We wish to thank to all our visitors. It was very rewarding to have so many members, families and friends show their interest and support, (97 names in the guest book !). Because of the large number of people and the spread of arrival times, (12.15 – 3.30) it was impossible for everyone to be taken round in one group, but we hope no-one felt neglected. Should any member wish to have a return visit, they are most welcome but please telephone first. This invitation also applies to any member that was unable to come on the day.
The diversity of interests was shown by the many questions asked. Here are some.
How do you make so much compost? The more you grow, the more you have to recycle. Also a local mowing contractor brings the grass cuttings to us, to our mutual benefit, we get the compost material and they are saved a trip to the dump.
Do you know if there are any nasties in the "brought in" grass? Well, no. There will be weed seeds, most perish through composting, but it is unlikely that there are any herbicides. Most lawns mowed are at rental properties or the homes of workers or non-gardeners. It is logical that the folk who use chemicals to produce immaculate lawns also mow their own.
How do you keep the weeds down? Initially you have to pull up all the weeds you can. If you then mulch all bare ground, it is difficult for weeds to take root but if they do they are more easily pulled up. Also many weed seeds in the ground that try to sprout are smothered.
Do you let your chooks out? NO WAY. They have a run where they can dig and explore. They get plenty of fresh greens and are very contented. There is no need for them to be let out. They are destructive in a garden.
How do you keep toads out of a pond? Toads cannot climb and are very bad jumpers so a fairly low barrier will keep them out.
You have a lot of herbs and flowers through the garden? – and – the garden is so full?
This time of the year is great for growing. After Christmas it is very hot for both man and plant in the garden and we let pumpkins, melons and other cucurbits run, taking care they don’t smother resident plants, herbs. These broad-leaved plants help protect the soil and keep it moist.
The big diversity of plants, flowers and herbs is a very good way to protect your garden against insect attack. Marigolds protect the soil from nematodes. Most herbs, because of their scent, are insect repellents. And of course they are good for cooking, teas, pot pourris, dried as insect repellents in the house and, just inhaling their perfumes as you wander around the garden.
A vegetable garden can be as appealing and as interesting as an attractive flower garden
There were a lot of questions on fertilising and the use of organic pesticides. Briefly, comfrey water, our own chicken manure and compost for fertilisers, and, we don’t really use the latter. If a bug attack is noticed early enough, it can be stopped by squashing or hosing. The intermingling of different vegetables is a bug deterrent.
How many hours do you spend in the garden? Well, I have been saying "we" but really I do no gardening as such. I am the harvester, cook, bottler and preserver. David has time on his hands at present and spends most mornings working leisurely in the garden. However, when he was working six days a week, we still had a great garden. The work was just more intense on Sundays! Once a garden is well established, as long as you maintain it when necessary, the work is easier. Also you are more experienced. You get to know your own garden and know what must be attended to and what can be left for a while.
How long does it take to get a garden like this? Well, it depends on what you have to start with. We had poor sandy soil so it took two to three years to get good organic earth. If you are lucky enough to have loam you can do it straight away. But you must compost, mulch and pay attention. You must also enjoy gardening and want to your garden to succeed. Start with a small area and expand to suit yourself.
We were also asked about watering. As we have an excellent, clean and pure bore which, in twenty years has never even thought about running out and a rain water tank too, this has never been a problem. Our good fortune in this is much appreciated.
Our wildlife was admired. We appreciate the insect eating capacity of the lizards but not their inclination to dine on new corn and bean shoots. Do they like them or do they mistake them for bugs? Bottomless flower pots around each new shoot give protection.
We sincerely hope everyone enjoyed themselves, though I know one husband left glowering at the prospect of having to do a lot of digging the next day. We were a little nervous beforehand especially after reading the eloquent and flattering flier and being told we might have a lot of people turn up!
But it was good. Everyone was great. If anyone out there has a garden to share and has been hesitant about inviting "a hoard" into their yard, hesitate no longer. It was a pleasure.
HAPPY GARDENING Kay
P.S. Had several requests for biscuit recipes. Nothing to do with gardening, but here they are anyway. I’ve used these two basics for 30 years.