In this month’s Journal, David warns against a common mistake – being over-anxious with those tempting seed packets. Not quite time yet…instead, study up on beneficial insects by reading the first part of this informative article by Sharon Hanna, as she talks about good bugs and how to attract them to your garden. The list of February jobs is quite pleasant actually, and will hopefully entice you outside to enjoy the usually not seen joys of the winter garden! An important piece on garden conservation, featuring the internationally renowned Abkhazi Garden in Victoria, BC makes you believe there is hope for these special projects. Hate slugs? This toy is for you – a robotic remover…Final Thoughts discusses birds and blossoms in the winter garden. I hope you enjoy this month’s features.
Feature Article:
Don’t be in a Hurry with your Seeds!” by David Tarrant
A common and very understandable mistake is starting seeds indoors too early – David advises of the correct time, and gives us some valuable tips for strong, healthy seedlings.
Feature Article:
“Beneficial Insects – Part I” by Sharon Hanna
Think before you squish – make this your mantra for the new Millenium. Remember that you may not always know why this creature is climbing the clematis, lurking on the lobelia, or sniffing your snapdragons…
February Garden Action Items:
A list of jobs to get you out into the garden and ready for the next season.
Gardeners in the News:
Abkhazi Garden – the incredible story, by Judith Brand and Cyril Hume.
The internationally renowned garden of the late Prince and Princess Abkhazi is threatened with destruction due to development, and now a heroic international attempt is underway to save it. Their adventurous lives in Europe and Asia had all the romantic and tragic elements of a spellbinding novel; their extraordinary garden in Victoria still embodies their love, vision and generosity. There have been many newspaper and magazine articles recently that recognise the special quality of this intensely personal landscape of just over one acre.
Horticulture News from Around the World:
“Robots slug it out in the killing fields” by Adrian Lee
Scientists have developed a robot that not only seeks and destroys the pests but is powered by fuel made from their slimy remains.
February In-Depth How-To:
Air Layering Houseplants
This simple technique can be used on many plants to rejuvenate those ceiling brushing monsters.
Final Thoughts:
“Birds and Blossoms” by Mala Gunadasa-Rohling
Enjoying the birds in the garden, as well as the early flowers.
Hedgerows Garden Tapestry and eSeeds.com.