THE April meeting saw a large attendance for a talk on Fruit and Veg in Containers, Pots and tiny Plots given by Wade Muggleton. The speaker is a countryside officer for Worcester County Council and an acknowledged expert on permaculture. Permaculture is the practical method of developing ecologically harmonious, efficient and productive systems that can be used by anyone, anywhere and works towards a sustainable way of living according to the permaculture association. Wade explained that the way he gardens can also be described as organic as he uses few chemical aids.

Wade gardens on a small plot behind his former council house in a small village not far from Bewdley. His garden is 600 feet above sea level and faces north-west, so, most gardeners would consider these to be far from ideal conditions. The range of produce and intensive use of every possible space had to be seen to be believed; when not at work he spent all his time in the garden, it seemed. Although most of Wade’s garden was given over to fruit and vegetables he had been convinced to take part in the village’s open garden days for the National Garden’s Scheme (yellow book) and regularly had 300 to 400 people visit over the open weekend. Some people came from considerable distances to see his inventive and imaginative ways with fruit and vegetables reflecting the increasing interest in this aspect of gardening. His efforts have been recently rewarded with recognition as the small permaculture garden of the year.

Most of the produce was grown in raised beds which had been formed from 8” by 2” planks made into rectangular frames 8 feet long by 3 feet wide and laid on the existing lawn. Cardboard was placed on the grass to exclude light and kill any grass and lawn weeds. Soil and compost was then used to backfill the beds: and over time the cardboard rotted and the worms and soil organisms mixed the raised bed with the soil below. The raised beds provided the advantages of improved drainage on what was heavy clay soil, which consequently warmed up more quickly in spring. The beds never needed digging being top dressed with fresh compost in the spring which was soon incorporated by the worms. The 3 foot width of the beds meant that they could be tended from each side without the need to stand on them, which consequently avoiding compacting the soil. The short rows were enough as Wade planted many crops at fortnightly intervals to provide a succession.

Wade now has an allotment where he grows most of his potatoes and other crops that require plenty of room. His home garden is kept for crops either best picked minutes before they are eaten or to be cooked, or cost a premium if bought from the supermarket or greengrocers. He also grows many plants in containers and some such as strawberries benefit from this treatment as their fruits can be kept off the soil and away from slugs. Also, Wade recommended blueberries which have a long season, and as they benefit from free draining acid soils are best grown in a container where their specific requirements can be met.

At the end of the talk Wade had to answer many questions from an enthusiastic audience who had been thoroughly informed and entertained by his talk which was delivered with passion and humour. It seems, that many will be skip surfing in future on the lookout for items from which to make raised beds, cold frames, and cloches.

The next meeting is on Bringing a garden to Life and will be given by Richard Fishbourne the wildlife gardener and naturalist who is director of Wiggly Wigglers. This meeting will as usual be held at the village hall from 7.30pm on Monday, May 2, with tea, coffee and biscuits available from 7pm. The annual plant sale will also be held before the meeting. Visitors (£3.50) are always welcome.

DAVE TAFT.