London City Landscapes

On the back of the last post, if anyone goes to Canada Water, look out for the swans.  If you take some binoculars with you, you may even see their nests made out of plastic bags…

For many of us the thought of bats in our gardens would be something akin to watching episodes of Saw after Sunday Lunch! After the discussion about supply of bird food and feeders, I have been sitting surfing to find out what is available, and trying to find a supplier.

I must admit that I stand bewildered at the array of feeders and food.  As I get more educated in the area, please visit:

www.birdfood.co.uk

This winter, let’s make a difference in our world, whether putting out scraps on the window sill or putting up a feeder.

Many of the spring bulbs should have been planted by now, not so for the Tulip. They are more prone to frost damage, and so November and December are just the right time to plant. Ideally buy from a quality supplier.

Bulbs should be large and firm, a bit like an onion. Plant at 5” deep, Not ideal for very wet soil, but if this is all you have, consider a pot, or dig them up once finished (see below)  Full sun is ideal.

Once flowered, dead head, but leave all the leaves.  This allows the bulb to regenerate for next year.  Only once the leaves have turned yellow should you cut back or dig the bulb up.If any bulb becomes diseased, discard to the bonfire heap.

Pond cleaning time ... It’s the time of year when the fish have all but finished feeding and looking forward to snoozing until the New Year.  Don’t be tempted to keep feeding them, it makes the water toxic! It’s time to clean out the filters, and once finished feeding, it the filters are caked with muck, you can clean them thoroughly. Clean all the filter casings, and thoroughly clean, a jet wash can be used for this. Check all wiring and anything electrical for damage. If you need to drain your pond, it’s best to get a professional in.  They will have all the equipment to ensure that your fish have the least stress possible and if something is a problem, like holes in a hose or liner, they will be able to fix it there and then.

As the day closes, all the team members slip off one by one to indulge in an evening where there is no early start the following day. That often means a beer with mates (that’s often the girls too!), Fish and Chips or Chicken Tikka Massala – the authentic London meal!

It’s been interesting catching up with them all.  Each one has their passion.  I take the time on days like this to catch up.  Wild flower lawns seem to be a topic of interest for those keen on wildlife gardens. Another interest is discussion about irrigation controllers and timing. 

Someone else is keen to supply bird food and feeders to our clients – we supply fish food after all – and educate them about the benefits of birds and predators in the garden, reducing the need for chemical assistance.  A brilliant idea, I must admit.

One from South Africa admitted to being horrified how we cut down fir trees for the festive season and then bin them! In SA this would never be considered. We have much to be thankful for, we often moan at the rain, but for some, it would be a miracle.