|
 |  |
|
|
 |
This week's feature
|
It's going to be a summer of hugs!
In a wave of nostalgia for the peace and love summers of the 1960s and with a watchful eye on the future for the UK’s remarkable ancient trees, this summer is going to be a ‘Summer of Hugs’, according to the Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity.
The Summer of Hugs is part of the Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Hunt. Its five year plan is to find and record 100,000 ancient, veteran and notable trees in the UK and after its first year it has gathered 17,000 records. This summer, the Trust hopes to get everyone hugging to add even more ancient trees to its records on www.AncientTreeHunt.org.uk
The Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Hunt database isn’t just a long, dull list of measurements and notes – it’s a free and searchable atlas. Every ancient tree found can be plotted on ‘zoom-able’ Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. Some trees have photographs, a blog, amazing stories of kings, queens, poets, politicians and painters, and even a list of visitors.
Hugging is an easy way to measure the girth of old trees, and a fat girth is one of several indicators of age. Ancient tree hunting doesn’t need special equipment and it’s something that everyone, of every age and level of fitness, can do this summer either when they’re out and about, or as a reason to go out for the day.
There are estimated to be more ancient trees in the UK than anywhere else in Northern Europe, yet there’s no official record of where they are, how many there are and, unlike most historic buildings, few have any protection.
Ancient trees and their younger cousins, the veterans and notable trees of the UK’s rural and urban landscape, are important because of the wildlife they sustain and their role in helping to shape our history over the centuries. Holes, dead and rotting wood, wrinkles and crannies are all important habitats for hundreds of plants, animals, insects and fungi, including many rare and threatened species. Clusters of ancient trees are even more important, because they offer more places for wildlife.
So how do you hug an ancient tree? A ‘British Standard Hug’ from an adult, with arms outstretched and fingertip-to-fingertip, is about 1.5 metres, and a child’s hug is roughly half that.
A veteran oak might be a candidate for the Ancient Tree Hunt database once it gets to a minimum of three adult hugs, a beech might qualify at just two hugs, and a fat, old sweet chestnut needs to be four hugs as they grow more quickly.
There are thought to be ancient oaks still thriving that were alive even before the arrival of William the Conqueror in 1066. Books and documents recording this momentous historic event haven’t survived as well as the oaks originating from the same date. Incredibly, these trees are still waiting to be found, hugged and mapped, and anyone could find one.
Thanks to 21st century technology, ancient tree clusters are indicated on the zoom-able maps on the Ancient Tree Hunt website. Armed with this knowledge, ancient tree hunters can visit specific sites in the expectation of having a grand old tree to hug and measure at the end of their trip. The Ancient Tree Hunt website even contains a layer of Sustrans information to help plan routes for cyclists, walkers and disabled people.
To register a tree on the Ancient Tree Hunt website, simply make a note of where it was found, take a photo if possible, and measure its girth. You can use a tape measure, or use the hug method – but first read the Ancient Tree Hunt’s guide to measuring old trees on the website www.AncientTreeHunt.org.uk All submissions are checked by the Ancient Tree Hunt’s volunteer verifiers.
Ancient trees deserve treasuring, and the results of the Ancient Tree Hunt will help ensure they are properly cared for and their importance recognised for centuries to come. With its tree planting events and free ‘Hedge and Copse’ packs for schools and community groups, the Woodland Trust also plants thousands of new trees every year, which it hopes will become the successors to today’s ancients – the ancients of the future.
This summer marks a renewed effort in the hunt for old trees. Designating 2008 as ‘The Summer of Hugs’ introduces the Ancient Tree Hunt as a project for everyone, of any age, in towns, cities and countryside. And who doesn’t need a hug every now and then?
For more hugging information, or to join in the Ancient Tree Hunt by recording a tree, log onto www.AncientTreeHunt.org.uk or call 0845 293 5581.
|
|
|
|
|
Great British Gardening Report
The Love/Hate Relationship of the 21st Century Gardener
• A quarter of Brits don’t care about the environment when gardening
• 50% of women in the UK are too busy with housework to garden, while their male
counterparts are out enjoying the fresh air and tending to their little patch of green
• 90% of Brits have a garden, however weeding is the most hated gardening chore
Research launched today has revealed that the importance of reducing our gardening footprint still hasn’t resonated with some gardeners, as over a quarter admit to not considering the environment as they garden.
|
|
|
Worryingly it’s the supposedly eco-savvy 25-44 year old age group that fare the worst when it comes to conscious eco-gardening, with almost 60% failing to actively garden greener. However, Bosch Lawn & Garden can reveal that all is not lost.
Findings show the nation is going composting mad, with 45% recycling their waste and scraps on a regular basis! Years of water shortages and hosepipe bans also seem to have resonated with the 21st Century gardener, as a third of Brits now collect rain water to ensure they’re doing their bit to help Mother Nature keep the country hydrated.
Greener tools are also on the increase when it comes to tending the gardens of today; with 15% swapping petrol run tools for cordless, battery operated gardening equipment in an attempt to cut emissions and noise pollution in the search for a quieter, happier garden.
