Don’t over-water the petunias

When I originally moved into my home in New Providence there were two huge Casuarina trees at the north side of the property, close by the house. They were in fact nestling against the side of the house, and I reckoned in time would started interfering with its foundations. Out they came, although it is really against my nature to take out trees. Later I came across the same kind of thing happening to my home in Barbados, although it was too late to prevent damage.

Certain trees are like this. In England, as in Guyana, it is unwise to plant any trees against the side of a house or anywhere near it. One tree in particular has caused more trouble throughout the UK than its early proponents ever dreamed of, and it is called Leyland cypress. Its Latin name is Cupressocyparis X leylandii, and it is something called a bigeneric hybrid.

In the middle of a large field, a group of say three or five of them soaring heavenwards for upwards of sixty feet, and the sight will absolutely knock you out. They are a stupendous sight. Its early backers in the 1960s advertised their ‘new’ discovery as the fastest growing conifer, and ideal for hedging. It very quickly fulfilled all the forecasts but unfortunately didn’t stop there. Like Topsy it just grew and grew, blocking out light from nearby houses, and from gardens. There have been court cases by the score, as gardeners failed to control their growth. Friends became enemies, and now Leyland’s cypress is one of the most hated plants in Britain. With the possible exception of the Casuarina I know of no conifers with a behaviour pattern similar to Leyland’s cypress. Nevertheless we do have to be very careful which trees we plant in the garden and how close to the house we plant them.

Since the third week in April we have been glancing at the threatening clouds being encouraged to visit us by the north-east trades. Many are fearful that the ‘normal’ May/June rains will turn out to be like the rains we had few a few years ago one January. My house is surrounded by trenches and these will be kept clear just in case, although my garden was fortunate in never suffering during the heaviest of rains. Some of the nurseries, especially along the West Bank road to Parika, have petunias for sale, and these make great hanging displays in balcony boxes, or protected window boxes, or large pots. However, do not let them be exposed to heavy rain, although they will need to be kept watered. If you let them dry out you may lose them. Conversely if you keep them too wet you are even more likely to lose them.

Whilst shopping at the nurseries for flowering plants keep an eye open for high quality vegetable plants. You may also be lucky to find young fruit trees. High quality means plants that are strong and well grown. It is important to avoid plants that are newly potted as this often hides a multitude of sins. Make sure that they are free of pests and diseases, and do not show markings from pest and disease attacks. Some nurseries are sufficiently well organised to be able to offer a whole range of composts, chemicals, and fertilizer, and more importantly are happy to give sound advice as well.

You must be careful with any new purchases. Make sure that they are watered thoroughly before you plant them, and that the place where they are planted is properly prepared, well drained and not exposed to the sun, and may your God go with you wherever you live in this beautiful land of ours.