SHINY CD'S

We have planted vegetable seeds all over the garden and unfortunately we have lost the piece of paper with the layout of where they have gone. It is surprising just how quickly you forget where the rows have been planted. We scattered most of the seeds in straight lines though so we should be able to distinguish them from weeds. We put loads of compost from the compost bin into the peas and bean beds. The mixture was full of small brandling worms that have been a massive hit with the blackbird that comes into the garden. The bird has taken to using its claws to dig into the soil and fit as many of the worms into its mouth. At one time it flew away with about ten of them, presumably to feed a big family. There are harmless deterrents that can be used in the garden such as wind chimes. The one that I settled for, to safeguard both the seeds and worms, were CD’s. I have collected up the CD’s that newspapers give away free and pushed them lightly into the soil around the edges of the beds. They seem to act as a vanity mirror for most of the birds that come into the garden though. I think if they are to be effective they need to be dangling on string to catch the light, otherwise they appear to be an attraction. It’s our own fault though as we have been feeding our feathered friends all winter. All being well there should be enough worms and seeds for all of us. I wouldn’t dream of trying to scare them off by any other means that might harm them in any way. Just think of the added trauma of my lad waking up one morning and finding injured birds flapping around on his vegetable patch!

Horticultural.

CHARD SOCIETY

I have been clearing some old vegetables from the garden that have gone to seed. The broccoli we planted last year did us proud and we got meal after meal of lovely fresh shoots over the winter and spring. Another large plant in the garden that needed pulling up was a chard. Chard is a useful vegetable in the garden as it doubles up as a celery substitute from the white stalks and the green leaves are very similar to spinach. Unfortunately the chard was in my lad’s veggie patch and I made the mistake of not consulting him that it was time to pull it up. One day last week I took it upon myself to unceremoniously pull the four-foot plant up and put it to rest on the compost heap. As you can imagine, when my lad found out that his prize specimen had disappeared things got a bit heated. The outcome of my rash move is that he formed a group called L.O.C.A., which is an abbreviation for Love Our Chard Association. At present there are only three members and we are all wearing badges with a fine picture of the chard on it. If nothing else it has taught me a lesson about messing with other people things and the badges serve to rub my nose in the fact. I should have learned my lesson about the feelings of children years ago though. I remember a time when our pet goldfish died. I though it would be a hygienic idea to put it in the fire instead of burying it in the garden with a little ceremony. I can still picture the kid’s faces as their beloved pet crackled and popped in the flames. I don’t think that I will be polishing the Parent of the Year cup anytime soon!

Horticultural.

MONTBRETIA

Montbretia are a popular plant around Inishowen. My mother has tried time and time again to grow them in the Midlands of England but they do not seem to like the hot, dry weather. The variety growing wild in the hedgerows are stately and bright enough but if you want something a little different there are plenty of other varieties to choose from. Try “Crocosmia Lucifer”, with their bright, deep red flowers. Some other ones to try if you can get your hands on them are “Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora Jackanapes”, with their red and yellow flowers, “Emily Makenzie”, which have fabulous orange blooms or the “Norwich canary”, showing off their bright yellow blooms. Whichever variety you choose, Montbretia should prove to be a glorious addition to your garden. They spread well too.

Horticultural.