The view from your side of the fence
HOT TOPIC A place for nature?
I always love Tales from Titchmarsh as the final read of my GW magazine, but I think the July issue’s column about gardening for the love of it is my favourite.
In a world gone mad it was fab to read a heartfelt opinion from Alan about not letting our gardens become natural havens but instead growing what we want, looking after wildlife, being organic, but growing what makes us feel good and what makes us want to be in our gardens.
More common sense like this, please!
Kay, Nottingham
Usually Alan is spot-on with his Tales from Titchmarsh observations, and l chuckle my way through his narrative. However, l must disagree with some of the comments made in his July column about being “brainwashed by current trends” regarding letting gardens become wilder.
Alan fails to mention that gardens can also be an expression of ourselves where we can not only fill it with the plants we love, but also do something to help our little patch of this planet. If that means letting part, or all, of our garden become wild, then so be it.
Undisturbed wild areas and so-called weeds such as nettles and brambles are essential for many pollinators to complete their lifecycle. The UK is one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries, and as David Attenborough states, “It’s surely our responsibility to do everything in our power to create a planet that provides a home, not just for us, but for all life.”
By keeping areas of garden wilder and undisturbed, or simply gardening for wildlife, we are helping to ensure the survival of future generations of wildlife species – a legacy l wish to leave for future generations of humans to enjoy.
Tanya St Pierre, Cumbria
Potted wisdom
I enjoyed your debate about crocks in pots (Over the fence, July issue). I am a member of Witney Horticultural Society and we have had the pleasure of talks from both Pippa Greenwood and Harriet Rycroft. I have to say I am on the side of Harriet.
Known fondly as the Crazy Pot Lady, she knows a thing or two about pots. With the greatest respect to Pippa, I have reduced my crock usage to the bare minimum of a soil-retention piece. Decent compost, right size and location are equally important. It is great to be offered differing opinions, so us lesser mortals can choose what works for us.
Heather Cronley, Oxfordshire
Puppy love
I am currently sat in my garden at the end of the first Saturday of summer. My garden is looking beautiful, with many flowers blooming or on the cusp.
I wanted to share a few photographs with you of the flowers and plants I have grown from seeds,
