Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
9th March 2019
Sitting Pretty
When I am giving advice for garden design, I like to include places to sit. Despite a recent survey finding that most people are so sedentary that sitting is the new smoking – apparently it is responsible for nearly as many deaths – I always encourage people to have somewhere to sit in their garden, other than on a conventional patio or deck. Inevitably as I suggest the perfect spot for a bench, swing or even a big rock as a rustic seat, I am always answered with, “But I don’t sit here …”
Of course you don’t, because there’s nothing here to sit on, that’s my point. If you do have somewhere to sit, you are far more likely to make the effort to go outside for your morning coffee or evening glass of wine. Informal seating can also be incorporated into the garden by utilising raised beds or low retaining walls. I think the trick is to think like a kid; as kids we always used to find the most innovative seats or ‘perches’ in the most interesting or secluded parts of the garden. Chairs were boring. Chairs are still boring.
Sometimes, like last week, I will uncover a natural stone seat in a garden (see pic) – my clients’ love sitting out on this rock with their morning cuppa.
When chatting about this in work, one of the boys quipped, “My idea of exercise is a good brisk sit down.” On site there is always an unspoken challenge to find the best place to sit for your break or lunch, be it on a garage floor, in a potting shed or just out in the open air. I have to be honest, if there is a wheelbarrow around, they know that it always has my name on it. It is the most unlikely but comfy places to sit and one of those really important gardening things that dad taught me.
And it’s portable! As the photo shows, I had just finished cleaning up a long drive and the wheelbarrow simply transformed from something to shift stuff with into a seat. Of course Yogi always has a lap to hand for her preferred seat!
And to quote the wonderful philosopher, Winne the Pooh, “Sometimes I sit and think, and sometimes I just sit.”
Act Swiftly
The RSPB is calling on all homeowners and businesses to take some simple steps to help save swifts, as their numbers have plummeted by half in just twenty years. Timing is all-important, as soon swifts will be making their epic 6,000 mile journey here from Africa to bring up their chicks. The swifts that nest in the UK usually arrive here during April and May and will spend just 3 months with us. Sadly for many, finding somewhere to build a nest will prove a real challenge as homes are being developed without suitable nesting spaces and without consideration for our super fit feathered friends.
Swifts are incredible birds, spending most of their lives on the wing and only landing when it’s time to nest. After flying its nest for the first time, a young swift may spend two or three years in the air, eating, drinking, sleeping, bathing and even mating. You won’t see them ‘sitting down’, perching on telegraph wires or fences. They actually have tiny feet and legs, and can hardly walk, which is why they have honed such amazing ability in the air.
Swifts nest in holes, often inside old buildings. You’ll never see them building a nest outside and if you can see an obvious nest, it’s definitely not a swift.
But swifts are struggling to find homes as modern and renovated buildings lack the nooks and crannies they need to make a nest. So the RSPB is appealing to the public to help provide as many new homes for them as possible by putting up special swift boxes, which replicate natural nesting spots. I think they would make a fabulous birthday present – for the recipient and the swifts – and Mother’s Day is fast approaching, so what better present than providing accommodation for a family of swifts? Beats chocolates and flowers if you ask me!
If you’re having a building constructed or renovated, there’s also the option of the ‘swift brick’. This replaces a standard house brick and can easily be installed by a builder. Swift nestboxes and swift bricks can work especially well when put up in groups, as these birds like to be near other swifts.
Please do what you can to help save our swifts; more details, including how to make your own swift box at www.rspb.org.uk/homes-for-swifts
Thank You Irene
I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Irene from Carmarthen who, at 98 years young, and without a computer or email, took the time and trouble to send me the most delightful handwritten card complimenting me on my column and lifestyle. Fellow columnist Carolyn Hitt told me that Irene has written to her too, to thank her for her regular musings and has been a loyal Western Mail reader since 1948. Irene it is us columnists that are grateful to you! Thank you.
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