Sweet William Plants

I hate to mention autumn, especially as the weather has been like November recently! However, one major part of gardening is planning ahead, so it's worthwhile thinking about late summer colour. Sweet William annuals are a great choice.

Jersey Plants Direct are selling 160 plug plants for just £14.49! Enough to fill your borders with a carpet of pink, white and purple petals. Order HERE

Spectacular Orchid

Sheri Anne a reader of gardenandgreen.co.uk has sent in this pic of an orchid her father in law has grown. It looks like someone has green fingers as this is quite spectacular!

It's always nice to hear from readers. If you have an amazing plant, or have anything else relating to gardening, the countryside, nature, weather etc then please feel free to send us your pics via the upload form here. Copyright remains wth the sender;

http://www.gardenandgreen.co.uk/#/submit-an-article-pic/4532518753

B of the Bang

Following on from my little rant about the prospect of a huge modern art sculpture being dumped on Ilfracombe, news today that a £2 million pound piece of outdoor modern art has been sold for scrap and raised £17,000 for Manchester Council. The sculpture was Bof the Bang, which was a spikey looking thing put in place for the Commonwealth Games a few years ago. It had to be removed after great big metal spikes started falling off.

As I have said earlier these modern art sculptures are a really ineffective and expensive way of revamping areas. Just think what £2 million could have bought in ready to plant 8-12ft ornamental trees such as Olives, Yews, Yuccas, Acers etc. This would have been enough for a whole area and now a few years after the games is over the place would be looking better than ever, as the trees would be even more mature. The 2 million would be benefiting the area for decades to come, not just a flash in a pan like B of the Bang.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2168655/B-bang-Commonwealth-Games-sculpture-melted-scrap-metal-fell-apart.html

Damien Hurst Statue

I can't stand big modern art sculptures, they drive me mad. Why is it that we need these huge and expensive monstrosities everywhere to 'enhance' places. Elsewhere on this blog I wrote about some rubbish Weymouth modern art that was being installed, it was like something out of The Flintstones next to a roundabout. It was so expensive and I compared what the council could have planted in the town with the money to make it more attractive instead of one modern art installation. This latest one, designed by the bloke famous for pickling dead farm animals, is in Ilfracombe a place most people visit I'm sure to have nice quiet walks, an ice cream, play on the beach, enjoy the natural landscape, play in the rockpools, enjoy the tranquility and being away from the built up urban parts of the country. So in what way will some huge naked women holding a sword enhance this experience??

Ilfracombe please ditch the vanity sculpture and spend the money on trees, plants, keeping the beaches immaculate etc.

Don't underestimate the tourist appeal of being a place untouched, where not much happens.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2167025/Damien-Hirsts-67-foot-pregnant-Angel-West-The-landmark-set-tower-Devon-coast.html

Britan's Biggest Wildflower Meadow

Britain's largest man made meadow, The Field of Dreams', with wildflowers from around the world is now in full bloom. It is free to go and see, but you can offer a donation to one of four charities. The meadow has been created by Brian and Denise Herrick on a two acre site in Somerset.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2166427/So-beautiful-theyve-called-Field-Dreams-Britains-biggest-wildflower-meadow-comes-bloom-burst-colour.html

Rhinoceros poaching

Rhino Horn will not improve your sex life, maybe try Viagra.

犀牛角不会提高你的性生活。也许尝试伟哥

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18489579

Drought Plants? You must be kidding!

Not so long ago the southern part of the country was in the grip of a drought, irrigation sales were booming, and I was writing an article about drought tolerant plants.

Well, the good old British weather has had a big change of mind and we've been soaked through ever since. Hosepipe ban cancelled, places flooded out and a great big storm on its way.

As it's 30 years today since the liberation of the Falkland Islands, perhaps the only name for this storm brewing has to be HURRICANE MAGGIE!!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9331919/50-year-storm-heading-for-Britain-bringing-downpours-and-70mph-winds.html

The Allure of An Allotment

A father and son in Coventry explain what their allotment means to them. VIDEO

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17857858

Largest Wind Farm in UK

A new wind farm is now operating up on the Scottish hills near Glasgow. They might produce clean electricity from a renewable source which is great but they really do have a terrible effect on tranquility and the landscape.

You can see the wind turbines here;

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8060341.stm

Diamond Jubilee Gladioli

It's certainly a summer of red, white and blue with the Diamond Jubilee and British Olympics, so if you want your garden to match your Union flag bunting then how about these Jubilee Gladioli that will flower this year in August if you order them now. As they are bulbs they will then flower year after year during the summer. Height: 45cm (18”). Spread: 10cm (4”).

For just £10.99 you can get a mixed total of 18 Corms so this isn't jsut a feeble little attempt. This will transform your garden into the most patriotic in the street! ;0)

You can order HERE

Solar Farm

Take a look at this solar panel 'farm' down in Oxfordshire. Fields have been covered in swathes of huge panels to create electricity. Something tells me the locals will be mortified at this development as it hardly blends in with the countryside. They look even worse than wind turbines, which although can be seen from further away don't cover green fields in shiny dark glass.

I suppose one good thing is that it's not been concreted over and in theory the land can be returned to it's normal state at some point. I like solar energy but I think the panels should be put on roofs of large factories, office blocks, urban industrial parks etc and not in the middle of the countryside. Farm fields should be kept for growing food.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2151406/Lots-sunshine-just-like-Summer-sun-gives-solar-farm-owner-particular-reason-smile.html

RHS Chelsea Favourite

Just going off photos and video, my favourite garden was the Arthritis Research UK Garden designed by Thomas Hoblyn. There's great plants, the stonework is excellent and he's used water really well. Theres a formal pond then water spouts leaping in arches over the hedging. The Cypress trees are a great backdrop and theres a great old Cork Oak.

The only thing I think is missing is a few white water lillies in the pond.

