Hi Peter,
Please find attached pictures of my collection of early Britains Miniature
Floral garden Packs. 1960 to 1961.
As far as I can research these early Britains packs were issued without the
customary "Returns Slips"
The photos show which numbers relate to the different varieties.
1960 issues were:
H2535
H2537
H2538
H2539
H2540
H2541
H2542
H2560
H2571
H2585
H2586 (Box
H2586 (Pack)
1961 issues were:
H2536
H2543
H2544
H2546
H2584
H2587
H2589
H2591
H2592
H2595
H2598
H2600
Interestingly H2571 (Lawn (1) and Crazy Paving (4)) shows two pieces of paving
cut in trapeziod form.
If anyone has any thoughts on the above information please can they get in touch
to confirm or otherwise.
I have built most of these details from the packs and early leaflets.
Hope this to be of use to the other members
Kind Regards Mike Bate. (The Cornish Gardener).
Some time ago I saw a page on Ebay written by seller "Holly loves toys". I thought it would be a good starter paragraph for a Wikipedia page on the subject. I note that the "Britains" page has a non-existent link (therefore an opportunity to link to ) a Wikipedia page on FG. (if Holly is here, please give us permission to use it saving emailing to ask for it) .
So Helen, if you are still offering please go ahead. I have a Wikipedia login as I am sure others do, so we could add bits and snippets of info wherever possible. There is loads of stuff on here and elsewhere about FG which could be used. I originally claimed a website address for an internet resource when starting this group (I could find no such resource myself). The group was started as a talking shop, but also as a place to collect info for just this purpose
Thing is I just don't have the time to get my head round the setting up and structure of a Wikipedia entry. So please if you are offering, go ahead and do the ground work and lets see what we can create "out there" on the web for posterity and for others to research.
My name is Helen and I am new to the group. I have recently fallen in love with britains floral garden and have been marveling at the photos posted. I am eager to learn everything there is to know about this adorable range and am happy to do the Wikipedia page with input from the experts!
Please contact me if you are interested in sharing your stories, imparting your knowledge or just want to chat.
I was given some floral garden items recently and my interest piqued from there. I have decided to start a collection of my own and would love to collect some more items for my garden so if anyone has anything they would like to sell please let me know.
Also, one of the things that I was given was the swing seat that is broken. I tried to fix it using superglue but it didn't work. can anyone recommend a glue to use please?
hi michael nothing wrong with being an ageing hippy! I share your passion for the miniature world mainly in houses and shops,always has fasinated me from a young child, I won the vegetables,so Im very happy! just the people to go ! Isnt it nice that a few more members are blossoming, I am going to make a copy of our sixties council house garden southend,I have been thinking about it and can do it all except we had a sandpit,built into the crazy paving, peace and chips[as my ageing hippy friend used to say]sue
From: Michael <mjhowe@...> To: britains_floral_garden@... Sent: Sun, 8 November, 2009 10:02:16 Subject: [britains_floral_garden] Re: Floral Garden Article
Sue;
I think you may have a point about the Sixties, it probably was the only time that something like the BFG could have prospered. There was an air of confidence in the future despite the Cold War.
I have been involved with scale modelling most of my life and the Garden is just another expression of my fascination with anything in miniature. I am constantly dismayed however by the hobby's emphasis on military subjects, particularly WWII German. I think I took the peace, love thing rather to heart! Despite the fact that I will tackle almost any subject in a model kit (I've built models of birds, boats, trains, motorcycles, even Wallace & Gromit!) I refuse to consider models of machines of aggressor nations.
An ageing hippie perhaps?
Peace; Michael
--- In britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk, sue ryall <sueryall@.. .> wrote: > > hi michael thanks for sending me the article by peter cole,it was excellent,I have often wondered how it all came about,it captures the 60.s spirit perfectly,it couldnt have been captured any other time,after the austerity of the aftermath of the wars years,barry bucknell told our fathers how they could make their homes modern, in an affordable way,and percy thrower did the same in the garden,to design and make a modern garden,yourself, this so reflects in floral garden, the 60.s were so full of hope,the modern world,it was a good time to be around, I would have paid you that money for the people! I saw them on american ebay,but not on the uk one,I think they go for much more on that one,I didnt know if I could buy on the american won or how to convert dollars,if you ever
have another set or 1 or 2,prices still too high for me on ebay,one day........ still knocked out by having my own garden though, regards sue
Hello would you mind sending the article to me. Many thanks Maxine
--- On Sat, 7/11/09, Michael <mjhowe@...> wrote:
From: Michael <mjhowe@...> Subject: [britains_floral_garden] Floral Garden Article To: britains_floral_garden@... Date: Saturday, 7 November, 2009, 10:46
G'day folks;
I've been in touch with Barney Brown in England who's a keen Britains collector and is writing a series of books on Britains Farm, Zoo and Garden. He's very kindly scanned an article from a magazine written in 1991 by Peter Cole and sent it to me. I've OCR'd it all and rebuilt the article in Word doc format and have posted it in the files for your further edification.
