Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
27th May 2023
Jungle Look
A little later than in previous years, but nature is now ‘sprinting’ past me and my best endeavours. It happens every year, as I say, usually a bit earlier in the season. I always emerge weather-battered from the challenging winter months to start the spring feeling ‘in control’ and a little smug about how nice all ‘my’ gardens look. Then, once the ground warms up and the skies turn blue, suddenly nature shows me a clean pair of heels as the growth becomes jungle-esque, watering takes up early mornings and late evenings and work seeps into weekends.
I have learned that the secret is to keep a cool head and let nature have her head. I, and all gardeners, will eventually catch up and even get back in the lead – even if it does take until the winter to do so. All you can do now is ‘all you can’.
Try to support tall herbaceous plants as we will get heavy downpours at some stage, which will flatten the lofty growth – that also happens every year. If you haven’t already staked, make sure you use the plant supports that go around the plants, as they won’t grow through frames now. Or get creative with old garden tools – I keep my ‘retired’ favourites to use as plant stakes, either as single supports or by tying string and/or netting between them. Keep ‘floppy varieties’ off of paths and steps to keep ‘tidy’ access, tie in climbers, keep watering, water even more, keep grass mown – whether it is whole lawned areas or just grassed paths – and most importantly try to make sure you actually make some time to just sit in the garden and enjoy it.
Sitting Pretty
One of my ‘design nags’ has always been to include seating in a garden. Clients will inevitably respond with ‘but I don’t sit there’ – no, but if you have a bench, hammock or any form of chair there then you will. Whether it’s to make the most of a view, or to enjoy a sheltered, private spot or just have a bit of a ‘whiff’ whilst gardening, seating will always encourage you to ‘rest a while’. As the famous philosopher, Winnie the Pooh said, “Sometimes I sit and think, sometimes I just sit.”
I don’t think I’ve ever known such a wide range of garden furniture to be available and some of it very reasonably priced. My own ‘treat’ is a lovely big waterproof beanbag which can stay outside and is usually commandeered by Yogi. There is also a huge range of fire pits to choose from and they will encourage you to get outside in the garden in the evening too. Make sure you are stocked up with Avon’s Skin-So-Soft to keep the midges away. This dry oil body spray used to be the best-kept secret of the SAS and Scottish fishermen but now is widely recognised as one of the most effective insect repellents, to the point of actually being listed as such on some websites. Avon claims that four bottles are sold every minute. Make sure you buy the original formula, as the others definitely aren’t as effective.
Magic Moments
As I go about my work, or my walks, I often see something and think, “I must mention that in the column.” Nine times out of ten I’ve forgotten by the time I’ve got home but this week, I can recall a few of my ‘magic moments’. They include:
- Spotting the fluffy white flowers on holly trees. Renowned for their shiny red Christmassy berries, we often overlook the little frothy white flowers that make the berries possible.
- The staggering amount of hawthorn blossom that is about this year. The air is heady with the scent of it and the branches heavy with the sheer amount of flowers. I wonder if it’s the result of a dry summer last year and the trees want to do all it can to ensure their survival.
- And having a quiet 5 minutes with a cup of coffee, I was particularly struck by the large, tight, green
hairy buds of the oriental poppies in one particular border.They hold absolutely no clue to the magical, flamboyant, beautiful blousy flowers that are held within.
It’s just like a big ballroom dress cleverly packed into a tiny little holdall.Nature has so many of these incredible aspects – like a flat dandelion flower turning into a spherical seed-head – we just need to take the time to notice and appreciate it all.
Bank (Holiday) Notes
Did you know that we have the second bank holiday in May because it used to be held on the ‘day-off’ in the Christian calendar after Whit Sunday or Pentecost. It used to be a moveable holiday as Whit Sunday always falls seven Sundays past Easter Sunday, but in 1971 this bank holiday was moved and fixed to the last Monday of the month. When it was moved, it was never given an official name – unlike the May Day bank holiday, or the August bank holiday – so now this weekend’s holiday tends to either be called the Spring bank holiday or the Late May bank holiday.
Also in 1971 the August bank holiday, which fell on the first Monday of the month up until then, was moved to the end of the month. This was to stop it clashing with the traditional two week ‘summer shut down’ that many companies had – like the Miner’s Fortnight.
In 2011 Parliament considered replacing the May Day bank holiday (the one at the start of May) with one in October to spread out the bank holidays a bit more evenly throughout the year. But that one stayed where it was.
And Finally
With Flaming June just around the corner, I love Gertrude Jekyll’s thoughts about the month. She said, “What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfilment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade.”
And here’s something for you to check out – apparently June is a real peculiarity in so far as no other month in the year begins on the same day of the week as June does. Even more peculiar than that is the fact that someone realised it.
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