GARDENING: GROWING INTELLIGENCE

“‘Crown shyness’ is a fascinating phenomenon where the crowns of trees avoid contact with each other, and there are remarkable photographs of tree canopies, particularly evident among same species, that have somehow grown in beautiful, interconnecting (but non-touching) patterns,” says Elly West

Elly West looks at the fascinating research behind plant intelligence...

Recently, I’ve been re-reading John Wyndham’s The Day of the Triffids. It’s a great story that I also remember watching on television as a child (and being terrified) –a world where the vast majority of people are blinded by a meteor shower, providing opportunity for the triffids, intelligent, moving plants, to take over the world, stinging and eating people.

Although it’s just a story, it got me thinking about plants and their potential intelligence, plus their remarkable ability to adapt to their environment and colonise the most inhospitable of habitats. The triffids were ultimately wreaking revenge on the humans that had oppressed them, but the idea of nature triumphing over civilisation is a powerful one.

Abandoned buildings, even entire villages, towns and cities, will quickly be taken over by plants. In our own gardens, it can sometimes feel like a constant battle against weeds. I have a clump of bamboo that’s running amok through my borders and I spent many hours trying to eradicate it earlier this year. It was interesting how the spreading runners and culms seemed to have chosen where to grow. Maybe it was just chance, but if there was a nice shrub or perennial in the same border, then you can guarantee the bamboo had grown right through the middle of its underground root system. In deliberate efforts to kill it off its competitors and colonise the border completely, I wonder? Biologically, that would make sense.

Plants have to cope and adapt to numerous environmental stresses, and David Attenborough’s The Green Planet, shown earlier this year and available on the BBC iPlayer, is well worth a watch if you missed it, revealing the dramatic, beautiful plant life on Earth. Even in the most hostile environments, plants can forge a way, finding cracks in pavements or in a wall to deposit their seeds in urban areas, while desert plants may wait decades in suspended animation for rain to come, powering an explosion of colour and long-awaited chance to propagate. Plants are estimated to have first appeared on this planet 500 million years ago, and are likely to be here long after we’ve gone. Even in Chernobyl, plants were recovering within three years, showing extreme resilience to radiation and nuclear disaster.

Much has been written on plant intelligence. Experiments showing that plants grow better when they are talked to are rife. Admittedly, this could be because of the extra carbon dioxide they are receiving from our breath as we speak, but perhaps there are other factors at play. Plants are mysterious things, that’s for sure. And there is also evidence that they can communicate with each other. This reminds me of another fictional story, Roald Dahl’s Tale of the Unexpected, where a man is left in anguish after the discovery that plants emit a noise inaudible to human ears when they are damaged or destroyed, grass squeaking in pain or surprise when a blade is plucked, and a tree uttering a low moan when struck with an axe.

Science doesn’t (yet!) back up the idea of audible means of communication between plants, but there is evidence of a ‘wood-wide web’, with plants, and trees in particular, communicating via underground mycorrhizal networks. These are cobweb-like fungal networks that could link an entire forest together. Through these

networks, the trees can share water and nutrients, along with distress signals about drought, disease, insect attacks, with other trees altering their behaviour when they receive these messages. Fascinating stuff. The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben has just been added to my reading list. And I’m also reminded of Enid Blyton’s beloved Faraway Tree, whose leaves often rustled in a mysterious way, as it communicated with the trees and magical folk of the Enchanted Wood.

‘Crown shyness’ is a fascinating phenomenon where the crowns of trees avoid contact with each other, and there are remarkable photographs of tree canopies, particularly evident among same species, that have somehow grown in beautiful, interconnecting (but non-touching) patterns.

An experiment carried out by a Professor Monica Gagliano at the University of Western Australia in 2014, involved the sensitive mimosa plant, which folds its leaves when touched. This experiment appears to show that plants can form memories, with a learned response to stimuli. A number of plants were dropped from a height of six inches, causing them to startle and fold their leaves. At five second intervals, the plants were dropped, over and over again. After a while some stopped closing their leaves as if they had realised they were not going to come to any harm. After 60 drops none of the plants bothered to close up their leaves. Perhaps they were just tired, some sceptics asked. However, when the plants were given a shake, they instantly curled up again, recognising the alteration in stimulus. What’s more, 28 days later, they ‘remembered’ what they’d learned, and still did not close their leaves when dropped.

There’s still much to learn, but talking to our plants and hugging trees is perhaps not seeming quite so strange anymore. And did my Aloe vera plant on my desk just wave at me? n • ellyswellies.co.uk

I’ve owned several Venus flytraps over the years. They’re not the easiest of houseplants to keep alive, but are fascinating and fun, particularly for children. These carnivorous plants live naturally in subtropical swamplands on the American east coast, so it’s worth keeping this in mind when trying to meet their needs indoors. Recognisable by their fierce looking ‘jaws’ lined with teethlike spikes, their favourite meal is live insects including flies, spiders and caterpillars. They catch these in their spring-loaded traps, which have fine, sensitive hairs inside that register the arrival of food and trigger the trap to close. The insect is digested via enzymes within about a week, when the jaws will reopen.

Venus flytraps need four things to flourish, water, lots of light, warmth and food. The compost should be kept constantly moist, with rainwater rather than tap water, which contains too many minerals and salts and can kill the plant. Additional fertiliser is not necessary as it will get the food it needs from eating insects.

Plants go dormant in winter when daylight hours decrease, and will drop their leaves. At this point cut back on watering, but don’t let the compost dry out completely, and start regularly watering again in spring when it should show signs of regrowing.

