PINE NEEDLES

PINE NEEDLES

Three trees in my garden drop a large quantity of pine needles in my garden every year. These are; a Cedar Deodara, a huge Christmas tree (a Norwegian pine) and a Parasol pine. What could I do with these needles? Can I use them to mulch around vegetables, fruit or flowers? Can I compost them? Should they go into the leafmould container? Thanks D.G by e-mail

Reply
So many questions! You are not alone with the problem of pine needles. There is a mountain of pine needles sticking to people’s socks in the front room weeks after the Christmas tree has been shredded. Opinions vary widely on the use of pine needles in the garden. The Americans approve of their use as mulch. Although they are acidic, the feeling is that they do not greatly acidify the soil. They are long lasting and look good. We have mainly acidic soil here so people seem less enthusiastic about using them. As long as you don't pile them up a foot high you could use them as mulch around shrubs, hedges and perennial plantings. You could also try them around established vegetables, but only if your soil is not already really acidic. They are very slow to decompose, so they are not suitable for adding to either compost or a leafmould heap in any quantity. I think its better to use them in small amounts and layer them into the compost bin.

Horticultural.

KITCHEN GARDEN

If you put mesh up to support your plants leave a gap at the bottom to make harvesting and weeding easier.

KITCHEN GARDEN
Just because it is cold and windy and there is loads to do around the house shouldn't put you off caring for the garden at this time of year. Let’s see what we can be getting on with in the kitchen garden

FORK IN
If you have any areas that are bare then fork in plenty of compost or rotted manure. If conditions are very wet, cover an area with polythene sheet to keep the rain off, and add your compost once the soil has dried out.

APPLE TREES
On trained forms of apple tree, such as espaliers and cordons, sideshoots shortened in summer can be reduced in length now to about three buds. Any new shoots that have grown to extend the framework can be tied in to their supports.

BEAN TRENCH
Prepare a bean trench on the site where you're planning to grow your runner beans next summer. Take out a deep trench and fill with the rotted contents of your compost bin. Continue adding kitchen waste during the winter. Cover with soil in late spring, then sow or plant out your beans on top.

EARLY RHUBARB
Place buckets or forcing jars over dormant clumps of rhubarb to encourage stems to form for a delicious early harvest.

NEW FRUIT
Continue planting new fruit trees and bushes. Bare-rooted plants, available by mail order from specialist fruit growers, offer the best value. Raspberries and cane fruits can also be planted now.

CURRANTS
Shorten side shoots on red and white currants to just one bud. Also remove any old stems crowding the centre of the bush.

DON'T FORGET THE SPUDS
Place your order for seed potatoes now, especially if you want to grow organic ones. These will be delivered later in the winter, when they can be set to form shoots before planting out.

GENERAL CARE IN DECEMBER

MOVE SHRUBS
This is a good time to move shrubs that are growing in the wrong place or those that have outgrown their position. Aim to lift established plants with as large a rootball as possible. Prepare the soil in the new planting hole well by digging compost deeply into it. Firm the soil around the transplanted shrub, and provide a stake for support if required. Water in well and mulch with bark or compost (or pine needles of course). It may be necessary to prune out a few shoots from very large transplanted shrubs, as the damaged root system may not be able to support them. Evergreen shrubs may need a more drastic haircut to stop dieback. Don't let this put you off as the new growth will soon be showing in spring

RAKE LEAVES
Finish raking up fallen leaves, especially those collected under hedges and shrubs. These offer protection to slugs and snails over winter months, so all leaves should be cleared away and composted. Also clear gutters, which can get clogged up and put all the leaves in a leaf bin to rot down.

JOBS TO DO

STRAIGHTEN YOUR TIES
Check ties on recently planted young trees to see if they have become tight and restrictive. There should always be a little play there. Research shows that trees develop better if they are planted when they are small and do not have tree ties around them but if your tree is large and only recently planted keep the tie on for a year or two until the roots have had time to develop and anchor the tree into place. If you feel the tree can stand up on its own then take off the tie and stake as soon as possible then fill in the hole the stake left with soil.

LIFT AND DIVIDE PERENNIALS
When the leaves have been blackened by frost, dahlia tubers should be dug up. Cut off the stems at 2-3in above the tuber, remove all the loose soil, dry them in an airy place, dust with flowers of sulphur, and label and store in a cool dark place. The easiest way to apply sulphur is to shake the tubers in a plastic bag with handful of flowers of sulphur. Large old clumps of tubers are better divided next spring, when you plant them out again. Division now only makes wounds for mould to enter.

