|
Why don't people ask beforehand?
I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you
simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? The next thing is these mature plants be grubbed out because they have stopped fruiting! -- Regards Bob Hobden Posting to this Newsgroup from the W.of London. UK |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 22/03/2014 13:33, Bob Hobden wrote:
I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? The next thing is these mature plants be grubbed out because they have stopped fruiting! -- Regards Bob Hobden Posting to this Newsgroup from the W.of London. UK Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. If they did, they would ask or learn first. They simply see a tree or bush which is getting too big and they want to control it. If they could. They'll learn. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 22/03/2014 22:01, Martin wrote:
On Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:14:25 +0000, Spider wrote: On 22/03/2014 13:33, Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? The next thing is these mature plants be grubbed out because they have stopped fruiting! -- Regards Bob Hobden Posting to this Newsgroup from the W.of London. UK Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. If they did, they would ask or learn first. They simply see a tree or bush which is getting too big and they want to control it. If they could. They'll learn. Our neighbour employs a professional to do her garden. He did exactly the same to her apple trees as Bob's plot holders. Instead of weeding, he dumps earth on top of the weeds in her small front garden. Totally brainless, but utterly believable. No wonder gardening is not a respected profession. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
"Spider" wrote...
Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? The next thing is these mature plants be grubbed out because they have stopped fruiting! Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. If they did, they would ask or learn first. They simply see a tree or bush which is getting too big and they want to control it. If they could. They'll learn. In this case I would not have said any of these plants were getting too big, just getting going and beginning to show their best would have been my comment. Not in any case did they need more than a light tidy up, crossed branches etc, instead they got a total chop back to the main framework, the single main stem in the case of the gooseberries, no fruiting spurs left on the apple. -- Regards. Bob Hobden. Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 23/03/2014 08:57, Bob Hobden wrote:
"Spider" wrote... Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? The next thing is these mature plants be grubbed out because they have stopped fruiting! Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. If they did, they would ask or learn first. They simply see a tree or bush which is getting too big and they want to control it. If they could. They'll learn. In this case I would not have said any of these plants were getting too big, just getting going and beginning to show their best would have been my comment. Not in any case did they need more than a light tidy up, crossed branches etc, instead they got a total chop back to the main framework, the single main stem in the case of the gooseberries, no fruiting spurs left on the apple. Mystifying, and very sad. Let's hope they have the sense to ask for advice next time. There seems little point being too proud to ask for help when you're surrounded by all the collective knowledge on an allotment. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 2014-03-22 22:28:54 +0000, Spider said:
On 22/03/2014 22:01, Martin wrote: On Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:14:25 +0000, Spider wrote: On 22/03/2014 13:33, Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? The next thing is these mature plants be grubbed out because they have stopped fruiting! -- Regards Bob Hobden Posting to this Newsgroup from the W.of London. UK Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. If they did, they would ask or learn first. They simply see a tree or bush which is getting too big and they want to control it. If they could. They'll learn. Our neighbour employs a professional to do her garden. He did exactly the same to her apple trees as Bob's plot holders. Instead of weeding, he dumps earth on top of the weeds in her small front garden. Totally brainless, but utterly believable. No wonder gardening is not a respected profession. But that's not gardening, that's conning. And it's why so-called 'jobbing gardeners' can get a bad name - because of the few idiots who think they can get someone to pay them for doing a bodged job - and they do! -- Sacha www.hillhousenursery.com South Devon |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 23/03/2014 11:24, Spider wrote:
