the generosity of our supporters who  donated lots for the auction and bid enthusiastically, the event raised a record amount. Our thanks to the Garden Party Committee for all their efforts for this memorable evening.

Sue Roberts, Chair of Trustees for Martineau Gardens and organiser of the Summer Garden Party said:

“Our charity receives no funding from the government – we’re overwhelmed by the support of local residents who have contributed to the success of this event,  in money and in kind.”

She added: “Martineau Gardens provides much needed volunteering opportunities for vulnerable adults and a beautiful green space for all to enjoy.”

what a lovely Garden Party pics