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JAMES ALEXANDER-SINCLAIR/JENNY LEWIS JEKKA MCVICAR/JASON INGRAM<br />
SOUTHWELL CARE PROJECT/CHRIS KNAPTON<br />
POD-U-LIKE<br />
All of us who garden, either professionally or as enthusiastic amateurs, know how good it makes us<br />
feel. It is cathartic, refreshing, satisfying and, if I might stray briefly into the realm of hippiedom,<br />
healing for soul and spirit. Not surprising then that many organisations and charities have<br />
cottoned on to this and are encouraging their clients to grow things.<br />
One of the best examples is the Southwell Care Project in Nottinghamshire. They currently run<br />
more than 40 courses in subjects that vary from healthy cookery to money management, and are<br />
expanding into horticulture. The plan is to set up an English cut-flower business called Flower Pod,<br />
which will be staffed by people with learning disabilities. It is a fabulous idea and things are<br />
progressing well (below) with tons of soil shifted, polytunnels erected, planting beds prepared and<br />
an environmentally friendly straw-bale classroom building well underway. They will be involved in<br />
growing, harvesting and selling high-quality flowers to local people and businesses. This will not<br />
only teach staff valuable skills but will enliven the vases of their neighbours. A great idea that<br />
deserves our support: they still need some funding to complete the infrastructure. For more<br />
information on the project or to donate, visit www.flowerpodsouthwell.co.uk<br />
SUPER HOTTIES<br />
February is a good time to learn about chillies, while there is still time to<br />
plan before planting. There are courses this month at Sea Spring Seeds<br />
in Dorset. www.seaspringseeds.co.uk<br />
Herbal Highness<br />
Jekka McVicar (right) is the new president of the Herb<br />
Society. Most people will think she always has been:<br />
she is, after all, the Maharanee of Marjoram and the<br />
Sultana of Sorrel. The Herb Society is based in Sulgrave,<br />
Oxfordshire, and there they have a series of herb<br />
<strong>gardens</strong>, including one for children and another<br />
featuring North American herbs, or ‘erbs as they<br />
say over there. Annual membership is a snip at £25<br />
per person (£35 for a couple) and includes talks,<br />
a magazine and useful discounts at herb nurseries<br />
across the country. And you might just get to touch<br />
the hem of Jekka’s garments. www.herbsociety.org.uk<br />
RAINING IN<br />
MY HEART<br />
What is the one<br />
thing that affects<br />
all gardeners<br />
no matter how<br />
competent?<br />
The answer of<br />
course, is the<br />
weather. It is<br />
almost always<br />
too hot, too<br />
cold, too wet or<br />
too dry. But it’s<br />
nice to have due<br />
warning, and<br />
the Met Office<br />
have produced<br />
a good-looking<br />
and efficient<br />
App for all<br />
smartphones<br />
(above) that<br />
gives hourly<br />
updates and<br />
five-day<br />
forecasts.<br />
Available on<br />
iPhone and<br />
Android.
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