Gardener

Garden Journal (No.4) – Flowers & Life

| Gary Webb

Crikey I have been busy with my gardens lately, and while it hasn’t all been plain sailing, it’s been a productive and lovely couple of weeks. Let me explain…

Generally Speaking

Don’t mention the weather – The gardening topic of conversation around these parts right now is how dry the weather has been, with no serious rainfall for two months or more. For sure, the sun’s been out to play most every day and springtime has been a delight, but the lack of natural irrigation from above is becoming a worry.

All things considered, despite some high midday temperatures we have enjoyed some cool nights, and haven’t had much in the way of frost during May, so from a gardener’s perspective it’s not at all bad. There’s no escaping the fact though that the soil is dry and water supplies are, or soon will be, in high demand. In every likelihood the weather will turn soon, but on the off chance that it doesn’t, saving water now will help us in the long run.

Where home gardens are concerned, using a water hose of course makes watering easier, but I would urge you if at all possible to use a watering can instead. Doing repeated trips with a can isn’t meant to frustrate us but will cause us to consider carefully how much to apply, as opposed to leaving a hose running and using more than necessary. My own personal rules are that the lawn can fend for itself, (unless they’re freshly laid of course,) established plants too, and for newly establishing plants and pots, water less often but thoroughly, to encourage roots to delve deeper down.

My caveat to the watering can tip is to mention some of the seep or drip irrigation systems that are about, which can feed controlled amounts of water to the just the right spot. Unless I’m looking after sports turf, I’d personally leave the lawn sprinkler in the shed – if I had one!

Before I slip off my soap box, I shall stop myself there, as I feel I’m tipping into lecture mode – although it comes from a good place I assure you. Let’s just hope for a nice steady splash soon, eh. (BTW, if you want any tips be sure to let me know!)

In the Garden

Wired Wisteria – Last time I mentioned the installation of some wires to train a Wisteria along, a job left over from last year. As it turned out I timed it perfectly, for the growth spurt shown by said plant has been speedy to say the least, with hardly any wire now to be seen and with plenty more growth yet to come. The wires are in, new shoots are being tied as they grow, and wayward stems trimmed back as and when to save the plant from wasting energy – I am being decidedly ruthless!

The Wisteria is only just entering its second year in my garden, so last year and the next few are all about training and forming the permanent framework of branches, the intention being to clad both the south and east facing fences with two lateral stems. I might have to wait a few years for the flowers to appear, and it better be the right colour when it does but for the time being, it is snip and tie-in, snip and tie-in, snip and tie-in, I now feel a song coming on!

~

Gravel Garden – I’m glad to report that my compact mini landscaping project has now made progress, with one modest but important detail left to complete. The project itself, a metre square ornamental bed to break up a flat patio space is unlike all other borders in the garden, being now finished with a varied mix of stone, both river gravel and some beach stones for contrast. (Responsibly sourced of course).

Small gravel garden bed, with foliage plants, stone feature and water trough
A little glimpse of a freshly gravelled bed, complete with new baby plants.

The bed is slightly mounded to show intent and softened with a few foliage plants that whilst young, already bring a hint of character, including Hosta ‘Halcyon’, Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) and a tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum). The central showpiece though, whilst still in its infancy is a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’), which in time will change the space completely, bringing I trust some height in a delicate way; I shall be manipulating its branch network and form over time.

Two architectural elements are intended to complete my gravelly garden, the first a shallow reflection pool, a cut-down barrel which already has become a favourite drinking spot for a red mason bee. In addition to this, I’m looking to complete this mini-garden with a short section of fence that will be clad in carefully tied bamboo – yes, I’ll be getting even more arty with this part. If the fence turns out to be anything like my intention, I’ll be sure to add an image in due course but for now, a mere glimpse of gravel will have to suffice!

~

@AllotofPotential allotment – I’ve been wondering whether to separate-out mentions of the allotment into their own updates, maybe even a dedicated Allotment Journal – do let me know what you think?

