Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Ask Lynne’ for the Western Mail. 23rd July 2016
Monkey face!
I spent a couple of days last week judging Blaenau Gwent in Bloom. It is my 6th year as a judge and the standards were higher than ever. It never ceases to amaze me just how much hard work and devotion people put into their, quite often difficult, gardens – it is so lovely to see. And of course, gardens give us so much back – not only the veggies or flowers but just the pleasure of being out in the fresh air and the connection with nature. I have to say that this year, like last, many of the enthusiastic entrants were in their ‘higher years’ and looked a good twenty or so years younger than they were – more proof that gardening is good for you.
As well as imparting a bit of advice and a few tips, I picked up some too and saw some new and beautiful plants which are now on my list to get when I next visit a garden centre. My favourites were the little monkey-faced violas (pictured), which altered my rather negative view of pansies and the stunning Petunia ‘Night Sky’ available exclusively from Thompson & Morgan (also pictured).
A ‘Mint’ Plant
I was also introduced to the mint ‘Eau d Cologne’ – Mentha x piperita f. citrata. It is a fascinating plant or herb, which is the true source of the oil or essence of Eau de Cologne. Although these days Eau de Cologne scent, astringents and toilet water are now made from chemicals. The foliage of the herb is bruised or squeezed gently between the finger and the thumb to really bring forth the true scent or essence and the proud ‘owner’ told me that a few sprigs added to the bath makes for a relaxing and aromatic soak after a hard day’s gardening.
It has also got additional benefits as a plant indoors on a windowsill can assist in deterring flies. It naturally dies back in winter and will break out into growth in the new year but is also hardy and will grow happily outside in the garden.
As it belongs to the mint family, the foliage can be used as you would mint for making a mint sauce. And if the thought of mint sauce smelling of eau de Cologne doesn’t really appeal, rest assured that the scent changes when it’s prepared in this way – likewise a sprig placed with potatoes when cooking imparts a distinct flavour that some find preferable.
Eau d Cologne mint is also recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects and ironically to keep the pesky ones away. If mosquitoes are troublesome rub a bruised leaf on your forehead, neck, arms and legs to deter them.
And if all that’s not enough it is also pretty and a good gap filler, reaching approximately 3 feet (90 cm) tall with beautiful pink/lilac clusters of flowers July to September.
Park and Enjoy
National Parks Week, the UK National Park family’s annual celebration of Britain’s breathing spaces, begins on Monday 25th July and runs until Sunday 31st July, with this year’s National Parks Week theme being ‘adventure’. And as Kathryn Cook, UK Director, National Parks UK said, “Remember that adventure is what you make it!”
We are so lucky in Wales to have three of the most breath-taking National Parks, Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire Coast and of course the Brecon Beacons and each area will be running events during the celebratory week, from cycling, walking and even star gazing.
But remember you don’t just have next week to enjoy the beautiful scenery and great outdoors, you can enjoy them all year round through the changing seasons.
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