In The Garden with Gill Pound SEPTEMBER
W
e normally are waiting for September to bring us some much needed rains but, at the time of writing, we have had an unusually wet July and a fairly wet start to August. Nonetheless, for the vast majority of shrubs and perennials the autumn is the best time to plant – there is warmth and moisture in the soil and the plant starts to develop roots before the cold of winter and in mild winters may keep growing during the winter thus producing a more established plant – better able to withstand dry winds and heat next summer. In general the autumn planting season can start once we have had September rain and can extend until early December. Remember that when planting it is a good idea to dig a hole twice as deep and twice as wide as the pot, take this soil out and mix some of it with terreau de plantation or compost (organic material) and clean sand or gravel, use this mixture to give your plant a better start in life! Before planting fill the planting hole with water and allow it to drain away several times, this will ensue that there is moisture at depth for the roots to seek out. Whenever possible plant small plants rather than large specimens, they are less susceptible
to wind rock, will establish faster and long term will result in healthier plants. If you haven’t yet done so now is the time to buy spring flowering bulbs from garden centres (jardineries) or by mail order, there are many online sources. I have found that anemones (De Caen hybrids and Anemone blanda), native Gladiolus communis and Scilla peruviana (which is a Med native despite the name) do well. Botanical or species tulips such as Tulipa greigii, kaufmaniana, saxatilis & fosteriana are particularly successful here as well as other Med natives such as grape hyacinths and Star of Bethlehem. When buying bulbs make sure that what’s in the packet are firm, healthy looking bulbs with no signs of premature sprouting. During September think also about the following tasks: *continue to deadhead perennials to prolong the autumn show of flower *take cuttings of tender perennials such as geraniums (Pelargoniums strictly speaking) *prune late summer flowering shrubs after flowering *trim evergreen hedges *clip back lavenders after flowering – use
Nature Notes Golfer
The weather in the Languedoc is ideal for a species that is living across the globe but during the months up to and including September you can see almost all varieties in the Languedoc. The golfer is curious creature with a plumage that can vary from flip-flops to the the most garish of multi coloured and non matching colours seen in the wild. The calls vary from the polite ‘fore’ to the almost violent calls and destruction of their appendages they call ‘clubs’. The common call of ‘fore’ is believed by those that study the breed to be a warning call: ‘forewarned’ that male chauvanists in garish outfits are nearby. A risk to the species is that the males totally out number the females by an overwhelming rate and this can be seen in the rituals that take place on a ‘green’ which appears to be an arena chosen by golfers to preen and showcase their desirability to 38
The HAT September 2014.indd 38
hand shears and clip back to just above the old flowering stem, don’t cut back into old wood as the plant may not reshoot. Many Mediterranean native plants flower earlier in the year but there are many species of Origanum that flower through the summer into September. The popular cooking herb, oregano, is Origanum vulgare but many species are very ornamental. For example; Origanum dictamnus has woolly, silvery leaves with pink flowers & purple bracts, another good ornamental is Origanum Kent Beauty with beautiful, large pink bracts around mauve flowers. There are many forms of Origanum laevigatum which are most attractive too; Herrenhausen is a deep purple form and Nymphenbug is a lovely compact cultivar. And, for fans of Middle Eastern cooking, don’t forget the white flowered Origanum syriacum which is the main constituent of the zatar spice mix. And, if you want more convincing to try some oreganos, remember that they are all extremely attractive to bees and butterflies. At La Petite Pépinière this autumn we are offering our popular two day gardening course:
A golfers widow 2014
the female or their strength to the other males. A common ritual here is for the male to stand straight, walk around a pole staring at it and then bend down to look at the pole a number of times whilst muttering to themselves. Biologists have surmised that this is a territory marking and intimidzation style and appears to work as, after leaving, many of the males can be seen going into trees to ‘mark’ their area after the show. One of the most remarkable features of the golfer is their inability to count. I once witnessed a group of golfers (collective name ‘goofers’) in a circle continually looking back from where they had been and arguing about the number of ‘shots’ taken. On any golf course in the world if you watch this will happen. The golfers however are a sociable breed. They will congregate regularly in the same place and do not tire of repeating their trek around the same land (course).
It should be noted that if you approach a golfer one time and they are wary but polite that may not be the case the next time you see them, especially if you see them hitting their projectiles into water. The feeding of golfers on a course is frowned upon. Their habits are quite simple. Most male groups will retire to drink beer and talk about their prowess whilst the weakest in the group is harangued and mocked relentlessly. On occasion it is a different male every week. In mixed groups it is common for the male to ingratiate himself with the female by offering food and wine. Rarely approach this couple as there is quite a good chance the correct female is at home tidying and cleaning while the male dresses up and partakes of the ritual. And finally, if one of the males states he is a ‘bit of a tiger’, lock up your daughters and look out for strange cars at supermarkets
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:25:19