HERE COMES SSUMMER

now is a good time to

think about growing some of the following to collect in Autumn for

Airdrying - Seedsheads of Teasel; Artichoke; Achillea; Physalis; Echinops; Poppy and Anaphalis by cutting and hanging upside down in an airy place for Winter Flower arranging.

Hydrangeas and Heather - stand upright in 1 cm. approx. of water, allow to dry without replenishing water, they will dry quickly this way.

Preserving - the leaves and branches of many shrubs and trees can be collected in August for preserving e.g. Beech; Oak; Laurel; Chestnut, Fatsia etc.

Place in a solution of one part glycerine with two parts boiling water, preferably in a glass jar where the solution level can be seen. A depth of about 10 cms. is sufficient but the solution must be topped-up so that stems do not dry out before they change colour to lovely darkened variations of shades of brown.

They are so useful for Winter Flower Arranging when there is so little fresh in this colour available from the garden.

Country walks - Keep an eye out for interesting pieces of dried wood which gives an added dimensin to a few flowers in your home. Collect pine cones and beech nuts for use in making collages and Christmas decorations.

Gardening Tips - Buy annuals now but harden them off by putting out in the garden during the day and either covering or bringing them under shelter at night - There is still danger of a sharp frost at night and these plants could be killed if planted out too soon

Indoors - Start to water cacti and succulents which have been keep nearly dry over the winter. a diluted solution of fertiliser could be given now.