The Grange Association 

Newsletter No. 62 Spring 1997

Recognised Scottish Charity SC025491

IN MEMORY

This is an appropriate moment to remember that our logo was designed, at the invitation of Isobel Simpson, by Katherine Chart, who died in January. Mrs Chart, a resident of Dalrymple Crescent, had an extensive knowledge of all things heraldic. During the sixties she held the post of Principal Heraldic Painter to the court of the Lord Lyon. She it was who identified the heraldic beasts in Grange Loan as Wyverns - hitherto they had been known as the 'Lauder Griffins' - and gave them a lively new role in the Association logo.

SUMMER EVENT

Saturday 14 June - A visit to 7 local gardens. Meet at 2.30pm on the corner of Blackford Road and Whitehouse Loan. Grateful thanks to the owners.

AN APPEAL - SICK CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

the inside of the 'Sick Kids' has undergone great changes. So much so, that anxious parents and visitors are having difficulty finding their way about. The hospital is planning to set up a team of volunteer guides. Please could you help occasionally? The more guides, the less often your turn will come round. For information phone the Family Support nurse - Mrs Jean Fraser - 536 0000, or give your name, address and phone number to our Chairperson - Sheila Reid.

NOTES FROM THE AGM - 5 FEBRUARY 1997

95 members and 6 visitors (Councillors and representatives of nearby amenity bodies) attended the AGM. The outgoing chairman Dr Derek Lyddon reported as follows:-

Highlights of the Year - The Association's area was extended to encompass the Astley Ainslie and the whole declared to be an Outstanding Conservation Area. The constitution was adjusted so that the Association can and has become a Scottish charity. 4 major planning proposals were responded to. The History Group is discussing a management plan for the Grange Cemetery. A leaflet about cabling was distributed and we welcomed to all our events members of the Greenhill and Church Hill Amenity Association.

Planning and Conservation - Richard Ewing and Lesley Robertson have helped the Committee attend to 100 planning applications during the year. Remember that every application requires at least one visit to Cockburn Street and that many call for a detailed written response. Both have our warm thanks.

In response to the perceived increasing development pressure, the Committee is making its Planning Group more formal - to be proactive, to indicate what we think is in character, to develop planning briefs and to react as professionally as possible to development proposals.

Constitution - A Special General Meeting held on 13 November 1996 clarified the Association's objectives and broadened the membership. The Inland Revenue now recognises the Association as a Scottish Charity which will confer certain tax advantages, enhance public confidence in the charitable sector and make those running the charities more aware of our responsibilities.

Planting a Millennium Tree? - Almost all of the 10,000 trees in the Grange are in private gardens. To keep our treescape in good heart we need to plant 200 each year. The Association hopes to encourage the planting of 500 Millennium trees. We shall offer advice on what to plant, help in finding a source for the tree(s) of your choice and help in having a commemorative label made. If you would like a questionnaire to help you select the right tree, or if you would like to contribute any ideas to this proposal, please contact Alistair Scott.

History Group - A draft management plan for the Grange Cemetery has been discussed with Mr David Jamieson of Edinburgh City Council. The intention is to increase tree numbers, variety, and age structure, to introduce more shrub species, to erect bird nesting boxes, to increase site information and to provide benches. The group is continuing to record the monuments and extra help is required. Please give your name to any committee member. We congratulate the Greenhill and Church Hill Amenity Association for its efforts in having the tombstone of John Livingstone off Chamberlain Road so successfully refurbished.

Carlton Cricket Ground - Apart from Grange Cemetery, the Cricket Ground is our only available open space. Following a helpful meeting with the club we have invited them to tell us about their amenities in this newsletter.

Garden Group - A successful talk on the History of the Rose by Dr AC Douglas and an outing to Lord and Lady Elliott's garden at Fairmilehead took place.

Social Group - The National Library of Scotland, Causewayside was visited and there was a meeting concerning Neighbourhood Watch. Meetings are now organised jointly with the Greenhill and Church Hill Amenity Association which has kindly made a donation towards hall hire expenses.

Newsletter - A great 'thank you' to our voluntary distributors who each year make 3 distributions to about 2,800 letterboxes. More volunteers are always needed. Special thanks to Alistair Scott for his work as editor and welcome to Lucy Richardson, the new editor.

In conclusion, Dr Lyddon thanked the Committee members for their efforts in 1996.

