APRIL IN THE GARDEN

Plenty of flowering trees & shrubs, new shoots pushing forth with bulbs in bloom and so much to look forward to.  . . . . . . Now the real work can begin. But let’s be honest, the excitement one experiences when we catch the first glimpse of seeds sown, pushing their way through the soil, the nice, warm feeling you get inside, it’s all worthwhile.

 

Seeding, well there are so many species that can be sown now; greenhouse, conservatory, windowsill, anywhere one can stand a tray or pot – sow some seeds and encourage the children to do so, too. That’s how I got hooked on gardening, as a toddler watching in amazement as my seeds germinated.

 

This is a good time to re-seed the lawn. Any bare patches, just scarify the area, scatter the seed over and if you have any old compost from last years’ pots or containers, topdress with this, just sufficient to cover the seed. This is just to hide it from the birds really, firm lightly with your feet and job done! About ten days later there will be green sward appearing. If it’s any other colour you have sown the wrong seeds!

 

If you are into culinary delights and you buy your herbs, why not grow your own. Generally, they are simple to grow, and without a garden, they can be grown in containers on balconies, hanging baskets, (there are some lovely foliage varieties), and at a push, even on your windowsill.

 

Herbal teas can be made from Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) and Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) – just infuse the leaves in boiling water. Borage (Borago Officinalis) is what gives Pimms it’s distinctive flavour, now this is becoming interesting! Why not freeze the Borage flowers singly in the ice cube tray, and then just add to your drinks as required.

 

Chives, (Allium Schoenoprasum) is another that you can freeze, but obviously needs chopping first, as does Parsley (Petroselinum Crispum). Make sure you do this before the Pimms otherwise we could well end up with dandelions in the icebox! If you have a surplus of fresh herbs at anytime, they can be microwaved for a couple of minutes when they will be dry sand crisp, ready for storing.

 

Mint, (Mentha Spicata) used widely in the kitchen, most notably for the roast lamb sauce is also a strong antiseptic and a mild, local anaesthetic (thought you might like to know that!) I have listed a few herbs by their common name, seeds of which can all be sown now.

 

Bergamot: Excellent perennial for the border and the leaves when suffused in water taste like Earl Grey Tea. Borage, Chives, Lemon Balm, Mint, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme. Bay (Laurus Nobilis) is best bought as a shrub, and will make a nice evergreen feature when grown on in a container – these are readily available at most good garden centres.

 

Whilst on the subject of herbs, can I mention bananas; the majority of us thought these grew on trees. Afraid not, the ‘tree’ doesn’t have a trunk, only a core of leaves, therefore, it becomes a shrub, and when cut down new shoots appear. So, upon re-examining this horticultural curiosity, this ‘shrub’ becomes a herb, and because it’s a herb, the banana then becomes a berry! Dictionary definition: ‘A large elongated berry growing in clusters’. . . . . . .and April Fools day has already gone!

 

Happy gardening until next time.