Week 23
I am feeling so patriotic, and quite unexpectedly, but all thanks to my land. On one part of my patch the flowers have gone crazy. At one end there are more white oxeye daisies[i] than I can count, swaying in the wind. At the other there are red field poppies[ii] by the dozen, while in the middle is pale blue heath speedwell[iii]. Red, white and blue, the colours of the Union Jack.
As I looked at the floral display, I was transfixed, humming the national anthem, while thanking Heaven there was no one nearby to hear. Meanwhile the insects were on the case, and I could see plenty bouncing from flower to flower. If there was a definition of classic renaturing, I sensed this was it. The speedwell was especially fascinating as in the past it was eaten during times of famine, its younger leaves and shoots being edible. Speedwell are rich in vitamins and minerals and can be added to salads and smoothies. Rabbie Burns’ favourite tea contained speedwell and the plant was widely used in Scottish medicine in the 17th Century to assist with wound healing, and even to cure measles and smallpox[iv].
Unexpectedly a passer-by stopped, dragging me from my patriotic trance, and commented, “I love what you are doing.”
I nodded appreciatively and thanked her, not daring to admit that my thoughts were miles away. Anyway, I was also struggling to find a yellow rattle[v] that I had seen earlier. I have no clue how it had featured, but it had. It was nothing to do with me. I had gone back indoors to prepare a sign so that others could identify the plant as they passed. Yet when I returned, I could not find the yellow rattle, as it was expertly disguised by the many hundreds of bright yellow meadow buttercups around it. This may reflect a real advantage of yellow rattle over many other flowers, and why it is such a favoured plant. It is a master of disguise, which helps it avoid harm.
The trees are also in overdrive, with seedlings and saplings around many corners. There are several willows[vi], plenty of oaks[vii],[viii], a handful of mountain ash[ix], holly[x], yew[xi], and beech[xii],[xiii]. There is a most impressive sycamore[xiv] that is growing faster than any of the other trees, a Norway maple[xv],[xvi], several ashes[xvii],[xviii], a larch[xix],[xx], and a plethora of horse chestnuts[xxi],[xxii]. My land was once ancient woodland and is trying to return itself to what it once was. As the year progresses, I must decide what to do with the many trees that have decided to make my land their home. I can leave them where they are or shift them somewhere different. I am certainly not going to destroy them.
Climate change is more than evident at the moment as temperatures steadily climb. The government is clearly worried as only this month guidelines were published about what to do in hot weather[xxiii]. Temperature is clearly a problem, with a recent technical report[xxiv] claiming that by 2050 there could be 7040 heat-related deaths in the United Kingdom every year. The World Health Organization established that globally, 166,000 people died from heatwaves between 1998 and 2017[xxv]. This included the 70,000 who perished during the 2003 European heatwave. If heat and cold are taken together - more presently die from cold than heat, although the balance is changing - 9.4% of global deaths annually are attributable to heat or cold exposure[xxvi]. That is too many.
This does mean I must be careful where I place my trees and there is a strong case for being sure I have as many trees as possible between me and the sun. It is now well known that trees and vegetation can lower surface and air temperatures both by providing shade and through evapotranspiration. Shaded surfaces, for example, may be 11-25° Celsius (20-45° Fahrenheit) cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded materials[xxvii]. Consequently, my plans to use the transplanted trees to screen me from those around may have to change. Sun protection may, certainly in future, be of greater priority.
The bad news is El Niño[xxviii] (“the boy” in Spanish), which is said to be returning imminently. La Niña (“the girl” in Spanish), which intensified droughts and floods globally, appears to be settling while El Niño is flexing its muscles and preparing to create mayhem. Some have said that this year may be the hottest on record[xxix]. As a reminder, El Niño means things become hotter, La Niña means wetter and colder. The Spanish language is used because El Niño was first named by South American fishermen in the 1600s. It was then called El Niño de Navidad when the fishermen noticed the temperature of the Pacific Ocean rose from time to time, and mainly around Christmas. La Niña is the exact opposite. El Niño is where we are presently, and I am not about to enter a gender discussion as to why hot weather is a male and cold weather is female. I would be bound to lose.
There are already wildfires in the UK, as well as some fatalities, so the year ahead looks to be a challenge and the public is being asked to prepare for dramas[xxx]. I have made a mental note to not have any bonfires of dead vegetation, at least until the rain returns. The Meteorological Office’s Fire Severity Index (FSI)[xxxi] for my land is presently High, while 15 minutes’ drive to my east, the FSI is Very High. I need to watch out.
The daytime temperature currently feels unusually hot for Lakeland and the rain seems to be everywhere else but here. That is despite the lengthy downpours that took place about a month ago. The next rainstorm here is forecast for at least ten days’ time, which means the weatherman has little clue. For a brief second today I became excited, as I saw steam vapour coming from my cooker vent. When I can see the steam, it means air humidity is rising, so rain could be on the way. But no sooner had I seen the steam, than it had disappeared. There is no sign of rain, although there is still morning dew, but I wager that will soon be disappearing.