You can see the garden yourself on BBC Iplayer move the dial to start at 4 minutes, if you want to avoid seeing alan Titchmarsh drooling over Claudia Schieffer HAHA!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01jg8v5/RHS_Chelsea_Flower_Show_2012_Episode_15/

You can also learn more about the garden on the designer's website here;

http://thomashoblyn.com/chelsea

Police Investigate Jeremy Clarkson

Chris Packham was at a farm owned by Jeremy Clarkson for a feature on a nature photography competition the programme is running. He was telling Chris packham how he wanted to attract more birds and butterfly species to the farm. They were approaching a barn, where Clarkson said he had installed an Owl Box and thought there was Barn owls nesting in it, when a Barn owl flew out and off over the fields. PC Marshall a wildlife officer watching the show at home didn't waste anytime and reported them to Thames Valley Police and they are now accused of a 'reckless disturbance of birds', which carries a maximum sentence of 6 months in prison. It is just so ridiculous! Did he think Chris Packham was going to try and pluck them alive?! When you think of all the burgularies, car robberies etc and the police are wasting their time investigating one of the countries most well known naturalists because he approached a bird nest. In fine internet tradition I'll end this post with ROLL EYES.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2149878/Police-probe-BBC-Countryfile-claims-protected-barn-owls-disturbed-filming-Jeremy-Clarksons-Oxfordshire-farm.html

Olympic Torch - Eden Project

The Olympic flame passes through the Eden Project Biome in Cornwall during the first stretch of its long journey across the British Isles.

RHS Chelsea Show Gardens

You have to take a look at these pics of the show gardens at this years Chelsea. A mix of shock and awe. Here are some that stood out for me. To see pics of the gardens you will have to click the link at the bottom.

DMZ Forbidden Garden - Looks a bit like an overgrown disused concentration camp. Mmm interesting....

Trailfinders Australian Garden - Fair dinkum, but its not exactly the garden of paradise more like Madge off neighbours back garden.

Magical Tower Garden - looking at this 8 storey scaffold tower laden with Silver birch trees and other greenery, it makes you wonder what plants are on the top floor. Far out maaaan! I like it!

The Telegraph Garden - Another garden with Silver Birchs. Look lovely though don't they. It seems like a nice airy and spacious garden with water, attractive natural materials and plenty of plants. A light subtle touch. The designer, doesn't seem to have over egged the pudding.

Rooftop Workplace of Tomorrow Garden - I like parts of this garden. The glass fronted office looks great with the foliage wall, but I don't think much of the great big square raised planting area for a tree with all those big grey pebbles, far too drab and not enough colour.

The World Vision Garden - A really great modern garden with nothing to gimmicky. The water feature looks good and the Tree Ferns look super. I bet this garden is one a lot people say they would like to have as their back garden.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/chelseaflowershow/9274727/Chelsea-Flower-Show-2012-The-16-show-gardens.html#?frame=2223182

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

2012 marks the 99th anniversary of the start of the world famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

RHS Chelsea, the world's most renowned garden show begins next week. Here is a few historical facts about the show;

Did you know?

• RHS Chelsea Flower Show was originally called the RHS Great Spring Show, and that name has never officially been changed.

• Despite the First World War, the show was held in 1914 – 1916, but cancelled in 1917.

• In 1926 the show was held a week late due to the General Strike.

• Japanese dwarf trees, now known as bonsai, were first seen at the first show in 1913.

• The show was cancelled during the Second World War, when the land was requisitioned by the War Office for an anti-aircraft site.

• In 1937, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth celebrated their Coronation year, and an ‘Empire Exhibition’ was staged. It featured wattles from Australia, pines from Canada, gladioli from East Africa and even a prickly pear from Palestine.

How to Create a Wild Flower Garden

Here is a great advice vid, from Landscape Designer Sarah Price. She gives a few tips and suggestions on how to create a wild flower garden.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningvideo/9265583/Chelsea-Flower-Show-2012-How-to-create-a-wild-flower-garden.html

Dog Poo Bombs

Could all dog owners please stop putting their dog crap in plastic bags then sealing them, then very neatly putting them in places where you think know one will notice. I walked past one today that had carefully been placed in a small gap between the lamp post and wall. It's almost funny really that so many people do it so tidily. How considerate for the people that have to pick it up, or if it is left there being in plastic it doesnt decompose in a hurry.

In some ways getting everyone to wrap dog poo in un-biodegradable plastic really isn't a good idea. You see them in the verges, in the hedgerows, and yes even on your driveway as the dog walkers get sick of carrying their poo bombs so when they think no one is looking they throw it away.

I read Kirstie Allsop who is now a patron I think of Keep Britain Tidy has a passionate hatred of these gross additions to our parks and countryside and who can blame her.

Perhaps they should change the law so people are expected to cover their dog poop in sawdust rather than create plastic wrapped stink bombs!

Seed Sale

Thompson Morgan have started their annual Veg seed sale and it runs until midnight 16th May. Packets available for just 34p. If you have a greenhouse or sunny window sill there might still just be enough time to get things growing for this year, or you could always put them somewhere safe and dry for next year.

View sale HERE

Cheap Greenhouse

If money is tight and you're yearning for a greenhouse you might think you'll have to do without. The good news is there is portable plastic greenhouses that can easily be put up on a spare patch of grass or patio paving. This one is a perfect example.

It has a roll down entrance and inside there is enough space to grow seedlings, a few tomato plants etc. It is 6ft x 6ft in size. Another good thing about having a small greenhouse is they are handy for when its a bit nippy outside or raining and make for a nice warm and dry shelter. £49.99

Buy from Thompson & Morgan HERE

Keep Britain Tidy Leaflets & Posters

If you work in a community centre, church, doctors surgery, school or other place whether people gather, you might be interested in ordering a FREE poster or leaflets from Keep Britain Tidy. They have specific posters aimed at various types of litter problems and audiences.

There is also a poster to advertise any litter picking event you might want to organise in your area.

You can order them here if you live in the UK.

http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/OrderMaterials/Default.aspx

Aralia cordata 'Sun King' - Glow in the Dark Plant!

Van Meuwen has a new plant for sale that has a glow in the dark effect during dusk. If you click on the link below you can watch a short video which gives you an idea what it looks like. Perhaps it's because I used to love wearing Luminous yellow socks as a boy in the 80's but this certainly got my interest! It has white flowers then later in the season purple berries. Height and spread: 1m (39”).

