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Root and Branch Review

Key Features of the

• Latin name – other common names
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• Type of tree – Evergreen/ Deciduous – dictoyledons monocotyledon Conifer
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Origins and Distribution of the

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Uses and Attributes of the

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Gardeners Tips for the

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Other types of and key species

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comments from elsewhere

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Credits

Cultivation and Growing Tips

Common Names and Varieties to Consider

Unusual Facts about

Old & Odd Tips From Gardeners Tips

Horticultural Sources and Advice

Credits

The World Peace Garden Network
You can join this consciousness raising network of gardens simply by declaring that your own garden, patio, balcony, or subject to appropriate approvals your local public park or garden be made into a World Peace Garden  Bristol Communal Gardens Group & Clifton Gardens Society was designated a World Peace Garden in 2001.

20th Anniversary of Gardens for Peace
This organisation seeks to designate and develop the garden as a place for meditation and a symbol for peace throughout the world. Stron in the USA there is scope to nominate a UK garden via the link above.

The Sheffield Peace Gardens
Are part of Sheffield Heart of the City project, a project that has been connected with the City’s economic and cultural regeneration since it began in 1998. Originally a temporary garden within the church walls was named St Paul’s Gardens. However, the name changed to the Peace Gardens after WWII and a desire for a return to peacetime. The gardens occupy an area of 0.67 hectares with sculptures and fountains.
The Peace Gardens form the central part of a spectacular walk, the emerging Gold Route, taking visitors from Sheffield Railway Station through a series of exciting new developments each with their own distinctive lighting, public art and water features. More information about the Peace Gardens’ History.

St Thomas’ Peace Garden
This is an example of a small public park in Birmingham – designated as a monument to peace and a memorial to all those killed in armed conflict.

The International Peace Garden
It lies along the world’s longest unfortified border and encompasses a 2,339 acre Botanical Garden. Between the State of North Dakota and the Province of Manitoba this garden is a well frequented site maintained jointly by USA and Canada. It was dedicated in 1932 and devoted to World Peace.

Sri Chinmoy Peace Garden – San Diego

A former vacant lot in San Diego, this area has been converted to a peace garden, with statue of Sri Chinmoy.

At Yelp, there are many reviews of the healing powers of this meditation garden

“This is one of my favorite peaceful places in SD. I’m blessed to live in this neighborhood and to see this little piece of peace on my afternoon walks.  I don’t know exactly who keeps this garden groomed but who ever does a big thank you.  Sometimes I don’t have enough energy for a power walk but at least I make it to this garden and give myself the gift of meditating for at least 5 minutes. I would say it has magical powers because I always leave feeling at peace and relaxed. If meditating is not your thing, it has a couple of benches so you can sit and enjoy the scenery”

Gardeners Tips Peace Gardens.

• Find your own Peace in a garden or let us know about other ‘Peace Gardens’ you have visited.
• Many hospitals believe in the healing power of nature and the serenity it can provide.
• An old cemetery in the heart of Barnsley has develop it into a cleaner, safer environment for the local community.
• A guide on how to create a Peace garden from the International Catholic Movement for Peace

You can visit the Garden of Gethsemane with a perimeter of  a collection of olive trees, some very old, in single file. The interior of the garden is off-limits and may be subject to security features during the current war and conflicts.

Romans were were enthusiastic gardeners (not just for the grapes) but when the empire fell gardening collapsed. Then in around the 9th century AD the gardening skills were revived and every town was encouraged to grow herbs, fruit and nut trees.
The formal gardens of the middle ages had an atmosphere of tranquillity rarely equaled and were thought of as ‘Heaven on Earth’. Fountains Abbey Yorkshire

Features of a Christian Garden

• With many features in common with Islamic gardens the Christian monks took inspiration from a revived interest in gardens.
• Boundaries and square structures were the most common with stone walls used in castles and cloisters.  Hedges, wattle fences, palisades, trellis and ditches were also used as boundaries by the less well to do. The effort was made to make them safe as they were a place of retreat and protection from evil.
• Simple paths were used to divide up a rectangular space.
• A medieval garden could be a microcosm of paradise and seen as ‘a recreation of good things’.
• Raised beds of simple geometric shapes accentuated the impression of symbolically clean lines and at the same time helped drainage for herbs.
• Covered walkways and arbors created enclosed spaces within the already enclosed space of the garden.
• Seating was important to facilitate contemplation and prayer.

