Green Fingers I Wish

Rhubarb Growers Unhappy at Lack of Frost

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:41:00 +0000

I once assumed that all plants hate frost (especially here in the UK). But, I see I was wrong.

Apparently rhubarb NEEDS some sharp frost in order to thrive. Freezing conditions mean that the rhubarb's roots store much-needed energy over the winter months, and the last thing growers want is for the ground to be too warm so that the rhubarb starts to grow, thus using up reserves of energy.

West Yorkshire is the place to go for quality rhubarb, but there is some concern about production in the so-called "pink triangle" among growers.

The lack of freezing weather doesn't particularly help sales either, as generally more people will turn to rhubarb dishes (great with custard poured over it) when it's cold outside.

Reducing Lawn Mowing Accidents

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:20:00 +0000

One of the leading causes of accidents resulting in serious injury is due to carelessness when using lawn mowers. Thousands of people have to get hospital treatment for things like electrical shocks to loss of fingers or hands.

What are some of the typical causes of these accidents?

Mowers are generally either ridden on, or pushed from behind. And where there are rotating blades of any kind there is potentially the risk of the blade slicing off a limb. Placing fingers near the blade, perhaps in an effort to clear away a clump of grass for instance, is asking for trouble. Many of these accidents happen when the person reaches under the skirt of the mower, or puts the hand into the discharge chute. Before any attempt is made to remove debris the circuit should be cut off so there is no chance of the blades being turned.

It should be remembered that mower blades turn at very fast speeds. It is almost inevitable that the occasional stone will get hit by the blade and be flung at a fast pace. These small objects can hit the operator, or someone else, and can hurt, or even blind someone. It's a good idea to check the portion of grass to be cut before doing the mowing just to see if any obvious objects such as stones can be picked up by hand.

Riding type lawn mowers present their own problems. There is the potential instability with this kind of mower, which may cause it to overturn in certain situations, particularly when mowing steep slopes. The overturned mower can fall on the operator causing injury, or it may lead to contact of the rotating blade with the operator.

Inmate Grows Giant Pumpkin

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:38:00 +0000

Inmate finds peace growing pumpkin: wpri.com

Rhode Island prisoner Elena Hall has grown a 260-pound pumpkin. She was already entrusted with mowing the lawns, but when guards planted a pumpkin seed back in March Elena decided to nurture it.

The giant pumpkin, named appropriately named "Miss Demeanor" was fed a diet of country music by Elena, who actually put headphones on it. I imagine gardening will be something for this prison inmate to continue with after she gets out of prison. And, judging by her success story with Miss Demeanor, she ought to do a good job of gardening.

Weather Unseasonably Hot In Much of UK

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 16:21:00 +0000

Nature is very fickle, as the recent weather in the UK has proved.

Most things growing in our gardens have been preparing for the change in seasons, yet the spell of hot weather since the middle of last week has caught them wrong-footed.

To most humans, however, that's been good news, particularly since we've had a lousy summer. Beaches around the country have been very busy, shorts and ice creams have been selling out, and sunscreen cream has had to be restocked on shop shelves.

The record for Britain's hottest October day was today broken as temperatures reached 29.9 degrees Celsius in Gravesend according to the Met Office. The weather was actually hotter than that in places such as that found in Athens, Barcelona and Los Angeles.

Why Encouraging Children to Garden is Important

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:56:00 +0000

One of the most therapeutic of activities is said to be that of gardening. Gardening is relaxing, yet recreational. What other forms of activity get you outdoors, using your muscles, getting some exercise, and comes with results, either at that moment, or in the case of planting, at a time in the future?

With this in mind, gardening is something that should involve the whole family where possible. Youngsters love the outdoors. Help them appreciate that a certain amount of work has to go into the care of the garden. That without putting in the effort there would be no order in the garden. Encourage them to appreciate and understand the wonders of nature. How things have to be planted, watered and nurtured.

As children grow they can have their own tools, making it fun to dig holes, to water the plants, rake up the leaves, and even to get rid of the weeds. Encouraging children to garden is all part of learning, just as it's important for them to learn cooking or other basic household skils.

Then, when our kids get to have a home of their own, they too can care for their own gardens, and in turn teach their children the fulfillment that can be got from gardening.

