Early Bloomers
This year, the Rhododendron Walks at Bowood (nr. Calne in Wiltshire) opened a week earlier than anticipated on April 18th. According to Bowood’s owner, Lord Lansdowne, this promises to be one of the most prolific flowering seasons in a generation. It is definitely worth a visit during the six week period it is open to the public. The woodland garden of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, dates back to the 1850s, when it was originally laid out by the 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne. The Rhododendron Walks are located two miles away from Bowood House & Gardens and have their own entrance, (approached via the A342)
For more details, log on to Bowood or call 01249 812102.
Are you Sitting Comfortably?
There was a time when you would have had to spend thousands of pounds for a stylish garden arbour, but the attractive Blenheim Arbour (£329.99) is just one of several competitively priced options available from Forest. Made from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved timber, it has been pressure treated and carries a 15-year guarantee against rot. It is supplied unpainted, but can be painted in colours of your own choice.
Shoo Fly
The low flying carrot-fly is a perennial pest for growers of carrots, parsnips, parsley and celery, so Harrod Horticultural’s new Anti Carrot Fly Screen (£29.95) is good news. The 61cm/2ft high screen will stop the fly in its tracks. The kit also contains aluminium tubing and fixing clips and is simple to erect and dismantle.
Looking Good in the Garden
Weird Science?
Make of this what you will. Brighton-based freelance journalist, Mark Bennett is promoting the use of a resin-based material called Orgonite to grow giant vegetables and is seeking gardeners to participate in a wider trial of the substance. Apparently Orgonite is a mixture of resin, aluminium shavings and crystal, devised by Wilhelm Reich, who developed the idea of orgone energy and how it affects the human body and nature. Following an unexpected arrival of a large box of Orgonite from a friend (Superman perhaps?), Mark Bennett conducted seed germination tests of alfalfa sprouts with and without Orgonite. The tests were repeated and he reports that the results in both cases were a threefold increase in the sprouts’ volume. He then supplied Orgonite to friends who had allotments and gardens and claims they had similar results. Should you wish to join the trial, email blackiceuk@yahoo.com. Mark Bennett is also a contributor to the Fortean Times and a connoisseur of Absinthe!
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