This is the perfect time to lift and divide herbaceous perennials. Replenish the soil with well-rotted compost (and with plenty of coarse grit if the soil is heavy clay). Divide large clumps with a fork or spade and replant the strongest, outer pieces and water well. Also it is a good time to buy and put in new plants. The garden centres are brimming with new specimens at this time of year

Magic muck: If you all ready have not done so, try to get your hands on some well-rotted manure. You will need about one barrow load per 12 sq yards; you can dig it in or leave it on the surface for the worms to pull down over the winter months.

MOVING EVERGREENS

Lots of berries for the birds

MOVING EVERGREEN SHRUBS
If you are moving evergreen shrubs from one place to another in the garden check that the roots are wet. If not soak them thoroughly a few days before they are to be transplanted. Newly planted or transplanted evergreens, including hedges, should be regularly watered.

TRIM HEDGES
Prune back by 6-9in any weak, first-season hedging plants of beech, hornbeam, hawthorn and privet to ensure a dense, bushy hedge. Complete any trimming of evergreen hedges and topiary. Hedges trimmed in late summer may require the trimming of subsequent whiskers.

Get those bulbs in: Finish planting spring bulbs.

ELECTRIC CARS

ELECTRIC POWER HAS BEEN AROUND FOR LONGER THAN WE THINK

Every so often I will show you a new electric car. There have been some very strange looking ones I must say. The idea isn’t a new phenomenon though. Way back in 1947 Nissan were experimenting with the idea and they came out with the Tama. Of course the first recognised electric vehicle was the trusty tram, which are being introduced again into cities around the world. Just think of the Luas in Dublin. Anyway, back to the fabulous Tama. The machine had a top speed of 22 mph and a range of 40 miles on a full battery, a bit like the new G-Wiz that is on the market now. The car was on show recently in Yokahama as part of their 22nd Electric Vehicle Symposium.

WINTER DRIVING

HELPFUL TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING

With the festive season approaching, many people are making plans for long car journeys over the Christmas holiday period, often their first extended trip since the summer. The weather is gloriously unpredictable and unsuitable weather can strike suddenly, so it is no surprise that the number of cars requiring assistance increases over this period.

Breakdown services regularly see an increase of up to 35% of customers requiring assistance through the winter months. With this in mind, here are some suggestions that are made on seasonal car maintenance, so that when you drive, you can ensure you are prepared for the winter conditions.

UNDER THE BONNET:

Antifreeze
In cold weather antifreeze is essential for protecting your car against frost damage. It is important that the correct strength antifreeze and water mix is used as neat antifreeze can turn to sludge when very cold. A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is recommended.

Oil and Water
Check oil and water levels regularly, referring to the manufacturer's manual.

EXTERIOR:
Lights
Check all lights are in working order. Replace burned out bulbs and remember to clean road grime from all lenses when washing the car.

Check your front and rear fog lights too; remember these should only be used when visibility is reduced to around 100 metres and switched off when visibility improves.

Tyres
Examine tyres for signs of uneven wearing and for any cuts or small nicks in the sides of the tyres.
Try to check tyre pressure once a month in the winter.

Brakes
This is definitely the time of year to get your brakes checked by a professional.

Windscreen
Check that both front and rear wiper blades are not worn or damaged. If they are leaving smears across your windscreen, it's time for new blades.

Keep a can of de-icer and a scraper in the car. De-icer can also be used to defrost doors and petrol filter locks.

INTERIOR:
Accessories
Carry a few things just in case. Gloves, a blanket, a small shovel, a torch and some cash are essentials.

Consider carrying a mobile phone with you. Remember to make sure your phone is fully charged and has sufficient credit before you set off. Bear in mind that the recent change in the law has banned using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving.

CHRISTMAS PLANTS

Poinstettia

If you don’t have plants in the house but do intend on buying a few, here is a list of the most popular Christmas plants that will probably be on sale. I’ve mentioned a few details so you can get the best value from them once you bring them home.

Azalea: Water carefully –keep the compost moist at all times, keep cool, a hall or porch is ideal as long as the temperature is constant. Keep in bright, indirect sunlight. Can be put outside when the threat of frost has gone



Christmas cactus: Water sparingly-don’t let the compost dry out. They don’t like it too hot. The plants should flower for about six weeks. Don’t move the plant once the buds have formed as they could drop off with the shock of it all. Will get bigger and better for next year with a bit or care.



