Month: June 2013
-
It’s raining on prom night (Week 12, Friday)
Coming to work to Kew has made me want to sing, something I had not done for a long while. Since I am driving for a minimum of 1.5 hrs/day, that’s been a good opportunity to practice in an isolated space, where my out-of-shape, shaky voice, that could not reach up to high notes any…
-
The work experience lad (Week 12, Thursday)
Back from my study leave and RHS Level 3 exam (that was a long day, as I was taking the first part early in the morning and the last one in the afternoon) I knew I would have to take care of a work experience lad for the day. My main objective for the next…
-
Tipping the trailer (Week 11, Friday)
The reason why you may not see all the diary entries published online yet is that I am preparing for my RHS Level 3 exam next week, not that I am working or learning any less (or having less fun). I am still clearing the middle bed of dead wood and overgrown plants, so that…
-
Gallium aparine (Week 11, Thursday)
While pulling the Alliara, I found myself covered in cleavers (Galium aparine), another weed whose name I have just learnt, despite being familiar with the plant from the plot at home. Amazingly effective, cleavers, in, well… cleaving to whatever is at hand. Seed are not the only part of this plant of the Rubiaceae family endowed…
-
Garlic mustard (Week 11, Wednesday)
The front of the bed Weeding week this week, and having done with the front of a bed, I decided to step inside, behind a wall of Spiraea… where I found what I can only define as a plantation of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) aka Jack-by-the-hedge! Just behind It was actually quite something: I had never…
-
Weeding the tree circles in the South Canal beds (Week 11, Tuesday)
Team day, as usual, but the difference today was that we were weeding tree circles in my area: Malus, Pirus, Crataegus… I sat for a while under a large pear tree, pulling weeds from under its canopy. When I came out, my colleague went quiet and looked strange, his eyes on my back: “you have…
-
The Pagoda (Week 10, Friday)
We visited the Pagoda today, such a symbol of Kew gardens! I remember a few years ago the Pagoda was open to the public for a short period of time and I wanted to go but then did not manage to… but today we had our very own special tour. The reason why the Pagoda…
About Me
M.Paola Andreoni
I got the first allotment in 2007 (in the UK) and started growing my own food for the first time. Learning as I went along was not enough, so I studied some horticulture. I am striving to abide by organic principles. Brexit gave me a new life in the Netherlands, and two new plots by a nature reserve.
Some Rights Reserved
This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.