Green shoots of recovery
GARDENS SPECIAL Experts dig in with advice as season begins
Today, Easter Sunday, traditionally marks the start of the gardening year and after the past 12 months it has never been more welcome.
From the moment the first lockdown was announced, people across the country looked to their gardens to provide a place to grow food, connect with nature and escape from the world’s troubles.
For some it was a chance to indulge an existing passion but, for others, it was their first taste of homegrown carrots or a chance to pick a flower they’d raised themselves and the result is that, after a long, cold winter, a whole new band of enthusiasts is waiting with anticipation for a burst of spring weather so they can start sowing and planting all over again.
But what about those for whom gardening is more than just a hobby? For them the events of the past year has brought great change, and the challenges are not over. Garden centres may finally open their doors tomorrow and travel restrictions have eased to “Stay Local” from “Stay at Home”, but it won’t be until April 26 at the earliest that the country finally opens up and visiting gardens other than those on our doorsteps will be possible again.
Here, some of those at the sharp end of the gardening world have been sharing their experiences of the past year and their hopes for the 12 months ahead.