Third Prize again in 2019
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The competition for the best Station Garden on the Tarka Line was judged earlier than usual this year. Generally the judging takes place towards the end of July. This year, however at the request of two stations the judging took place on the 27th June. It will revert to the more normal time of mid to late July next year. Apparently neither of the two stations took first or second place which were taken by Copplestone with 193 points, Chapelton with 190 point with Newton St Cyres and Umberleigh both getting 166 points.
Unfortunately the garden was not at its best. The cold start to the year meaning that early judging was definitely not in our favour. The front cover has pictures from Chris Southcott of the garden at the middle of July. What a pretty sight it is with the flowers, herbs and vegetables all making a contribution to the display.
Tom Clague said;"With a sterling effort from Liz in getting the plants and producing a very good display plus the team work from Friends of NSC Station in watering and weeding we did well."
Liz Ouldridge said; "I’m not unhappy with third place as we were not really ready in time for the judging. But the garden looks really nice now and that is reward enough and it is a real asset to the village. Perhaps next year we should try to cram more things onto the platform as I think we were harshly judged in some categories if you take the whole garden into account."
Unfortunately the garden was not at its best. The cold start to the year meaning that early judging was definitely not in our favour. The front cover has pictures from Chris Southcott of the garden at the middle of July. What a pretty sight it is with the flowers, herbs and vegetables all making a contribution to the display.
Tom Clague said;"With a sterling effort from Liz in getting the plants and producing a very good display plus the team work from Friends of NSC Station in watering and weeding we did well."
Liz Ouldridge said; "I’m not unhappy with third place as we were not really ready in time for the judging. But the garden looks really nice now and that is reward enough and it is a real asset to the village. Perhaps next year we should try to cram more things onto the platform as I think we were harshly judged in some categories if you take the whole garden into account."
Pictures from Denise Watkiss
Click here to download the judges report
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Newton Station gets Third prize in the Tarka Line Station Garden Competition July 2018
The pictures show the Station in all its glory just before being judged in the Tarka Line competition of 2018. Whilst the purpose of keeping the station looking good is to look after our village, keeping it a place to be proud to live in the award of third place was the reward for the efforts of Liz Ouldridge, Chris Southcott and the team of Friends of the Station who have nurtured and watered the garden throught hte hot weather of May, June and July. The winning station was Umberleigh and runner up Chapelton. It was pleasing to see that Newton was praised for its performance in the environmental sections. The growing of herbs and vegetables was much appreciated by the editor who ate some onions, beans and herbs from the garden.
The Friends of Newton St Cyres Station
If you are near the railway station, why not visit our garden? This year, as well as the delicious vegetables we are growing for you to sample, you will find herbs mixed in with the flowers.
Why grow herbs? Many herb plants are very pretty to look at, especially when they flower. Herbs tend to be drought-resistant and bee-friendly and, last but not least, they are very tasty.
Please feel free to pick the herbs. Look out for labels that tell you which herbs are which, and feel free to pick them. Please don’t pick so much from one plant that it can’t grow. We have parsley (flat-leaf, and curly), chives, sage, thyme, silver thyme, mint (3 different types!), rosemary, dill, oregano, golden-tipped marjoram, coriander, basil, stevia, mushroom herb, curry plant, lemon verbena, lemon balm and bee balm.
To get you started. This is a recipe to get you started – roast chicken with herbs and lemon. Pick a handful of different herbs, (not mint as it is so strongly flavoured). You will also need about 50g (2oz) softened butter, a whole chicken, a lemon cut into four quarters and salt and pepper.
Rub the chicken all over with the cut sides of the lemon then place the quarters in the body cavity. Chop the herbs then mix together with the butter, salt and pepper. Separate the skin from the meat of the breast of the chicken by sliding a knife between them. Then insert the herb butter between the skin and the meat, massaging it across as much of the breast as possible. Any butter that did not manage to get in, smear over the outside of the chicken – including the legs. Then roast the chicken as you would normally. The skin will be beautifully crispy and there will be plenty of juices to make delicious gravy.
If you are near the railway station, why not visit our garden? This year, as well as the delicious vegetables we are growing for you to sample, you will find herbs mixed in with the flowers.
Why grow herbs? Many herb plants are very pretty to look at, especially when they flower. Herbs tend to be drought-resistant and bee-friendly and, last but not least, they are very tasty.
Please feel free to pick the herbs. Look out for labels that tell you which herbs are which, and feel free to pick them. Please don’t pick so much from one plant that it can’t grow. We have parsley (flat-leaf, and curly), chives, sage, thyme, silver thyme, mint (3 different types!), rosemary, dill, oregano, golden-tipped marjoram, coriander, basil, stevia, mushroom herb, curry plant, lemon verbena, lemon balm and bee balm.
To get you started. This is a recipe to get you started – roast chicken with herbs and lemon. Pick a handful of different herbs, (not mint as it is so strongly flavoured). You will also need about 50g (2oz) softened butter, a whole chicken, a lemon cut into four quarters and salt and pepper.
Rub the chicken all over with the cut sides of the lemon then place the quarters in the body cavity. Chop the herbs then mix together with the butter, salt and pepper. Separate the skin from the meat of the breast of the chicken by sliding a knife between them. Then insert the herb butter between the skin and the meat, massaging it across as much of the breast as possible. Any butter that did not manage to get in, smear over the outside of the chicken – including the legs. Then roast the chicken as you would normally. The skin will be beautifully crispy and there will be plenty of juices to make delicious gravy.
The Friends of Newton St Cyres Station would like to thank all who help. Particular thanks go to the Young Farmers for the supply of manure and to the Beer Engine and Daw Refrigeration for their generous sponsorship.
In 2016 Newton St Cyres Station took third place in the Tarka Line Station Garden Competition after Copplestone and Chapelton. Below are some pictures taken by Denise Watkiss at the end of July when then judges had just been round. (Click on the images to enlarge)
In 2016 Newton St Cyres Station took third place in the Tarka Line Station Garden Competition after Copplestone and Chapelton. Below are some pictures taken by Denise Watkiss at the end of July when then judges had just been round. (Click on the images to enlarge)
If you would like to help with planting and caring for the garden in the coming year please contact Cllr. Chris Southcott on 01392 851569.
Below are pictures from 2015 and earlier.
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Click on picture to enlarge
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