A love/hate relationship
Bosch’s insight into the 21st Century gardener reveals that to some, certain gardening tasks will always be seen as a chore. A third of Brits find gardening boring and physically tiring, whilst a quarter see it as a time consuming task that’s hard to fit into today’s hectic lifestyle.
|
The top five most hated gardening jobs:
Weeding
Mowing the Lawn
Cleaning the patio
Digging
Pruning, clearing and hedge cutting
However, it is not all doom and gloom as gardeners from across the country are happy to admit they really are grateful for the simple pleasures that tending a garden can bring to their lives.
|
Top five gardening pleasures:
The end result – 36%
Being out in the fresh air – 28%
Satisfaction of a job well done – 19%
The chance to exercise – 5%
Chance to escape the chaos of day- to-day life – 4%
|
Is it Adam’s oasis or Eve’s retreat?
Findings show it’s men that are enjoying the fresh air and flexing their green fingers, as over 50% of women admit house hold chores keep them tied to the kitchen sink, as opposed to enjoying a life in the great outdoor.
A hectic family life also seems to leave no free garden time for wannabe, modern day Eve’s, as over a quarter cite a busy family life as a barrier.
|
|
Gardening personality, Tommy Walsh, comments on 21st Century gardening: “Historically gardening was for the strong and fit due to cumbersome tools and back breaking tasks. These days there are so many innovative, lightweight tools on the market that can save your aches and pains and cut time spent working on the garden in half, which can turn stressful, time consuming garden chores into a relaxing hobby that can be enjoyed!”
Time in the garden may be at a premium for women in the UK, but most admit they wouldn’t be without one – almost 80% class the garden as one of the top factors that could make or break the deal when choosing a new home!
Bosch Lawn & Garden Expert, Roger Tombs comments: "Bosch has recently produced a range of eco-friendly products that address issues such as limited time in the garden and the nuisances of noise, weight and trailing cables. There are Lithium-Ion powered cordless mowers, which are light, easy to use and considerably less expensive compared with a petrol mower.
|
|
“We have also created a range of Lithium-Ion powered hedgecutters and line trimmers, as well as a selection of fun and easy to use pressure washers for all those outside cleaning jobs.”
For further information on the latest gardening gadgets and innovative offerings, visit www.boschgarden.co.uk
|
|
|
|
Love blossoms at RHS Flower Show 23 - 27 July 2008
The RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park in Cheshire will be ensuring that love is in the air long past Valentine’s Day – two new blooms on their debut will be getting hearts racing well into the summer.
Begonia Million Kisses TM ‘Romance’ and the equally alluring ‘Passion’ make up the ultimate love partnership.
Both amour-inspired varieties will be getting into bed with each other as part of the RHS/Ball Colegrave National Flower Bed Competition, which will lay along the show’s central avenue. Expect the warm and tender salmon tones of ‘Romance’ to blend seamlessly with the sensual red of ‘Passion’.
The RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park takes place between 23 and 27 July. 23 July is RHS Preview Day.
Tickets are priced from £18 for RHS members and £21 in advance for members of the public. To book or to find out more call 0870 842 2234 or visit www.rhs.org.uk/tatton.
|
Begonia Million Kisses TM ‘Romance’ |
|
|
|
|
Gardeners set to banish bacteria and eliminate algae with bug busting cleaning products
A revolutionary patio and decking cleaning product which utilises technology originally developed to kill dangerous bacteria such as E.coli and hospital superbug MRSA is being launched in the UK.
The product called, StayClean with Byotrol, promises to banish algae and mould on outdoor furniture, decking and patios for up to three months while being considerably less toxic than other products currently on the market. The new product was showcased at the gardening and leisure industry’s leading show, GLEE in Birmingham earlier this month where it was well received by the trade.
The StayClean product which is available in a handheld trigger spray utilises technology developed by fast growing anti-microbial technology company Byotrol plc.
|
|
In addition, the range also includes a hand mousse for cleaning hands after working in the garden. Unlike other products on the market, this range of hygienic cleaners contains no alcohol and is extremely gentle to skin while being highly effective at killing a wide range of harmful micro-organisms.
Byotrol has developed the technology which is extremely effective at combating the spread of bacteria and growth of mould and algae and the product offers a number of significant advantages compared to any other product currently available on the market.
Most importantly for gardeners is the fact that the product offers long lasting protection against mould and algae growth thus reducing the need for repeat applications and the disinfectant ranges continue to work for up to seven days after application. Equally key is the fact that the product has an extremely low toxicity profile to humans, plants and animals, making it easy to apply and requiring no special equipment. And because of the way the Byotrol technology works, it is highly unlikely that organisms can develop resistance to the technology.
Stephen Falder Business Development Director for Byotrol plc said: “The StayClean
range offers gardeners a great way to combat build up of mould and algae as well as protecting themselves against harmful bacteria and micro-organisms which are ever present in the garden. The formulation of the product offers low environmental impact and it degrades harmlessly and we believe this to be another advantage of the range over other products.
