Gardeners learn about ‘mystical meaning’ by the light of the moon

TWO mystical related talks have entertained the members and guests of the Frome Selwood Horticultural Society (FSHS) during the longest days of winter.

Val Norval stood in at last minute when the booked speaker fell under a spell of illness. Val spoke of her many years at Lesleys’ Florist in Cork Street, creating displays and wreaths and entwining stories of festive meaning into her magnificent creations. Seeing much change over the years both as a country girl and skilled florist, she was not perturbed by the grass snakes, slow worms, ants and ladybirds that would nestle in her hessian bags of moss.

The theme of mystical meaning was visited again when regular speaker Mike Burks, of Sherborne Garden Centre spoke on garden folklore. Having heard many sayings over his time as plantsman he set out to challenge folklore over science, and very enlightening it was too!

So why should we plant potatoes on Good Friday? It is a variable date, but one when the devil is not working, or more practically, when the farmers would have a day off. And why prune roses on St Mark’s Day otherwise called Rose Bud Day, 25th April?

And why should you never buy parsley but wait for it to be given or even steal it, and then plant in three seeds into a trough drenched with boiling water? And best of all, “The time to plant seeds is when you can sit on the ground with your trousers down.” None of it makes sense… or does it? Of course! It is the cycle of the moon that holds the answers. Moon planting is underpinned by the science of water rising and falling, and thus temperature and light levels.

Good Friday falls on the first full moon after the spring equinox; the science is to plant crops that grow above the ground when the moon is rising, and plant crops that grow below the ground when it is waning. St Mark’s Day is usually after the last frost; boiling water is to stratify (or break down) the seed capsule, and parsley is very soil fussy and obviously if you could not stand the temperature with your trousers down nor would the plants!

Churned up soil from war has brought forth poppies, but also figs in London when the heat from bombing has germinated seeds possibly from Roman time. So how much do we know? Far less than what our ancestors could tell it would appear. May all our gardens flourish on a wing and a prayer!

Open gardens plant expert and aptly named Dave Moon gave the vote of thanks.

The FSHS meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Critchill School, Frome, BA11 4LD, 7.20pm for prompt start at 7.30pm (The door is on security lock so needs to close by the start). A warm welcome, tea, raffle and the opportunity to ask questions are part of the package!

More details from jane.norris9@gmail.com or 07776 208531.