Insects – butterflies, moths, beetles and bees need nectar – and as gardeners depending on how insect-friendly our planting is – we can help meet their needs. We need them, especially the bees – they pollinate over 75 % of our crops, as well as our domestic, homegrown fruit, vegetables and flowers.
I have been fortunate to have been on the Olympic site several times during the past three years and have seen the progress of the impressive landscaping and plantings there.
Despite the rain we have had over the last few weeks, which has been a relief to many gardeners who have been hit by drought restrictions, it’s essential to maintain garden watering as we go through the summer – particularly pots, hanging baskets and covered vegetables that can dry out quickly.
I am visiting a friend in Aldeburgh, one of Suffolk’s coastal towns and enjoy seeing what is thriving in sandy gardens, potentially swept by salt-laden winds, but because of the proximity to the sea, relatively mild in terms of temperature
Last night I went to a superb Guild of Food Writers (www.gfw.co.uk) workshop where herb expert James Seymour from The Fresh Herb Company (www.freshlivingherbs.co.uk), and food writer Rosemary Moon(www.moonbites.co.uk), linked the pots of herbs we buy in supermarkets to the food we eat.
Who says gardeners are not competitive? For a start look at all the wonderful local village shows and horticultural competitions there are. But it is not these public competitions that I am thinking of – no: it is the bud-counting that goes on at this time of year.
Many of us will continue to be inspired by the late and iconic BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Geoff Hamilton, who set precedence for today’s gardens shows with his legendary weekly Gardeners’ World slot, which was predominately filmed at the stunning Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland.
On Friday August 10th 4 intrepid Hozelock employees will embark on a 4 day, 440 mile cycle ride – all in the name of charity. Hozelock has 2 official charity partners, Greenfingers & Help for Hero’s . All funds raised from the charity cycle will be split equally between the two charities.
I spent a great deal of time during the second day at Hampton Court walking through the Floral Marquee. It is the largest, longest floral marquee I have seen. The RHS statistics said that a FA football pitch could be fitted into it.
I spent two days at RHS Hampton Court Flower Show 2012 (rhs.org/uk/hamptoncourt). The show, held in the wonderful grounds of Hampton Palace has an iconic feature, the Long Water, which runs through the showground and which is criss-crossed by pontoon-style bridges.
The all new Flexi Spray is an exciting, innovative multi-purpose hose end attachment designed to be moulded into an array of shapes to perform a wide range of watering functions.