Roger Stewart, Director of StayClean comments: “This is a fantastic product which delivers exactly what it promises. Products such as decking and garden furniture are not cheap and keeping them free of algae is a never ending job. The StayClean range promises to simplify this task and give gardeners a product which is gentle on skin but tough on bacteria.”
|
|
|
|
Victorian lifestyle set for revival
Latest research into garden usage uncovers new after hours phenomenon
A third of us do it after dark, five per cent of us do it naked and the over-54’s spend 24 hours every week doing it. What is it? It’s gardening, of course, now undergoing a boom in the UK as the housing market cools and we start to invest our money on making the homes we are in more comfortable.
This year a massive ten million of us are planning to spend £500 or more on our garden. That’s just one of the findings from a new survey by Grant’s Blended Scotch Whisky who, renowned for doing things differently, commissioned some research into consumer lifestyle and consumption trends and unearthed some surprising facts about our love for gardens, gardening and surprisingly, on a new trend for enjoying them at night.
|
|
|
|
Garden centres in the south east are reporting a 20% growth in sales of night blooming plants indicating that we are making time at the end of busy days to enjoy the revival of a Victorian fashion for enjoying the cool of the evening outdoors. Whether it’s pottering in the garden (33%), guerrilla gardening* or the less strenuous pleasure of a drink with family and friends (70%), it seems our love affair with the garden is reaching new heights as it reinvents itself and allows us to experience the garden from a different angle.
Award-winning gardener and TV presenter Chris Beardshaw has been commissioned by Grant’s Blended Scotch Whisky to create three blueprints for the perfect After Hours Garden following the research findings which can be seen at www.grantswhisky.com/gardenafterhours . Chris comments: “The garden is often at its most vibrant and intense as the evening slips into night; the fragrance is enhanced in many cases and the quality of light, either from the setting sun or the moon, adds an extra dynamic character so there really can be no better place to sit and unwind at the end of the day.
|
|
“Simply adding a few night blooming plants, subtle lighting and the use of white or light coloured materials where possible, will reflect the moonlight and make a real difference to the pleasure you can get out of your garden after hours.”
|
Key findings from the survey of over 3000 people (18+) include:
• In 2008, people are planning to spend an average of 15 hours in the garden a week compared to just over eight hours last year
• 60% of us would rather be in the garden than in our living room on a summer evening
• Three-quarters of us had at least one garden party last year, while more than one million of us had ten or more garden parties – even though the weather was awful
• Almost a third of us do gardening (not just watering) after dark
• British weather is not a deterrent and almost half of us prefer to entertain outside
• 70% socialise in the garden after dark
• 75% of the population plan to entertain or be entertained in a garden this bank holiday
• This year people are going to spend on average only £5 less on their gardens (understandable due to economic climate etc) but £150 less on their living rooms. Much bigger percentage drop implies they value garden much more
• 73% said they have great plans for their garden this year
|
Harriet Knight, Brand Manager for Grant's Blended Scotch Whisky comments, ‘The UK has always been a nation of garden lovers and whisky drinkers but this new research shows people are keen to find different and unexpected ways to do both.
‘It’s great that more people are appreciating nature and the outdoors. Nature; the air, water, earth is at the heart of what we do and what makes Grant’s so special. The evening of course, is also the perfect time to enjoy a dram so personally, this is a trend I’m embracing wholeheartedly.’
At www.grantswhisky.com/gardenafterhours you will find all the advice you need to turn your garden into the perfect place to relax over a whisky with family and friends. Enjoy nature from many perspectives, plus find out everything you need to know about the award-winning Grant’s Whisky that prides itself on having nature at the heart of everything that goes into it whether it’s fresh Scottish air, the finest quality grain or the purest Scottish spring water.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Slug it out with slimy pests this summer
Over 70 per cent of Which? Gardening readers had a serious slug problem last summer*, and with it looking like the wet weather may continue, the problem is likely to be even worse this year.
It is estimated that there could be up to 200 slugs per cubic metre of soil – each capable of eating double their weight in plants each day. Although it isn’t feasible to eliminate slugs altogether – as most live below the soil - it is possible to deter them from some areas of the garden and protect valuable plants.
|
|
Ceri Thomas, Editor, Which? Gardening, gives the following tips:
|
• Environmentally conscious gardeners should try a biological control such as Nemaslug or Defenders Slug Control**, which work by releasing slugs’ natural enemies into the soil and kill them underground.
• Slugs and snails hate copper – use copper tape or mats around pots and containers or use copper rings on the garden to protect plants from slimy pests.
• Most slug pellets contain metaldehyde, which works by giving slugs and snails a deadly hangover if ingested. Sprinkle these around the plants that need most protection.
• Liquid concentrates work in the same way as pellets, but are watered on as a liquid. These are more likely to kill underground slugs than pellets.
• WD40 is more commonly associated with squeaky hinges, but spraying a continuous band around pot plants seems to work very well.
|
|
|
Ceri Thomas says:
“Not only are slugs unattractive, they can also do a huge amount of damage to your garden – they really are the stuff of gardeners’ nightmares.
“The majority of Which? Gardening members have told us they have severe problems with slugs, but there are some very cost effective measures that gardeners can take to protect their plants from these slimy critters. With the conditions currently perfect for slugs, gardeners need to take action to protect their plants.”
|
|
|
| |
|
|
