Page 70 - Phonebox Magazine May 2011

A Month in the Garden
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The role of the garden is changing. From being simply a place to dig, weed and grow vegetables, it has evolved into a far more exciting place.
But at the same time both houses and the gardens that surround them are getting smaller, increasing the pressure on the valuable space available to fit in a dining area, somewhere to sunbathe, a place for the kids to play, a lawn for the dog to romp about and the ubiquitous water feature.
Whatever you have in your own garden, never lose sight of the fact that it is a place to enjoy yourselves and you should never be a slave to your garden. But...
So much is growing in the garden at this time of year, looking after your garden regularly will avoid missing anything requiring attention. Mowing grass will be taking up plenty of time this month, and weeds will also be appearing as soon as you turn your back. Remember to keep an eye out for any pests and diseases on fresh new growth and treat as soon as possible.
Time to spruce up your garden!
After our long, snowy cold winter, summer is here and the sun is glorious. Start to use you garden again, and you become aware it could do with a little spruce up – how could you achieve this without touching the planting? I have a few ideas to share... Visually striking Shade sails can provide flexible cover in a garden; they can be attached to walls, trees or poles and will keep the sun off the whole family. They can be positioned over sandpits to protect the children from the sun, the patio for alfresco dining. Also the weather being somewhat fickle in the UK, they can also be waterproof to keep the unexpected showers off the dining table.
Why not try some soft, waterproof, trendy beanbags. These are versatile enough to enjoy a cuddle, quietly lie back and read a book, let the kids roll about or soak up the sun. It’s easy to breathe life into a dull garden by simply using different coloured cushions or beanbags to colour block your patio.
We still have chilly nights after the sun has gone, the most cost effective to buy and operate outdoor heaters are those that burn wood or charcoal, also they don’t literally 'cost the earth'. An added benefit of a built-in firepit or portable firebowl is the wonderful warmth and ambience of a real fire, which is a real focal point of the garden when entertaining in the evenings. Many firepits double up as grills, so not only keep you warm, but can cook your sausages too! The portable ones may be best to cook with as you can move them around your garden to keep the barbeque smoke from your guests.
Plant of the Month – Meconopsis cambrica
The distinctive Welsh Poppy is a deciduous perennial so returns each year, with deeply divided, light green leaves and yellow to orange, cup-shaped flowers borne on delicate stems. Blooming from mid-spring and intermittently right through to autumn, the four petals and distinctive flower shape distinguish it from other poppies, and once flowering ceases, the slender seed capsule ripens and splits open to disperse its contents.
Because it spreads itself around so well, it is widely naturalised in the UK thriving on moist rocky banks, stream-sides and waste ground, but is a worthy garden plant, needing little care. It looks great mingling with other early summer flowers, and can be seen interplanted with roses at Toddington Manor this month. As with other poppies, the flowers provide pollen for bees and beetles feed in the seed capsules and some species may overwinter here when the capsules are empty.
70 Phonebox Magazine