My land is a busy place, with plenty of green things growing and more flowers than I can count. Busy places need watering, which is sometimes difficult with climate change about. The global water situation is not a happy one. Only 3% of the world's water is fresh water, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for human use. As a result, some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year[xxxii]. Meanwhile I live near the wettest part of my country, while experiencing a heatwave. None of this, to me, makes sense. I do know I must be careful with water. My land needs it, but I must ration what I use. Not only is it expensive to use too much water, but it is also unfair on those who are struggling more than me.
Watering is key to growing plants well. Plants transpire when exposed to sunlight and then start drawing water from the soil, so watering in the mornings is best[xxxiii]. Evening watering is also acceptable, as the cooler temperatures mean that less water is lost to evaporation. The larger a plant is, the more water it is likely to need, especially if it has plenty of leaves. Clay soils can hold more water than sandy soils, but plants can extract more water from sand than clay. Potted plants need more water than those grown naturally, and some potted plants need watering every day. I have a potted fig[xxxiv] tree that seems forever parched and has been on the verge of receiving the last rites for the past year.
Water deficiency is not always easy to spot and can sometimes even look like overwatering. When water deficient, however, foliage and fruits are not so prolific, leaves look dull and are dry to the touch. They can wilt or curl and start to angle downwards. Overwatering, which is easily done, can also make leaves wilt. I used to use a sprinkler, until I learned how much water they use, and that plenty of the water is lost to evaporation. A sprinkler can use up to 1000 litres/hour, which is the same as taking 12 baths[xxxv].
These days I use a so-called leaky pipe[xxxvi], which I have buried underground. Some call this a porous soaker hose, and it can deliver roughly 5 litres of water/hour[xxxvii]. The hose looks to be a standard hose, but its far end is blocked and drops of water appear throughout its length. It is a wonderful piece of technology. My land is too big for a watering can and a garden hose can take forever. Leaky pipe on an automated timer is what I now do, and it is perfect.
There is a rule of thumb used by gardeners the world over when calculating how much water a garden may need. The rule’s wording, however, confuses me as it declares that a garden will require one inch of water each week[xxxviii]. How much is an inch and how is it measured? The answer is one inch of water per square foot - 12 inches by 12 inches. That is 0.6 gallons of water per square foot of garden each week. For my land that is simply too much, I would be watering all and every day, so my vegetation must take its chances, as does so much else.
Bright yellow flag iris has begun to appear, so perhaps I should not worry too much about lack of water as to see the flag iris normally means there is damp about. It is a favourite of bogs and half-filled ponds. This iris, which I see as beautiful, is native to the wetlands and marshes of UK[xxxix]. It spreads both by pollination and underground rhizomes, and in the right conditions grows frantically. Some even class it as invasive. There are other colours of iris, too[xl]. Irises are especially good medicinally. Blue is a good immune enhancer[xli] and yellow is effective at checking diarrhoea and controlling dysmenorrhoea[xlii]. Irises are sold globally for their medicinal benefits[xliii] but it is important to be careful about the species. Some should not be eaten as all parts can be poisonous[xliv], especially the roots.
Marsh thistle[xlv] has also emerged, with its purple flower, but it looks somewhat lonely. This thistle loves soggy habitats, which once again is puzzling during a water shortage, so it is anyone’s guess whether mine can survive the current hot weather. I can only hope that it does, as the marsh thistle is excellent for pollinators[xlvi]. It can be eaten, too. The leaves and young shoots can be munched either raw or cooked, as can the stems, while the seed fluff makes a brilliant tinder for those building fires outdoors[xlvii]. Meanwhile the midribs of its leaves are a good source of clean water and medicinally the plant can be used to treat the swelling of joints and tendons, although a better anti-inflammatory may be wild lettuce[xlviii], if you can find it in UK, with the best bet being southern England[xlix].
Right now, I am spending plenty of time looking at the sky and praying for a rain cloud. So far, I have failed.
***
Acknowledgement
Take it from me - none of this would be possible without the help of RSG Horticulture. Rufus, who runs it, has far more energy than me and is full of ideas and skills.
References [i] See entry of week 22.