It narrates a brief history of the series and includes some fascinating facts about design, production and marketing.
Sue;
I think you may have a point about the Sixties, it probably was the only time
that something like the BFG could have prospered. There was an air of
confidence in the future despite the Cold War.
I have been involved with scale modelling most of my life and the Garden is just
another expression of my fascination with anything in miniature. I am
constantly dismayed however by the hobby's emphasis on military subjects,
particularly WWII German. I think I took the peace, love thing rather to
heart! Despite the fact that I will tackle almost any subject in a model kit
(I've built models of birds, boats, trains, motorcycles, even Wallace & Gromit!)
I refuse to consider models of machines of aggressor nations.
An ageing hippie perhaps?
Peace;
Michael
--- In britains_floral_garden@..., sue ryall <sueryall@...> wrote:
>
> hi michael thanks for sending me the article by peter cole,it was excellent,I
have often wondered how it all came about,it captures the 60.s spirit
perfectly,it couldnt have been captured any other time,after the austerity of
the aftermath of the wars years,barry bucknell told our fathers how they could
make their homes modern, in an affordable way,and percy thrower did the same in
the garden,to design and make a modern garden,yourself,this so reflects in
floral garden, the 60.s were so full of hope,the modern world,it was a good
time to be around, I would have paid you that money for the people! I saw them
on american ebay,but not on the uk one,I think they go for much more on that
one,I didnt know if I could buy on the american won or how to convert dollars,if
you ever have another set or 1 or 2,prices still too high for me on ebay,one
day........ still knocked out by having my own garden though, regards sue
hi michael thanks for sending me the article by peter cole,it was excellent,I have often wondered how it all came about,it captures the 60.s spirit perfectly,it couldnt have been captured any other time,after the austerity of the aftermath of the wars years,barry bucknell told our fathers how they could make their homes modern, in an affordable way,and percy thrower did the same in the garden,to design and make a modern garden,yourself,this so reflects in floral garden, the 60.s were so full of hope,the modern world,it was a good time to be around, I would have paid you that money for the people! I saw them on american ebay,but not on the uk one,I think they go for much more on that one,I didnt know if I could buy on the american won or how to convert dollars,if you ever have
another set or 1 or 2,prices still too high for me on ebay,one day........ still knocked out by having my own garden though, regards sue
From: Michael <mjhowe@...> To: britains_floral_garden@... Sent: Sat, 7 November, 2009 10:46:30 Subject: [britains_floral_garden] Floral Garden Article
G'day folks;
I've been in touch with Barney Brown in England who's a keen Britains collector and is writing a series of books on Britains Farm, Zoo and Garden. He's very kindly scanned an article from a magazine written in 1991 by Peter Cole and sent it to me. I've OCR'd it all and rebuilt the article in Word doc format and have posted it in the files for your further edification.
It narrates a brief history of the series and includes some fascinating facts about design, production and marketing.
Thanks for posting this great article by the very thorough Pete Cole - it nicely
supplements the narrative in his wonderful book "Suspended Animation". You have
to marvel at the skills (and motivation) to machine the brass mould to have
veins on a 1/32 scale leaf! (I've never looked that closely).
Has anyone got actual of photos of the 'trade stands' Cole mentions. I'd love to
see them.
Great to follow all the recent conversaton activity on this group BTW
Mark
--- In britains_floral_garden@..., "Michael" <mjhowe@...> wrote:
>
> G'day folks;
>
> I've been in touch with Barney Brown in England who's a keen Britains
collector and is writing a series of books on Britains Farm, Zoo and Garden.
He's very kindly scanned an article from a magazine written in 1991 by Peter
Cole and sent it to me. I've OCR'd it all and rebuilt the article in Word doc
format and have posted it in the files for your further edification.
>
> It narrates a brief history of the series and includes some fascinating facts
about design, production and marketing.
>
> Comments would be welcome.
>
> Michael
>
G'day folks;
I've been in touch with Barney Brown in England who's a keen Britains collector
and is writing a series of books on Britains Farm, Zoo and Garden. He's very
kindly scanned an article from a magazine written in 1991 by Peter Cole and sent
it to me. I've OCR'd it all and rebuilt the article in Word doc format and have
posted it in the files for your further edification.
It narrates a brief history of the series and includes some fascinating facts
about design, production and marketing.
Comments would be welcome.
Michael
Sue;
The figure set sold for about £80 but it had no ball and the dog and one other
figure lacked stands. Nonetheless it shows, at least to me, that prices are
down right now.