Lawn Treatment Made My Grass Shoot Up

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 07:12:00 +0000

I have someone who comes to cut my lawn every couple of weeks. This time around he had left it for a little over three weeks, and the grass had grown to about 12" tall.

Walking down the street I looked at the other gardens where the gardener goes to, and noticed that the length of their grass was half that of mine.

Anyway, when he came and cut the grass he asked whether I have a lawn treatment service, which I do. And that was the reason why the grass had grown so green, and lush, and SO LONG. My lawn rarely gets any weeds, and the grass really does grow well (too well in fact sometimes).

So, it proved to me that whatever the lawn treatment is, it certainly does its job very well.

Springlike Weather Arrived At Last

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:26:00 +0000

At long last it looks like the better weather is here. The birds are singing, the plants are flowering, and the grass is growing again.

We have had a pretty bad winter, and it seemed the spring would never arrive. Thankfully though it looks like we can look forward to spending some time outside in the garden enjoying some barbecues.

Surprisingly, when I spoke with the men who come to mow our lawn, they told me that last year they didn't start up again until the 7th April. This year it was slightly earlier (they came yesterday), so the grass has started growing again at a pace despite the cold weather.

Garlic From The Isle of Wight?

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:44:00 +0000

Garlic, a much-loved Mediterranean staple, is now quite at home on the Isle of Wight, thanks to The Garlic Farm.

Colin, who started up the farm on the Isle of Wight back in 1977 is now a leading expert in all things garlic. In fact, The Garlic Farm is now famous for growing a wider range of garlic than anywhere else in Europe.

Thirty-four years later, The Garlic Farm attracts droves of tourists and islanders to the shop and restaurant to enjoy all things garlic.

Colin obviously has a passion for garlic, and has developed his business to include cooking utensils as well as a place to enjoy some good cooking.

Wonderful Colours of Trees in Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:38:00 +0000

This can be a wonderful time of year for those of us living in the UK.

Not that many of us necessarily like the colder, damper weather coming in now it is Autumn. But, it has to be said, that the changing colours of the leaves to browns and yellows can be spectacular. Take in the sights while you can, come winter most trees won't have any leaves left on them.

Sun and Rain Combination Making For Longer Grass Growth

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 15:11:00 +0000

The British weather doesn't seem to be able to make its mind up.

Normally by this time of year we'd be getting colder weather, with not a lot of sunshine.

Over the past few weeks, however, it has been quite warm some days. The combination of warmth, and rain, has meant the grass has continued to grow. That being the case the lawns are still in need of cutting, which will please my gardener, who has a bit more work to do for the time being.

Good Garden Maintenance For Healthy Plants

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:34:00 +0000

Good healthy soil is essential if you want a good garden with healthy plants and flowers.

* Maintain your soil with organics in the form of compost or compost-like natural fertilizers on a regular basis.

* Mulch in the amounts is good. But, overdo it and you end up smothering the soil.
A few centimetres is normally the maximum that should be used.

* Keep your grass in the lawn and out of beds by edging sharply with a half-moon edger a couple of times a year. Or, you could install a proper brick or plastic barrier that goes down at least 10 centimetres.

* Trying out hardy plants is one thing, but when selecting trees and shrubs it's best to go for known winners. Mistakes can be costly and time-consuming.

* In the case of tree planting deeper is not better. The top main roots should be barely underground. Go too deep and you risk suffocating them.

* When choosing plants, colour might be important to us, but shouldn't be the overriding factor. Pick plants which suit your soil, your garden, your location.

Biggest Potato in World On Show

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 07:24:00 +0000

The prize potato weighs an impressive 8lbs 4oz (3.76kg), smashing the previous world record by 9oz.

The world's biggest potato was put on show on Friday at the National Gardening Show in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

The grower, Peter Glazebrook, has already won competitions for the world's longest carrot (17 feet), as well as the heaviest parsnip.

Summer Is Almost Gone

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:12:00 +0000

With all the rain we've had in the UK over the past few weeks getting out in the garden hasn't been easy.

Funny, we've actually got a hosepipe ban in the North West as the reservoirs have been drying up, a result of the lack of rain in the early half of this year.

