TEASEL

The frosts that we have really highlight the beauty of plant structures. Neglected gardens are particularly noticeable with last year’s dead growth of the perennials being covered with white crystals. I say this because my garden hasn’t really been touched since last summer and I’m very pleased with the results. So are the birds, they take shelter in the large amount of undergrowth when they are feeding on the food that I put out for them. Last years growth protects the new shoots that are appearing now, it won’t be long before we see the daffodils out. It isn’t just the garden that looks beautiful at this time of the year. Look in the hedgerows when you are out for a walk and you will see all sort of interesting things happening. If you are lucky you could see the remains of old teasels. Teasels are fascinating plants that seem to appear out of nowhere. They are usually seen on roadsides, disturbed waste ground and in unused quarries. The plant is native to here and gets its name from its former use for raising the nap on cloth, teasing it out with the spiky seed heads. Teasel Dipsacus fullonum, was obviously grown in bygone times for this purpose. The plants are still popular to-day but are grown for a more ornamental purpose. People like to use the decorative seed heads in dried winter flower arrangements. The seeds are shed from these if they are left to mature and they can pop up, years later, often in unexpected places. The teasel is given credit for attracting goldfinches into the garden, but they probably attract more species, as the seeds will be an attractive addition to the winter menu. Another plant that you might see in the hedgerow is soapwort.