[ii] Papaver rhoeas. Also known as common poppy, corn poopy, Flanders poppy, and red poppy. Regarded as an agricultural weed. Associated for many centuries with agricultural fertility. Tops the UK list for the production of meadow pollen. Black seeds are edible and oil from the seed is highly regarded in France. Used medicinally for gout, aches and pains. The petals can be used to make a syrup that can help children sleep. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papaver_rhoeas. Accessed 4 June 2023. [iii] Veronica officinalis. Also known as common gypsyweed, common speedwell, or Paul’s betony. Grows in open areas such as fields and meadows. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veronica_officinalis. Accessed 4 June 2023. [iv] See https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/speedwell-a-botanical-to-speed-you-well-227718/#:~:text=That%20is%20why%20in%20the,fresh%20to%20salads%20or%20smoothies. [v] See entry of week 22. [vi] A large genus, Salix, with approximately 350 species. Also called sallows or osiers. All have abundant, watery bark sap, laden with salicylic acid (aspirin). Tolerant of shade but a short-lived tree. Medicinal properties written about by Hippocrates in Ancient Greece. Willow bark is an effective painkiller and the powdered root of the white willow (Salix alba) is the origin of aspirin. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willow. Accessed 4 June 2023. [vii] Genus is Quercus and a member of the beech family. Approximately 500 different species of oak exist. Leaves and acorns are poisonous to cattle, horses, sheep and goats when eaten in large quantities. Humans can eat acorns once the tannin has been leached out. A study has found that 41% of oak species are of conservation concern. The oak is a symbol of strength and endurance. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oak . Accessed 4 June 2023. [viii] Oak bark has been used extensively in medicine as an antiseptic and haemostatic, used to cure toothache and gastropathies, to reduce inflammation, and as healing a agent in burns. See Taib M, Rezzak Y, Bouyazza L, Lyoussi B. Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Quercus Species. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020 Jul 31;2020:1920683. doi: 10.1155/2020/1920683. [ix] See entry of week 2. [x] See entry of week 3. [xi] See entry of week 2. [xii] Fagus sylvatica. Approximately 13 different species. Tree is monoecious, with male and female flowers on the same tree. Widely used for furniture framing and makes excellent firewood. Numerous species have been named from the fossil record. Widely planted for hedging and arrived in Great Britain after the last glaciation. Beech nuts are edible, and the leaves can be made into a liqueur, or a coffee substitute. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beech. Accessed 4 June 2023. [xiii] Beech has a wide medicinal use, including soothing the nerves and stomach, and to help improive diabetic conditions. See http://libraryexhibits.uvm.edu/omeka/exhibits/show/uvmtrees/american-beech-introduction/american-beech-native-american#:~:text=Beech%20bark%20and%20leaves%20contain,system%20and%20stimulates%20the%20appetite. Accessed 4 June 2023. [xiv] See entry of week 6. [xv] Acer platanoides. Can live for up to 250 years but often shorter. Roots shallow and can easily outcompete nearby plants for nutrients. Thought to be an invasive species in North America. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_platanoides. Accessed 4 June 2023. [xvi] Highly effective in the treatment of rheumatism, bruises, hepatic disorders, eye disease, pain, and detoxification. See Bi W, Gao Y, Shen J, He C, Liu H, Peng Y, Zhang C, Xiao P. Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the genus Acer (maple): A review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Aug 2;189:31-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.04.021. [xvii] Fraxinus spp. Up to 65 species and an important food source for insects. Victim of ash dieback, sadly, a disease that has infected about 90% of Denmark’s ash trees. There is danger of extinction in Europe. Hardwood that is good for bows although woodworkers regard it as the poor cousin of oak. In Italian folklore, and ash stake can kill a vampire. [xviii] Medicinal uses include fever, arthritis, gout, constipation, fluid retention, and bladder problems. It is also used as a tonic. See https://www.rxlist.com/ash/supplements.htm. Accessed 4 June 2023. [xix] Larix decidua. Named after the ancient settlement of Larignum in The Alps. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larch. Accessed 4 June 2023. [xx] Larix arabinogalactan has been used for the common cold, flu (influenza), ear infection (otitis media), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use. See https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-974/larch-arabinogalactan#:~:text=Larch%20arabinogalactan%20is%20sometimes%20used,stabilizer%2C%20binder%2C%20and%20sweetener.. Accessed 4 June 2023. [xxi] Aesculus indica. Native to the UK and harmful if eaten. See https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/586/aesculus-indica/details. Accessed 4 June 2023. [xxii] Historically, horse chestnut seed extract was used for joint pain, bladder and gastrointestinal problems, fever, leg cramps, and other conditions. See https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/horse-chestnut#:~:text=Horse%20chestnut%20is%20a%20tree,leg%20cramps%2C%20and%20other%20conditions. Ccessed 4 June 2023. [xxiii] Hot weather and health: guidance and advice. See https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hot-weather-and-health-guidance-and-advice. Accessed 2 June 2023. [xxiv] Kovats S, Brisley R. (2021) Health, communities and the built environment. In: The Third UK Climate Change Risk Assessment Technical Report [Betts, R.A., Haward, A.B., Pearson, K.V. (eds.)]