1 plant in a 9cm pot - £9.99


Order from Van Meuwen HERE

Super Moon

5th May 2012 there was a 'Super Moon' about 14% bigger and 30% brighter than a normal full moon. What's even more miraculous is that Newcastle managed to shut up for 1 minute 30 seconds on a Saturday night while I filmed it!

Mini Polytunnels

It's the first week of May and it is chilly! After a deceptive taste of summer in March the weather did a huge U turn and it has been either cold or wet ever since. This is playing havoc with gardens, and no doubt there will be many who have been caught out by plating early in the nice weather and regretting now there has been some very cold weather for this time of year. One way to protect plants and veg such as lettuce is to use mini polytunnels that will protect them from the cold weather and also give some extra warmth so they can get established. Here is an example. The polythene is on a concertina frame and can be stretched out for 3m. Standard and Giant are both the same length, but Giant is wider. Standard: Dimensions 3m long x 45cm wide x 30cm highGiant:Dimensions 3m long x 60cm wide x 45cm high. Standard £23.99 Giant £29.99

Click here to order on Thompson & Morgan

RSPCA sell Land Left for Wildlife

The RSPCA has been criticised for selling a piece of woodland and house it was left by the homeowner who died and left it to them. In his will, David Brown wrote that he 'wished' for the land to be preserved as a nature reserve. He used to feed foxes and badgers on the land next to his cottage, and thought the RSPCA was the charity that would look after it after he was gone. Sadly, he chose the wrong charity. As he wrote it as a 'wish' they were legally able to ignore it, and sold the land to a developer which has now cleared it, including bulldozing 6 old Oak trees. The RSPCA raised £295,000 from the sale which they say will be put towards their animal protection work.

So David Brown who no doubt toiled for years to pay for his house and land did not get his wish. The little wildlife haven he cherished has been destroyed by the very people who he thought would help him ensure it was preserved after he was dead. So, I suppose the most important thing to ensure this does not happen again elsewhere is to ensure if you are intending to leave any land to a charity, you write the will in a way that ensures that it bullet proof so for example;

'The land should NOT be developed on, it should only be used as a nature reserve and be kept in the best condition for native wildlife.''

Perhaps something like that would stop land being sold for development. Also, choosing the right charity is important. Perhaps Mr Brown thought of the RSPCA due to it's high profile as an animal charity and thought they must be the right charity to leave the land to. However, they don't really have nature reserves and focus more on animal cruelty and pets. As he lived in Alderly Edge in Cheshire, it's possible that a better charity would have been the Cheshire Wildlife Trust, as they like all other regional Wildlife Trusts across the UK are more suited to looking after small areas of woodland, and have nature reserves in suburban areas as well as larger reserves.

If you don't live in Cheshire, you can find your local Wildlife Trust here.

For larger pieces of land you could consider the National Trust, the RSPB, or if it is a farm you could leave it to the Countryside Restoration Trust. There is also more specialist conservation charities, so for example if you have a natural meadow there is Plantlife or the Grassland Trust. If the land is home to a rare butterfly species, the Butterfly Conservation Trust might be more suitable. I suppose the most important thing is to research who might be best to leave the land to if you want it to be preserved after you have gone. You could also consider leaving them the land when you're still around to ensure it is in a safe pair of hands and also get the pleasure of seeing it being improved and maintained.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2136714/Nature-lover-leaves-wildlife-haven-RSPCA--sell-bulldozed-built-on.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Think Before You Flush

Think Before You Flush (TBYF) is an award-winning initiative from Surfers Against Sewage which raises public awareness about the problem that sanitary products (known in the business as Sewage Related Debris or SRD) cause in the sewage system and subsequently the marine environment when flushed down the toilet. They have been running a campaign in the Cornish town of Porthleven and are aiming to replicate the campaign nationwide. If you would like to help them in their mission to keep our coastal waters clean then get in touch via their website http://www.sas.org.uk

Water bore hole company

Here is an example bore hole company, Synergy Boreholes gives you an idea of what can be achieved if you are interesting in the possbility of having your own water source in your garden or at your smallholding.

http://www.synergyboreholes.co.uk/waterwell_boreholes/

Garden Boreholes

It's like Dallas down in the south east of England as gardeners are drilling for liquid gold. No, not the black stuff (oh how great it would be to drill your back garden and find you're sitting on top of 500 billion barrels of oil!) the TRANSPARENT STUFF. You know, good old H2O, more commonly known as water. Cunning gardeners with a few quid in the bank (cost about 3-15,000 to fit) have worked out they can legally drill for water on their own land, and as a result bore hole drillers are rushed off their feet, with a 100% increase in business. Domestic boreholes can legally extract 4,000 GALLONS of water per DAY! I love the preachy comment from the Environment Agency saying people still need to be considerate as they are still taking water from the system. Nice advice, now did they warn the government that allowing net immigration of 3 million in 10 years would mean another 16,400 BILLION LITRES extra per year would be taken from the 'system' compared to 1997? I doubt it, and a slightly bigger issue than a few bore holes. See the gardenandgreen exclusive about the impact of mass immigration on water usage below the newspaper link. http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/315284/How-to-beat-the-hosepipe-ban-just-drill-for-your-own-water http://www.gardenandgreen.co.uk/#/hosepipe-ban/4562774408

Butterfly Numbers

          A Duke of Burgundy butterfly /  image copyright: Keith Warmington

Last year’s record-breaking spring helped some of the UK’s rarest butterflies recover following years of decline, a scientific study today revealed.

The hot, dry weather provided perfect conditions for early spring specialists enabling them to benefit from extended flight periods as they emerged weeks earlier than usual.

The threatened Duke of Burgundy bucked a trend of recent declines as its population rose by 65% between 2010 and 2011.

Other rare spring butterflies prospered – the Grizzled Skipper recorded a rise of 96% and the scarce Pearl-bordered Fritillary saw numbers jump by 103%.