On 23/03/2014 08:57, Bob Hobden wrote: "Spider" wrote... Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? The next thing is these mature plants be grubbed out because they have stopped fruiting! Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. If they did, they would ask or learn first. They simply see a tree or bush which is getting too big and they want to control it. If they could. They'll learn. In this case I would not have said any of these plants were getting too big, just getting going and beginning to show their best would have been my comment. Not in any case did they need more than a light tidy up, crossed branches etc, instead they got a total chop back to the main framework, the single main stem in the case of the gooseberries, no fruiting spurs left on the apple. Mystifying, and very sad. Let's hope they have the sense to ask for advice next time. There seems little point being too proud to ask for help when you're surrounded by all the collective knowledge on an allotment. The neighbour to one side of me treats here garden as a house proud woman would treat her house. There are three mature limes in he garden,in the autumn she is outside collecting the leaves as they fall. As regards pruning, nothing is allowed to grow "untidy". recently they pruned an apple tree, by cutting it back to the trunk and three main branches, mind you the apples are kleft on the tree to rot. The latest thing they have pruned is a fir tree, that has been cut right back to a few branches on the trunk, what will happen when it does nor shoot as deciduous trees do? |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 23/03/2014 11:24, Spider wrote:
On 23/03/2014 08:57, Bob Hobden wrote: "Spider" wrote... Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. In this case I would not have said any of these plants were getting too big, just getting going and beginning to show their best would have been my comment. Mystifying, and very sad. Let's hope they have the sense to ask for advice next time. There seems little point being too proud to ask for help when you're surrounded by all the collective knowledge on an allotment. They will never ask if they haven't this time. The neighbourly thing to do is to have a friendly word with them. -- Phil Cook |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
"Phil Cook" wrote
Spider wrote: Bob Hobden wrote: "Spider" wrote... Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. In this case I would not have said any of these plants were getting too big, just getting going and beginning to show their best would have been my comment. Mystifying, and very sad. Let's hope they have the sense to ask for advice next time. There seems little point being too proud to ask for help when you're surrounded by all the collective knowledge on an allotment. They will never ask if they haven't this time. The neighbourly thing to do is to have a friendly word with them. Tried that once before about something else and would not dream of saying anything again unless they broach the subject. -- Regards. Bob Hobden. Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 23/03/2014 13:10, sacha wrote:
On 2014-03-22 22:28:54 +0000, Spider said: On 22/03/2014 22:01, Martin wrote: On Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:14:25 +0000, Spider wrote: On 22/03/2014 13:33, Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? The next thing is these mature plants be grubbed out because they have stopped fruiting! -- Regards Bob Hobden Posting to this Newsgroup from the W.of London. UK Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. If they did, they would ask or learn first. They simply see a tree or bush which is getting too big and they want to control it. If they could. They'll learn. Our neighbour employs a professional to do her garden. He did exactly the same to her apple trees as Bob's plot holders. Instead of weeding, he dumps earth on top of the weeds in her small front garden. Totally brainless, but utterly believable. No wonder gardening is not a respected profession. But that's not gardening, that's conning. And it's why so-called 'jobbing gardeners' can get a bad name - because of the few idiots who think they can get someone to pay them for doing a bodged job - and they do! Oh, I agree entirely. The problem is, that's the only gardening many people are aware of, so they don't value it, much less want it as a career. The sad thing is, with Bob's tale, that this person *wants* to garden and has an allotment, but doesn't have the wit to ask for advice or read a good book on the subject. He's lost his crop(s) for at least one year. Hopefully, he'll realise his mistake and start learning. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 23/03/2014 14:38, Broadback wrote:
On 23/03/2014 11:24, Spider wrote: On 23/03/2014 08:57, Bob Hobden wrote: "Spider" wrote... Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? The next thing is these mature plants be grubbed out because they have stopped fruiting! Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. If they did, they would ask or learn first. They simply see a tree or bush which is getting too big and they want to control it. If they could. They'll learn. In this case I would not have said any of these plants were getting too big, just getting going and beginning to show their best would have been my comment. Not in any case did they need more than a light tidy up, crossed branches etc, instead they got a total chop back to the main framework, the single main stem in the case of the gooseberries, no fruiting spurs left on the apple. Mystifying, and very sad. Let's hope they have the sense to ask for advice next time. There seems little point being too proud to ask for help when you're surrounded by all the collective knowledge on an allotment. The neighbour to one side of me treats here garden as a house proud woman would treat her house. There are three mature limes in he garden,in the autumn she is outside collecting the leaves as they fall. As regards pruning, nothing is allowed to grow "untidy". recently they pruned an apple tree, by cutting it back to the trunk and three main branches, mind you the apples are kleft on the tree to rot. The latest thing they have pruned is a fir tree, that has been cut right back to a few branches on the trunk, what will happen when it does nor shoot as deciduous trees do? Lady gardeners are generally tidier gardeners, but this lady sounds like she has OCD. The fir tree will probably be pruned at ground level next. Let's hope the apple tree fares better next time, although it's clearly wasted on her. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 23/03/2014 15:23, Phil Cook wrote:
On 23/03/2014 11:24, Spider wrote: On 23/03/2014 08:57, Bob Hobden wrote: "Spider" wrote... Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. In this case I would not have said any of these plants were getting too big, just getting going and beginning to show their best would have been my comment. Mystifying, and very sad. Let's hope they have the sense to ask for advice next time. There seems little point being too proud to ask for help when you're surrounded by all the collective knowledge on an allotment. They will never ask if they haven't this time. The neighbourly thing to do is to have a friendly word with them. Or maybe offer them apples this autumn, because "they got the pruning wrong this year". It might just start them thinking. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 2014-03-23 18:02:03 +0000, Spider said:
On 23/03/2014 14:38, Broadback wrote: On 23/03/2014 11:24, Spider wrote: On 23/03/2014 08:57, Bob Hobden wrote: "Spider" wrote... Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? The next thing is these mature plants be grubbed out because they have stopped fruiting! Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. If they did, they would ask or learn first. They simply see a tree or bush which is getting too big and they want to control it. If they could. They'll learn. In this case I would not have said any of these plants were getting too big, just getting going and beginning to show their best would have been my comment. Not in any case did they need more than a light tidy up, crossed branches etc, instead they got a total chop back to the main framework, the single main stem in the case of the gooseberries, no fruiting spurs left on the apple. Mystifying, and very sad. Let's hope they have the sense to ask for advice next time. There seems little point being too proud to ask for help when you're surrounded by all the collective knowledge on an allotment. The neighbour to one side of me treats here garden as a house proud woman would treat her house. There are three mature limes in he garden,in the autumn she is outside collecting the leaves as they fall. As regards pruning, nothing is allowed to grow "untidy". recently they pruned an apple tree, by cutting it back to the trunk and three main branches, mind you the apples are kleft on the tree to rot. The latest thing they have pruned is a fir tree, that has been cut right back to a few branches on the trunk, what will happen when it does nor shoot as deciduous trees do? Lady gardeners are generally tidier gardeners, but this lady sounds like she has OCD. The fir tree will probably be pruned at ground level next. Let's hope the apple tree fares better next time, although it's clearly wasted on her. Sounds like the woman I heard about on a radio programme. Her husband has an allotment but she buys all her veg at the supermarket because his have soil on them. Heaven alone knows who he gives them to! I did know someone who wouldn't have fresh flowers in the house as they dropped leaves or petals and whose hanging baskets contained silk plants. -- Sacha www.hillhousenursery.com South Devon |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
"Spider" wrote in message ...