I've had a new idea to add a little corner of interest to my Garden. I have a
Britains Tumbrel Cart among my collection and I'm going to try and park it in a
flowerbed with lots of plants growing around and through. I don't know whether
it'll 'work' but I think it's an interesting idea.
Michael
--- In britains_floral_garden@..., sue ryall <sueryall@...> wrote:
>
> hi michael no I dont think it got to portugal my portugese friend was amazed
by it,I quite agree its the englishness that I love about the garden,something
that is sadly lost in todays gardens, and like you when I look at my garden it
so reminds me of home,english nature is unbeatable,I live in beautiful
surroundings but I still yearn for an english garden! as regard to flowers mine
are multi pieces,I know when my sister had a set in the 60's my mum was always
hovering up flower heads[I bet thousands ended up like this],how much did you
get for your figues you were selling? regards sue
hi michael no I dont think it got to portugal my portugese friend was amazed by it,I quite agree its the englishness that I love about the garden,something that is sadly lost in todays gardens, and like you when I look at my garden it so reminds me of home,english nature is unbeatable,I live in beautiful surroundings but I still yearn for an english garden! as regard to flowers mine are multi pieces,I know when my sister had a set in the 60's my mum was always hovering up flower heads[I bet thousands ended up like this],how much did you get for your figues you were selling? regards sue
From: Michael <mjhowe@...> To: britains_floral_garden@... Sent: Thu, 5 November, 2009 11:33:36 Subject: [britains_floral_garden] Re: Origins
Sue;
I wonder if the Floral Garden was ever sold in Portugal? I think it's the very Englishness of it that makes it appeal to me - reminds me of where I'd like to be! I envy Mandy, living in 'deepest' Somerset. I was born in Farnborough Hants but we were a RAF family and moved about a lot. My dream one day is to come back 'home'... sigh.
Does anybody have information as to when the original one-piece flowers with painted blooms (Hyacinths, Daffodils, Tulips, Lupins etc) were changed to multi-piece with separately moulded blooms? Which types do you have the most of?
Michael
--- In britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk, sue ryall <sueryall@.. .> wrote: > > hi michael its great that we all seem to be crawling out the woodwork!!I live in portugal,
a english lady who saw my garden,said her mums got some in her loft from when she was alittle girl, the portugese who see it are amazed by it! theres a collector in denmark so we are spread about ! many many thanks for the file/crazy paving, Its wonderful to think I can have perfect ones, in england in the 80s a few flowers or 1 wall would cost around £6 each,so yes I agree with you prices arnt bad except for the people,which are crazy and the sundial!!! regards sue
Sue;
I wonder if the Floral Garden was ever sold in Portugal? I think it's the very
Englishness of it that makes it appeal to me - reminds me of where I'd like to
be! I envy Mandy, living in 'deepest' Somerset. I was born in Farnborough
Hants but we were a RAF family and moved about a lot. My dream one day is to
come back 'home'... sigh.
Does anybody have information as to when the original one-piece flowers with
painted blooms (Hyacinths, Daffodils, Tulips, Lupins etc) were changed to
multi-piece with separately moulded blooms? Which types do you have the most
of?
Michael
--- In britains_floral_garden@..., sue ryall <sueryall@...> wrote:
>
> hi michael its great that we all seem to be crawling out the woodwork!!I live
in portugal, a english lady who saw my garden,said her mums got some in her loft
from when she was alittle girl, the portugese who see it are amazed by it!
theres a collector in denmark so we are spread about ! many many thanks for the
file/crazy paving, Its wonderful to think I can have perfect ones, in england in
the 80s a few flowers or 1 wall would cost around £6 each,so yes I agree with
you prices arnt bad except for the people,which are crazy and the sundial!!!
regards sue
I might even get the old cardboard box out and have a discrete play today!
Mandy
From: Michael <mjhowe@ozemail. com.au> To: britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk Sent: Tue, 3 November, 2009 6:08:55 Subject: [britains_floral_ garden] Horror Stories
Just to underline my remarks about storing your Garden pieces have a look at the photos under the same title as above!
The Willow Tree foliage and the Pot Plants as you see in these examples are the worst offenders but I have also seen damage by Daffodils, Roses, Gladioli etc.
They love to attack the hard polystyrene but as you can see here give them long enough and they'll eat anything. Some of these plants were completely buried under the softened blue plastic and it took me a long time to extricate them.
I might even get the old cardboard box out and have a discrete play today!
Mandy
From: Michael <mjhowe@ozemail. com.au> To: britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk Sent: Tue, 3 November, 2009 6:08:55 Subject: [britains_floral_ garden] Horror Stories
Just to underline my remarks about storing your Garden pieces have a look at the photos under the same title as above!
The Willow Tree foliage and the Pot Plants as you see in these examples are the worst offenders but I have also seen damage by Daffodils, Roses, Gladioli etc.