Anyway, the grass is growing at a phenominal rate still, but sitting out and enjoying the sunshine is a fading memory for many of us. Not long now and summer will have come and gone. More rain, snow, and winds to look forward to. And no doubt a promise of a glorious summer next year that somehow I doubt will transpire.

Getting Rid of Weeds

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:04:00 +0000

A weed is technically just a plant in the wrong place. It could be an unwanted seedling from another plant, or something more pernicious and invasive that you really want to eradicate. However, while you'll never be able to completely stop weeds from popping up, there are ways to ensure they have less places to grow.
Bare patches of soil will quickly be colonised by both annual and perennial weeds, so a well-stocked border is less likely to support a thriving population of these pesky plants. If you have gaps in your borders, plug them by planting ground covering plants.

Bare soil

Mulch with a thick, 8cm (3in), layer of bark chippings, well-rotted manure or leaf mould in the spring. Not only will this prevent weeds from growing, but it will help to retain moisture in the soil.
If you have a large area, such as an unused patch at the allotment, cover with plastic, landscape material or even old carpet to prevent weeds from germinating.

Sudden Oak Death Disease Affecting Larch Trees

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:36:00 +0000

Thousands of trees are starting to be felled in Devon and Cornwall because of the spread of a deadly disease.
Infected trees were first found in the South West in 2009 but helicopter surveys have shown the disease has spread more rapidly than expected.

Landowners are asked to be vigilant about so-called Sudden Oak Death and report any suspected outbreaks.

Felling has started at the Glynn Valley in Cornwall, one of 40 suspect sites in Devon and Cornwall. Felling infected trees will continue in Plym Woods on the edge of Plymouth and Lydford on the edge of Dartmoor.

Felling will also soon start at Burrator Reservoir on Dartmoor.

The Forestry Commission is urging landowners to be vigilant and report any discoloured or dead trees on their woodland.

The organism, Phytophthora ramorum, gets its common name because it kills many of the trees and plants that it infects, the commission explained.

Symptoms include large growths on the tree's trunk and dying foliage, in many cases eventually leading to the death of the tree.

It was first identified eight years ago on a viburnum plant at a garden centre and has since infected shrubs including rhododendrons, viburnum and bilberries.

In 2009 Japanese larch trees in south west England were found to be infected. It seems that despite its name, the Larch tree is actually the worst affected tree of all.

Gardening Makes Children Happy

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:31:00 +0000

A recent Royal Horticultural Society study that suggests gardening makes children feel happy and teaches them valuable new skills.

The comprehensive new survey of 1,300 teachers and 10 schools across the country, commissioned by the RHS, reveals that children in schools which encouraged gardening became more resilient, confident and lived healthier lives.

The report’s findings all go to show that gardening should be used as a key teaching tool, rather than as an extra-curricular activity.

Home Vegetable Gardening: A Complete and Practical Guide to the Planting and Care of All Vegetables, Fruits and Berries Worth Growing for Home Use (Forgotten Books)

Woodpecker Thwarts Sparrowhawk

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:22:00 +0000

This sparrowhawk landed on top of the wooden post looking for its next meal, which was hiding immediately below it and out of its line of sight.

The lesser spotted woodpecker remained perfectly still for over a minute while the menacing hawk swivelled its head looking for it.

The woodpecker finally got away safely.

Fastest Lawnmower in the World

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Sun, 23 May 2010 09:42:00 +0000

A British lawnmower has cut the world land speed record by reaching a new top speed of more than 86mph. Rider Don Wales took the petrol driven mower into the record books at Pendine Sands in Carmarthenshire.

The previous lawnmower land speed record was 80.792mph set in the US - Mr Wales was recorded as reaching 86.069mph. His team are now due to return to the same spot on Sunday in a bid to break the 100mph barrier.

Any of the motorised grass cutters taking part must also be built primarily from lawnmower parts.

Mr Wales's grandfather was Sir Malcolm Campbell who broke the world land speed record, in a car, at the same venue in 1924.

American Bob Cleveland set the previous land speed record on a lawn-mower at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, and was present at Saturday's run in Wales.

Water Lily Saved From Extinction by Kew Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Wed, 19 May 2010 12:41:00 +0000

Horticulturalists at Kew Gardens have saved the rare African water lily "nymphaea thermarum" from possible extinction.

