Seed catalogues pass the winter away

Alas, print catalogue days seemed doomed. Instead of seated in a comfortable chair, beverage at hand, to search for seeds and plants from colourful catalogues it is to go online for the same. This requires both hands, leaving the glass that cheers untouched. A deplorable state indeed but it does allow purveyors of popular plants more space to expand their descriptions and illustrations. Yes, it is time to ignore the howling winds and spousal protests, sit back and dream of gardens yet to come . . .

Diversion No. 1

It’s already the self-proclaimed kiwifruit capital of the world but now the New Zealand town of Te Puke wants to cement the title with an enormous sliced fruit edifice in the middle of the Bay of Plenty town, The New Zealand Herald reported. And yes, that is the name of the community.

Next April into May will see sales by local community organizations, schools and religious establishments to raise supporting funds. Plants sell well and are welcomed. Trim overgrown Zebrina, Philodendron and Pothos and plant three cuttings of each to a single 10cm (4-inch) pot. A week or two before the sale, plant three of these pots to a 25cm (10-inch) hanging basket. Or raise Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) and Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachys) from seed and offer them in the same 10cm pots. The seed is widely available online.

Diversion No. 2

Animal manure used to spell trouble for Taipei Zoo officials as it costs millions of New Taiwan dollars each year to dispose of the waste, but with the improvement of technology, the manure is now being used to fertilize greens in the zoo and is considered nothing less than ‘brown gold,’ explained The China Post

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The Christmas tree is past its ‘best before’ date. Before disposal, whatever the choices, remove all decorations, especially tinsel. Many municipalities set aside specific dates during which they will pick up the corpses from the curb, feeding them into a chipper and reducing them to mulch. Elsewhere conservation authorities welcome them for restoration projects. Some zoos will feed them to elephants as a post-Christmas treat. However, if you have shrubs such as rhododendrons and their kin that require overwinter shelter, three trees with one side sliced off each and stacked to form a teepee over the broadleaf evergreen specimen makes an almost natural shelter.

Diversion No. 3

Prince Charles will unveil a new royal maze at Dumfries House, a Scottish stately home, in the New Year. He took inspiration from the royal maze he once played in as a child as Sandringham. George will love it when his Grandpa says, ‘Get lost!’ The Mail on Sunday suggested. But does HRH remember the original was the Labyrinth of Greek mythology, built to contain the monster Minotaur who was fed with humans?

Look after our feathered chums through the bleak months and they will reward you during the growing season by consuming bugs and weed seeds. Bird feeders and baths (yes, they need water too) are a great way to supply this need. But they can become death traps by spreading disease if not wiped down weekly with diluted bleach. Position both where festering felines can’t lurk in concealment. Seed husks can smother lawns and flowerbeds below them so feeders are best located over patios and decks.

Diversion No. 4

Clearwater, Florida’s lost pot-bellied pig with painted pink toenails returned home after a brief escapade. Found rooting through a front garden flowerbed, she was distracted when offered dog treats. Louie’s owners saw her mug circulating on the news and called to claim her, the Tampa Bay Times reported

New Year’s Day is famed for the Pasadena Rose Parade in California. Around the world though, there are many other interesting events to perhaps interest gardeners during this month . . . Over on the Iberian Peninsular in Castro Verde, Portugal there will be the annual Purple Carrot Faire. In Jarramplas Festival, Piornal, Spain a man dressed as the ‘devil’ is pelted with 15,000 turnips – nobody seems to really know why. In late January, the Ginger Flower and Food Festival, Yandina, Queensland is worth a call before greeting the first of the year’s Japanese Cherry Blossom Festivals at Yaedake, Okinawa and likely to continue into February. Also commencing January through to March is the annual Mustard Festival, Napa, California. In late January Miami, Florida welcomes the Tanami International Orchid Festival. And if all this leaves you in need of a spot of refreshment, 30/31 January 2016 will see Toronto Reference Library once again host the Toronto Tea Festival.