Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
1st February 2020
Dis-Ease
There is unease in the gardening world after a dire warning from garden presenter Adam Frost this week; he is predicting that our gardens will look completely different in the coming years, because invasive species and pests are out of control.
Adam is designing the RHS Plant Health Garden at Chelsea Flower Show this year, which showcases the issues our plants face from disease.
The garden will be designed in two halves, with one side looking at problem plants and the other with resilient herbs and flowers, which we may have to use more prolifically in the future.
The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is already at risk of coming to our shores imminently and infects a wide range of our favourite plants. Cherry, hebe, lavender, oak and rosemary could all be vulnerable. It doesn’t bear thinking about.
Instead of choosing plants for their beauty in the second part of his garden, Adam will use plants which the RHS lists as “generally trouble free and disease resistant”.
Pests have already caused problems at Chelsea Flower Show in recent years. Designers are not allowed to use oak trees or saplings due to the threat of the Oak Processionary Moth.
And because Xylella fastidiosa, is established in lavender plants in Europe, anyone showing a garden with the fragrant herb now has to source it from the UK. A lot of plants are sourced from overseas to ensure they are in bloom in time for the prestigious show in May. UK grown lavender is a bit more reluctant to bloom until we have consistently warmer weather – who can blame it?
Love Nests
We are already stepping into February, so it’s not long to wait until the 14th! No, I’m not counting the days until Valentine’s Day (as if), but National Nestbox Week is celebrated and promoted from the 14th of February each year, as an established part of the ornithological calendar.
Aiming to assist breeding birds, everyone is encouraged to put up more nestboxes in their gardens and local areas.
And I know just the place to get them from! Restore@The WoodShed runs workshops at St Cadoc’s Hospital in Caerleon, where patients with mental health and learning disabilities make wonderful and practical nesting boxes for wildlife.
Volunteer carpenters help the caring patients (female and male) to make bespoke homes for birds, bats and hedgehogs. The creative team can also make bird tables and even restore furniture – in fact they’ll have a go at making anything with wood.
So, please let’s show some love for the birds (and other wildlife) and the wonderful people at Restore@TheWoodShed at St Cradocs. After all, a wildlife nesting box is a much better way to show you care on Valentine’s Day than a bunch of roses!
For more details please contact Catherine.m.king@wales.nhs.uk.
Spring is Springing
Last week I was working outdoors in a t-shirt – admittedly it was hard (and therefore, hot) work (and I may have had a hot flush or two) – but it was still uncharacteristically mild for January. Spring is springing in the garden too, albeit a bit early maybe. I was thrilled to see the early daffodils out in all their glory next to Crickhowell Fire Station last week, and also next to the nearby allotment. They have obviously been out for a while and are out in January most years. I have no idea why they are so early every year but adore the promise they bring.
Snowdrops are out in force too. I love the early white flower carpets and am happy to see my own ‘white rugs’ developing into ‘white carpets’ as the years pass. I always spend some time on a sunny day watching my honey bees reversing out of the bowed flower head, with the bright orange pollen on their legs. Who would have thought that snowdrop pollen was bright orange?
To enjoy the beautifully patterned underside of the snowdrop flowers, display them indoors in a small vase placed on a mirror tile. The reflection is lovely. Although if you are superstitious, you may want to reconsider as folklore suggests bringing snowdrop into the house predicts a death in the family.
Run to the Hills
Here in Wales we are blessed with the most beautiful scenery – be it mountains, the coast, canals or moorland – and everything in between. It is the perfect countryside for walking and hiking – and also running. Whilst I appreciate it’s not for everyone, there is something very satisfying trail running through our stunning scenery and experiencing all sorts of terrain. Six years ago, I became the first person to run across Wales – barefoot – and ran the most beautiful route from Anchor to Ynyslas. (see more at www.lynneallbutt.co.uk or www.allbuttshoes.com) These days I mostly run in minimalistic shoes, which allows me to enjoy the scenery even more, as I don’t have to concentrate on where I’m treading, but trail running is still my favourite type of running.
So I was thrilled to hear a friend is utilising our fabulous Welsh ‘limitless trails’ for her new venture of the same name. Ultra-runner, Ellen Wood has created ‘Limitless Trails’ for those looking to enjoy off-road running throughout Wales. The events are varied and expertly managed, whether you are a seasoned runner or new to ‘running through mud’, there will be something for everyone.
Visit www.limitlesstrails.co.uk for more details. It’s a fabulous way to ‘feel alive’ and to see parts of Wales you never knew existed – and you can keep your trainers on!
(Running photo courtesy of Steve Thomas.)
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