They love to attack the hard polystyrene but as you can see here give them long enough and they'll eat anything. Some of these plants were completely buried under the softened blue plastic and it took me a long time to extricate them.
I might even get the old cardboard box out and have a discrete play today!
Mandy
From: Michael <mjhowe@...> To: britains_floral_garden@... Sent: Tue, 3 November, 2009 6:08:55 Subject: [britains_floral_garden] Horror Stories
Just to underline my remarks about storing your Garden pieces have a look at the photos under the same title as above!
The Willow Tree foliage and the Pot Plants as you see in these examples are the worst offenders but I have also seen damage by Daffodils, Roses, Gladioli etc.
They love to attack the hard polystyrene but as you can see here give them long enough and they'll eat anything. Some of these plants were completely buried under the softened blue plastic and it took me a long time to extricate them.
hi michael its great that we all seem to be crawling out the woodwork!!I live in portugal, a english lady who saw my garden,said her mums got some in her loft from when she was alittle girl, the portugese who see it are amazed by it! theres a collector in denmark so we are spread about ! many many thanks for the file/crazy paving, Its wonderful to think I can have perfect ones, in england in the 80s a few flowers or 1 wall would cost around £6 each,so yes I agree with you prices arnt bad except for the people,which are crazy and the sundial!!! regards sue
From: Michael <mjhowe@...> To: britains_floral_garden@... Sent: Tue, 3 November, 2009 0:05:27 Subject: [britains_floral_garden] Origins
It's been very interesting to read how other people first got into Britains Floral Garden and it surprises me that those of you in the UK should say that you've met so few others who even know about it. As I've mentioned before I only met one person who even knew what it was when I displayed at the local show and even he turned out to be an expatriate Pom - that was disappointing but hardly surprising, living as I do on the backside of the world. I'm sure my collection can't be unique in Australia but it seems it might run close to being the most comprehensive.
As far as prices are concerned it's my opinion (feel free to contradict me on this) that they are lower now than for any time in the last ten years. Possibly because there's a lot more on offer. Some people are still asking silly money for certain items of course but if you scout the 'collections' for items you need it's often possible to pick up the same pieces for a lot less - then
sell off what you don't need to further amortise the outlay. That's been my collecting policy for years now. My problem is the added cost of airmail as ninety percent of my collection came from the UK.
The rest came mainly from the USA and, surprisingly, Scandinavia!
Just to underline my remarks about storing your Garden pieces have a look at the
photos under the same title as above!
The Willow Tree foliage and the Pot Plants as you see in these examples are the
worst offenders but I have also seen damage by Daffodils, Roses, Gladioli etc.
They love to attack the hard polystyrene but as you can see here give them long
enough and they'll eat anything. Some of these plants were completely buried
under the softened blue plastic and it took me a long time to extricate them.
Michael
There you are folks.
Uploaded the scan as PDF and also JPG. Dunno if the latter will work.
The file is in Metric but also Imperial for the purists among you!
I expect everyone will be able to download these but if not I can send them to
you individually.
Michael
It's been very interesting to read how other people first got into Britains
Floral Garden and it surprises me that those of you in the UK should say that
you've met so few others who even know about it. As I've mentioned before I
only met one person who even knew what it was when I displayed at the local show
and even he turned out to be an expatriate Pom - that was disappointing but
hardly surprising, living as I do on the backside of the world. I'm sure my
collection can't be unique in Australia but it seems it might run close to being
the most comprehensive.
As far as prices are concerned it's my opinion (feel free to contradict me on
this) that they are lower now than for any time in the last ten years. Possibly
because there's a lot more on offer. Some people are still asking silly money
for certain items of course but if you scout the 'collections' for items you
need it's often possible to pick up the same pieces for a lot less - then sell
off what you don't need to further amortise the outlay. That's been my
collecting policy for years now. My problem is the added cost of airmail as
ninety percent of my collection came from the UK.
The rest came mainly from the USA and, surprisingly, Scandinavia!
Michael
I'm not sure it worked, encouraging people to take up gardening that is, as so few people have heard about it
Mandy
From: sue ryall <sueryall@...> To: britains_floral_garden@... Sent: Mon, 2 November, 2009 20:31:01 Subject: Re: [britains_floral_garden] Re: hi
hi michael says it was on sale in australia ,but not the whole range,I was really surprised as it was such an "english garden ",I heard from a radio programme that it was popular with adults when doing your garden up became fashioable,it was used to plan a modern garden! my own childhood garden that my dad created in the 60s,did really look like a bfg,one! complete with the new on the market garden swing regards sue
James may is a dirty word in our house! He bid at a train auction for a mint boxed electric train, took it out of the box after paying over the odds for it and ran it on a layout. My husband and son are still spitting feathers, lol they think he probably chucked it away afterwards.
