Parish News Online

Plants love People

As we change our realisation that we are no longer hostages in our own homes, we are in fact freer than we have ever been, just in a completely unexpected and radical way.

It has taken a global pandemic to make us finally get round to putting oil on the bike chain; spring clean the garage; camp in the garden with the kids and visit our local farm shops. Fascinating that only three weeks ago, standing two meters away from another person, whilst having a conversation, would have been deemed rude, but is now totally normal!

We are now permitted to potter,lark, take time over the weeding, think about how we can fill a space without resorting to Amazon to solve the problem, cook and maybe even mow the lawn, just one more time?

For those that have outdoor spaces, our gardens have become the star of the show. Our relationships with each other and what was a reluctant list of Saturday chores, have now been promoted to helping balance our daily physical and mental health in these unprecedented times.

With that in mind, we thought we should do what we do best and impart seasonal information to be used or perused at your leisure. What do we really need? What are our priorities in life? We all know it’s not standing in a one-hour queue at Morrisons!

Gardening Jobs and Ideas

Lilac bushes–we so often forget to prune these flowering giants as we are so busy elsewhere in the garden. Once the flowers die off this is an ideal time to reshape if wished.
Hellebores – trim the dead leaves which lay on the soil it will enhance their appearance for the last few weeks of flowers and bolster energy for next year.

Nasturtiums – buy a packet of seeds and let the children plant them. Push them half an inch into the soil and water are little. In 5 to 10 days fresh green shoots will appear. You can use their peppery leaves in a salad if you wish!

Sunflowers – I used to love sunflowers when I was young. Pop a couple of seeds into a small toilet roll of compost or soil, water and feed regularly. Do remember to put a lollipop stick with your name on and see whose plant grows the tallest.

Mulch – In these dry times a good leaf mulch from the compost heap or fresh from the garden centre helps feed and keep moisture in the soil. Top up the soil with a good inch or two all over.
Alliums – simply enjoy Any questions simply hola – hello@hayneshorticulture.co.uk

Thanks Ed