Giant Holt mushrooms by Brad Rosie Damms
Tim, who delivered the message from the International Space Station where he’s been since December, wished the 600,000 young people signed up to the experiment good luck with their investigations into the impact of micro-gravity and space travel on seed germination and growth. The results will help to form a clearer picture of the potential for astronauts to grow their own food to sustain them on long-term missions.
Speaking while 400km above the surface of the Earth, Tim said:
“It’s possible that among those pupils taking part in the project are the young people who will help mankind reach the next big milestones in space exploration for the benefit of people on Earth. I hope the RHS Campaign for School Gardening’s Rocket Science experiment will spark curiosity and wonder amongst young people who may become the next generation of horticultural scientists.”
Rocket Science will see school pupils across the country spend 35 days analysing the growth and development of two batches of seemingly identical rocket seeds. However, one batch of seeds has spent time in space with Tim on the International Space Station, orbiting the Earth at 17,000mph. The aim of the experiment is to enthuse young people about science and horticulture and provide the European Space Agency with key insights into some of the challenges of growing food in space.
Results of the experiment will be published later in the year but keep an eye on our website, Facebook page and Twitter page for updates!
Well I have had a dirty weekend away getting down and grubby with compost and worms (…and Karen!) What a fascinating weekend 🙂
Karen and I arrive at Garden Organic
When I signed up to become a ‘Master Composter’ I wasn’t sure what to expect and how they were going to fill two solid days of training talking about compost, was beyond me. I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute.
There were about twenty of us willing volunteers being trained from all walks of life and three different councils, with a variety of reasons for being there but with a common aim: to pass the composting message on.
Kate, Alex and David, our knowledgeable & enthusiastic trainers for the weekend all work for Garden Organic and what they don’t know about composting and wormeries isn’t worth knowing.
Bed time reading!
Manuals, books and information sheets were handed out to all the volunteers…
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View across the Black Garden with its newly gravelled surface; the ‘classic’ view of Blickling
Aussie Pete ‘fluffing up’ the soil for some grass paths
Weeding in the Cut Flower border
Crab Apple blossom- picture by Christine Grubbs
Picture by Atie Post
Growing climbers against boundaries or internal screens adds interest to a hard or unattractive surface, and is the best use of space in a small garden. choosing the right plant for then right site is the key to minimising work; in particular, you will need to consider the plant’s eventual size, and its preferred aspect. 
Differetn climbers need different support systems
Do put up the support before planting. Make sure it is the correct size and strength for the climber.
Do kill weeds before planting.
Do add compost when planting and use a mulch to reduce the need to water and weed.
Do invest in long-handled pruners or loppers to cut back tall climbers.
Don’t plant large plants where they will need constant cutting back to keep them within bounds.
Don’t remove canes from new climbers (though if the plant is taped to these you can cut the tapes). Position the canes to enable the plant to clamber easily onto the support.
Source: ‘Short Cuts to Great Gardens’- Reader’s Digest, 1999
Further Information:
‘Social climbers: How to cover a house in plants’- Daily Telegraph
‘Insulating a house with climbing plants’
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