Confessions of a ‘wannabe’ gardener

I dare not even think of referring to myself as a gardener for the area of land that I have tried to beautify at my home has not yet earned the respectable status of a veritable garden.

Though I have at times made valiant efforts to produce a pretty flower garden, I must confess that I have fallen drastically short. I have had small successes but they have always been short-lived. I accept the fact that all blame is mine – “mea culpa”. My thumb is anything but green.

So how and where do I start to resolve this problem? I realise that I can gain a wealth of information from garden experts through plant and garden exhibitions, seminars, magazines and the like. Even with all the information gathered, however, I cannot move ahead unless I accept that commitment and dedication to purpose, along with proper planning, are the main keys to the success that I crave.

I confess that I have not paid sufficient heed to the aforementioned factors nor to other prerequisites for producing plants with a promise of sustained healthy growth. Success, I know, depends in large measure on the commitment of the gardener.

Some of the prerequisites are: - Identification of plants. The aspiring gardener needs to know the local and other names of plants so that correct information may be obtained from various sources.

For example, the Portulacca flower has the colourful local name of “jump-up-and-kiss-me” locally.

Similarly, the locally known “bridal bouquet” is more widely known as Hydrangea. In both these cases the genus name is used as the common name.

- Soil. The type of soil required varies for different plants so it is important to know what each plant needs. Also relevant here are the questions of i. whether the soil needs to be enhanced, and if so how this is to be accomplished.

ii. what fertiliser produces the best results and when it should be applied.

iii. what form of pest control should be used.

- Sunlight vs. Shade. One needs to consider the amount of sunlight and/or shade required by different plants.

- Space. Some plants grow straight up, some are running vines yet others are full-bodied.

Therefore the quantum of space to be allotted for planting must be given serious consideration. Also plants sharing the same space should have similar requirements for healthy growth.

- Water. The importance of giving plants the amount of water they need and the regularity of watering cannot be overstated.

Consideration must also be given to proper drainage.

- Appeal. In the planning process, in order to introduce appeal to the senses – sight, smell and even touch – one should take into account the location in the garden where the plants will be best displayed.

So where does this ‘wannabe’ gardener go from here? I have already benefited to some degree from the knowledge of my fellow members of the Eastern Horticultural Club and for this I am deeply grateful. Now, with firm resolve and tools in hand, I shall go forward, bravely and steadfastly, in an effort to accomplish my goal. It is hoped that, sooner rather than later, butterflies and birds will be frequent visitors to my wonderful garden. My dream would have come true.

For further information contact the Eastern Horticultural Club at 357-5033 or 720-2698 or easternhorticultural@ hotmail.com The Club meets on the first Saturday of every month (except public holidays) at 3pm at Moreton Hall, Aramalya Presbyterian Church, Cochrane St, Tunapuna. All are welcome.