Anyway, almost two weeks ago my allotment buddy and I spent a couple of hours doing a range of tasks – picture an SAS style descend and do type mission, with an aim of dropping the last of the seed potatoes into the soil like grenades then get the hell out of there. Well, things didn’t go quite to plan. The potato part worked like a dream, and if we’d headed for the hills at that point our mission would have been a success but oh no, the allotment pulled a fast one, triggering a secondary operation called weed-and-prep.

Potatoes laid out on the ground and being planted by a gardener
I know, you wouldn’t do it like that, but we all have our own ways…

Needless to say, by the time we finally retreated from the allotment zone the damage was done, and with the old back-hinge creaking, there was nothing left but to break out the hot water bottle and Tiger Balm. Let’s just say that for the last ten days or so, I’ve not been able to sit or stand without an ouch or an aargh! (…and the Tiger Balm whiffs a bit too).

Thankfully, whilst sitting has been a challenge, moving around has been okay, and I have been able to return to the battle ground a few times since, at least for light exercise. It appears that no long-term damage has occurred. Lesson learned…

Progress wise, more onions have been planted, new borders are now formed and awaiting path laying then seeding, and the glasshouse borders are weeded and ready for the toms. The asparagus bed (second season so no harvesting as yet) is clear of weed, the compost bin half full, and the first strawberry on the patch is colouring nicely. In the coming days direct seed sowing will commence and some trays of veg will be planted out – there will be much kneeling and moving around on all fours! 

After all that is done some rain would be very welcome, if you please!

~

Looking ahead

In my last journal I urged you to head out and find some cherry blossom, which by now is largely spent. The fact this cycle keeps moving isn’t sad though I must say, just part of the life cycle of plants. Flowering happens just when a plant needs to, not to please or satisfy us at all, but to keep its type alive. The fleeting nature of blossom therefore calls upon us to seize the moment, to sit up and take notice, to get out and savour nature’s gifts and splendour, and you can count on me to continue reminding you of this.

Spring’s cherry blossom may be all but done for this year, but it shall return, be sure of it, and other flowers are already here or poised to arrive. As I write looking over my garden, purple allium planet-like spheres hover over a border in the afternoon sun, shaded lawn daisies are closing for the day, and I gaze upon it all with awe. This last week I’ve been besotted by the frilly extravagance of some white Florentine irises – honestly I’m such a pushover!

White frilly Florentine Iris flowers backlit by morning sunshine.
Florentine Iris looking super sultry in the morning sun – I’m besotted!

Do I worry though, that some of these floral beauties will have gone over tomorrow or by next week? Should I photograph and study them every day for fear of losing them? I think not, instead I’ll take them as they come, bathe in the moments we can be together and once they’re done, I will anticipate their return next year. 

Life and flowers will come, flowers and life will go, we must not squander the opportunity or prospect!

~

Wishing you all the very best, until next time, Gary, Gardening ways.

p.s. Go check out my last essay over on Substack Influential Gardens 🌿

Fresh Air and Fruit Trees

| Gary Webb

Getting closer to a pruning day between the branches.

Gary Webb

With heavy curtains drawn tightly together, it may have been hard to notice that day was breaking outside and the sun was readying itself for an appearance. As our gardener raised their head from a warm pillow though, even with half opened eyes, they knew exactly when and where the sun would appear and importantly, when it was due to retire.

Preparing for a cool winter’s day outdoors, our weathered tested gardener dressed themselves, adding quilted layer upon layer in the hope of finding that magical working balance between not too warm, not too cold, and actually remaining mobile. As if on auto pilot, they shovelled down breakfast, prepared and packed a hearty lunch and allowing for a moment of pause, moved on to lacing up some well-worn but ever-so comfortable boots. Finishing with a woolly hat pulled down over their ears, they headed out to the car for a familiar journey to work, their breath chuffing into the cool morning air.

Journeying to their work’s garden, rays from the blindingly low sun glimmered through the driver’s door window, flashing repeatedly through the ancient hedgerow trees as the car whooshed along the lane. The cloud-free sky was becoming brighter by the second and promised a dry, if cool working day. Today, they thought, might be the day to finish the orchard pruning, a task they were keen to complete, for spring was in the air and the sap was beginning to rise.

