Sticks can be incredibly dangerous As can tree stumps, branches, twigs – and hard leaves. I had a dog who gashed his leg, plunging into a river, on a bit of tree submerged in the mud (luckily, missing anything vital: he needed stitches, but quickly recovered). Throwing sticks for dogs is also the cause of … Continue reading Simple garden safety tips
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The world is full of the likes of 'you'll be amazed by these simple household tips'. And variations thereon. '101 uses for vinegar' (other than shaking the bottle over your chips*). 'Amazing uses for Epsom salts' (if you can actually find a shop that sells them: bubble bath probably not being a great substitute). There's … Continue reading Five 1940s household tips
Sitting out on the decking with a mug of coffee, I found myself thinking about the true joys of gardening. Beyond the obvious ones of harvesting home-grown produce (and eating it!). Beyond the pleasure in seeing flowers bloom, plants grow. Those truly are major joys of gardening, but they aren’t the only ones… Look up … Continue reading True joys of gardening
How often should I post on my blog? Thoughts, facts, and some common sense. Some of us set up blogs for fun, some for the challenge, some because we have something we want to share with the world, some in the hope of making money. (This post is part of Changing Lemons’ ‘be nice’ ethos). … Continue reading How often should I post on my blog?
Willow catkins keep fallin' on my head But that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turnin' red Cryin's not for me… Actually, while I (thankfully) have never suffered from hay fever otherwise, there is something about willow catkins that does trigger mild symptoms if I sweep them up. I suspect it’s simply the sheer … Continue reading Cascades of willow catkins
The seed blizzards have well and truly begun! The annual dandelion seed blizzard started here about ten days ago. It’s the second of the quartet of natural nuisances here each spring. I love this time of year. The days are getting longer, the bluebells are flowering, so are azaleas – and all sorts of fruit … Continue reading Annual seed blizzards
Ash seedlings are a menace. Admittedly, not in the same league as Japanese knotweed, or giant hogweed. And the trees are native (to the UK), and in the right place, perfectly pleasant. But every spring, they are the first of a trio of nuisances for gardeners. The second being the annual dandelion blizzard, and the … Continue reading Ash seedlings, an annual nightmare!
If you are looking for a shrub that is showy, evergreen, thrives in acid soil, needs very little attention, and gives you double 'wow' for your money, try pieris. I say 'a shrub,' but in fact there are a wealth of pieris to choose from, from compact varieties to some which are really trees rather … Continue reading In praise of pieris
Tulips – and all plants grown from bulbs – are perhaps the best example of Nature at work. And they are also like a children’s surprise treat. It’s amazing watching deciduous plants show buds, then blossom and/or leaves. But they been there for all to see all winter. With bulbs, there is something magical about … Continue reading Magical tulips
We’ve all been there. Planted out bedding plants or veg seedlings, only to find what we’ve done is put out slug food.... Having this week planted out my broad beans from the greenhouse, here is part 2 of my experiences trying out all the supposed ways to tackle the pesky pests that like to munch … Continue reading Slugs – more ways to deter them
