There be pirates at Harlow Carr!
A Jolly Roger flag flies high from a sturdy mast on a willow weave galleon. A galleon floating in a sea of annual wild flowers, willow weave mermaid and whales capture our visitor's imaginations.
Not a vision you would normally associate with a garden, but annual wild flower meadows are displays we have pioneered here at Harlow Carr with great affect over recent years.
The idea of the display came about a few years ago when I had spent a lazy winter's afternoon watching a programme about whales swimming through the world's oceans. This lead to the idea of whales swimming through an ocean of wildflowers, which when I think back was a bit of a leap of faith which if I remember rightly was aided by a glass or two of wine!
Without further ado I got in contact with a gentlemen called Phil Bradley, a willow weave expert who carries out willow weaving courses here Harlow Carr. I asked him the question can you build a couple of willow whales for a garden display. A big smile spread across his face, and thankfully he said yes! It was mid winter at the time of the request, so work to construct the whales was postponed till March/April, this is Phil's ideal time to 'work' willow weave.
The garden team set too preparing the soil ready for the new display, this involved removing an old heather bed and surrounding lawn and the usual pernicious weeds.
After research we discovered a company called Pictorial Meadows, they supply a range of exciting annual and perennial mixes for garden use. Contrary to traditional belief they recommend that their annual meadow seed thrive in organically enriched soils. So with this in mind we added a layer of well rotted compost to the soil and cultivated it in.
By April Phil was on site, he is an exceptionately gifted individual when it comes to his craft, he grows all his own materials using traditional sustainable techniques and has a real eye for detail. By mid April we had two large 5 metre long whales and a 3 D whale tail. I added deep blue mosaic eyes to the whales as a finishing touch.
The next job was to fine prep the soil ready for sowing, this involved raking and treading the soil to create an even, relatively fine tilth to a depth of 10 - 20cm
The seed mix we had chosen included seeds of ~ Field Poppy, Cornflower, Corncockle, Corn Marigold and Californian Poppy. This was mixed in its delivery bag prior to sowing to gain an even seed distribution mix, this helps to avoid the smallest seeds from settling out in the bottom of the bag, which may create uneven sowing.
The recommended ratio for sowing is between 2 - 3 g per square metre, the seed was weighed initially to gain an ideal of amounts. However once we got our eye in we were able to broadcast the seed by flicking it off the blade of a shovel by using a cane. The whole area was given a final rake to guarantee an even cultivation.
Within 12 weeks we had our first flush of annual wild flowers, the display remained in full flower up until mid October. No watering, fertilizer application or extensive weed control was carried out. This made the whole project extremely sustainable and was remarkably beautiful.
After the display had finished we left it in situe over the early winter months and then we cut it back to ground level using a reciprocating scythe. By adopting this method you can help to promote some seed distribution from the old plants for the following year. To assure a successful display though we have found it is best to re-sow with fresh annual seed in spring.
The display proved to be extremely popular with visitors both young and old. With this in mind we reinvented the display in 2007 by adding a pirate galleon and a mermaid, from which we held our first ever Pirate Day. Visitors were encouraged to come along dressed up as pirates, and enjoy a series of pirate themed activities.
Some of the staff dressed up too and it proved to be a fabulous day providing lots of fun for all, Personally it was lovely to see the garden being enjoyed in such a relaxed unasumming way.
This year we have a new addition to our pirate border a 3 D living willow whale this is being used as a den by children and the odd reluctant grandparent.
We are holding a Pirate Day again this year so come along and enjoy the fun on Sunday 24th August. The event includes ~ Pirate Crafts, Treasure Hunt, Face Painting, Story Telling and Pirates with Parrots.
Further information can be found on our we site ~ www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr
Look out for a chap in a turquoise pirate outfit, wearing a menacing grin, Ahoy Ship Mates!
Happy Gardening ~ Dean