The day started with picking up debris from the previous day which was in itself unusual, for they usually preferred to clean up as they worked. Yesterday though they had pushed on pruning until night fell, being keen to complete an especially large tree. With light falling

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Christmas Chaos

| Gary Webb

It is morning, and the Christmas tree stands silently in the corner of the living room jewelled with baubles and decorations, my favourites being miniature flower pots and garden tools, naturally. This year we’ve added a little shiny watering can, just to keep things green. Paper snowflakes hang around the room in otherwise blank spaces, extra candlesticks and lanterns have been artfully placed, and an olive wood nativity scene sits on top of a bookcase; our own Christmas stage is almost set.

Outside, the garden as often the way in winter, is sodden. Around here for the last two weeks or so we’ve swung from sharp frosts to long periods of rain, and the garden in many ways is best enjoyed through the window. Indeed, venturing out yesterday with a

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A Gardener; to be or not to be?

| Gary Webb

Hello and welcome to my Gardening Ways blog, where this time I shine a light on being a gardener, a life in horticulture if you will. I’ve not written for a while, so without wanting to shower you with excuses, I’ll simply say that I’m here now, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the process of putting this post together, and that for someone, I hope it proves useful.

You might be familiar with the situation where you find a subject intriguing, so you read up to learn a little more about it, maybe through some magazines or via websites. Then, after your interest is piqued, you move to immerse yourself in the topic in order to fill up your knowledge bank. But somewhere along the way, when you’re feeling like you pretty much have it in the bag, you realise there’s an awful lot more to know. You might then feel as though regardless of how much you now try to absorb, you just can’t learn enough, there might even be bouts of imposter syndrome.

Horticulture, for me, has been like this. For anyone though, it might be an instantaneous fascination of a single plant or flower, or maybe a new responsibility of caring for a garden space. Whatever it is, if you are drawn into the world of plants, gardens and horticulture, be prepared for a subject that will both embrace you and unfold before you. Furthermore, should your interest nudge you to consider horticulture as a career, be aware that it’s as deep and broad a subject as any other, and if you stay the course it can offer a lifetime of learning, discovery and fulfilment.

I will say however, that those who do choose horticulture as a career path will not necessarily have an easy journey. Metaphorically speaking, there will be locked garden gates along the way, many doubters of your ability and worth, and sphinxes will sit besides the path posing challenging riddles for you to solve. Some of those gates will swing open and riddles will be solved, but as with all journeys there will be new distractions and opportunities as we progress. In short, I’m saying be prepared for a bumpy wheelbarrow ride!

A bright yellow Rudbeckia flower by Gary Webb ©

As with many other trades I’m sure, a working life in horticulture means that you will meet and learn from many inspiring individuals, and I think this is of prime importance for anyone’s journey. Key characters from my past, even from years ago stay fresh in my mind. I can sit here now and be transported to points where one fascinating person or another stood in a garden, waxing lyrical about the place and its qualities, or about a plant and its history, medicinal use or some other revealing aspect.

In my mind I can step back in time and stand before wise figures from the horticultural world, some indeed who have long since departed. They inspired me back then, and I was fully aware of it. Interestingly though, those people inspire me now, each person’s wisdom, calmness, excitable or focused character still today, feeding my spirit. Even those who miss named plants, or followed horticultural practices I might have considered out-of-date; still taught me lessons.

As you journey, many characters specifically sent for you will offer similar lessons. Whether it’s Monty Don delivering his Friday night tips for seed sowing, a teacher unraveling botanical science, or a guiding figure who sowed sunflower seeds with you as a child; almost every one of them will have a part to play in helping you reach your green ideals.

However we journey and whoever we encounter, our experiences will stick with us. Horticulture and gardening can embrace us, push us, carry and care for us too; plants putting food in our bellies, ointment on our skin, clothes on our backs and shelter over our heads. I won’t even get started on the wellbeing aspect of horticulture!