In Danish it is known as hygge, and Norwegian it’s koselig, that feeling of cosiness that invites you home as the nights draw in and autumn arrives. As the temperature begins to drop you may also be thinking what luxurious accessories you could add to your home to increase the comfort. When potential buyers view a property, they want to feel welcomed, experience a sense of contentment and, most importantly, to be able to see your house as their home. So at Peter Greatorex Unique Homes, we want to give you some ideas for cosy autumn decoration that will warm buyers hearts and open their minds to your luxury home.

There are some very simple ways to switch your interior décor from the bright airiness of summer to snuggly autumn hues without losing any glamour. You don’t need to undertake any major DIY, you’ll be pleased to hear, just a few elegant touches can transform your home and create a desirable look that buyers won’t be able to resist.

Pinterest is a great source of inspiration and often has ideas that give a nod to seasonal trends; WeThrift have researched what we’ve been adding to our inspiration boards lately. “For years, we have seen the interior scene saturated with beige colours and minimalist living spaces, but now we are seeing interior lovers creating homes that are a statement of their personality,” says Nick Drewe, Trend Expert at WeThrift. Colour can make all the difference in upping the cosiness level; the resurgence of bold patterns brings comfort, nostalgia and optimism, whether that’s through a statement wall covered in a rich and luxurious shade, or elegant accessories such as rugs, throws and cushions. Build texture through layering

Layering different textures is the ideal way to bring instant cosiness to any living space; adding chunky knits with faux fur will create the desired feel with minimal effort. An ordinary room can become chic and beautiful by using layering tricks favoured by designers, especially in the bedroom. Layer tones, textures and patterns through window treatments, cushions and upholstery to make a space look really sensational. Well-placed throws not only add another dimension, they also give you something warm and stylish to snuggle up under when it gets chilly.

The art you have chosen to adorn your walls will have been chosen for a specific reason, adding personality and character where it’s displayed. Changing up the art in your home is another way to spruce up your décor in minutes; you could even pick out pieces that evoke autumn themes, whether through colours or design. Landscape pieces or atmospheric abstract prints – art is a personal choice and you want something that you will be proud to showcase on your wall. But when making your choices, try and think of their wider appeal as you don’t want potential buyers to get distracted by something that stands out for the wrong reasons.

Lighting is incredibly important when wanting to create a cosy feel, and buyers typically want homes filled with natural light, which unfortunately can be minimal at this time of year. Ceiling lights can sometimes feel harsh on their own, whereas lamps are a wonderful compliment and can soften colours and dark corners, providing a soft glow. Candles are soothing, calming and, when mixed with a soft scent, can add to the overall atmosphere. Who can resist a roaring fire on a wet and windy day? Nothing would make potential buyers feel more welcome, helping them to relax and make themselves at home. If you have an open fire, make sure it is lit for viewings; any flame, real or otherwise, is just what a cosy and comforting home needs.

If you are looking to sell your luxury home this autumn, make sure your interior celebrates the season by adding some essential cosiness that will warm any potential buyers’ heart. At Peter Greatorex Unique Homes, we work with all our sellers to maximise your home’s potential.

www.petergreatorex.co.uk

Station Road, Shirehampton FOR SALE £150,000+VAT 578 sq ft (53.7 sq m A first-floor office suite within a converted Coach House providing open plan accomodation and benefitting from period windows and car parking to the front.

Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 BS1TO LET – POA 313 – 2,106 sq ft (29 – 195.7 sq m) An attractive, self-contained office building which is due to be refurbished throughout to a high standard. There are 2 parking spaces available by separate negotiation.

30 Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 TO LET - POA 411 sq ft (38.18 sq m) Stunning office space, refurbished to a very high standard with secure bike storage, showers and onsite gym. The available suite comprises 411 sq ft and overlooks the Square.

25 St John’s Road, BS8 FOR SALE (MAY LET) – POA 4,500 sq ft (418.06 sq m) A fine, period property with front and rear gardens. Currently a language school but could suit a range of uses to include offices, day nursery, consulting rooms, medical uses, and more STP.

Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 FOR SALE / TO LET – POA Available separately or combined

A rare opportunity to purchase a unique commercial offering, comprising two commercial buildings totaling 9,467 sq ft in one of Bristol’s prime office locations. Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 TO LET (MAY SELL) – POA 3,539 sq ft (328.80 sq m) An impressive Georgian office building with a triple window façade and attractive views across the Square. Currently used as offices and due to be fully refurbished.

The Old Brewery, Pill TO LET - £9,500 pax 570 sq ft (52.92 sq m) An open plan, studio office refurbished to a high standard and benefitting on site car parking, bike storage, gym, and shower facilities. Could suit a range of uses STP.

Serbert Road, BS20 FOR SALE / TO LET - POA 8,727 sq ft A fantastic opportunity to acquire a detached, modern, commercial building on a secure site of 0.52 acres and offering ground floor workshops and first floor offices. Suitable for a variety of uses STP.

Coronation Road, BS3 FOR SALE – POA 10,713 sq ft (995.26 sq m) An impressive, detached building prominently located, providing open plan office space with excellent on-site car parking. The property could be suitable for a range of uses STP.

North Street, BS3 FOR SALE £225,000+VAT 695 sq ft (64.57 sq m) A prominently positioned, ground floor retail unit. The property has a large sales area which has been recently fitted out to a high standard and benefits from a fully glazed retail frontage.

• Sales / Lettings • Rent reviews • Acquisitions • Property Management • Valuations • Investment Sales / Purchase • Landlord & tenant • Development & Planning • Auction Sales • