This year our open day and social event is on Sunday, 1st July and — something different — from noon to about 4pm we are having a barbeque, plus a sale of plants, tools and other items. Please come to it and bring some food to cook and share, or something to accompany it, such as salad or savouries, or desserts such as tarts, cakes, puddings or fruit. Soft drinks and water will be provided (cheaply) but anything else in a bottle will be greatly appreciated.
23 June 2007 | News
The last newsletter had an item about organic gardening. The committee wishes to encourage organic practice and several people are sympathetic to the idea. But, as Stephen Alexander (plot 30A) pointed out, how can you deal with invasive perennial weeds like bindweed and couch grass? The advice from Garden Organic is given below. However, if you do wish to use chemical means, there are some options without having to do a widespread spray.
23 June 2007 | News
23 June 2007 | Advice
23 June 2007 | Advice
The Twickenham Gardening Association organises a number of coach trips, one Sunday a month at very reasonable cost, on which they welcome visitors. Pick-ups are between 9 and 9.30 am in Twickenham and Whitton and all venues have cafes and picnic areas. For further information, contact Shirley Tubridy, the secretary, on 020 8894 3512. The current visits programme includes Eastbourne, Herstmonceaux Castle and Waterperry Gardens. Members of the TGA can use their trade centre in Meadway, near Twickenham Green, which is open Saturdays and Sundays, 10.30-2.30 and sells seeds, plants, fertilizers, composts, canes, sundries, etc.
23 June 2007 | News
Do you have one to pass on to other gardeners? Here are a few from plotholders. Please send in your own. Even if you think it may be well known, there will always be someone for whom it’s new.
23 June 2007 | Advice
A few holders have ponds on their plots. The pros are that they can attract wildlife, especially frogs and toads, and water-loving plants can be grown. The cons are they can be a breeding area for mosquitoes and there is the possibility of danger to children and others. If you have a pond, put in oxygenating plants to keep the water from becoming stagnant and cover the pond with a strong wire mesh.
23 June 2007 | Advice
We have received a delivery of straw bales, courtesy of Percy Chapman and Sons in Twickenham. These got rained on recently and started to smell a bit so they couldn’t sell them fro pet bedding.
23 June 2007 | News
23 June 2007 | News
They may be small at the moment, but very soon the courgettes, tomatoes, beans and all your other crops are going to be bursting out. How do you deal with the glut? Make chutneys, main dishes, puddings, cakes, wine? Recipe suggestions please to the editor.
23 June 2007 | Advice