Awesome orchid
We thought we would send this image of our dendrobium orchid (pictured left), one of four we have. It grows outside in our courtyard and never fails to delight us. We bring it into the porch when it flowers.
Joan Enderby, Papatoetoe.
Shell be right
I wanted to get a ready-built raised garden last year with some tax refund money but more pressing priorities arose. Forced to compromise, I came up with using the lid and bottom of my daughter’s plastic shell-shaped sandpit.
I used a drill with a medium-sized bit to put holes about 15cm up around the sides for drainage. Our seven-year-old was happy to see the sandpit used for something other than a sandpit and pool.
After putting the ‘shells’ in place, I lined them with layers of newspapers, and then some stony dirt before topping it all off with compost. I planted a range of veggies, including beetroot, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, and silverbeet. In the winter, it was easy to cover my make-do raised gardens with frost cloth.
I am a new reader of Weekend Gardener and love it.
Pauline Dench, Christchurch.
Herb help ‘the best’
I’M new to veggie gardening and just love Weekend Gardener because it helps me with everything I need to know to be a successful gardener. I have five raised beds. One is for herbs chosen for their easy-care qualities and quick growth.
One of the best articles I have read has to be Marilyn Wightman’s ‘Right For Roasts’ in Issue 297 – now I know what to do with all those herbs I have grown. It also introduced me to some more I can plant ( and a couple I will never use).
For all of us newbies, you are a blessing. Thank you.
Cheryl-Anne Percy, Foxton Beach.
Flannel in form
I have a flannel plant that I brought from Waikanae two years ago. It has thrived in a sunny position in front of a deck about a metre high.
Can someone enlighten me on how and when this should be trimmed back? It is above deck level and has very thick growth.
Doug Collins, Picton.
The flannel flower is best trimmed lightly, as needed, after flowering to stop any straggliness. Don’t trim it back hard or so much that branches have no more leaves on them. Pruning may not be needed if your plant is good and bushy, unless you want to control its size. Picking its ‘flowers’ in winter (these keep very well in water) partly prunes bushes and may be enough. – Susie.
Icy mishap
Last week I awoke to a cold, frosty morning and my thoughts turned to the little waxeyes, blackbirds, thrushes and sparrows. Their feed dish was empty so I quickly prepared a breakfast for them before heading to work.
I began to negotiate the icy steps with extreme care – but it turned out not enough.
I slipped on the ice, scattering food in all directions.
Now, with my leg in a cast, I can only watch the birds from the window.
However, I can spend time reading your enlightening magazine which arrived in the mail at just the right time and planning future garden development.
Lorraine Sutherland, Hamilton.
Pruning joy
I just wish to say what a wonderful surprise I received in the mail. Winning a pair of Fiskars Powergear Pruners was just great.
My daughter gave me a Weekend Gardener subscription for my birthday, so now I feel I’ve received two birthday presents.
I really enjoy the magazine and once again, thank you for the wonderful surprise.
Val Knight, Ashburton.
Avian accolade
Lesley Ingham’s interesting article headed For the love of birds (Issue 296) was a fascinating read with such gorgeous photos. The Agnews obviously love our native birds and have devoted much time to caring for them.
I live in the country and for the past 20 years I’ve been privileged to enjoy all the bird species mentioned. Each year we plant fresh groups of native trees for the birds and for future generations.
For many years we had a pair of wood pigeons that regularly returned to one of our large old kowhai trees. They were a real joy.
Tui are plentiful and one year I counted 13 babies in one tree. As a boy, my husband took a morepork to school for a morning talk.
All these birds have provided wonderful memories.
Our native birds are frequently overlooked and taken for granted so it’s wonderful the Agnews have fostered so much interest, care and enthusiasm for these adorable living treasures.
A superb effort.
Alison Harris, Pahiatua.