But despite last year’s much-needed respite, many of our most threatened butterflies remain in a state of long-term decline and need further targeted conservation work to turn their fortunes around permanently.

Common garden species such as the Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Common Blue all recorded major population falls as the dry spring gave way to the coldest summer for 18 years.

Summer-flying woodland specialists also struggled. The White Admiral recorded a 51% fall and the threatened Black Hairstreak, which recorded a substantial increase between 2009 and 2010, declined last year.

If you would like to get involved in helping Britain's butterflies and moths visit;

butterfly-conservation.org

Fracking for Gas

I don't know much about fracking for gas, but it sounds like trying to get the last bit of shampoo out the bottle or scraping the tub for the last bits of butter. It is a controversial process where I think they pump water into rocks to extract gas, but this pressure can create the odd earthquake or two. They had to stop 'fracking' off the coast of Blackpool in North West England after it resulted in two mini earth tremors. So at this point all I can suggest if you don't know much about this subject, like me, is to start at the beginning... the Wiki page.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_fracturing

Alpine Plants in a Raised Border

These spreading Alpines are already in full flower and it's just mid April. This garden has a great stone wall perimeter that has been built to there is space for a raised border in the middle, resulting in a garden wall being a riot of colour. It's a good idea for people with mobility problems. It also means plants are not so hidden. If these were planted in a garden border behind a single wall, they would get less sun, and the wall would be so much duller. Also it means border plants can give a bit more privacy, as if you planted, for example, red hot pokers in the raised border, it would give the house some added privacy rather than them being on ground level behind a single wall.
Buy Alpine plants here

Tulips

Tulips are great at this time of year. They are at their peak, but unfortunately don't last long. Their effect is multiplied when they are planted in colour blocs of the same type of bulb, like these below.

Buy Tulips here

Bluebells

Bluebells are all over the place at the moment!

King Juan Carlos - Elephant Hunting

King Juan Carlos of Spain has broken a leg whilst on an Elephant hunting trip. What sort of King would think shooting a beautiful and majestic animal like an elephant is any way entertaining or rewarding. I have been lucky enough to see elephants in the wild and if I had shot one and watched it slump onto the dusty ground and lie there lifeless it would have haunted me forever.

50 Things to do Before you are 11 3/4

                           
                                          Me and a little friend checking out the New Forest ponies.


The National Trust have published a list of 50 things children should try and experience before they are 11 3/4 as a way to encourage kids to enjoy the outdoors. I was lucky, growing up I was in the cubs, had a massive woodland and playing field at the end of my street,  used to go on WATCH nature trips and my parents and grandparents were always taking us to the beach or places in the middle of nowhere. Today it's not so easy, with busier parents, busier roads, more fear about kiddy pervs, more built up areas etc. One thing I would definately advise is to take your child to Brownies or Cubs as this can be a great way for them to experience things on the list below, also check out your regional Wildlife Trust as they are often located in built up areas but arrange trips for kids to go pond dipping etc. Also camping and caravanning holidays give kids a chance to do some of these things in safer places, if you live in larger cities.

A few I have thought of which are not on the list - Find a bird nest (tell them not to knick the eggs, but its great watching the chicks) play in the sand dunes, dig a moat so the tide can fill it up, keeps some worms in a jar, catch a bumblebee in a jar (release it later) watering plants with the watering can, make a bridge across a stream, peel a stick with a pen knife, make a bow and arrow, take a dog for a walk, make a daisy chain, have a grass fight, help make a picnic, play hide and seek, make an igloo in the snow, give them some wood, saw and nails so they can make something, feed a horse.

1. Climb a tree

2. Roll down a really big hill

3. Camp out in the wild

4. Build a den

5. Skim a stone
6. Run around in the rain
7. Fly a kite
8. Catch a fish with a net
9. Eat an apple straight from a tree
10. Play conkers
11. Throw some snow
12. Hunt for treasure on the beach
13. Make a mud pie
14. Dam a stream
15. Go sledging
16. Bury someone in the sand
17. Set up a snail race
18. Balance on a fallen tree
19. Swing on a rope swing
20. Make a mud slide
21. Eat blackberries growing in the wild
22. Take a look inside a tree
23. Visit an island
24. Feel like you're flying in the wind
25. Make a grass trumpet
26. Hunt for fossils and bones
27. Watch the sun wake up
28. Climb a huge hill
29. Get behind a waterfall
30. Feed a bird from your hand
31. Hunt for bugs
32. Find some frogspawn
33. Catch a butterfly in a net
34. Track wild animals
35. Discover what's in a pond
36. Call an owl
37. Check out the crazy creatures in a rock pool
38. Bring up a butterfly
39. Catch a crab
40. Go on a nature walk at night
41. Plant it, grow it, eat it
42. Go wild swimming
43. Go rafting
44. Light a fire without matches
45. Find your way with a map and compass
46. Try bouldering
47. Cook on a campfire
48. Try abseiling
49. Find a geocache
50. Canoe down a river

Heinz Tomato Soup

I've always loved Heinz Tomato Soup, and I mean always, it was my soup of choice way back in primary school days, along with banana sandwiches. I have a can almost everyday! Haha. Anyway the reason I'm writing a post about it, is that did you know that 84% of the ingredients is Tomatoes. At this point you might think, well wheres the surprise in that, it is TOMATO soup after all! However, I think thats quite an impressive high percentage for a mass produced tinned soup. Also I still can't work out how considering it is over 3/4's tomato it tastes nothing like real tomatoes. It's one of lifes great mysteries along with why was Stonehenge built.

How to Keep a Cactus Happy!

Tom Hart Dyke runs the World Map Garden at his family home, Lullingstone Castle. They have a great Cactus house with some fine Cacti, that are found in nature across the world's desert regions. They all are in great hands, and look in very good condition. If you have a few cacti on your windowsill, conservatory or greenhouse Tom has some great advice to keep them healthy, especially if you live in hard water regions. Video below and if you are looking for a great day out why not plan a visit to the garden in Kent. It's a horticultural feast for any gardening fan. www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Hosepipe ban & mass immigration

As result of mass immigration compared to 1997 an extra 16,400 BILLION litres of water is being extracted from the water system in the UK per year. If all leaking pipes were fixed tomorrow it would save 1,226 billion litres of water per year. Read the full story here;

http://www.gardenandgreen.co.uk/#/hosepipe-ban/4562774408

Starlings where have you gone my darlings?

My favourite garden bird has to be the good old Blackbird. How could it not be as they have sung to me so beautifully over the years. I remember well during infant school times in the 1980's lying in bed on light easter and early summer nights listening as a blackbird sang from a telegraph pole or top of a tree. I also remember plenty of Starlings in the gardens and fields. So the news today from the RSPB that Starling numbers have crashed by 70% since those days is not good at all.

It seems this country could have a revolution over tax on pasties and full on fist fights are breaking out at petrol stations for reasons unknown, as a strike isn't even on at the moment. The plight of Starlings it seems is way down the pecking order for most people. However, it really should have been the top news story, people should be waving banners and tieing themselves to the gates of 10 Downing Street!

Being from an old coal mining region most people are familiar with the reason miners used to take canaries down the mines. It was so if they dropped dead the miners knew there was a gas leak and if they didn't get the hell out of there they'd be the next ones to snuff it. The Starling, the bees are all the canaries in the mine, warning us that something is not right. It seems we think every other living thing can drop dead around us and its no great shakes. Well, I reckon in the grand scheme of things it's more important than VAT on sausage rolls!

Nigel Farage Tweet's Common Sense

Tweet of the day.

At least one politician isn't a total idiot.

Nigel Farage‏@Nigel_FarageReply
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We wouldn't have to build so many new houses if we hadn't had uncontrolled immigration. And the other 3 parties want more people to come!

440 new Homes per Village Required

As you might have read recently, the government is going to try and build an unprecedented 2 million homes to cope with the out of control population boom, mostly due to mass immigration and subsequent extra births. Just this weekend the newspapers were reporting they want to build a new town in the already overcrowded Midlands of 100,000 people.

So, I was wondering what if instead of building large towns on greenbelts they instead allowed a few extra houses to be built in every village in the UK, would this solve the problem and how many houses would each village have to build to make up the 2 million new homes.

After a bit of digging around there is according to the Rural Communities department, 4,520 villages of fewer than 20,000 residents in the UK. Before knowing the number I thought perhaps 10 houses per village might be enough. However, this is not the case. To build 2 million new homes by just adding the houses to villages rather than towns and cities would require every village in the UK to build 440 new homes!

I don't think many villagers would be happy at all to see this number of houses built. It would mean many would double in size and 440 homes takes up quite a large area, not just an extra few homes at the top and bottom of a village entrance. Of course building solely onto villages will not happen, but it does give a very good indication of the scale of new housing that is about to take place. However, as I have wrote before and will no doubt write again, this is what the people of the UK have voted for. They voted over and over again for poltiical parties that allowed mass immigration on an unprecedented scale. Just last year net migration was 250,000 people, a city the size of Nottingham.

Having said that, the system whereby people only get to vote once every 5 years in a 'catch all' voting system so people are also thinking about the NHS, education, etc doesn't mean that they were voting in favour of huge immigration. In fact all polls for decades have showed a majority against allowing mass immigration (the politicians were well aware of this but ignored the will of the people). If a referendum had of taken place in the 1970s on the issue this country would now have a steady population of about 55 million, not 62 million heading fast towards and past 70 million.

Horse Chestnut Leaves Unfurling

I love seeing leaves and shoots on the trees at this time of year beginning to emerge. Here is a Horse Chestnut tree coming to life, no doubt in a weeks time the tree will be a blaze of fresh green.

Spring Bedding Plants

Primulas and Pansies are both great bedding plant options for early spring colour. Ideal for pots and containers. These varied coloured Primulas look great in a container.

New 100,000 Town Planned For Midlands

Oh dear. They want to build a new town on greenbelt near Birmingham for 100,000 people. I'm sure that will go down really well with the people living in the Midlands (It's on the HS2 route). I always knew this would happen, ten years ago I wrote to my MP and said mass immigration would be a disaster for the environment and quality of life for many people in the UK. Of course the reply was how wonderful it would be and there was nothing to worry about. So, millions more people later in just a decade and now a corresponding immigrant birth boom and now the big panic is on as everything begins to burst at the seems. The govt solution CONCRETE, coming to a field near you soon.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/hands-off-our-land/9165205/Countryside-planning-revolution-new-city-proposed-for-Midlands.html

Daffodil Pics

Spring is springing and one sure fire way of knowing it's here is seeing Daffodils all over the place. So here is some of the evidence taken from a walk this afternoon. As you can see there is a variety of colours and sizes and if you're thinking of planting some bulbs later this year you will find there is loads to choose from.













A variety of Daffodil bulbs can be ordered via Thompson & Morgan
Click here

Cucumber 'Green Fingers' F1 Hybrid

These nifty little numbers are new from Thomson & Morgan. They do well growing outdoors with support. Keep picking them when they are snack ready size for a bountiful crop throughout the summer. 4 Seeds £3.99 (that's not a typo, yes just four seeds. Perhaps as it is new variety there isn't many seeds about. Just make sure you don't sneeze and blow them down a crack in the decking.)

CLICK HERE to order

Onion ‘Doux des Cevennes’

New from Thomson & Morgan. Onion ‘Doux des Cevennes’ is a popular variety in France (If the French like these onions who are we to argue?!). A heritage variety that has a mild, delicate flavour. 200 seeds just £1.99


CLICK HERE to order.

Water - Greece v UK

I didn't catch the person's name being interviewed, or what organisation he was representing, today on BBC Radio 5 Live, but it sounded like he was from either the govt, or a charity. The fact that he quoted, which I thought was very astounding, was that per head of population hot and dusty Greece has more fresh water available than the UK!

So although their climate is a lot drier, the Greek population is one that is sustainable when compared with the amount of water they have available... whereas of course ours is not.

It was no surprise that this spokesman was saying the usual about using a thimble full of water to solve the problem and stayed well clear from the massive elephant in the front room guzzling up the water with its trunk.

