Page 9 - Garden News

Dragons on the lowest
tier are hand carved in
wood, those on higher
tiers are moulded
from weatherproof,
synthetic polymer.
The structure will
also be repainted in
its original colours

Picture Credit

Picture Credit

VIP Broad bean Bedside Books

Very Important
Plant ften planted early
in the year, the
O broad bean is
always a rewarding crop, being
adaptable, durable and easy to grow, even in
salty or clay soils, and harsh, cold climates.
Originating from North Africa, it has been
cultivated for more than 8,000 years, a staple
crop of many Mediterranean cultures,
particularly the Romans and ancient Greeks,
and is now grown in countries around the
world, including Europe, the USA, South
America, Asia and parts of Africa and India. The Sweet Pea Man
The beans are predominantly eaten fresh Graham Martin
when immature, usually steamed or boiled, This fascinating biography
but in various parts of the world they’re also charts the life and
dried, often salted or spiced, and used as a achievements of Henry
crunchy snack. The plants themselves are Eckford, a renowned Victorian
stout, leafy annuals, without tendrils, unlike breeder of Grandiflora sweet
many others of their kin. Sown in autumn or peas. This well-produced book
spring, they usually flower and crop from late charts his early and formative
spring or early summer, the white, black- professional life in Scotland
spotted blossoms emitting a sweet scent that through to his early breeding
attracts pollinators. work on dahlias and
Being in the legume family, the roots also pelargoniums in the garden of
contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria and so are the Earl of Radnor to his
often used as a cover crop to prevent erosion lifework creating his sweet pea
and improve soil fertility. They’re susceptible strains at Wem, Shropshire. A
to a rust disease and chocolate spot fungus wonderful testament to a
which can reduce vigour of the plant, but remarkable man.
some modern varieties are more resistant to Scotland Street Press,
attack. Black bean aphids also infest shoot Wikicommons £24.99
tips and bean pods, and need to be controlled.

Subscribe and get 4 issues for just £1! Go to www.greatmagazines.co.uk/gn January 27 2018 /Garden News9