Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
8th August 2026
Green Green Grass of Home
I saw the most wonderful sight this week – a beautiful lush green lawn – and no, it wasn’t Astro turf. It was wonderful enough to make me break my journey, knock on the door and ask the owner his secret. He explained that he had installed a large water storage tank under his driveway which collected all the rain water from various downpipes – and could also have collected bath and washing up water (or ‘grey water’) – and then attached a sprinkler system to it, which was on a timer.
It might not be ‘rocket science’ but it does involve other ‘super-powers’ like being proactive and practical and begs the question, ‘why aren’t we all doing it?’ Whilst this particular sprinkler system covered the whole garden, ensuring such a beautiful little oasis amongst parched outliers, I probably would prioritise a similar system just for my veggie patch. Imagine the absolute joy of having your hard work automatically watered in the evenings and then harvesting abundantly in these arid conditions. Bliss.
This gentleman installed his system 4 years ago, telling me, “I could see the way the climate was going”. With that foresight, commitment, pro-activity and sheer practicality, it’s a real shame that he’s not in politics.
And as well as spotting a very good candidate for running the country, I think I have also spotted a pretty promising business opportunity, installing such systems. You’re welcome.
Web Sight
Whilst I have gotten very used to knowing that tomorrow will be dry – very useful when you are working outdoors and lovely for drying washing – obviously I am getting more and more concerned about the welfare of our flora and fauna. Everything is struggling – from farmers and mowing contractors to bumble bees and birds, and so much in between.
Bumblebees are dying because their furry coats are making them overheat and as the blooms aren’t lasting as long in the heat, they’re having to work harder for their food. Please remember to put out shallow dishes of water for them daily – and the birds – and even hedgehogs.
Even wasps have had an ‘Annus horribilis’ as a cold snap in May killed a lot of Queens meaning a distinct lack of the stripy bandits spoiling picnics and barbeques this summer. But before you cheer, fewer wasps means there are more flies, which in turn means more spiders – especially those lightweight cellar spiders with tiny bodies and long legs and which can create webs quicker than Sir Tim Berners-Lee (the British computer scientist who invented the World Wide Web in 1989 – you’re welcome again).
With the dry weather keeping me outdoors and a safe distance from any necessary housework, and with spiders spinning overtime, my house is staring to resemble the Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Chair Up (cycle)
Amongst the numerous things that I have been finding to do outdoors, as well as making chicken wire pigs (see last week’s column), is painting some old white plastic garden chairs I rescued from a skip (with permission). I bought the paint to ‘recycle’ them at Easter but finally got around to tackling them last weekend. I am not a great lover of painting – unless it’s in an art class – but I am a lover of ‘one-coat-will-just-paint-over-everything’ paint. Which is what I used.
Admittedly these chairs turned out to need two coats, and disappointingly, the actual colour has a casual resemblance to the guide on the tin.
I chose the green as I wanted the chairs to blend into the background foliage – then I felt that I could have gone for something more vibrant, to provide more of a focal point or feature, but once in situ I’m glad I opted for ‘subtle’.
The tub chair was from IKEA and took the paint with good grace, whereas the slatted chair was from a garden centre and was far more reluctant to be upcycled. It’s a good job that I like ‘rustic’ as the finish won’t pass a close inspection but I think they’re still much, much nicer than the original grotty white, and overall can be classed as a ‘success’.
All I have to do now is make some time to sit on them.
Sun Worshippers
I’ve been noting which plants seem to be enjoying the arid conditions and so far on my list I have, Persicaria (although a neighbour said hers was crisping up), Lavender, Japanese anemones, Buddleias, Rock Roses, Stachys, ormaental grasses and possibly the greatest sun lovers of all – agapanthus.
I remember being in Madeira and delighting in seeing the agapanthus grow like our weeds do on the central reservations and roadsides. They absolutely adore dry, sunny conditions and are definitely worth considering including in your garden.
It will be interesting though, as I have read that the summers will get hotter and the winters wetter – and there aren’t many plants (or gardeners) that favour that combination.
Controversially, bindweed also seems to be doing well in the heat. Obviously it is not top of the list as a garden plant but I have noticed in the hedgerows it is attracting a lot of bees.
The flowers are also quite eye catching and if you grow it up any kind of support, you can keep it from strangling other plants in the border.
It also makes excellent twine for ad hoc tying in or ‘binding’ – as the name suggests.
Doggy Dotage
I was discussing Yogi with a friend last week and the fact that I have updated her supplements, as she decided she didn’t like the flavour of the PEA that has worked so well easing her arthritis for so long. I thought it might be handy to share, as joint issues and doggy dementia seem to be quite common amongst our aging four legged friends.
The PEA supplement, from Vince the Vet, worked a treat for a couple of years but Yogi just suddenly refused to eat her food with it in. Most joint supplements contain glucosamine but she is unable to take that because she has Canine Kidney Disease and glucosamine puts extra strain on the kidneys. After much research, I recently sourced Movoflex, which are a soft treat (also good for aged teeth) and already seem to be helping her move a little easier. With regard to the onset doggy dementia, I have found Nutramind (from NutraVet) which also seems to be helping after just a few weeks. And which she also takes without acting as though I’m trying to poison her.
It is worth mentioning that initially I ordered supplements from Pet Gently before being mortified to realise that they contained glucosamine. A quick email explaining my oversight and asking to cancel the order resulted in an immediate kind and favourable response. And that makes it worth recommending the company in my eyes (as long as your dog doesn’t have CKD).
It is an ever-changing scene and I liken our ‘doggy dotage’ to being a real roller coaster, but recently we are riding that rollercoaster like we stole it. Long may it last.
And finally, a friend sent me a meme last week with the message, ‘Saw this and thought of you.’
Now we are into August I thought I would update you on all the fun, crazy things I have done so far this summer:
- Work.
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