Gardener Badge

This is another one that I have been working towards for several years as I took on my garden when it was an overgrown patch of brambles and sedges and have cultivated it to a nice garden. It is not neat and tidy as I abhor that in a garden, but has plenty of variety and wildlife is actively encouraged. (Clause 1)

The garden is tended regularly throughout the year, with considerably more attention spent on it when plants are actively growing. The lawn is usually mown a couple of times a month as I like dandelion flowers and daisies, the borders are weeded when needed (often) and every time I see a bit of bindweed (also often!). Pruning and dead-heading is done as required and potted plants get fed occasionally. Border plants are mulched when I have some! (Clause 2)

Annual plants are tricky as the slugs are fond of them, but I have so far germinated sunflowers, sweet peas and nasturtiums. I rarely bother with bedding plants as I consider them a waste of money. Slugs are also very partial to any vegetable plants that I attempt to grow so I am growing fruit bushes instead and have thornless blackberry, Japanese wineberry, rhubarb and lots and lots of herbs. (Clause 3)

I will attempt to grow anything from seed! I have sown the annuals in Clause 3 and last year germinated a lot of vegetable seedlings, but they didn't last. Bulbs in the garden include snowdrops, narcissus, alliums, nectoscordum, bluebells, cyclamen, and gladiolus. (Clause 4)

Equipment for my garden includes border spade, border fork, shovel, trowel, hand fork, secateurs, edging shears, edging iron, rake, dibber, lawnmower and hedgetrimmer. Equipment is stored indoors and cleaned before it is put away. (Clause 5)

The soil is silty loam, which retains water without becoming waterlogged most of the time. It is also extremely fertile. I can think of no disadvantages to it unless I wanted to grow plants that prefer very dry conditions. Silty loam can be improved by regular addition of well rotted compost or manure as this improves the soil structure for plants and animals. (Clause 6)

I have done plenty of research into bees, and follow the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. My garden contains many flowering plants and I regularly see a wide variety of bee species feeding on them. Plants include dandelions, lungwort, geraniums, rosemary, thyme, blackberry, hawthorn, scabious, bugle, self-heal, buttercups and daisies. (Clause 7)

I have great experience at first aid for most minor gardening injuries, and have taken first aid courses which cover more serious accidents. (Clause 8)