Green Fingers: Be fruitful and multiply
Regardless of our beliefs, as caretakers of this Earth we have a duty to do the best we can to look after it for future generations.
While the weather is as good as it has been, try and get outside as much as possible. It is a feel-good factor and you do not have to do anything but simply relax, unwind and embrace nature and what it will do for you.
Quite often your mind will see some task that could be done and this could trigger you into action and you will then be doubly pleased at what you have achieved.
It has turned out that mankind has subdued the earth and dominates and controls almost everything that exists there.
Anything that happens outside our control or something we cannot explain is almost casually referred to as an “Act of God”. In the last number of years all around the world we have been experiencing unusual and severe weather occurrences and it would be unfair to pass the buck on this, as we now know that it has been our actions that have precipitated climate change and something needs to be done - now.
Regardless of our beliefs, as caretakers of this Earth we have a duty to do the best we can to look after it for future generations.
Gardening involves the cultivation of plants and with it comes a huge interaction with the Earth and its living organisms and, yes, anyone who gardens does their bit for the environment and it all helps collectively but the major commitment and action has to be carried out by governments and big industry.
We woke up on May 6 to see that there had been a frost the previous night, and some young leaves were scorched and turned black on many plants, such as magnolias, hydrangeas, potatoes and bedding plants. The well-established plants will recover but small plants might just die out but you will know the end result in about 10 days and can replace any at that stage.
There were also sowing failures where the seeds just did not get the right conditions to germinate but there is plenty of time to sow again or buy the plants you need.
My gardening interests are wide so I like to grow and cultivate a large range of plants, which includes fruit, some vegetables, flowers, trees and shrubs.
With a limited amount of time available at the moment, I have a good proportion of the hardy plants that just look after themselves and for summer flowers I limit myself to tubs, window boxes and a few beds.
Climbers give an added interest to the garden and are growing strongly in all directions but some might need to be tied or pushed into the trellis or climbing frame to keep them tidy, and this includes edible and sweet peas, clematis, honeysuckle and clematis.
At this stage growing conditions are close to ideal so definitely get out there and sow, plant and generally get anything done in the garden as given a little care the rewards will come within weeks to give lasting pleasure until the autumn.
The two things to watch out for are slugs and snail damage and water when needed so that the plants take off straight away.
If you have any queries or comments you are welcome to share them with me on 051-384273 or orchardstowngardencentre@hotmail.com and if of general interest I will include it in a future article.
