Gardening and dogs

Do you grow mint?  It is lovely to have fresh mint.  It can be exploited for so many things from tea to mint sauce and many other culinary and medicinal uses. 

The problem with mint is that it is invasive in the extreme.  If you let it grow in open ground, it will take over every scrap of space that it can find.  Most people therefore find a way of restricting it and the best way of doing this is by growing it in a pot. 

Even in a pot, mint can survive almost anything.   Our cold snowy winter had no impact, as soon as Spring came, the bright green shoots showed at the base of last years dead growth.  Next came this year’s very dry Spring, and I forgot to water the pot.  I almost managed to kill my mint.  By the time I remembered to water the pot, there was no sign of life.  But, a couple of days later, the first signs of life showed.  After a few more days, more and more shoots showed.  Now almost half the pot is growing well and I have absolutely no doubt that in a few more weeks there will be no sign of my neglect.  Soon we will be once again harvesting mint to enjoy.

So if you do decide to grow mint, which one will you go for?  There is an amazing range available.  Think beyond the standard peppermint and investigate the possibilities.  There are mints from all parts of the world including Korea, Spain and the Atlas Mountains.  Then there are those with unusual flavours ranging from chocolate through grapefruit to even berries and cream.  You can choose from shrubby, variagated and  buddleia versions as well.  

One of the suppliers with the widest range is herb specialist Jekka’s Herb Farm, who offer a very extensive mail order selection and will deliver outside of the UK.

Most of the time, I tend to write about my dogs in the garden environment.  However, this time I have the very sad duty to record the passing of Oliver (Sh Ch  Barhi Crouching Tiger ShCM).

Sh Ch Barhi Crouching Tiger ShCM

Oliver left us a few days before his nineth birthday – far too early – following a series of strokes.  We will miss him terribly, but the plants will probably be grateful for the lack of his attentions. 

Run free Oliver, until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown…

We knew that this Royal Wedding was going to be something special, but I simply love the way that Westminster Abbey has been greened for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.  There is absolutley no doubt that this is going to be a new trend in wedding “flowers”.  There is a haze of green as you look at the Abbey, a colour that is so much part of our every day lives, but one that is missing in the Abbey on normal days. 

A key component of this green is the maple and hornbeam container grown trees  that have been used to line the knave.  Trees of this size are not normally found in garden centers, but Chelsea and other large flower shows regularly feature them.  It is a very specialised industry and these huge trees are very expensive as you are buying years of growth and attention.  However, I can see a burgeoning market in hiring out large trees for weddings in the future.  For those who want smaller trees, they can be purchased from around £100 and can be planted at your new home, a constant reminder of one of the most special days in a couple’s life – just as William and Kate are reported to be planning to do.

But it isn’t just the trees that have created the feeling of green.  There seems to be a distinct lack of cut flowers in the Abbey.  There are lots of plants in pots, highlighting the sustainability that promises to be a key feature of this wedding.  The wonderful vibrant green of Euphorbia features prominantly.  There is no imported plant material – in fact, like many couples, the majority of the plants and flowers actually come from family gardens.  Though few brides can be fortuante enough to have access to such wonderful large gardens as Kate Middleton does.

Above the altar was a green and white waterfall of flowers and vegitation – simply stunning in its beauty – setting off the area beautifully.

The bride’s bouquet, like all royal brides,  features a sprig of Myrtle that came from Queen Victoria’s bouquet.  It also contained Lily of the Valley (which also appeared to be planted in with some of the trees), Sweet William and Hyacinth.   Its beautiful scent must have been wonderful.  The bouquet is a beautifully simple statement of British native plants, complementing the dress and its wearer perfectly.

This wedding gives all future brides wonderful floral inspiration – the idea of greener weddings fills me with pleasure.