I sat down in great anticipation to scribe a few MUWAGA words for the spring edition of The Wychwood, and I reflected, that spring felt early as I wrote. So, a good omen then, and an inspiration for their springtime edition. But in the throes of a Covid-induced haze, I could think only of
Spring has sprung
The grass has riz
I not know who I are
Nor what I iz
There are so many versions of this doggerel. People say the original comes from Ogden Nash, but this may not be the case. It is sometimes called “The Brooklyn National Anthem” and it dates maybe from 1940. Who can be certain of the original? The most famous version highlights the literalist’s confusion over the expression “the birds are on the wing”. Indeed, literalists will point to the unassailable truth – for them – that in fact the wings are very much on the bird!
So, looking for certainties, it is pleasing to reflect that recently the Royal Horticultural Society predicted a glorious blossom season this spring. The combination of the dry, sunny summer last year – perfect for bud formation – and the cold snap at the start of February, which prevented early blossoming, is set to produce a visual feast to raise the spirits. The hope is that any new cold snap will already be too late to deter healthy blossom-buds in the trees.
One thing which is becoming clearer: we now know which plants and shrubs in the garden have succumbed to those spells of cold and sudden thaw of those few months ago. For sure, we have lost a few plants including a dark red Phormium and one of our passion flowers. But others may yet revive. When the threat of frost has passed, we can cut back the damaged parts – on the Choisya for example. Simple, clean cuts with those duly sharpened secateurs – sharp if we have followed Tony’s advice around winter chores! Meantime, if there are any gaps in the borders, it is a good excuse to go shopping, to make use of those MUWAGA members’ discounts….
Some more certainties were in the air during a recent MUWAGA evening, with our local expert Gerald Stratford who regaled us with his stories of a new-found media career. He had an audience of 50+ members and guests fully engaged with his expert advice on making and sourcing compost, growing and storing a variety of staple vegetables, and answering questions to help us understand better the dos and don’ts of growing our vegetables. Certainties never felt more attainable!