SEED IT ‘N REAP

People, The; London (UK), Aug 1, 2010 | by Steve Riches

 
I’M not convinced money grows on trees, but it certainly grows on your plants.
Have a look round the garden right now and you’ll see pounds’ worth of seeds just hanging around waiting to be picked and packaged.
Propagation is simple enough, but seed collecting makes it seem an awesome task by comparison.
The wonderful link, though, is that in each case you’re getting something for nothing.
Years ago, every gardener was a seed collector.
Whether that stopped because we all got richer, I’ve no idea. But it’s certainly time for a revival.
Ferret around in the foliage and you’ll see that seeds aren’t yet fully ripe – but that means they are at their best and it’s the ideal time to harvest them.
What you harvest doesn’t matter much, but I head for the sunflowers first and I’ve always had great success with them the following year.
Foxgloves are another sound bet, along with those old favorites, poppies, cornflowers and marigolds. Don’t forget the under-rated alliums, either. I’m getting more fond of them every day.
As you pick them, pop them into labeled envelopes and leave them somewhere cool and dark until next spring. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
While you’re out there, take advantage of the tremendous growth at this time of year by saving yourself a few more bob on dried flower displays. They cost silly money at a florists, but they’re also out there for free, letting you bring a taste of the outside inside.
Sunflowers are again the best of the bunch, along with the florists’ favorites, gypsophila, lilies, nigella, lavender, larkspur and roses.
You can add thistles and strawflowers as a backdrop in the vase, and don’t forget ornamental grasses.
What you must remember, though, is that flowers need to be at their best, not going over, and that the brightest colors – especially red and white – are most apt to fade.
As a general rule, it’s best to stick to blue, yellow, orange and pink.
Always cut flowers when they’re completely dry and make sure to leave long stems.
Then you can tie them loosely with some of that string left over from last week’s herb drying.
Hang them upside down in a dark cupboard for a week and it’s job done.

Copyright 2010 MGN LTD
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