I wonder how many people actually remember buying and playing with it. Was it limited to the UK? I have never met anyone else who had a set apart from you guys.
talk soon
Mandy
From: sue ryall <sueryall@yahoo. co.uk> To: britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk Sent: Mon, 2 November, 2009 19:13:49 Subject: Re: [britains_floral_ garden] Re: hi
hi mandy how nice that we are all coming out the woodwork! I love my garden so much and really look forward to my monthly change round,I dismantle every bit and then make a new garden ,takes me all day,but its bliss,get playing with yours! Im going to put my photos on too, we should get james may to do one ! sue
I too have been enjoying your photos and storage tips, my bits and pieces are all in a cardboard box. I must take it all out and sort it!! I would also love a copy of the paving.
My interest in B.P Gardens, was renewed about 18 years ago when I saw some for sale at the Royal Bath and West Show a local agricultural show, and was amazed at the price even then.
My husband up until then thought I was imagining it.
My father bought me the gardening set with the family and lots of extra flowers.I think around 1964ish. My most loved were the daffs,sunflowers and holly hocks, I also took a great deal of pleasure in playing with the pond. After a very short time my father found that BPGS was just right for his railway layout, and so my Christmas/birthday present was given a new home.
My father died very suddenly when I was 24 and although he kept much of my childhood in a large trunk I don't recall any of the gardening items. Which was rather surprising as he kept every magazine I took, Mandy, Jackie, David Cassidy. I also discovered ALL my Sindy things!! So what happened to my BPGS??? My mother does not remember it at all.
My husband thinks I am very sad and thinks I am a James May nerd.lol
regards
Mandy (in deepest Somerset)
From: Michael <mjhowe@ozemail. com.au> To: britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk Sent: Sat, 31 October, 2009 22:55:21 Subject: [britains_floral_ garden] Re: hi
Sue;
Making the paving is pretty straightforward. I selected the best quality piece in my collection and scanned it, then cleaned up any imperfections in an image programme (I use Corel PhotoPaint). It was then converted to greyscale to eliminate any colouring. I resized the block to 75 x 37.5mm (I hate metrics but it's a matter of convenience) and copied and pasted it to make a block of twelve, 150 x 225mm (about the same size as a standard lawn) divided by faint lines for cutting guides, and finally printed a number of sheets. I used a laser printer but I recommend an inkjet because the laser print tends to be a bit glossy - an inkjet produces a much more original looking finish.
The card backing is the difficult part. You need a sheet of dense board about 3mm thick. I found some used as packing in the warehouse at work but you may be able to source it through a craft shop or maybe even a picture-framer.
Next you need a can of
spray adhesive to glue the sheets to the card, spray both sides and press together when nearly dry. To prevent curling put them on a flat surface and weight them down. A piece of clingwrap helps prevent any excess glue sticking them to the surfaces.
Finally you'll need a steel rule and, preferably, a roller cutter. The roller cutter is better than a knife for cleanly cutting stiff board and safer for your fingers because it won't slip. It's a bit like a pizza cutter. They sell them in craft shops or draperies for trimming material. Make several passes on each cut going a little deeper each time.
I cut some of my paving into single pieces but also strips of three lengthwise and four crosswise to make laying it out a bit easier. Two blocks of twelve were left intact for larger areas (like the centre of my display).
My display lawns were made in a similar way except the 'grass' came from a model railway shop. There are many varieties
so look for the most realistic you can find when applied to Britains 1:32 scale.
I hope this helps. If you can't do the scanning and setting up let me know and I'll send you a file ready to print off.
--- In britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk, sue ryall <sueryall@.. .> wrote: > > hi michael yes the figures go for loads, I need lettuces,peas and marrows,how did you make your crazy paving very impressed with it, thanks sue
hi michael says it was on sale in australia ,but not the whole range,I was really surprised as it was such an "english garden ",I heard from a radio programme that it was popular with adults when doing your garden up became fashioable,it was used to plan a modern garden! my own childhood garden that my dad created in the 60s,did really look like a bfg,one! complete with the new on the market garden swing regards sue
From: mandy hutfield <cobwebbs2007@...> To: britains_floral_garden@... Sent: Mon, 2 November, 2009 20:05:42 Subject: Re: [britains_floral_garden] Re: hi
lol Sue,
James may is a dirty word in our house! He bid at a train auction for a mint boxed electric train, took it out of the box after paying over the odds for it and ran it on a layout. My husband and son are still spitting feathers, lol they think he probably chucked it away afterwards.
