Keeping out the rain with a radio to hand
Wet, wet, wet! We’ve had a sharp reminder recently that this is more than the name of yesterday’s rock band. Indeed, when the heavens have opened, putting bed and border work on hold for a day, as of late, this fellow heads for the greenhouse or study, portable radio or mobile to hand, ensuring either venue has a stream of soothing background music.
It’s useful to maintain a sense of humour in such situations, and tempting to go along with the day’s weather theme, playing appropriate bands and tracks; Take That (‘The Flood’), The Storm (a Danish band) and ‘Love is All Around’ spring to mind.
Gardening friends and acquaintances tell me this works for them too, although our tastes may differ.
I can listen to Classic FM, Yesterday in Parliament or Gardeners’ Question Time with ease whilst potting or at the computer, but find it difficult to concentrate on anything else when a Newcastle United game is broadcast live.
The greenhouse is not heated but there’s relative warmth once inside.
Add to this some suitable clothing and even the most sedentary of jobs is possible. We’re currently cleaning the inner glass to encourage maximum light, a factor that will increase in importance within weeks when seedlings from the first sowing emerge.
Many leaves have fallen from the peach and vine but those remaining can be hand-picked, allowing a final sweep of the area. Pruning of both follows in midDecember and although it looks brutal shortening lateral (side) shoots to two or three buds, far better this than the consequences of light pruning – congested growth, which is a recipe for pest and disease problems.
Meanwhile there are used pots, trays and staging to wash in the name of plant hygiene as we plan for spring.
Trays, pots and overwintering plants will be moved to one side of the house so the benching they occupy can be cleared of a season’s debris and washed down with a mild disinfectant in the water.
Environmental concerns dictate in this household that black polythene pots are out because they’re not easily recycled. A new range of eco-friendly, taupe-coloured pots are about to replace them.