Vigilance

I was reminded this past month that despite what is written in the text books about gardening, and what people like me spout off about in newspapers and magazines, our gardens are living entities. They do not read books, and what happens in them is governed by nature and not the written word.

Army worms attack lawns in the autumn. So far I have managed to control these critters and keep my lawns green with three applications of chlorpyriphos insecticide at monthly intervals starting towards the end of August. When I finish this column, I am going to don my knapsack sprayer and treat some lawns in Milatos again. The last time that I was there they were showing signs of damage despite three previous sprays.

Rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinales)

This native of the Mediterranean is flowering now. Naturally tolerant of dry conditions and, being resistant to sea spray (the name rosemary derives from the Latin ros meaning dew and marinus meaning sea); it is particularly suitable for sea side gardens.

The natural form of the plant is commonly seen in traditional Cretan gardens and this form can grow rather large (up to two metres) although it can be clipped to shape. A prostrate (low growing) form is available on the island and it may be possible to find other named types, like white, pink flowering and variegated foliage forms. For me it is a must-have plant. It is fragrant, it flowers, can be clipped to shape and has culinary uses. It is an ideal garden divider for near to the house.