9th May 2024 - Grow Your Own

  

Doug began his talk by describing some new, scientifically engineered methods of killing off weeds from food crops which do not involve widespread use of chemicals and insecticides. Using heat to ‘cook’ and sterilise weed seeds, (using robotic cameras equipped with hot ‘guns’ and Laser technology) are being actively trialled. There is even a scheme to ‘farm’ spiders which will eat certain flies! 

The RHS ‘New World’ Vegetable Garden at Wisley is at the forefront of such experimental methods: seeking to dispense with toxic products in favour of (often ‘age old’ methods) to control of weeds.

As an advisor and lecturer to the RHS, as well as many other horticultural training institutions, Doug is passionate about how gardening can be sustainable yet also very productive. 

Doug talked about using a ‘no dig’ style of growing vegetables and the benefits of using home-made compost. He also suggested dividing small plots into grids (with companion planting) for rotational vegetable growing - the 'Patchwork' Approach'! In itself, crop rotation helps to keep the chemicals in the soil in better balance, improving prevention against infection. Rain water too helps healthy growth. So rain water needs to be captured but also used (not becoming stagnant).

Doug warned us about the need to research what veterinary medications might have been administered to any cattle/horses before using their dung to enrich our garden soil . Also what sprays / weed killers might have been used on the straw bedding of such animals (as this bedding is inevitably mixed in with manure). Antibiotics and worming treatments can have a negative impact on food production.

There were reminders during the talk about making full use of plastic products; not discarding them when they can be re-used in many innovative  ways. Plastic as a product is very useful. Take care that wooden raised beeds may be harbingers for slugs & snails!

In summary, Doug reminded us to be 'mindful' of how we nurture our productive vegetable gardens. And of course whilst doing so we must take breaks for our wel being, 

"... stopping often and listening to the birdsong."

Written by Jude Jansen

May 2024 - Inside & Outside at Windsor Great Park

Do send us pictures / notes from any garden visits you make.... Here are some from Jude's recent mid spring visit to Windsor Great Park

https://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk

11th April 2024 - Herbs and Flowers for Hanging Baskets - Helen' Herbs

Helen and her family have lived near Cleator Moor on the fringe of the Lake District for some fifteen years. Following a teaching career, about eight years ago she decided to concentrate on cooking and growing plants and herbs on their one and a half acre property, within three poly tunnels.

After showing us a wonderful display of plants and herbs, Helen began her presentation with a demonstration of planting up a hanging basket using ‘pollinator’ plants. The basket was plastic-lined before being filled with multi-purpose compost and slow release fertiliser. She then planted a variety of flowers for all year round interest: ajuga for spring / summer flowers - aubretia, wallflowers and a nepeta which can flower over the winter, along with veronica which is beloved by bees.

Next Helen planted up a moss-lined hanging basket with summer annuals. She again recommended using slow release fertiliser for plants in pots and containers. Helen also uses an initial feed of phosphate when planting, followed by a twice-weekly seaweed feed until flowering begins. A regular tomato feed maintains sufficient nutrients. Helen chose nemesias – varieties Little Cocoa and Pink Lemonade, followed by diascia Apple Blossom , a saffina and a trailing nepeta.

Helen's husband ( a retired teacher) makes troughs and containers to order and Helen set about planting up one of his wooden troughs using just herbs. Layering compost with grit prevents the herbs from becoming waterlogged. French parsley, rosemary, marjoram, sage and a thyme were added. Regular trimming and cropping the herbs for culinary use, prevents any of them becoming too vigorous.

Helen then described the many varieties of herbs which they grow on their property and had brought samples for us to see. Planting a pollinator friendly herb container using chives, thyme, hyssop, sage and lavender is an easy way to support insect life.

Historically, herbs and flowers have been given symbolic meanings and Helen pointed out a few -

Myrtle - for everlasting love (used in Royal wedding bouquets)

Tarragon - is symbolic of enduring love

Basil - means good wishes and purity,

Chamomile - to indicate patience.

Many herbs also have beneficial medicinal uses. In medieval times lemon balm was used to relieve anxiety and teas using garlic and ginger were brewed to fend off colds and infections.

Finally, members had an opportunity to purchase some of the plants and herbs they had brought with them.

Helen's Herbs can be found around Cumbria

at various Farmers Markets, Food fairs and Shows.

www.helensherbs.co.uk

by Jude Jansen