We expected that a highlight of our Jubilee year would be the visit of Bob Flowerdew last month. The audience numbered over a hundred with other gardening clubs well represented. We were not disappointed as Bob delivered his talk ‘No work gardening’ with panache – not that the Committee members and supporters were shrinking violets as they wore with pride splendid yellow buttonholes superbly made by Glen Link.
Bob boldly swept away some long-held views of fellow gardeners who seemingly made unnecessary work for themselves in the garden.
For instance – one message from Bob was to accept the garden conditions you have – why waste time on trying to change things just to grow particular plants. Instead grow the plants which thrive and tolerate your particular soil type and general garden conditions. Some things you cannot change for instance there will always be weeds. Yes, weed killers are useful to e.g. keep an asphalt car park weed-free but as for ordinary gardens, just continually chop off their heads!
Bob’s advice was “Beware of expert advice!” In his view garden books are mostly written by acknowledged experts in their field but most gardeners just want to know the basics so treat advice with care. Be careful of descriptions in seed catalogues – avoid those plants which are described as ‘good for the Show Bench’ – probably taste will be sacrificed for appearance.
Bob had some useful tips:
- why buy expensive plant labels when ordinary clothes pegs and a simple pencil will suffice (pegs are also useful to hold back brambles/branches when you are gardening nearby)
- admire Chelsea gardens which are always inspirational, like Impressionist paintings but be realistic over your own capabilities!
- gardening is mostly maintenance not designing – think of how much time you are prepared to give to maintenance before embarking on a complicated make-over
- save time and effort – why have a fan-trained peach tree when it will grow naturally into a tree
- sharpen your hoe – don’t buy stainless steel ones. “Hoe when you don’t see a weed and you won’t get a weed’
- plant your tomatoes in the soil not in grow bags
- grow more lettuces than you need, shred the leaves and leave for the slugs – this will deter them from approaching your favourite plants
Space does not permit me to continue with this list but I hope that you now have a flavour of this most interesting, inspiring talk given by a very knowledgeable and courteous speaker. Well done Bob!010