I wonder how many people actually remember buying and playing with it. Was it limited to the UK? I have never met anyone else who had a set apart from you guys.
talk soon
Mandy
From: sue ryall <sueryall@yahoo. co.uk> To: britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk Sent: Mon, 2 November, 2009 19:13:49 Subject: Re: [britains_floral_ garden] Re: hi
hi mandy how nice that we are all coming out the woodwork! I love my garden so much and really look forward to my monthly change round,I dismantle every bit and then make a new garden ,takes me all day,but its bliss,get playing with yours! Im going to put my photos on too, we should get james may to do one ! sue
I too have been enjoying your photos and storage tips, my bits and pieces are all in a cardboard box. I must take it all out and sort it!! I would also love a copy of the paving.
My interest in B.P Gardens, was renewed about 18 years ago when I saw some for sale at the Royal Bath and West Show a local agricultural show, and was amazed at the price even then.
My husband up until then thought I was imagining it.
My father bought me the gardening set with the family and lots of extra flowers.I think around 1964ish. My most loved were the daffs,sunflowers and holly hocks, I also took a great deal of pleasure in playing with the pond. After a very short time my father found that BPGS was just right for his railway layout, and so my Christmas/birthday present was given a new home.
My father died very suddenly when I was 24 and although he kept much of my childhood in a large trunk I don't recall any of the gardening items. Which was rather surprising as he kept every magazine I took, Mandy, Jackie, David Cassidy. I also discovered ALL my Sindy things!! So what happened to my BPGS??? My mother does not remember it at all.
My husband thinks I am very sad and thinks I am a James May nerd.lol
regards
Mandy (in deepest Somerset)
From: Michael <mjhowe@ozemail. com.au> To: britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk Sent: Sat, 31 October, 2009 22:55:21 Subject: [britains_floral_ garden] Re: hi
Sue;
Making the paving is pretty straightforward. I selected the best quality piece in my collection and scanned it, then cleaned up any imperfections in an image programme (I use Corel PhotoPaint). It was then converted to greyscale to eliminate any colouring. I resized the block to 75 x 37.5mm (I hate metrics but it's a matter of convenience) and copied and pasted it to make a block of twelve, 150 x 225mm (about the same size as a standard lawn) divided by faint lines for cutting guides, and finally printed a number of sheets. I used a laser printer but I recommend an inkjet because the laser print tends to be a bit glossy - an inkjet produces a much more original looking finish.
The card backing is the difficult part. You need a sheet of dense board about 3mm thick. I found some used as packing in the warehouse at work but you may be able to source it through a craft shop or maybe even a picture-framer.
Next you need a can of
spray adhesive to glue the sheets to the card, spray both sides and press together when nearly dry. To prevent curling put them on a flat surface and weight them down. A piece of clingwrap helps prevent any excess glue sticking them to the surfaces.
Finally you'll need a steel rule and, preferably, a roller cutter. The roller cutter is better than a knife for cleanly cutting stiff board and safer for your fingers because it won't slip. It's a bit like a pizza cutter. They sell them in craft shops or draperies for trimming material. Make several passes on each cut going a little deeper each time.
I cut some of my paving into single pieces but also strips of three lengthwise and four crosswise to make laying it out a bit easier. Two blocks of twelve were left intact for larger areas (like the centre of my display).
My display lawns were made in a similar way except the 'grass' came from a model railway shop. There are many varieties
so look for the most realistic you can find when applied to Britains 1:32 scale.
I hope this helps. If you can't do the scanning and setting up let me know and I'll send you a file ready to print off.
--- In britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk, sue ryall <sueryall@.. .> wrote: > > hi michael yes the figures go for loads, I need lettuces,peas and marrows,how did you make your crazy paving very impressed with it, thanks sue
James may is a dirty word in our house! He bid at a train auction for a mint boxed electric train, took it out of the box after paying over the odds for it and ran it on a layout. My husband and son are still spitting feathers, lol they think he probably chucked it away afterwards.
I wonder how many people actually remember buying and playing with it. Was it limited to the UK? I have never met anyone else who had a set apart from you guys.
talk soon
Mandy
From: sue ryall <sueryall@...> To: britains_floral_garden@... Sent: Mon, 2 November, 2009 19:13:49 Subject: Re: [britains_floral_garden] Re: hi
hi mandy how nice that we are all coming out the woodwork! I love my garden so much and really look forward to my monthly change round,I dismantle every bit and then make a new garden ,takes me all day,but its bliss,get playing with yours! Im going to put my photos on too, we should get james may to do one ! sue
I too have been enjoying your photos and storage tips, my bits and pieces are all in a cardboard box. I must take it all out and sort it!! I would also love a copy of the paving.
My interest in B.P Gardens, was renewed about 18 years ago when I saw some for sale at the Royal Bath and West Show a local agricultural show, and was amazed at the price even then.
My husband up until then thought I was imagining it.