The lily — believed to be the world's smallest — was found in just one location in Rwanda, but disappeared about two years ago as water feeding its habitat was diverted for farming. Its pad can be just one centimeter in diameter.

Through the efforts of specialists at Kew there are now more than 30 baby water lilies.

Lancashire orchid bud gets police protection

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Sat, 08 May 2010 10:08:00 +0000

Hundreds of people visit the orchid on Silverdale Golf Course each year

Britain's rarest wild flower will receive police protection from thieves when it blooms later this month at a Lancashire golf course.

The single Lady's Slipper orchid is due to flower on Silverdale Golf Course, Carnforth, where it is visited by hundreds of enthusiasts each year.
Police are setting up extra patrols to try to prevent damage and theft.
They may also install CCTV and tag it with a dye to deter thieves intent on stealing cuttings worth up to £5,000.
The protected orchid, whose Latin name is Cypripedium calceolus, has been illegally cut twice in the past six years.
It is believed to have been planted on the course in the 1800s, and is thought to be from central Europe.

Therapy of Gardening

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:29:00 +0000

Gardening can be hard work, it can be back breaking, it can be extremely frustrating. But, it must be said, gardening can also be very therapeutic.

On a nice summer's day what better than to be out in the garden? Yes, I know that gardens are meant to be looked at, and the lawns sat on. But still, if you want a nice looking garden you have to work at it (or, if can afford it, pay someone else to do it for you).

When you see the fruits of your labour and the plants grow and the flowers are out that is so rewarding. And, if you like your own company then an hour or so outdoors on your own can be just what the doctor ordered.

Now, if the weather was warm enough I'd be in the garden myself, but, this is England after all. It's raining, and a bit cool. Still, looking through the window the garden does look nice...

Mow The Lawn time

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:49:00 +0000

It`s surprising what a bit of sunshine does for the garden, especially the lawn.

The combination of rain followed by sun over the last few days has resulted in the grass putting on a growth spurt. I think it`s got to the point where I need the lawn maintenance company to come and mow the lawn.

Aphalara itadori To Help in Fight Against Japanese Knotweed

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:30:00 +0000

This is one of the biggest nuisances known to man - the Japanese Knotweed! It is a fast spreader, grows very quickly, and is very destructive.

The Japanese Knotweed can even grow through concrete, asphalt, within cavity walls and will choke underground drains. In fact the problem has become so bad that some mortgage providers now refuse to provide loans secured against property infested with Japanese Knotweed.

So, what can we do to tackle the spread of this hardy, virtually indestructible plant? It seems the solution lies in a tiny insect which will drain the plant of its goodness, causing it to perish. The insect is also, wait for it, from Japan. I wonder why it took scientists so long to come up with this idea, when it`s worked over in Japan for so long?

The tiny sap sucking insect Aphalara itadori will be released into the environment in `trials` to see how it performs against the Japanese Knotweed. Hopefully it will contain the spread of the plant and help keep it under control. Hopefully too the introduction of the Aphalara itadori won`t result in other problems, which can and does happen when foreign insects, animals, fish or plants are brought in to the country.

Almost Spring, and Time To Start Mowing Again

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:42:00 +0000

It`ll be spring in a couple of weeks time. Spring is a nice time of year as the rebirth begins all over again. And one of the jobs that has to be tackled is tending the garden, including mowing the lawn. The first time it`s done is the hardest, especially if the grass has grown over-long. It`s important not to have the blades at too low a level, as the lawn can be damaged if the blades rip the grass up. It`s better to cut it the first time on a higher level, and work to a low level over time.

Thankfully nowadays there`s a huge range of lawnmowers, from manual through electric and gas-powered. Choosing the right one is important, so it is worth spending some time checking out the pros and cons of the various type of mower to get the right one for you.

noreply@blogger.com (dex) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:52:00 +0000

Now the weather is improving for most of us, we`ll start thinking about our gardens - lawn cutting, bulb planting, and making some general improvements to our outdoor space.

One feature that is increasing in popularity is the outdoor water garden. Adding a small pond or fish tank is easy with the pop-up type ponds available on the market. These small ponds are an ideal addition to patios, deks, or balconies.

For people like me the best thing about them is that they are easy to set up and use. They usually come with water pumps to circulate the water, and are self-supporting.

And, if time is at a premium, cleaning and storing them is very simple.