On 23/03/2014 14:38, Broadback wrote: On 23/03/2014 11:24, Spider wrote: On 23/03/2014 08:57, Bob Hobden wrote: "Spider" wrote... Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? The next thing is these mature plants be grubbed out because they have stopped fruiting! Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. If they did, they would ask or learn first. They simply see a tree or bush which is getting too big and they want to control it. If they could. They'll learn. In this case I would not have said any of these plants were getting too big, just getting going and beginning to show their best would have been my comment. Not in any case did they need more than a light tidy up, crossed branches etc, instead they got a total chop back to the main framework, the single main stem in the case of the gooseberries, no fruiting spurs left on the apple. Mystifying, and very sad. Let's hope they have the sense to ask for advice next time. There seems little point being too proud to ask for help when you're surrounded by all the collective knowledge on an allotment. The neighbour to one side of me treats here garden as a house proud woman would treat her house. There are three mature limes in he garden,in the autumn she is outside collecting the leaves as they fall. As regards pruning, nothing is allowed to grow "untidy". recently they pruned an apple tree, by cutting it back to the trunk and three main branches, mind you the apples are kleft on the tree to rot. The latest thing they have pruned is a fir tree, that has been cut right back to a few branches on the trunk, what will happen when it does nor shoot as deciduous trees do? Lady gardeners are generally tidier gardeners, but this lady sounds like she has OCD. The fir tree will probably be pruned at ground level next. Let's hope the apple tree fares better next time, although it's clearly wasted on her. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay ============================================= If a gardening forum run by experts doesn't know how to 'prune', how do you expect the novice to know how? --------------------------------------------------------------- www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk www.hmscollingwoodassociation.com www.rneba.org.uk www.nsrafa.org |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 23/03/2014 18:03, Spider wrote:
On 23/03/2014 15:23, Phil Cook wrote: On 23/03/2014 11:24, Spider wrote: On 23/03/2014 08:57, Bob Hobden wrote: "Spider" wrote... Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. In this case I would not have said any of these plants were getting too big, just getting going and beginning to show their best would have been my comment. Mystifying, and very sad. Let's hope they have the sense to ask for advice next time. There seems little point being too proud to ask for help when you're surrounded by all the collective knowledge on an allotment. They will never ask if they haven't this time. The neighbourly thing to do is to have a friendly word with them. Or maybe offer them apples this autumn, because "they got the pruning wrong this year". It might just start them thinking. Or it could be they just don't like apples |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 23/03/2014 18:46, David Hill wrote:
On 23/03/2014 18:03, Spider wrote: On 23/03/2014 15:23, Phil Cook wrote: On 23/03/2014 11:24, Spider wrote: On 23/03/2014 08:57, Bob Hobden wrote: "Spider" wrote... Bob Hobden wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? Because many people simply don't understand just how crucial some pruning is. In this case I would not have said any of these plants were getting too big, just getting going and beginning to show their best would have been my comment. Mystifying, and very sad. Let's hope they have the sense to ask for advice next time. There seems little point being too proud to ask for help when you're surrounded by all the collective knowledge on an allotment. They will never ask if they haven't this time. The neighbourly thing to do is to have a friendly word with them. Or maybe offer them apples this autumn, because "they got the pruning wrong this year". It might just start them thinking. Or it could be they just don't like apples Indeed. That could be true. They could be offered in return for other crops, though. Another year, having made some friends on the allotment, his approach may change. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay |
Quote:
A lot of garden advice has come down from big gardens, and from maximising yield. If you can get 80% of the yield from 50% of the effort, and you're short of time, then it's worth doing. I like to learn on my own, to try things out, see why it went wrong, think about it, try it differently next time. The thought of gardening "in public" with all the allotment holders around me watching me and mentally criticising scares the pants off me! |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On Saturday, March 22, 2014 10:28:54 PM UTC, Spider wrote:
Totally brainless, but utterly believable. No wonder gardening is not a respected profession. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay No it's because gardening is not a respected profession "Anybody can do it" So we'll keep seeing stuff like the heartbreaking example on Bob's site and gardeners will keep being paid peanuts and little respect. Glad I've got that off my chest Rod |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 24/03/2014 18:34, Rod wrote:
On Saturday, March 22, 2014 10:28:54 PM UTC, Spider wrote: Totally brainless, but utterly believable. No wonder gardening is not a respected profession. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay No it's because gardening is not a respected profession "Anybody can do it" So we'll keep seeing stuff like the heartbreaking example on Bob's site and gardeners will keep being paid peanuts and little respect. Glad I've got that off my chest Rod I think we've just learned that anybody *can't* do it. What anybody *can* do is ignorantly snip off a length of plant with secateurs. Really understanding *why* ones taking out that particular bit of plant is what makes a good gardener. I'm reasonably good at pruning but, when faced with a plant I'm not familiar with, I always stop and ask myself: "Why am I cutting out this branch? Does it flower on this year's wood or older wood?" It's that thinking and learning process that makes the difference. Pay should follow know-how and experience, but it rarely does. For a country apparently so hungry for the next generation of professional gardeners, we seem hopelessly blinkered to the solution. A good scale of pay and some much needed respect would make all the difference, I agree. Alas, when a householder wants a 'gardener', "how much" is invariably asked before "how good". It's not hard to see how respect goes down the drain. I have a good friend who works as a jobbing gardener. She's very keen but far from confident. To resolve this, she is going to apply for an on-line RHS foundation course (or simialr) so that she can learn the job properly and have a piece of paper to show for it. Hopefully, then, she'll be able to earn a decent wage. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On Tuesday, March 25, 2014 2:48:19 PM UTC, Spider wrote:
I think we've just learned that anybody *can't* do it. What anybody *can* do is ignorantly snip off a length of plant with secateurs. Really understanding *why* ones taking out that particular bit of plant is what makes a good gardener. I'm reasonably good at pruning but, when faced with a plant I'm not familiar with, I always stop and ask myself: "Why am I cutting out this branch? Does it flower on this year's wood or older wood?" It's that thinking and learning process that makes the difference. Yes it seems a natural thing to do, but sadly it often starts with something like "Plants are supposed to be pruned aren't they, it's a nice day today so lets just go and hack about the garden" Our next door neighbour (not a guy who invites advice) 'pruned' his lovely old Casino rose a couple of years ago in full flower -just hacked pieces off - no idea why or what or was it necessary -Hadn't had time to do it before he said. Rod |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 25/03/2014 15:40, Rod wrote:
On Tuesday, March 25, 2014 2:48:19 PM UTC, Spider wrote: I think we've just learned that anybody *can't* do it. What anybody *can* do is ignorantly snip off a length of plant with secateurs. Really understanding *why* ones taking out that particular bit of plant is what makes a good gardener. I'm reasonably good at pruning but, when faced with a plant I'm not familiar with, I always stop and ask myself: "Why am I cutting out this branch? Does it flower on this year's wood or older wood?" It's that thinking and learning process that makes the difference. Yes it seems a natural thing to do, but sadly it often starts with something like "Plants are supposed to be pruned aren't they, it's a nice day today so lets just go and hack about the garden" Our next door neighbour (not a guy who invites advice) 'pruned' his lovely old Casino rose a couple of years ago in full flower -just hacked pieces off - no idea why or what or was it necessary -Hadn't had time to do it before he said. Rod Inexplicable. I'm not even sure I want to understand that sort of mentality. It's vandalism, not gardening. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 2014-03-25 14:48:19 +0000, Spider said:
On 24/03/2014 18:34, Rod wrote: On Saturday, March 22, 2014 10:28:54 PM UTC, Spider wrote: Totally brainless, but utterly believable. No wonder gardening is not a respected profession. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay No it's because gardening is not a respected profession "Anybody can do it" So we'll keep seeing stuff like the heartbreaking example on Bob's site and gardeners will keep being paid peanuts and little respect. Glad I've got that off my chest Rod I think we've just learned that anybody *can't* do it. What anybody *can* do is ignorantly snip off a length of plant with secateurs. Really understanding *why* ones taking out that particular bit of plant is what makes a good gardener. I'm reasonably good at pruning but, when faced with a plant I'm not familiar with, I always stop and ask myself: "Why am I cutting out this branch? Does it flower on this year's wood or older wood?" It's that thinking and learning process that makes the difference. Pay should follow know-how and experience, but it rarely does. For a country apparently so hungry for the next generation of professional gardeners, we seem hopelessly blinkered to the solution. A good scale of pay and some much needed respect would make all the difference, I agree. Alas, when a householder wants a 'gardener', "how much" is invariably asked before "how good". It's not hard to see how respect goes down the drain. I have a good friend who works as a jobbing gardener. She's very keen but far from confident. To resolve this, she is going to apply for an on-line RHS foundation course (or simialr) so that she can learn the job properly and have a piece of paper to show for it. Hopefully, then, she'll be able to earn a decent wage. A few years ago we visited the garden of an old lady I know in Jersey. She pointed to a beautifully healthy rose she had, clambering all over a low granite wall and asked Ray why it just wouldn't flower. It was Rosa Banksia lutea and her gardener had been diligently pruning it back every autumn, not realising that it flowers on old wood! -- Sacha www.hillhousenursery.com South Devon www.helpforheroes.org.uk |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 25/03/2014 17:07, Sacha wrote:
On 2014-03-25 14:48:19 +0000, Spider said: On 24/03/2014 18:34, Rod wrote: On Saturday, March 22, 2014 10:28:54 PM UTC, Spider wrote: Totally brainless, but utterly believable. No wonder gardening is not a respected profession. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay No it's because gardening is not a respected profession "Anybody can do it" So we'll keep seeing stuff like the heartbreaking example on Bob's site and gardeners will keep being paid peanuts and little respect. Glad I've got that off my chest Rod I think we've just learned that anybody *can't* do it. What anybody *can* do is ignorantly snip off a length of plant with secateurs. Really understanding *why* ones taking out that particular bit of plant is what makes a good gardener. I'm reasonably good at pruning but, when faced with a plant I'm not familiar with, I always stop and ask myself: "Why am I cutting out this branch? Does it flower on this year's wood or older wood?" It's that thinking and learning process that makes the difference. Pay should follow know-how and experience, but it rarely does. For a country apparently so hungry for the next generation of professional gardeners, we seem hopelessly blinkered to the solution. A good scale of pay and some much needed respect would make all the difference, I agree. Alas, when a householder wants a 'gardener', "how much" is invariably asked before "how good". It's not hard to see how respect goes down the drain. I have a good friend who works as a jobbing gardener. She's very keen but far from confident. To resolve this, she is going to apply for an on-line RHS foundation course (or simialr) so that she can learn the job properly and have a piece of paper to show for it. Hopefully, then, she'll be able to earn a decent wage. A few years ago we visited the garden of an old lady I know in Jersey. She pointed to a beautifully healthy rose she had, clambering all over a low granite wall and asked Ray why it just wouldn't flower. It was Rosa Banksia lutea and her gardener had been diligently pruning it back every autumn, not realising that it flowers on old wood! Oh, what a shame! That's a lovely rose. Let's hope her gardener learned his lesson (not all roses are the same) and that she now has the pleasure of those late spring blooms. I have seen online a lovely weeping standard version of this rose. I would love to grow it that way but, as we live on the side of a hill, the graft would probably be torn adrift by winter winds. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 2014-03-25 18:10:21 +0000, Spider said:
On 25/03/2014 17:07, Sacha wrote: On 2014-03-25 14:48:19 +0000, Spider said: On 24/03/2014 18:34, Rod wrote: On Saturday, March 22, 2014 10:28:54 PM UTC, Spider wrote: Totally brainless, but utterly believable. No wonder gardening is not a respected profession. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay No it's because gardening is not a respected profession "Anybody can do it" So we'll keep seeing stuff like the heartbreaking example on Bob's site and gardeners will keep being paid peanuts and little respect. Glad I've got that off my chest Rod I think we've just learned that anybody *can't* do it. What anybody *can* do is ignorantly snip off a length of plant with secateurs. Really understanding *why* ones taking out that particular bit of plant is what makes a good gardener. I'm reasonably good at pruning but, when faced with a plant I'm not familiar with, I always stop and ask myself: "Why am I cutting out this branch? Does it flower on this year's wood or older wood?" It's that thinking and learning process that makes the difference. Pay should follow know-how and experience, but it rarely does. For a country apparently so hungry for the next generation of professional gardeners, we seem hopelessly blinkered to the solution. A good scale of pay and some much needed respect would make all the difference, I agree. Alas, when a householder wants a 'gardener', "how much" is invariably asked before "how good". It's not hard to see how respect goes down the drain. I have a good friend who works as a jobbing gardener. She's very keen but far from confident. To resolve this, she is going to apply for an on-line RHS foundation course (or simialr) so that she can learn the job properly and have a piece of paper to show for it. Hopefully, then, she'll be able to earn a decent wage. A few years ago we visited the garden of an old lady I know in Jersey. She pointed to a beautifully healthy rose she had, clambering all over a low granite wall and asked Ray why it just wouldn't flower. It was Rosa Banksia lutea and her gardener had been diligently pruning it back every autumn, not realising that it flowers on old wood! Oh, what a shame! That's a lovely rose. Let's hope her gardener learned his lesson (not all roses are the same) and that she now has the pleasure of those late spring blooms. I have seen online a lovely weeping standard version of this rose. I would love to grow it that way but, as we live on the side of a hill, the graft would probably be torn adrift by winter winds. I hope hers is flourishing but as she's now in her 90s I wonder if she gets out to see her garden much. I'm torn between wanting to know if the plant is doing its best and worrying about agitating her over it. It was that same gardener who, in trying to cut down work (he was also very elderly) had surrounded all her rather wonderful Camellias with bark chippings. The Camellias were looking very yellow and Ray had to explain to her the rotting down process of the bark and its effect upon the soil. And in her large and beautiful greenhouse, the gardener was growing nothing but Pelargoniums which seemed a pity but was understandable from his pov! -- Sacha www.hillhousenursery.com South Devon www.helpforheroes.org.uk |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:33:53 -0000, "Bob Hobden"
wrote: I've seen some horrendous "pruning" on our allotment site this week, you simply would not believe it, so there will be no fruit this year if not longer and it will take years for the plants to get back to the good croppers they were, if they are not butchered again. The plot holders concerned know at least two of us on the site know what we are doing, pruning wise, so why won't people ask beforehand? The next thing is these mature plants be grubbed out because they have stopped fruiting! -- Regards Bob Hobden Posting to this Newsgroup from the W.of London. UK Because they maybe don't know who to ask for advice. Some people just do what they want regardless of good advice. -- http://www.voucherfreebies.co.uk |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
On 29/03/2014 11:16, mogga wrote:
Because they maybe don't know who to ask for advice. Some people just do what they want regardless of good advice. Or bad advice, or conflicting advice. Or try too remember what the book said about cutting back by 2/3rds, or was it to 3 buds? Not forgetting to cut out everything in the middle to let light in and cut out the old and leave in the new, well I'm sure it was for some sort of fruit, and apple and pear are fruit so it should be OK. Oh to hell with them, I'll pull them up and but from Tesco. |
Quote:
I know some people just want to be told "what" but I certainly find it easier to remember if I know why I'm supposed to be doing it. And I'm a lot more likely to obey ;-) |
Why don't people ask beforehand?
"kay" wrote in message ...
David Hill;1000415 Wrote: Or bad advice, or conflicting advice. Or try too remember what the book said about cutting back by 2/3rds, or was it to 3 buds? Not forgetting to cut out everything in the middle to let light in and cut out the old and leave in the new, well I'm sure it was for some sort of fruit, and apple and pear are fruit so it should be OK. Oh to hell with them, I'll pull them up and but from Tesco. Or advice which tells you WHAT to do but not WHY? I know some people just want to be told "what" but I certainly find it easier to remember if I know why I'm supposed to be doing it. And I'm a lot more likely to obey ;-) -- kay ================================================== ==== When I was teaching I used to try to adopt the following old Chinese proverb ""“Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.”" Mike --------------------------------------------------------------- www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:03 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
GardenBanter