My father bought me the gardening set with the family and lots of extra flowers.I think around 1964ish. My most loved were the daffs,sunflowers and holly hocks, I also took a great deal of pleasure in playing with the pond. After a very short time my father found that BPGS was just right for his railway layout, and so my Christmas/birthday present was given a new home.
My father died very suddenly when I was 24 and although he kept much of my childhood in a large trunk I don't recall any of the gardening items. Which was rather surprising as he kept every magazine I took, Mandy, Jackie, David Cassidy. I also discovered ALL my Sindy things!! So what happened to my BPGS??? My mother does not remember it at all.
My husband thinks I am very sad and thinks I am a James May nerd.lol
regards
Mandy (in deepest Somerset)
From: Michael <mjhowe@ozemail. com.au> To: britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk Sent: Sat, 31 October, 2009 22:55:21 Subject: [britains_floral_ garden] Re: hi
Sue;
Making the paving is pretty straightforward. I selected the best quality piece in my collection and scanned it, then cleaned up any imperfections in an image programme (I use Corel PhotoPaint). It was then converted to greyscale to eliminate any colouring. I resized the block to 75 x 37.5mm (I hate metrics but it's a matter of convenience) and copied and pasted it to make a block of twelve, 150 x 225mm (about the same size as a standard lawn) divided by faint lines for cutting guides, and finally printed a number of sheets. I used a laser printer but I recommend an inkjet because the laser print tends to be a bit glossy - an inkjet produces a much more original looking finish.
The card backing is the difficult part. You need a sheet of dense board about 3mm thick. I found some used as packing in the warehouse at work but you may be able to source it through a craft shop or maybe even a picture-framer.
Next you need a can of
spray adhesive to glue the sheets to the card, spray both sides and press together when nearly dry. To prevent curling put them on a flat surface and weight them down. A piece of clingwrap helps prevent any excess glue sticking them to the surfaces.
Finally you'll need a steel rule and, preferably, a roller cutter. The roller cutter is better than a knife for cleanly cutting stiff board and safer for your fingers because it won't slip. It's a bit like a pizza cutter. They sell them in craft shops or draperies for trimming material. Make several passes on each cut going a little deeper each time.
I cut some of my paving into single pieces but also strips of three lengthwise and four crosswise to make laying it out a bit easier. Two blocks of twelve were left intact for larger areas (like the centre of my display).
My display lawns were made in a similar way except the 'grass' came from a model railway shop. There are many varieties
so look for the most realistic you can find when applied to Britains 1:32 scale.
I hope this helps. If you can't do the scanning and setting up let me know and I'll send you a file ready to print off.
--- In britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk, sue ryall <sueryall@.. .> wrote: > > hi michael yes the figures go for loads, I need lettuces,peas and marrows,how did you make your crazy paving very impressed with it, thanks sue
hi mandy how nice that we are all coming out the woodwork! I love my garden so much and really look forward to my monthly change round,I dismantle every bit and then make a new garden ,takes me all day,but its bliss,get playing with yours! Im going to put my photos on too, we should get james may to do one ! sue
From: mandy hutfield <cobwebbs2007@...> To: britains_floral_garden@... Sent: Mon, 2 November, 2009 18:05:35 Subject: Re: [britains_floral_garden] Re: hi
Hello Michael,
I too have been enjoying your photos and storage tips, my bits and pieces are all in a cardboard box. I must take it all out and sort it!! I would also love a copy of the paving.
My interest in B.P Gardens, was renewed about 18 years ago when I saw some for sale at the Royal Bath and West Show a local agricultural show, and was amazed at the price even then.
My husband up until then thought I was imagining it.
My father bought me the gardening set with the family and lots of extra flowers.I think around 1964ish. My most loved were the daffs,sunflowers and holly hocks, I also took a great deal of pleasure in playing with the pond. After a very short time my father found that BPGS was just right for his railway layout, and so my Christmas/birthday present was given a new home.
My father died very suddenly when I was 24 and although he kept much of my childhood in a large trunk I don't recall any of the gardening items. Which was rather surprising as he kept every magazine I took, Mandy, Jackie, David Cassidy. I also discovered ALL my Sindy things!! So what happened to my BPGS??? My mother does not remember it at all.
My husband thinks I am very sad and thinks I am a James May nerd.lol
regards
Mandy (in deepest Somerset)
From: Michael <mjhowe@ozemail. com.au> To: britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk Sent: Sat, 31 October, 2009 22:55:21 Subject: [britains_floral_ garden] Re: hi
Sue;
Making the paving is pretty straightforward. I selected the best quality piece in my collection and scanned it, then cleaned up any imperfections in an image programme (I use Corel PhotoPaint). It was then converted to greyscale to eliminate any colouring. I resized the block to 75 x 37.5mm (I hate metrics but it's a matter of convenience) and copied and pasted it to make a block of twelve, 150 x 225mm (about the same size as a standard lawn) divided by faint lines for cutting guides, and finally printed a number of sheets. I used a laser printer but I recommend an inkjet because the laser print tends to be a bit glossy - an inkjet produces a much more original looking finish.
