Gardener’s Cuttings


Devon beekeepers share concern about future of bees


Membership at the Devon Beekeepers’ Association has been soaring – and it’s partly because of the concern about the decline of bees in Britain.


Chairman Paul Neilson says: “Bees are hugely important to agriculture, our gardens, our environment, other animals and of course our diets. It has taken me a couple of years to recognise that the bee population is stressed. There are diseases and viruses threatening them all the time. Beekeepers are alert to these and work together and with the bee inspectors to mitigate their impact.


“We have now had three poor summers, resulting in poorly-mated queen bees and weakened colonies. If the bee stock in the colony is weak, then it is susceptible to disease and ultimately failure.


“What we really need is a good summer and, from healthy stocks, good-quality and well-mated queen bees and their supporting colonies to be bred. Gardeners should let the grass grow a little and allow the clover and the odd dandelion to poke through — even if you let the edges go a little rough. Plant flowering plants, bushes and trees.


“Our facility at Lympstone is strained and we are urgently looking for a new apiary in or around Exeter to keep about eight to 10 hives on with somewhere to store kit in. The plot should be in a quiet spot, about the size of a tennis court or bigger, with parking nearby. We normally only need access on Saturdays, so it could easily be a company that is closed at the weekend and we park in the car park. If you can help, please call Paul on 07970 455343 or email Chairman@exeterbees.org www. devonbeekeepers.org.uk


The most damaging plant on the rampage in Britain is Japanese knotweed


National Trust declares war on ‘alien species’


Japanese knotweed, rhododendrons and hottentot figs were imported in the days of the British Empire as exotic plants for aristocrat’s gardens. But the plants are now out of control choking ponds, ripping up walls, threatening the health of visitors and could take over some of Britain’s best-loved landscapes.


The National Trust is so concerned about the problem it has launched a campaign to stamp out the alien species over the next ten years.


As one of the UK’s largest landowners, the National Trust is also hoping to set an example to ordinary gardeners and homeowners about how to deal with the growing problem of invasive species.


The most damaging plant on the rampage in Britain is Japanese knotweed. With its pretty white flowers, it was brought into the country in the 1840s from Asia as an ornamental plant, but soon took over parks and gardens. The plant can grow up to nine feet tall and rips up concrete or tarmac.


The plant has to be injected with herbicide before being ripped up and it would cost in excess of £1.5bn to eradicate Japanese knotweed from the UK completely. But thanks to volunteers the National Trust is managing to clear land like the Kenidjack Valley in Cornwall so the native bluebells can return.


Hottentot figs also look beautiful in bloom but the trees are now threatening wildflowers on the Lizard Peninsula, the most southerly point in England where the rare chough nests. National Trust tree surgeons may have to abseil down cliffs to cull the alien species.


Giant hogweed is one of the worst problems for the National Trust, as the huge plant has caustic sap that can bring people out in blisters. Along the River Tamar in Devon and Cornwall it has stopped walkers and fishermen from being able to enjoy the riverbank.


Devon Orchid Society sets out autumn meetings


Devon Orchid Society has announced its autumn programme of events. Meetings are held at Burnham Nurseries, Forches Cross, Newton Abbot TQ12 6PZ (just off A38 between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey) starting at 2pm. Non-members welcome free to their first meeting. The four autumn meetings are:


16th August


19th September 17th October 21st November


Membership at the Devon Beekeepers’ Association has been soaring – and it’s partly because of the concern about the decline of bees in Britain


Michael Penney – Plants and Views of Thailand Ray Creek – Why Chipped Coconut Husk? Sara Ritterhausen – Members’ Chosen Subjects Members’ Forum and Plant Auction


For more information, contact Nicola Wakley on 01404 850354. Country Gardener 5


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