I have not had a single answer to my questions to the organised monopoly currently making hundreds of millions of £££ from our water. Well, I'll give them a few days but don't hold your breath. I don't think they know the answers and if they do, they don't want to tell the public as it certainly won't look good.

Since I sent the questions I have also mused over the possibility that our water has been made into an increasingly expensive commodity. High population and demand with everyone on meters is surely a much more lucrative proposition for big multi national corporations than owning a plentiful supply and just getting a low subscription from customers every year.

Green - Death of a Forest

Green: Death of the Forests is a new film by filmmaker Patrick Rouxel. It explores the impact of deforestation and the exploitation of natural resources in Indonesia from the point of view of a dying orangutan. It's tragic what we are doing to the planet.



Watch the full film online here;

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/witness/2012/03/20123131323627439.html

You can also buy a DVD on Patrick Rouxel's website and he is happy for it to be shown at public screenings. So perhaps it would be ideal for a showing at your local gardening club, church, WI etc.

http://www.greenthefilm.com/?cat=7

Don't Be a Tosser - Take Your Litter Home

A landowner in Northumberland has been criticised for putting up signs to try persuade people from dropping litter onto the roadside after she has experienced a large rise in the amount of litter she is having to clear up. As well as coming across plastic bottles, beer cans etc she has also found used condoms and needles.

The signs were inspired after a trip to Australia. The words on the signs are

DON'T BE A TOSSER - TAKE YOUR LITTER HOME!

Some people in the nearby village of Stamfordham have been complaining about them and some have even been ripped down. It's a shame they don't direct their fury at the people leaving used condoms for walkers and children to come across. Theres enough sheep in the fields without the public turning into them. Good for Jo Riddell for having a backbone and trying to stand up for keeping the countryside litter free. It's time dropping disgusting litter like drugs stuff and condoms was a much more serious offence than dropping a crisp wrapper.

As for litter droppers being called Tossers. I think thats a perfect description. They're spoilt brats who care for nobody but themselves.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2118784/Stamfordham-rubbish-row-Landowners-offensive-anti-litter-signs-cause-uproar-villagers.html

Lexus Lanes

Apparently in the USA private toll roads are known as 'Lexus Lanes' as they are mostly used by people with more money, so of course driving executive cars such as Lexus', BMWs, Mercedes etc.

Yesterday the government announced this concept is going to come to the UK, so the Rollers & Bentleys don't have to share the tarmac with the riff raff in Fiestas and Fiats. It seems the very people who wanted mass immigration for cheap nannies and plumbers now want to avoid the consequences of over population so will build there own personal roads to avoid the congestion.

You might think that if there is to be new roads they would be open to all but it seems not. These toll roads will also be private businesses who will make handsome profits after they have built them. The govt said they can't build them as we haven't got any money, but that didn't stop them spending £300 million blowing up Libyans. I wonder how much road that would have built?

Imagine what these roads are going to do to the countryside, slashing across the landscape. As I've said on other posts we have had 3 million immigrants in ten years, David Blunkett who was Home Secretary even said he saw no upper limit, well I suppose theres not if you accept living like a sardine and having more pollution, landfill, sewage works, huge housing estates, motorways etc.

I wonder what Swampy is up to these days?

Happy St Patrick's Day

Happy St Patrick's Day to all Irish readers. Here is a great Celtic garden to visit in Co. Galway. There is currently two gardens in Ireland featured in the Gardens to Visit section. I did contact more, but did not hear back. It's surprising how many of these gardens and stately homes employ marketing staff, but can't find 15 minutes to return an email so they can get a FREE webpage on a garden site that get's thousands of visitors a month. If you know of or work for a garden in the UK or Ireland and you would like a page, get in touch and I will send you the info email.

Brigit's Garden

http://www.gardenandgreen.co.uk/#/brigits-garden-ireland/4553405350

Soil Moisture Levels - UK & Europe

This fascinating map (click for larger image)from an EU department give a snapshot of soil moisture levels throughout the UK and Europe. The orange indicates where soild is drier than average for the time of year and the darker the green the more above average soil moisure is in an area. It seems the South East of England was in the green, except for parts around London. However as you can see North East England and East Scotland are in the orange, indicating the ground is much drier than usual. As I'm from the North East I can say it's a bit of a myth about the north always being wet. The East is in a rain shadow and doesn't get that much rain. However, as I went to university in Manchester, the west is a different matter! ;0)

Spain looks like it is in big trouble with almost the whole country showing their soil is drier than average for this time of year.

Hosepipe Ban Declared

So the water companies have announced a hosepipe ban due to low rainfall. Will this solve the problem? Have too many people been using hosepipes over the winter? No, I don't think so. I don't think banning hosepipes will make much difference, this isn't 1976. We've got an extra 7 million people living here now.

I have sent some questions to the press offices of all the water companies who have anounced the hospipe ban and I'm looking forward to sharing their replies with you all.

See 5 Planets in one Night

Tonight and the next couple of nights it's possible to see 5 planets in the sky with the naked eye. Even better if you have a pair of binoculars or telescope.

Here is a vid from the BBC with instructions about what to look out for.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17324826

Dolphin Rescue in Brazil

Well done to these Brazilians who came to the rescue of a pod of beached dolphins.

Amaryllis

You might have seen Amaryllis bulbs, in the shops, in the run up to Christmas. They have become a popular Christmas gift. They originate from South Africa and are bulbous plants that have long flower spikes.

When you buy them as a gift, they typically come with an attractive plant pot. However, as they are just bulbs when you buy them it is not quite as instant as a bouquet of flowers or a Poinsettia with its deep red or white leaves.

You might be visiting the person for Christmas and not see them for a few months or longer, so it's possible you never get to see what the Amaryllis turns out like, other than an illustration on the box. So here one is, two months after Christmas Day....

Peacocks on the Loose

It started with two peacocks that had escaped from a local country house, and now years later there is a whole flock of them ruling the roost in a Scottish village, knicking cabbages, pooping on peoples conservatories, waking people up with their noisy chatter and looking great with their majestic plummage.

