Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail. 29th September 2018 
N-ART-URE
I always roll my eyes when I hear or read how good gardening is for your wellbeing. It is, of course, unless you are self-employed and it is your business. Gardening itself is still good for you, but the paperwork, admin, bank manager, and various other business-orientated aspects, are far less nourishing for the soul.
Gardening can also be all-consuming; nature doesn’t really take any time off. Even the winter is spent catching up with her whilst she dozes and there is always something to do, which is why I made a conscious decision to fit in as many new experiences as possible this summer. It is important to keep the ‘old grey matter’ working; I saw Nicholas Parsons on stage at the theatre last week and, at 94 years old, you can’t get a better advert for keeping your mind active and sharp.
Inevitably, the new stuff I learned in the summer was mostly outdoors so now that that weather has changed I was looking for something new to learn indoors. I have found it, and it is still nature inspired, of course.
I have joined a ten week art class at www.chapelcottagestudio.co.uk and I absolutely love it. The pic is my very first watercolour and was achieved in my first class in just 2 hours – testament to a passionate pupil and a fabulous teacher.
And the reason for sharing this is not so much to get you all sharpening your pencils and purchasing paints, but to encourage you to do something new. The time between now and the end of the year is always a funny old time, I think. Why not use it to try something new? It’s a great way to cope with the darker evenings. I have no doubt that the nature theme will run through all of my classes, and it is great to view it in a different way – without waterproofs, wellingtons and a bent back. And as Albert Einstein said, “Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.”
Stormzy
Storm season is here. (Or Stormzy season as my brother refers to it). This time last year, Storm Aileen had just wreaked havoc and Brian was winding himself up for a damaging debut in October.
This year we have already had Ali and Bronagh with their huffing and puffing and relentless rainfall. As always, prevention is better than cure and the chances are October will see more Stormzys showing off. Check fence panels and trelliswork and secure if they are wobbly and insecure, and the same with felted shed roofs. I have just made some premature repairs on a client’s roof to avoid having to do the whole lot if the wind gets under it.
Cut back and/or secure climbers where necessary and check any newly planted shrubs and trees. Wind rock of unsecured trees and shrubs can damage roots and lead to water collecting in the ‘socket’ caused by the stem moving at soil level. This can then result in the tree or shrub rotting, or just growing at a crazy angle.
Put hanging baskets and anything else that could become an ‘unidentified flying object’ away and, if feasible, find a way to secure those bl**dy recycling bins and lids; I swear they are the most lethal things to be strewn over the roads in high winds.
App-pealing Idea
It has been an amazing season for apples; branches have been laden but after the high winds you will probably have been left with an apple carpet under your trees.
As tedious as it might be, it is always best to collect and remove the fallen apples as rotting apples may result in canker or brown rot (Monilinia fruitigena) – a widespread fungal disease. It finds its way into damaged fruits, typically those pecked at by birds and the spores will overwinter in the fruit and re-infect the tree in spring.
Of course, you can use your windfalls for juice (leave some for the birds). Apple presses for home use have become more affordable and you could share the cost with a friend or neighbour, maybe. There are lots of presses or crushers to choose from, and even complete starter kits. As well as squishing apples into the most delicious and healthy juice, you can add things like blackberries, ginger and raspberries. You could also make your own cider, and even wine. www.lovebrewing.co.uk has some great press and crusher options and even has it’s own course and forum to help you start making your own juices and alcohol. Now, that’s ap’peal’ing!
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