This city centre garden, on a city sized lot, tucked away behind a thick laurel hedge, combined beauty and food production into one lovely, jam packed space. There was so much food in a very advanced state of growth–perhaps because of the shelter of the hedge and the wide open sky? Or, more likely, due to Joan’s very green thumb! The freshly mulched pathways definitely made the whole garden look tidy and very well tended.
Apples, figs, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, peas, beans, many tomatoes, garlic, and SO much lettuce and greens were all bursting forth amongst well placed and beautiful companion flowers. The kids of those members that brought them were treated to all sorts of garden goodies–with the blessing of Joan.
Scuttlebutt in the gardening community has reported it has been a bad (or good!) year for slugs. Nary a slug bite was seen on Joan’s lush strawberries (normally a massive slug target). Joan attributes this to her bait and trap system using the recipe below.
Many thanks to Joan for this wonderful tour—and for her generous sharing of information about her gorgeous garden.
Joan’s Slug Bait Recipe and Rainproof Trap:
1 cup warm water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon flour
1/2 teaspoon yeast
Place bait in plastic container that has openings cut in the sides. Bury in soil up to the openings and cover with lid (see photo in following pictures).
Submitted by: Lorna D