Cyclamen: These plants do best if kept cool and kept in porches and conservatories. They tend to wilt in central heating, if they do dry out, stand the pot in tepid water and leave to soak. After the compost has soaked up the water shake off the excess water, hopefully the plant will recover. After flowering allow the corm, (the bulb bit in the middle) to dry out then store until late summer. Re-pot again in fresh compost and start watering.Poinsettia: Again don’t over water; keep at a cool room temperature out of draughts. They should flower for twelve weeks and even more if the leaves are sprayed with water and the pots are put on a pebble tray to increase humidity. Put the plants in bright light to keep the plant colour. The plant can be over wintered by following a strict regime of light and dark for an eight-week period (14 hour darkness then ten hours of daylight) starting next September. The time this will take it would pay you to buy a new one!





Horticultural.

CREATIVITY

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
As Christmas is nearly upon us I imagine most of us at some point have considered making our own personalised cards to send family and friends. What puts us off doing this? I know I used to do it every year trying to come up with original ideas to make the recipient laugh. The timing is important when being creative though and taking on artistic craft work at Christmas is probably the last thing you would consider doing in between shopping, baking and putting up the decorations. These are all artistic pursuits though and wrapping presents and decorating the tree can be very rewarding tasks in themselves. I use Christmas as an example but there are loads of other artistic things that we could be doing in the winter months to fill the time creatively. One of the hardest things to do is to start. Taking the time and space to be creative and accepting the fact that along the way you will probably create some utter rubbish (I speak for myself here!) is the place to start. Enjoying the process is as much part of the fun as the having an end result. I think we can learn a lot from children here. The schools have been doing knitting and my lad has been making all sorts of coasters, neck-warmers and finger warmers (?) complete with dropped stitches, knots and wonky lines and is very proud of himself. We learn as we go along and after all who is judging?

PERFECTION
Many of us are inhibited by the fear of doing something that isn't perfect. An art teacher I had at school wouldn't allow rubbers into the classroom. He said that if you do something you are not happy with then draw over it or paint it out. The essence of the creative process is creating problems and then trying to find solutions. In this way art imitates life. The teacher used to have a wall where we could use up all of our spare paint to create a picture that changed daily. His views were a bit radical for the time (he made learning fun) and he ended up being forced out of the education system. He became a very successful and well renowned abstract artist. The education system seems to place reading, writing and arithmetic ahead of creative skills, which is a pity. As a result, when children reach the ages of about ten, their artistic skills may not have developed or matured. They perceive their drawings as childish and then adopt an attitude of "I can't draw". At home, like at school, it can be difficult to promote artistic aptitude, especially when you do not have a spare room dedicated to throwing paint around.

FLOW ACTIVITIES
Flow activities are very important for a healthy state of mind. A flow activity is defined by author, Mihaly Csikszentmihaly, as being an activity in where we lose ourselves in time. We experience pleasure when we do things. Dancing, singing, playing, gardening, cooking (and eating!), religious ritual, being engrossed in a book or watching an interesting film. These are all on par with art when it comes to immersing ourselves, and losing ourselves in time. Many flow activities can be done as a group, singing dancing, acting or sport for example. Other pursuits such as writing, painting or reading are prime examples of pursuits that require a bit of solitude and this is where a room set aside for these pastimes is very important. Be it at home or at school.

Most of us think that we are too busy to be creative. You may, like me, think that your day is chock a block with stuff that’s really important and urgent! It is possible for everyone to get involved in a creative activity for at least a few hours a week. One of the enemies of creativity is passive leisure, such as watching television. I know myself that after a really busy day doing my very important work(?!) I like to sit down and watch the box. The TV is the most time-consuming leisure activity in the modern world, providing little stimulation, enjoyment or effort. That is why we drift off when watching the telly. It doesn't stimulate the grey matter. What will stimulate the brain is going to classes around the peninsula with like-minded people to indulge yourself in artistic pursuits. If that doesn't appeal to you then simply set yourself some time to energise yourself with some inspiring music, meditation or play activities with the kids. The challenge, as I mentioned earlier is to get started!

It's quite common to have a resistance to trying new things and as a member of a family unit this resistance could be an underlying feeling of guilt. The feeling that you are neglecting other family members is a regular excuse for not pursuing our own interests. I'm sure you will agree though it would be better for you to get out and indulge yourself in something engrossing and rewarding because ultimately you will be a more contented person and more responsive to the family.

There is a deep need within everyone to create and experience the process of putting things together, be it food, words, pictures flowers or music.

THE BENEFITS OF CREATIVITY

You get the satisfaction of making something that has lasting value.

You may feel a high similar to the ones that athletes feel when they achieve their personal best.

Your stress levels may decrease. It has been found that people who participate in creative activities feel happier, stronger, more in control and less tense.

You may feel more motivated in other areas of your life.

You may discover the therapeutic value of creativity

AND REMEMBER

Don't worry about being good at what you do; rather be aware of your level of enjoyment and allow yourself to make mistakes!

CARE OF CHRISTMAS PLANTS

Holly is actually a shade shrub. Cut holly lasts longer indoors if treated like cut flowers, placed in cool water, and kept away from excessive heat.

Ivy is a very popular houseplant, since it's relatively easy to grow. It takes low water, either direct or indirect sun and even thrives in the shade.

Mistletoe is actually a parasite that feeds off trees and shrubs. Plants bloom in the summer and produce white berries during the winter. Mistletoe is often hung upside down and dried during the holidays. The berries are poisonous; so keep the sprigs out of the reach of children. Many commercial firms now market mistletoe with artificial berries for safety.A poinsettia can last for weeks beyond the holidays when placed in indirect sunlight at least six hours a day. Keep it away from cold drafts and excessive heat. Water when it feels dry, and after the blooming season use an all-purpose fertilizer once a month. Poinsettias are also helpful in removing pollutants from indoor air.

Horticultural.

CHRISTMAS PLANTS

Each Christmas, decorated trees, twinkling lights and familiar carols take centre stage in creating a festive holiday atmosphere. Certain plants play key roles as well: church altars banked with poinsettias, mistletoe hung over doorways, and holly adorning floral arrangements. Ironically, the histories of most Christmas plants have pagan roots, some dating back to the druids in the 13th and 14th centuries. Yet over the centuries they evolved into beloved Christian symbols. Christmas plants such as the holly, ivy, mistletoe and poinsettia became Christmas favourites due in part to their bright colours and evergreen properties. The colours do a lot for the drab, cold and dark time of year when other plants have died and the landscape looks bare.

Holly
Holly's ability to look good in both winter and summer certainly helped its position in folklore. Representing immortality and seen as a good omen, holly was considered sacred by the ancient Romans and used as a gift during festivals. Holly was brought into homes when winter began to shelter the elves and faeries. During the early years of Christianity in Rome, many Christians continued to deck their homes with holly to avoid detection and persecution. Gradually, holly became a Christmas symbol as Christianity became the dominant religion. Because the holly leaf has sharp, pointy edges, Christians see the holly representing Jesus' crown of thorns and the red berries representing the blood He shed on the cross.

Ivy
Aside from the familiar carol, "The Holly and the Ivy," the ivy vine doesn't have quite the Christmas tradition as mistletoe and holly. It was associated with Bacchus the Roman god and thought to bring good luck, fun and ecstatic happiness. Growing the plant on the outside walls of a house was believed to be a deterrent against misfortune. However, if it died, it was thought that financial trouble was approaching. Like evergreens, ivy was also seen as a symbol of eternal life. Because ivy symbolized prosperity and charity, it became associated with Christmas, a time to celebrate the rich rewards of life yet remember the less fortunate.

Mistletoe
Legend explains that the tears of Scandinavian goddess Frigga saved her son after he was shot with an arrow made of mistletoe. She then ordered mistletoe never again be used to harm others and made it a symbol of peace and love. It was also hung over doorways to ward off evil and bring happiness, health and good luck, and kissing under the mistletoe was thought to increase the possibility of marriage in the upcoming year. When Christianity took a foothold in northern Europe, mistletoe was one of the pagan casualties. For centuries it was forbidden on Christian altars. Eventually, mistletoe found its way back into acceptance when the Victorians revived the ancient ritual of kissing under the mistletoe as a sign of love, romance and good luck.

Poinsettias
While most Christmas plants date back several hundred years to Europe and the Mediterranean, the poinsettia is a relatively recent Christmas symbol based in the Western world. Native to Mexico and cultivated by the Aztec Indians, the poinsettia is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, who exported it from Mexico in 1828. After the Spanish conquest and the introduction of Christianity, the poinsettia found a place in Christmas rituals. The legend of the poinsettia tells of a poor village boy in Mexico who wanted to give the Holy Child a gift, but had no money. In desperation, he picked some weeds on his way to church to leave as his gift. He prayed to God to help him show his love and God answered by turning the weeds into a beautiful star-shaped flower with bright red leaves. The poinsettia has been a Christmas symbol ever since signifying how Jesus meets the needs of His believers

Horticultural.