. Prepared for the Climate Change Committee, London. See https://www.ukclimaterisk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CCRA3-Chapter-5-FINAL.pdf. Accessed 2 June 2023. [xxv] Heatwaves. See https://www.who.int/health-topics/heatwaves#tab=tab_1. Accessed 2 June 2023. [xxvi] Lu D, Cox L. Extreme temperatures kill 5 million people a year with heat-related deaths rising, study finds. See https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/08/extreme-temperatures-kill-5-million-people-a-year-with-heat-related-deaths-rising-study-finds. Accessed 2 June 2023. [xxvii] Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands. https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands#:~:text=Trees%20and%20vegetation%20lower%20surface,peak%20temperatures%20of%20unshaded%20materials. Accessed 2 June 2023. [xxviii] El Niño. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Niño. Accessed 2 June 2023. [xxix] Woznica G. Imminent return of El Niño: what will the consequences be for the UK? See https://www.yourweather.co.uk/news/trending/imminent-return-of-el-nino-consequences-for-uk-weather-climate-meteorology.html. Accessed 2 June 2023. [xxx] UK Wildfires: Preparing for grass and wildfires. See https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/heatwaves-uk/wildfires. Accessed 3 June 2023. [xxxi] England and Wales Fire Severity Index. See https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/fire-severity-index/#?tab=map&zoom=8&lon=-2.91&lat=54.39. Accessed 3 June 2023. [xxxii] Overview. See https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity#:~:text=Only%203%25%20of%20the%20world%27s,one%20month%20of%20the%20year. Accessed 3 June 2023. [xxxiii] Watering. See https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-jobs/watering. Accessed 1 June 2023. [xxxiv] Ficus carica. Has a great need for water. Its milky sap has been used to soften calluses, remove warts and deter parasites. Adam and Eve were clad with fig leaves. The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was fond of fig leaves. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fig. Accessed 4 June 2023. [xxxv] Willis A. How Much Water Does a Garden Sprinkler Use Per Hour? And How to Save Money. See https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/how-much-water-does-a-garden-sprinkler-use-per-hour#. Accessed 1 June 2023. [xxxvi] See https://www.leakypipe.co.uk. Accessed 1 June 2023. [xxxvii] How does a soaker hose work? See https://www.waterirrigation.co.uk/how-to-use-soaker-hose#:~:text=Probore%20soaker%20hose%20has%20a,litres%20of%20water%20per%20hour.. Accessed 1 June 2023. [xxxviii] MIgardener. How Much Is 1 Inch of Water When Watering The Gardening. See https://youtu.be/Kib_FquGP7s. Accessed 3 June 2023 [xxxix] Iris pseudacorus. See https://www.conservationhandbooks.com/wildflowers/yellow-flag/#:~:text=Yellow%20Flag%2C%20also%20known%20as,Mediterranean%20region%20and%20North%20Africa. Accessed 1 June 2023. [xl] Larger and blue makes it Iris versicolor, slender and blue is Iris prismatica. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_iris. Accessed 1 June 2023. [xli] Gallagher C. Blue flag: a very versatile herbal medicine. See https://hriherbalmedicine.co.uk/blue-flag-multipurpose-herbal-medicine/. Accessed 1 June 2023. [xlii] Isris Pseudacorus. See https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/i/iripse09.html#:~:text=An%20infusion%20of%20it%20has,value%20in%20dysmenorrhoea%20and%20leucorrhoea. Accessed 1 June 2023. [xliii] Amin HIM, Hussain FHS, Najmaldin SK, Thu ZM, Ibrahim MF, Gilardoni G, Vidari G. Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Iris Species Growing in Iraqi Kurdistan and Phenolic Constituents of the Traditional Plant Iris postii. Molecules. 2021 Jan 7;26(2):264. doi: 10.3390/molecules26020264. [xliv] Iris tectorum. See https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/poisonous-plant-iris-tectorum/#:~:text=Symptoms%3A%20All%20parts%20of%20the,or%20roots%20may%20cause%20dermatitis. Accessed 1 June 2023. [xlv] Cirsium palustre. See https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/marsh-thistle. Accessed 2 June 2023. [xlvi] Cirsium palustre. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirsium_palustre. Accessed 2 June 2023. [xlvii] Marsh thistle. See http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/c/cirsium-palustre=marsh-thistle.php#:~:text=Edible%20parts%20of%20Marsh%20Thistle,and%20eaten%20raw%20or%20cooked. Accessed 2 June 2023. [xlviii] Adamant A. Foraging thistle for food and medicine. See https://practicalselfreliance.com/edible-thistle/#:~:text=Beyond%20its%20use%20as%20a,rheumatoid%20arthritis%2C%20especially%20in%20children. Accessed 2 June 2023. [xlix] Wild lettuce benefits. See https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/wild-lettuce#:~:text=A%20tall%20leafy%20plant%20with,Southern%20England%20and%20North%20America. Accessed 2 June 2023.
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