Monastic gardens

Generally monastic gardens consisted of  several different types of gardens for different and specific purposes. A monastery would typically have a physic garden, plus a secluded garden for contemplation and meditation. There would also be community facilities for separate vegetable and fruit gardens, orchard or cemetery gardens, as well as fishponds and dovecotes.

As recorded on the behalf of St Hildegard Germany’s greatest mystic and God companion  ‘The medieval garden, as with any garden, is a work of love. Gardens are instruments of healing, a means to provide sustenance and health, and reminders of our connectivity with the natural world.

The  subsequent simplification was started by Zen monk Shuko Murata. It led to the tea-room’s interior being reduced in space to the bare minimum needed for the contemplation of the relationship between people and things.

Key Features of a Zen Tea House

• As a location for the tea ceremony the core attribute is providing a support for humility. ‘We can’t focus on what is important if our egos get in the way’. Thus the entrance to a tea house is generally so low that you must crawl to pass through it.
• The tea house should provide the best views for meditation.
• The objective is to create a hut that emphasises the rustic and humble.
• The approach to the tea house is through the tea garden. To sharpen the mind and senses the path should consist of a series of detailed views.
• Stepping stones help to slow your pace  to a speed suitable for meditation and contemplation.
• Outside the door of the tea room is a stone basin to wash your hands and mouth before the tea ceremony begins.
• There should be a light or lantern to guide you in the dark.

Other Quotes about the Tea Ceremony

• “Tea began as a medicine and grew into a beverage.” –Katkuzo Okakura
• “The Way of Tea cannot be taught in any book…It is a state of mind. Tea is a living
  tradition.” –Professor Kimiko Gunji,
• “Holding a bowl of tea whisked to a fine froth…
  Such a simple thing: yet filled with a spirit that
  Reaches back more than a thousand years.”–The Urasenke Tradition of Tea
• ‘Show them who wait
  Only for flowers
  There in the mountain villages:
  Grass peeks through the snow,
  And with it, spring.’ Fujiwara no letaka

Korean Tea and Tea Garden Guide

For anyone wishing to learn more about Korean culture, enjoy Korean tea, visit beautiful tea gardens or become an expert in Korean tea, this photo-filled, comprehensive guide to Korean tea and tea gardens is a sumptuous seasonal gift. Yang Seok Yoo  Co-author Esther Yoo 

Description of Mesembryanthemum criniflorum

• Often called the Livingstone daisy, Fig Marigold or the Ice Plant.
• The leaves are juicy & succulent with a furry texture.
• Flowers are single in a wide range of gaudy colours from white through shocking pink to orange.
• Many flowers have light coloured centres and there are now more self colour seed packets available.
• Plants are from the Aizoaceae family that contains a130 genera and over 1200 species that also includes Lithops

Cultivation Tips for Mesembryanthemum criniflorum

• Sow seed February to April at 60-70F in John Innes Seed Compost.
• Sow on surface of compost and gently firm down compost. Keep soil damp but not wet. Do not exclude light which helps germination.
• Sealing in a polythene bag after sowing is also helpful. Germination usually takes 15-21 days.
• When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow on in cooler conditions for 10-15 days before planting out in a sunny frost free spot on light well drained soil.
• Plants are low growing and spread 6-10″.
• Ideal for poor soil conditions in full sun.
• Flowers remain shut in dull weather

Special Growing Tips for Mesembryanthemum criniflorum

• I prefer the name Livingstone daisy as it is easier to say and spell. However part of the family are real living stones that flower just like Mesembryanthemums.
• Mesembryanthemums are annuals that are full of flower when planted in good sunlight.
• The fleshy leaves do not like to be constantly wet as it causes rot.