Meet the peacocks of Gargunnock.

Vid here, listen out for the journalists name at the end!!;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-17270980

50ft Sperm Whale Washes Up Onto Beach

Heres a video of a report on a Sperm Whale 50 ft / 15 metres in length and weighing approximately 30 tonnes that has sadly washed up dead onto a beach in Skegness, Lincolnshire on the east coast of England. The report says it had a large gash on it's side. I wonder what happened to it?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-17260850

Chuggers

Chuggers are being banned from Gloucester. A chugger being someone who is trying to get you to set up a direct debit to a charity or send them a text to donate some money. They stand on busy shopping street in a line and pounce on passing shoppers waving their clipboards enthusiastically, whilst blurting out everything they can before the shopper disappears into the throngs.

I was in Newcastle recently and the main shopping street had a team from WWF raising money for wildlife conservation. Every 10 metres they had someone asking the same thing, would you be willing to donate, I think it was £5, via text message. I'm not much of a mobile phone fan and often go out without one, so I told the chugger, I did not have a phone on me, even if I did I doubt I would have just sent a text message there and then. The cheeky chugger then replied there is a Carphone warehouse just a few shops up and he would wait while I bought a phone!? I continued up the street and watched as the chuggers literally dived in front of people pointing at theio chests as they did so, (they all had these laminate covered flip chart style booklets around their necks). I heard one of them say as I was walking past "this animal die if you don't donate today" or something very similar. It was quite funny how over the top it was.

It was an absolute freezing day in January and you could see the poor chuggers were frozen stiff and it didn't seem as though they were having much success. So I got thinking how they could do better and not annoy the public as much. I concluded they would be much better off having a proper table with leaflets, information boards and standing in a friendly cluster, perhaps in one of the indoor malls. They could stand and talk with the public, show them literature and sign up members, tell them about promotions such as raffles and the latest campaign the charity is working on. They could even have a board with the text number to donate, so people if they want can in their own time stand and donate some money. So, perhaps this might be an alternative to the chugger method, and perhaps it might be more lucrative for the charities?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/9123611/Backlash-against-chuggers-as-Gloucester-latest-city-to-ban-charity-muggers.html

Mike de Gruy - Wildlife Cameraman 1951 - 2012

A BAFTA winning BBC wildlife cameraman has died whilst filming for National Geographic in Australia. He was in a helicopter that crashed in New South Wales.

He had filmed underwater footage for BBC Natural History blockbusters; Life in the Freezer, The Trials of Life and Blue Planet. In the 70's he was nearly killed in the Pacific after being attacked by sharks and he got into freezing waters with sea lions so he could better film them being attacked by a pod of orca whales.

The film he captured of a shark leaping from the sea to grab a low-flying albatross is seen as one of the most amazing pieces of wildlife footage ever filmed.

Here is his personal website with more info about him and his work.

http://mikedegruy.com

Foxtail Lilly

I was just skimming through a plant catalogue in a newspaper and WOW, did these foxy numbers stand out. Foxtail Lillies Eremurus robustus will add real height and colour to a border!

Flowering Period:June, July
Position:full sun
15 bare roots, 5 of each colour £14.97

Buy from Van Meuwen CLICK HERE

What is a NIMBY?

You might of heard of this word before, and no doubt some of you will be wondering what does it mean, or perhaps you know why the word is used but not aware of what it stands for. It's an acronym, where the letters are from the first letters of words in a phrase. Not In My Back Yard - Nimby.

A nimby is someone who objects to a development near to their home, so for example someone campaigning to stop a housing development on farm fields next to their house would be considered a Nimby.

There is of course nothing wrong with being a nimby, who would want a mobile phone mast yards from their front drive, or a new housing estate at the end of the village, where there is a wild meadow?! HOWEVER, a lot of 'nimbys' are hypocritical, they complain about something being built near them, but if you look closer you find their actions do not match their objections. So for example, a village might have voted for the last ten years for Labour, despite knowing they allowed huge immigration of 3 million people, they continued to vote for them. Of course, a booming population, where net immigration was 250,000 increase each year, a city the size of Nottingham, means more housing is needed to cope with all the extra new households, people can't live in rabbit warrens. If a 'nimby' has on the other hand wrote letters complaining about mass immigration, has voted for parties who are anti mass immigration, they can be a nimby without being a hypocrite. However, all those waving banners against the consequences of what they voted for, really are someone who is only concerned about their back yard and just want the houses built next to someone elses village.

WIN a Morgan 3 Wheeler Sports Car

I'm always amazed at the number of interesting environmental and nature charities in the UK. The latest one I have recently came across is the British Horse Loggers Charitable Trust. The clue is in the title, they are an organisation that promotes horse logging in Britain. You might wonder, why on earth in this modern age there will be any demand for horses that pull felled logs through forests, like the Victorian era. However, if you visit their website you will soon learn like I did of how they can be used to save money by not requiring tracks to be built, they can work on steep unsteady ground and leave a very light footprint on the areas they have been to. They also can be used for flattening heather and cutting meadowland.

The news is that Morgan, a traditional British car manufacturer who still uses wood for its frames is sponsoring an apprenticeship scheme so these traditional skills can be passed on. They have donated a Morgan 3 wheeler for a raffle. Tickets come in books of 5 and are £10 per ticket. So entry to win this eye catching little motor is £50, although you could get a few friends to each buy a ticket, reducing the price to £10 per person.

TICKETS AVAILABILITY:

By post from Doug Joiner, Hill Farm, Bosbury, Ledbury, HR8 1HE, send an S.A.E. and cheque for £50 payable to 'British Horse Loggers Charitable Trust' for each book of 5tickets.

FULL DETAILS

http://www.britishhorseloggerscharitabletrust.org/pages/morganraffle.htm

February Wasp!

I was sitting by the window today and it was open due to the really warm weather. It was about 16 or 17 celcius. Then I heard a buzzing, at first I thought it must have been a fly, but it was a really angry buzz. I looked up and there was a big wasp nearly coming in through the window. I can NEVER in my life recall seeing a wasp so early in the year!