Personally, I approached this post having trodden, crunched, stomped, laboured and slipped my way along a good few garden, woodland and parkland paths. I feel I’ve served my time on finger-numbing brush-cutters, chipped teeth on wayward tree limbs, fallen out of shrubs, scrubbed too many spark plugs, and latterly have stared into the depths of far too many spreadsheets. However, I’ve also witnessed the most heart lifting sun rises and sets, and have held my breath when wildlife came close. I’ve worked in some of the most awe inspiring spaces, and I don’t know where to start when considering the plants (friends) I’ve met and brought into the world.

There is however much more for me yet, as when I cast my mind back to all the incredible places I’ve been and the wisdom filled people I’ve encountered, I still have a desire to experience more. I wouldn’t change most of what’s happened, but I do want to influence what is ahead; because there are so many wonderful plants, gardens, landscapes and people out there. I can only hope I have enough time left!

Naturally, it’s not all about taking risks as it might read above, but it is about considering, carefully, your route. Think about where or what you want to be doing further down the line, and if it’s hard to picture that, get yourself out to places for consideration. Sit on a garden bench and ask yourself if the place has, or could, hold enough diversity to keep your interest. Invite yourself or volunteer at a nursery to see if production horticulture could be your thing, or even try a short distance course to learn the ropes.

If you’re starting out or considering a career in horticulture, then I hope to have said a few words here that will be of use. I’d like to finish by saying the following about my own world of horticulture, give you my view of gardening if you’ll allow:

Do not in the least be put off by that breadth or depth I mention above, but be inspired by the diversity of options and the many layers. Explore as many paths as you can, as early as you can, be inquisitive and ask lots of questions. Consider specialising in particular plants or techniques yes, or being a generalist; and having complete confidence in that. But please don’t ever expect to know it all; just be prepared to learn a good deal, over a good deal of time, and keep an open, broad, mind.

Remember that it’s brilliant and inspirational to be someone who holds encyclopaedic knowledge, but it’s also ok not to know a plant name, not to know when to prune a particular shrub, or not to have visited that world famous garden.

Horticulture is so vast a subject and full of opportunity that it is enough to simply keep plodding and to hold a steady job, as it is to keep venturing; just remember that both routes can be enjoyed all the more if you retain an appetite for learning and discovery, and you stay prepared for change and adaptation.

To be, or not to be a gardener, the choice is yours!

Many thanks for reading to the end, if it’s triggered any questions, I’d be very happy to answer in the comments section, or you can message me on Twitter or Instagram.

Kind regards, Gary, Gardening Ways

Becoming a Gardener

| Gary Webb

Becoming a Gardener.

~

Birds will call you to the garden each waking moment,

Then, you will find yourself working amongst them whilst appreciating

Their melodies, their objections, and their interest in your gardening.

~

Gardening will cease to be a chore when each action has deeper meaning,

When each action contributes not only to your garden

But to your neighbourhood, your planet, and to your wellbeing.

~

Each plant will share its special qualities with you at any given moment,

A moment when you could be anywhere else, but you will be there,

And rapidly any worry or toil that plant ever caused will be gone.

~

Be they lovely, harmed, harmful or full of delight and promise,

Every leaf, stem, flower and insect may present a new discovery for you,

And every voyage will become a journey of learning and fascination.

~

Time spent feeding the soil, sowing seeds, planting or looking,   

Lifting a pendulous flower or tickling your palm across soft spring growth

Will be an earthing occasion, connecting you with the world around you;

It will restore you and will never be time wasted.

~

Sometimes achievements will be crushed and losses will feel harsh yet,

The challenges are always worth rising to, and in the process a balance

Will be found that will nourish your heart, mind and soul.

Your back may need a little extra care though I have to say.

~

To know now that a plant or garden grew from your effort,

To know that ecology or the community may have unknowingly benefitted

From your guiding hand and watchful eye,

Is to know that you became a gardener, you contributed,

And you created life through your gardening.

~

Become a gardener and make a difference.

Gary Webb, June 2019

I’d love to hear why you became a gardener, what you get out of gardening, or what prevents you from seeing yourself as a gardener.

Regards,

Gary