Varieties, Species and Types of Mesembryanthemum

• A large genus including shruby and other Conophytums and Lithops
• Apricot Tu Tu creates a glowing display of gorgeous apricot, frilled blooms. A quick carpeting plant which will practically paint the ground in colour.
• Magic carpet and Sarkles are other seed mixes

Horticulture Sources and Advice on Mesembryanthemum criniflorum

• • You can often obtain seeds or plants from our mail order company of choice Thompson & Morgan

Credits

IMG_7526 by Chris Ibbotson CC BY-NC 2.0
Hoverfly by –Tico– CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
IMG_7527 by Chris Ibbotson CC BY-NC 2.0

Bibliography

• Observations on the Genus Mesembryanthemum, Containing Scientific Descriptions of Above One Hundred and Thirty Species Adrian Howarth
• The cultivation of the Mesembryanthemacea G Schwantes

Parsley Tips

• I have grown this parsley from spring sown seed. Germination can be a bit erratic as warm temperatures are needed.
• After a summer in the herb bed I have potted a clump up in the greenhouse.
• Before the worst frosts I will bring a pot into the house for snipping onto potatoes and garnishing fish.
• The flat leaved variety is one of my favourite herbs but I am not very successful at growing it. Fortunately there are many varieties that seem to be within my compass.
• Parsley is a hungry feeder so if growing in a container add some bone meal

The curly herb Parsley crispum is naturally slow to germinate. If the soil dries out it may never germinate.

Germination Tips

• • Try watering the drill then sow the seed in the drill covering with dry soil. This covering will dramatically reduce evaporation so the seed will be in contact with moisture for longer.

• Keep the soil warm 70-80 degrees F
• Pre soak the seed overnight and sow in soil modules too transplant when roots are still small
• Try flat leaved parsley neapolitanum (as shown) as it is easier to germinate and has a good flavour and vigorous growth
• Plant out supermarket grown potted herbs. If growing in your own pot sow heavily and grow a big clump.
• Hamburg Parsley is grown for the roots which are a cross between the flavour of celery and parsley
• If you struggle try a cover that improves humidity until germination but remove promptly to prevent mould.
• Flat leaf or Italian parsley is easier to germinate.

Old wives tales (that aren’t true)

• Parsley doesn’t only germinate when the woman wears the trousers
• You don’t need to pour boiling water on the seeds
• Parsley seeds do not need to go to the devil and back nine times before germinating

If you are keen to grow tasty Parsley then here are some quick tips.

West Dean Gardens have been conducting trials on various Parsley varieties. In the May 2010 edition of The Garden the RHS published some of the results in an article by Sarah Wain the ‘Gardens Supervisor’.

Quick Tips Growing Parsley

• Plants usually stay in good crop producing condition for 5 months. Sarah recommends sowing two crops, in January for summer & July to over winter.
• Unlike many herbs, Parsley need an abundant supply of water.
• Grow Parsley as a green edging plant to flower borders.
• If growing in a container provide good drainage and water frequently.
• If your plants are prone to bolt, cut out the flowering stem and water well.
• Pick regularly to retain shape and encourage new growth.

Seed sowing

• Sow fresh seed on all purpose compost and cover lightly with vermiculite.
• Keep moist to improve germination (I do not think the boiling water trick is really needed)
• Prick out small seedlings taking care with the roots.
• Plant 3 seedlings in a 3″ pot and grow on as one plant giving more apparent growth.
• Plant out in March in a sunny position with some protection.

Varieties of Petroselinum crispum (Parsely) to Grow

• Moss Curled and Lisette have fine curl to the leaves.
• Rosette and Opal may occasionally bolt
• Envy and Favorit were the best for flavour.
• Afrodite and Faulds make uniform, good looking plants

Also read ‘Grow your own Bouquet Garni Herbs

Photo credits
DSC03927 – parsley by RaeAllen CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Parsley by TonalLuminosity CC BY-NC 2.0 Parsley. Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum

I was caught by the headline ‘On the Eighth day God Created Allotments

With new interest in researching allotments I came across this fantastic picture with lots of detail. ‘Back garden, spring 2008 by Darkroom Daze’ has been made available under a creative commons license CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. Here is some of the supporting detail but you can find more by clicking the picture thanks to Darkroom Daze.

