In April we had an amusing and informative talk by Brian Carline, based on one of his books “Soil, Sweat & Tears”. The book is geared at people who are reluctant gardeners and are negative about it. Brian was a teacher before retiring, then took up book writing and even dabbled in comedy in his early years. There were many anecdotes in his smooth performed presentation. Although his talk was full of humour, there were some very useful tips.
Brian brought along some very old garden tools and asked the audience for their correct name. The 1st person who got the answer correct received a prize of a tomato plant. He reckons the most used tool in the world is the Chillington hoe. His favourite is the Chillington fork. Both these tools are ideal for improving the structure of the soil, aerating it and releasing nitrogen into the air, which is then available for absorption by the plants. In France these are called “peasant tools”.
Brian then went onto the subject of accoutrements and how useless some of them are, namely spiked sandals for aerating lawns. One of our members did admit in buying a pair and confirmed it was a waste of money. Another one is the weed wand. This just burns the surface leaves, and the heat doesn’t penetrate the tap roots of perennials. He is keen on half- moon edgers as this can creates a very professional edge to lawns.
Pruning is done for 3 reasons; create shape, encourage fruiting/flowering and for removing dead wood. He did advise that after a row with your partner, don’t be tempted to go out into the garden with a pair of secateurs. We were all interested on how he controls slugs in the garden. He puts out pots of bitter, not lager, where the slugs are attracted to the malt and drown in the beer. Very sharp gravel is also good as well as used coffee granules. The granules act as a desiccant and the slugs shrivel up. Green, white and black flies are a big pest in most gardens. Brian favours the use of soapy water in preference to commercial insecticides. Some plants act as natural deterrents. The aromatic vapour of basil will keep whitefly at bay if interplanted among tomatoes. Strong lavenders between roses help to keep greenfly away. You can always make an elixir of crushed garlic and spray the filtrate onto the affected plants.
When planting bulbs in the Autumn, to get better flowers, he advises to drench the soil with tomorite, where the potash gets absorbed into the bulbs. This technique can also be used after flowering, to get more nutrients back into the spent bulbs.
Brian stressed the importance of observing health & safety rules when gardening. When using a strimmer always wear proper shoes. Wear eye protection when pruning larger shrubs, trees and brambles.
After an invigorating talk there was a sale of plants which Brian had grown from cuttings as well as a raffle held in aid of the charity Perennial
