Now is a good time to create frameworks for the seasons to come

ALTHOUGH the dark and gloomy winter months may seem to last forever, it always surprises me how soon spring has sprung! The extended daylight now means that for those who work indoors, seeing the sun before and after work as opposed to a perpetual cycle of darkness is a very welcoming sign indeed. The extended daylight also means we can get in the garden and finish off preparations for the season to come. One such preparation essential for growing a number of vegetables is putting structures in place.

Peas, broad beans, climbing French beans, runner beans and climbing cucurbits are amongst just a few vegetables that all need supporting well for a successful crop. There are many options available to suit a range of budgets and aesthetic preferences: bamboo, hazel and willow are a few natural materials used extensively at RHS Garden Harlow Carr to create functional and attractive structures and supports.

Bamboo is widely available in garden centres and comes in many lengths. As well as being relatively cheap it doesn’t occupy too much room and will last for years if stored under cover between growing seasons. Bamboo is ideal for making wigwams for peas, supports for tomatoes or standalone support for individual plants such as sunflowers. Its uses are endless and the only limitation is your imagination!

Bamboos are very desirable garden plants belonging in the grass family Poaceae; if you have the space, you can even grow your own. The plants can create large clumps that are ideal as focal points or for adding structure to an area. Bamboos are classed as either ‘running’ or ‘clump-forming’. The running types produce underground rhizomes and can become very invasive if not contained suitably. The clump-forming types are much easier to contain and as well as adding texture to the garden, can become a great source of material for structure making too. To ensure that any bamboo type remains manageable, I would always recommend planting them in large tubs in the ground to help contain their roots.

Hazel is a fantastic material if you want something which looks rustic and naturalistic. Long, straight cuts of hazel are great for wigwams or archway supports for climbing plants such as sweet peas or French beans. This year at Harlow Carr, we are creating a large hazel structure where we plan to grow a vigorous plant in the squash family (Cucurbitaceae), called a fig-leaved gourd.

Supply for hazel poles is often seasonal, between October and February. If you live in Yorkshire and try Yorkshire Hurdles based near York. They supply most of our top quality hazel and also offer a range of handmade products too, from wigwams to baskets. Alternatively, if you do have space, you could grow your own hazel to coppice year-upon-year.

Willow is an incredibly versatile material and can be used to create an array of structures from living structures to harvest baskets. Willow can be woven to create garden paths, wigwams or borders; if you can imagine it, willow can create it. Willow is also a material that is seasonal, if you intend to use it fresh, and can usually be sourced between the months of October and March. Once again, if you have the space, you can grow your own. Here at Harlow Carr we have our own willow coppicing area and we’re happy to give advice and tips on establishing one for yourself. We also run a number of willow-weaving workshops led by our expert willow craftsman Phil Bradley. The courses include willow ‘Twigwams’ for climbing plants, willow frame baskets, willow garden friends including hares, curlews and reindeer and willow decorations. Full course details can be found online or by picking up a courses and workshop booklet at our garden entrance at Harlow Carr.

Jobs for the Week

* Prepare seed beds for vegetables and start sowing seed under cover such as onions, tomatoes and chillies.

* Finish any winter pruning of fruit such as apples, pears and currants.

* Start chitting potatoes.

* Cut autumn fruiting raspberry canes to the ground to stimulate new growth.

* Tidy and mend in preparation from the year to come.

With thanks to Francesco Ponziani, Horticulturist at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

DIARY DATES

1 – 28 March: Bath House Gallery – Wool & Textiles Showcase Pop along to the historic Bath House at RHS Garden Harlow Carr for the cosiest event of the year! Discover work by talented local wool and textile artists, from wonderful things to wear to gorgeous gifts for your home. Embroidery, felt and leather work will all be on display. Normal garden admission applies.

2 March: Children’s Storytime, 10.30am start Children can enjoy a storytelling session where tales of great garden adventures and little garden creatures will be told. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for under-fives. Normal garden admission applies.

4 March: RHS Advisory Service Get face-to-face gardening advice from an RHS advisor from 11am – 3pm on the first Saturday of the month and every Monday from 1pm – 3pm. Come to our desk in the entrance conservatory with your questions. Normal garden admission applies.