Finance -The honorary treasurer, Marion Cantley, presented the Statement of Income and Expenditure and the Statement of Funds for the year ended 31 December 1996. These accounts showed a small surplus of £51 due to the profit made from the sales of publications. Members passed a vote of thanks to the honorary auditor, David O Douglas, Chartered Accountant. The Association was particularly grateful for extra advice received in relation to the Association's role as a Scottish Charity.

Elections - After the elections of officials and committee members, Mrs Sheila Reid, the new chairperson, proposed that Dr Derek Lyddon should be our first Honorary President. This was seconded by Mrs Dorothy Ryle. In eloquent terms , Mrs Reid referred to Dr Lyddon's outstanding leadership and the unstinting ways in which he gave of his time to progress our affairs. Happily, he would continue as a co-opted member of the Committee and would be convenor of the new Planning Group.

FORUM FOLLOWING THE AGM ON TRAFFIC CALMING AND CONSERVATION

Derek Lyddon, introduced Will Garrett, Conservation Officer, City Development Department, Graham Reed from Historic Scotland and several members of the Association's Planning Group.

He stated that efforts must focus on how to maintain and enhance the quality of the Grange; in particular how to indicate in advance what will be appropriate instead of only reacting to proposals.

Mr Reed said that the Secretary of State for Scotland had made local authorities responsible for bringing forward proposals to protect Conservation Areas. But, few, if any authorities have done so. A proposed development should be tested against the question of whether it will maintain the character of part of a Conservation Area and preserve, protect and enhance its surroundings.

Mr Garrett said that, limited by resources, a local authority couldn't do all that it might wish to. Recent efforts involved the use of planning briefs and impact statements and there was an awareness that the characters of individual streets should be studied.

Sofia Leonard referred to 'The Grange A Case of Conservation' published by the Association in 1982. The policies outlined there had not been worked through and it was even more necessary today that they should be.

Many of the 100, or so, people there then took part in an open forum. Issues raised included; the increasing density of population and traffic when flats are built; local parking and traffic problems; the need for a city wide transport strategy; and developers should be asked to produce a statement on what they were doing to preserve the quality and character of the area.

Mr Garrett foresaw a partnership between the City Development Department and the Grange Association to further our objectives. He promised to produce a template for immediate future action here.

The monitoring report on traffic calming had not yet been received from the City Council. The bumps in the road were made to government standards and the whole scheme was aimed at getting a 20mph limit.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS: 26 JULY 1996-5 FEBRUARY 1997 (see separately typed sheet 8 )

GRANGE CEMETERY - COMMEMORATIVE SEATING

Cemeteries in urban areas are increasingly seen as sources of recreational space for local communities, and the Recreation and Leisure Department of the City Council would like to encourage donations of commemorative seats and specimen trees. Please contact the Recreation and Leisure Department, in the first instance, if you can help.

TREE NOTES

Most lime trees in the Grange are common lime, Tilia x europaea. Some 15% however are the large-leafed lime, Tilia platyphyllos and there are a few small-leafed limes Tilia cordata and silver pendant lime, Tilia petiolaris. If you would like help in identification, do ask me, preferably when the tree is in flower or fruit.

400 copies of 'Trees in the Grange' have now been sold, but some stocks remain. If you would like to buy a copy (£5.00) contact me, or any committee member will pass on your order. It is elegantly illustrated by Fiona Reid and Anne Gilchrist. Alistair Scott

WILDLIFE

Early in 1997 a heron was often seen on rooftops overlooking garden ponds. A female blackcap was in Dick Place in the first week of January and a male in the third week. Mistle thrushes have been regular residents in Dalrymple Crescent and Grange Loan. A local female sparrowhawk has been reported regularly, particularly at 2 different plucking posts.

Local foxes are being seen almost as often in the afternoons as at night. Their route can often be tracked by security lights being triggered. Walls are used as aerial roadways, with foxes jumping with ease from the ground onto a 7 foot wall.

Grey squirrels have stripped important areas of bark from a treasured Hoheria in Dalrymple Crescent. Before moving to any other measures, the owner is intent on discovering whether these pesky animals can be deterred by the application of pepper. Thanks to Mr Weir and Mr Johnson, Mr Steedman and committee members. GHF

SHOPPING MEMORIES : TIMES CHANGE (see separately typed sheet 15)

THE CARLTON CRICKET CLUB

The Association is happy to give space in the newsletter to the following note from the local Carlton Cricket Club in Grange Loan. Do note that the Grange Cricket Club is in Stockbridge.

The Carlton Cricket Club is among the top clubs in Scotland. Last season our 1st XI finished 3rd in the Scottish League and reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup. We run 3 senior teams, 3 junior teams and are about to start a ladies' team. Our strong junior section has 70 boys and girls from Primary 7 upwards attending coaching. The club professional also coaches in 3 local primary schools.