The card backing is the difficult part. You need a sheet of dense board about 3mm thick. I found some used as packing in the warehouse at work but you may be able to source it through a craft shop or maybe even a picture-framer.
Next you need a can of
spray adhesive to glue the sheets to the card, spray both sides and press together when nearly dry. To prevent curling put them on a flat surface and weight them down. A piece of clingwrap helps prevent any excess glue sticking them to the surfaces.
Finally you'll need a steel rule and, preferably, a roller cutter. The roller cutter is better than a knife for cleanly cutting stiff board and safer for your fingers because it won't slip. It's a bit like a pizza cutter. They sell them in craft shops or draperies for trimming material. Make several passes on each cut going a little deeper each time.
I cut some of my paving into single pieces but also strips of three lengthwise and four crosswise to make laying it out a bit easier. Two blocks of twelve were left intact for larger areas (like the centre of my display).
My display lawns were made in a similar way except the 'grass' came from a model railway shop. There are many varieties
so look for the most realistic you can find when applied to Britains 1:32 scale.
I hope this helps. If you can't do the scanning and setting up let me know and I'll send you a file ready to print off.
--- In britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk, sue ryall <sueryall@.. .> wrote: > > hi michael yes the figures go for loads, I need lettuces,peas and marrows,how did you make your crazy paving very impressed with it, thanks sue
I too have been enjoying your photos and storage tips, my bits and pieces are all in a cardboard box. I must take it all out and sort it!! I would also love a copy of the paving.
My interest in B.P Gardens, was renewed about 18 years ago when I saw some for sale at the Royal Bath and West Show a local agricultural show, and was amazed at the price even then.
My husband up until then thought I was imagining it.
My father bought me the gardening set with the family and lots of extra flowers.I think around 1964ish. My most loved were the daffs,sunflowers and holly hocks, I also took a great deal of pleasure in playing with the pond. After a very short time my father found that BPGS was just right for his railway layout, and so my Christmas/birthday present was given a new home.
My father died very suddenly when I was 24 and although he kept much of my childhood in a large trunk I don't recall any of the gardening items. Which was rather surprising as he kept every magazine I took, Mandy, Jackie, David Cassidy. I also discovered ALL my Sindy things!! So what happened to my BPGS??? My mother does not remember it at all.
My husband thinks I am very sad and thinks I am a James May nerd.lol
regards
Mandy (in deepest Somerset)
From: Michael <mjhowe@...> To: britains_floral_garden@... Sent: Sat, 31 October, 2009 22:55:21 Subject: [britains_floral_garden] Re: hi
Sue;
Making the paving is pretty straightforward. I selected the best quality piece in my collection and scanned it, then cleaned up any imperfections in an image programme (I use Corel PhotoPaint). It was then converted to greyscale to eliminate any colouring. I resized the block to 75 x 37.5mm (I hate metrics but it's a matter of convenience) and copied and pasted it to make a block of twelve, 150 x 225mm (about the same size as a standard lawn) divided by faint lines for cutting guides, and finally printed a number of sheets. I used a laser printer but I recommend an inkjet because the laser print tends to be a bit glossy - an inkjet produces a much more original looking finish.
The card backing is the difficult part. You need a sheet of dense board about 3mm thick. I found some used as packing in the warehouse at work but you may be able to source it through a craft shop or maybe even a picture-framer.
Next you need a can of
spray adhesive to glue the sheets to the card, spray both sides and press together when nearly dry. To prevent curling put them on a flat surface and weight them down. A piece of clingwrap helps prevent any excess glue sticking them to the surfaces.
Finally you'll need a steel rule and, preferably, a roller cutter. The roller cutter is better than a knife for cleanly cutting stiff board and safer for your fingers because it won't slip. It's a bit like a pizza cutter. They sell them in craft shops or draperies for trimming material. Make several passes on each cut going a little deeper each time.
I cut some of my paving into single pieces but also strips of three lengthwise and four crosswise to make laying it out a bit easier. Two blocks of twelve were left intact for larger areas (like the centre of my display).
My display lawns were made in a similar way except the 'grass' came from a model railway shop. There are many varieties
so look for the most realistic you can find when applied to Britains 1:32 scale.
I hope this helps. If you can't do the scanning and setting up let me know and I'll send you a file ready to print off.
--- In britains_floral_ garden@yahoogrou ps.co.uk, sue ryall <sueryall@.. .> wrote: > > hi michael yes the figures go for loads, I need lettuces,peas and marrows,how did you make your crazy paving very impressed with it, thanks sue
Offline 
Send Email