‘NOTE ON THE GARDEN
The garden was very plain and bare when we arrived in 1985. We have been developing the design gradually since then, but not from a single pre-planned conception. Eventually we developed the overall shape, with a ‘winding river’ effect made by the lawns and path. The shapes of the rockeries, planting and other features are based on the way a small stream winds between ‘interlocking spurs’ in hilly terrain. We did all the planting, and I built many of the features. For further history of our garden, see set description for ‘OUR BACK GARDEN’

FEATURES (also noted on photo if viewed with flickr)
– Arbour – R foreground, only slat-roof visible, assembled from flat-pack.
– Garden railway – L foreground, on Water Rockery, G-scale 45mm gauge.
– Path – of reclaimed York stone laid in ‘crazy’ style by local landscaper, late Mr. Rogers, to our own winding design, shortly after we arrived in 1985.
– Temple of Juno garden shed – centre L, with white portico and shingled roof, built by me in sections out of reclaimed timber (“Rosen Wanted”) at a previous house, brought here and extended with portico, and finished by joiner Steve Cruse.
– Upper Rockery (Railway Rockery) – lower centre, with evergreen and alpine planting, and Upper Loop ofGarden Railway (not visible here), built myself of various kinds of stone in simulated geological structure.
– Valrosa Cabin workshop – centre background, brown, fully insulated, completed earlier in the year by Acer Landscapes.
– Water Rockery – centre L, with pumped water course, upper pools, cascades, and lower loop of garden railway, though only the railway is visible here. Almost all built myself.

PLANTS (also noted on photo)
– Buxus sempervirens – jelly-mould box-hedge, centre L foreground.
– Chamaecyparis, columnar, not sure what species or form – in neighbour’s garden to L, along the fence.
– Chamaecyparis – probably C. lawsoniana, Lawson’s cypress, ‘Stewartii’ or ‘Westermannii’ – neighbours’ tall bright conifer, R centre.
– Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Squarrosa’ – Sawara cypress, centre L immediately in front of Temple of Juno portico.
– Clematis armandii – evergreen climber on fence behind arbour, lower R. Looks reddish because this is colour of new spring shoots.
– Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica – growing over old apple tree stumps. centre L foreground.
– Cotoneaster frigidus – centre L in front of Temple of Juno.
– Escallonia macrantha – two shrubs shaped into an arch over side path, L side only visible here, centre R.
– Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’ – pillar juniper, centre R.
– Lonicera japonica – Japanese honeysuckle, evergreen, closest part of R hedge.
– Lonicera nitida ‘Baggesen’s Gold’ – lower centre R, between path and arbour.
– Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’ – golden marjoram, at front of Upper Rockery along the path, lower centre.
– Phormium tenax probably ‘Rainbow Queen’ – New Zealand flax, the spiky plant just R of centre foreground.
– Picea glauca var. albertiana ‘Conica’ – dwarf white spruce, two of them, one behind the other, lower centre by path.
– Picea glauca var. albertiana ‘Conica’ – dwarf white spruce, two trees one behind the other, lower centre on Upper Rockery.
– Picea mariana ‘Nana’ – dwarf black spruce, lower centre by path.
– Platycladus orientalis ‘Beverleyensis’ – golden form of Eastern Thuja, in shade, L foreground.
– Prunus domesticus (presumably) – the neighbours’ plum tree, upper centre L, to L of Valrosa Cabin.
– Pyracantha, probably P. x watereri – in neighbours’ garden, growing against fence, lower R.
– Pyrus probably P. communis – common pear tree, in neighbours’ garden, top L.
– Quercus – probably Q. robur L., pedunculate oak, growing along fence behind a neighbouring garden, top R.
– Taxus baccata – yew, golden fastigiate form, probably ‘Standishii’ – front L in neighbour’s garden.’

Rosendale Allotments Association

• Established in 1880 the Rosendale Allotments Association RAA has 480 plots on the site with plot holders and sharers from South London.
• RAA is looking for votes in a competition to find a name for their periodic newsletter.
  • The Plot Thickens
  • Green Stuff
  • Hot Off The Plot
  • Green News Digest
• In common with many other allotment sites RAA has had to suspend the waiting list as at current rate of turnover waiting time for an allotment on the site is estimated at twenty years.

Other credits Shed view by coconinoco CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 with London skyline.