We have a secluded and beautiful ground in one of Edinburgh's most desirable suburbs and a recently upgraded clubhouse with a comfortable bar and lounge. We are keen to expand our membership in the local community - whether playing, social, officiating, sponsoring or patron. We need your support if the club and its beautiful ground is to survive and prosper. Social membership is only £15 p.a. By special arrangement with the Grange Association the normal £5 gate fee is waived for members.

As a social member you would be welcome at any time to walk in the ground, to walk your dog provided you clean up, to enjoy a drink in the bar (open at weekends and Tues/Thurs evenings during the summer) and to watch the cricket.

If you are interested in joining or offering some form of support do write to Nick Blundell, Carlton Cricket Club, 42 Abercorn Road, Edinburgh EH8 or contact him on *** ****.

A LETTER FROM A RESIDENT

'Who are 'the most selfish owners in the Grange'? Those who light bonfires without forewarning their neighbours? Those who allow branches and bushes to overgrow the pavement below head height? My vote goes to those who allow their dogs to foul on our roads and pavements without clearing up after them. Treading in dog muck is no fun for anyone. All is not lost however. Direct action apart, if you do see a dog owner behaving in an irresponsible way, you may consider phoning the Council dog wardens on 529 3030 and asking them to visit the offender. Following complaints from residents the dog wardens did take prompt and effective action recently in relation to Lover's Loan - so as service it does work.'

FAVOURITE PLANTS IN THE GRANGE - A GARDEN SUPPLEMENT

Given that there are some 1500 gardens in the Grange and some knowledgeable gardeners, we thought it would be interesting to ask a number to tell us briefly about their favourite plant. Here are some of the responses. Jean Duff

Geranium phaeum (Mourning Widow) - PC, Lauder Road

The Mourning Widow was already established in our garden when we took it over, and for me it was a happy discovery. In spring the leaves appear in delightful pale yellowish-green hummocks and over the summer the leaves gradually darken. Our form has a prominent and attractive maroon blotch on each leaf and maroon flowers which are of a lighter shade than the more usual version. The particular value of this plant lies in its capacity to live happily in shade - even dry shade under trees, where the pale foliage looks particularly attractive. It is easy to grow, tolerant, non-invasive and does not readily succumb to pests and diseases. What more could one ask?

Kirengeshoma palmata - AC, Whitehouse Loan

My choice is based on the shape and form of the plant and foliage and an extended period of interest, rather than the spectacular flowers. Kirengeshoma palmata flowers in late summer/early autumn when there is not much else around. The palmate leaves are attractive against the black stems and petioles. It is a hardy perennial from Japan. The flowers are shaped like little tubular hats and are pale yellow borne on longish stems. I have seen this plant growing to about 6 feet in Kew Gardens, but in my garden it is a more reasonable 2-3 feet and growing in a shady position on acid soil.

Fuchisa magellanica - RW, Grange Loan

This was difficult to establish, but gives much pleasure with its late summer display of delightful pendulous scarlet and purple flowers. It grows against a south facing wall in a sheltered spot sharing the same bed as the early flowering daffodils.

Eucryphia glutinosa - PY, Dick Place

During the year its handsome evergreen leaves give much pleasure, but in August it comes into its own when the strangely capped buds open to give an abundance of white flowers with their striking crimson tipped stamens. The scent of honey is overwhelming and attracts bees in great numbers. This Chilean shrub grows in a west facing border with damp acid soil.

Viburnum x bodnantense - DAR, Mansionhouse Road

After enjoying the winter flowering of a large old specimen in a neighbour's garden, we planted one in our back garden. In winter it is a welcome sight covered with clusters of fragrant pink tinged flowers. The new leaves in spring are an attractive bronze colour, and the shrub will grow slowly to about 10 feet and produce sweet perfumed flowers from November until early spring.

Rosa spp. - DF, Fountainhall Road

No apology for choosing something as traditional as the rose. Roses brighten the garden from early June onward and even now, in January, amid the ice and snow, a few determined and gallant blooms struggle to give a touch of colour to the bleak scenery. Roses come in infinite variety, their only drawback being the multitude of pests and diseases which attack them, but it's well worth the effort.

Meconopis sheldonii (Himalayan Poppy) - DP, Relugas Road

I am the opposite of green-fingered, so it is always a delight when the plants in my garden thrive, particularly those I plant myself. The Himalayan Poppy has startling icy blue flowers, reminding me of Nepal and cold streams and clear skies above Anapurna.

Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite) - South Lauder Road

Looking round my garden on a dark miserable January day, the winter aconite and its little clump of greenery is rather coyly recurving itself backwards ready to present its cheerful yellow flowers at the first blink of sunshine. My garden books tell me it is a wild flower which explains why mine has survived many turmoils in my garden - a real survivor.

Cyclamen hederifolium - MF, Dick Place

Our garden is sunny and dry, but there are 1001 shady places suitable for this favourite. It has marbled ivy-like leaves and pretty pink flowers. The behaviour of the plant is most intriguing. When the flower has faded and the seed has set, the flower stem, at first quite straight, sets itself into a tight coil round and protecting the seed, remaining there until the seed is ripe. Then the coiled stem withers, allowing the seed to fall to the ground and start a new plant.

Epimedium x rubrum - RE, Lauder Road

Since it is an evergreen perennial retaining its leaves throughout the winter, it makes an attractive ground cover, of about 12 inches tall, during this season. In spring, however it is a real delight. The fresh green of the lopsided and heart-shaped leaves become tinged with red and the plant blends beautifully into the herbaceous border. Sprays of crimson flowers are produced in May and the leaves become more beautifully veined and coloured as the summer and then autumn progress. It is untroubled by pests or disease.

Lamium maculatum (Dead Nettle) - AS, Grange Terrace

This is the most useful plant in the garden and saves hours of work as it provides excellent ground cover between shrubs and perennials. Evergreen and only 9 inches tall, it has purplish pink or white flowers in May and the leaves striped with silver are always pleasing. Although invasive, the plant is easily controlled by clipping in the late autumn with the removal of unwanted runners.

Pyrus communis (Pear) - CF, Seton Place

I have always liked history and the things which express it, so one of the favourite plants in my garden is the pear tree which is one of the three trees shown on an old map dating from about the time of the construction of the house c 1865. Even should the pear die, I have the sport from the adjacent apple cut down some years ago.

Camellia 'Cornish Snow' - Lauder Road

This single white Camellia which can flower as early as February makes it a welcome addition to the garden. I have this plant growing in a large pot in a north facing position where it never gets direct sunlight. Provided it does not dry out at any time, the plant flowers profusely every spring. Some of its contentment might be explained by its sheltered position next to the house and through the wall from the central heating boiler!

Geranium renardii - Whitehouse Loan

This makes mounds of greyish green, slightly wrinkled looking velvety leaves which still look good in early December. It flowers in early summer and has white flowers with purple veining. It is suitable for the front of the border and likes full sun.

Cotoneaster horizontalis - Grange Loan

A much loved plant because it grows in such lovely, fan-like shapes, contributes colour to the garden throughout the year with its green leaves, pinky little flowers and red berries (which attracts birds) and, most importantly, grows anywhere including a most unpromising site against a north facing wall.

Helleborus orientalis guttatus - Dick Place

This plant is at its best in January/February and is a deep red-wine colour, with heavy spotting on the inside of the flower which contrasts with the bright green nectaries and stigma and numerous creamy stamens. It flourishes in the shade on acid soil with lots of leaf mould and added fertiliser.

Cotinus coggygria (Purple Smoke Bush ) - Mansionhouse Road

Although late in spring to come into leaf, it holds its purple red leaves well into autumn and gives great pleasure throughout the summer. Fully hardy it is happy in semi-shade and not over rich soil.

Geranium wallichianum 'Buxton's Blue' - Dick Place

Its name celebrates Nathaniel Wallich the botanist who was director of the Botanic Gardens in Calcutta. It is low growing, spreading gradually and soundly perennial, although it dies down after flowering in late August. It has many hyacinth blue flowers with a white central splash. Seedlings rarely occur as the storksbill like seed heads rarely set seed.

Geranium pratense 'Johnson's Blue' - Grange Terrace

The hardy perennial geranium Johnson's Blue is a particular favourite of mine providing a welcome splash of strong colour and large flowers in early summer. The garden is walled and the soil is easily worked, so most plants do well.

THE GRANGE ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE 1997

Sheila Reid Chairperson

Lesley Robertson Vice-chairperson

Marion Cantley Hon Treasurer

Graham Dickson

Jean Duff Gardening

James Fleck

Gerald France Hon Secretary, Wildlife

Hamish Logan

Derek Lyddon Honorary President, Planning

Angela McFee

Ian Macneil of Barra

Betty Paul

Lucy Richardson

Dorothy Ryle Community Liaison

Alistair Scott Trees

Jo Scott Marketing/Sales