Walmart GM Sweetcorn

I was just skimming through some of the tweets on www.twitter.com/gardenandgreen and one from @margaretroach caught my eye. It was a link to a story about Walmart the American supermarket giant who own Asda here in the UK, who according to the article will soon be selling Monsanto GMO Sweetcorn in their stores.

If you read the full article it claims that the sweetcorn has been genetically modified to include a toxin found in poisonous catepillars. The idea is that the insects eat the corn then the toxin kills them without requiring pesticide.

It is unknown what effect consuming a plant that produces this toxin will have on humans, however lab rats that fed the Bt corn suffer from organ failure.

The Walton family who own Walmart are one of the richest families in the world, so I would like to know to put everyones fears to rest will they publically eat a large bowlful of this sweetcorn at one of their supermarkets?

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/wal-mart-to-sell-monsanto-gmo-corn-this-summer.html#ixzz1nbpEcdCa

All Alone

There is an article on the Daily Mail website showing how far we have scanned space for aliens using radio frequencies. We have sent them out 200 light years in all directions, which is a blip of the Milk Way, we would need to send them out 118,000 more light years to cover our own galaxy then there is countless more beyond. So, we might as well get used to the idea that if there is life out there, they are well out of our reach and will probably never be found. We need to focus on what life there is here on Planet Earth and look after it. Every species of plant, insect, bird, fish and mammal is the life that is out there. Who needs ET anyway when we've got Dolphins sharing our planet?!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2107061/Earth-calling-Tiny-yellow-dot-shows-distance-radio-broadcasts-aliens-travelled.html

Can UK wildlife cope with drought?

The BBC website have produced a good article about the possible impact on wildlife if there is drought conditions this year. Already the water levels are below that of the same time in 1976, which was one of the hottest years ever in the UK. To this day my parents and their friends are convinced that the heat frazzled my 6 month old brain along with my friends, as the class of 76 were renowned for being daft as brushes and mad as march hares, compared to our siblings born in years before and after. Haha ;0)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/17130206

Wildlife that could be affected include newts and the rare Natterjack toad, whereas other species like snakes thrive in the drier conditions.



The film above is a Natterjack toad in Slitere National Park in Latvia, here in the UK they can be found in parts of the South of England and the coastline of Cumbria and Dumfries. http://slitere.lv/

CWGC - Director of Horticulture

A wonderful opportunity for an experienced plantsman/women. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission which looks after war cemetries around the world and has kept them as beautiful oasis' of peace and tranquility for our war dead are on the look out for a Director of Horticulture.

The job is based in Maidenhead, Berkshire, but no doubt there will be travel involved to various sites on different continents. Each cemetery looks similar with the distinct headstones and Lutyen designed architecture, however the plants are chosen for the climate, so a war cemetery in Normandy might have Lavender, roses and Dianthus, etc whereas those in North Africa have palms, olives and cacti.

The Director will be in charge of managing the gardeners throughout the world, training, horticultural plans etc so no doubt the CWGC will be looking for someone with great experience and training. Full details here;

http://www.cwgc.org/about-us/our-organisation/job-vacancies.aspx

Gardens to Visit - Barnsdale Gardens

The latest 'Gardens to Visit' page is about Barnsdale Gardens. They were created by former BBC Gardener's World presenter Geoff Hamilton, who sadly died in the 1990's.

There is loads of different styles of gardens, such as a Japanese garden, cottage garden, allotment garden, and a formal pond and knot garden to name just a few so visitors can get loads of ideas and inspiration for their own gardens.

Here is the link;

http://www.gardenandgreen.co.uk/#/barnsdale-gardens/4561041212

and here is the full list of garden to visit pages;

http://www.gardenandgreen.co.uk/#/gardens-to-visit/4542227103

If you work for, own or volunteer for a garden that is open to the public and would like to be featured just email gardenandgreen@hotmail.co.uk and I will email you the info. As an editorial page it is FREE to set up.

Ice Age Flower Blooms Again!!

WOW! This story is sensational. A team of Russian scientists have used plant matter from a squirrels burrow frozen since the Ice Age to grow a new plant. It is the first time it has grown since the last ice age over 30,000 years ago!!!!!!, and has flowered and produced seeds.

What an amazing achievement, next stop Jurrasic Park! You can see a picture of the plant in flower via the link below;

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46456116

Honk the Litterbugs!!

A couple of years ago I was driving on a dual carriageway when some bloke in a lorry in front decided to casually wind his window down and throw out his junk food litter. A gust of wind carried the plastic bag right onto the bonnet of my car, and nearly covered the window!

People who just drop litter like that really get on my nerves!! Even at the age of 6 I used to carry all my sweet wrappers in my trouser pockets until I could put them in a bin,they were always full of Chewit and Curly Wurly wrappers. So I just can't understand why grown adults just treat the place like an open air dump.

Today at a roundabout a sports car pulled up, I was going straight over and the women in the car was waiting to turn left. She just wound the window down and dropped some paper onto the road, without a care in the world. Within a split second I give a good honk of my horn, if nothing else you get a good laugh because It's funny to see the persons reaction. (It was so obvious she knew what the honk was for) So the next time you see someone dropping litter, give them a honk and lets keep Britain tidy!

Drought Declared in parts of the UK

In 1976 there was 54 million people and there was a drought, now in 2012 the population is past 62 million, another 8 MILLION people daily flushing toilets, washing up, showering etc. Last year alone 560,000 people moved here, 310,000 Brits moved away, resulting in an increase in 12 MONTHS of 250,000 people, a city the size of Nottingham. The same thing has been happening for over a decade. So, were more reservoirs built? was it worked out what population our water systems can actually cope with? Environmental Imact Assesments are done if a small housing estate is built, the impact of noise, traffic, pollution etc. So, did the govt study what the impact might be of millions more people moving here, resulting in predicted population of 70 million within another 10 years. The media, politicians and charities are saying shower less, dont water your flowers, and are ignoring this huge factor. Follow www.gardenandgreen.co.uk in the coming months as we try and find out the truth about the impact of mass immigration on the environment.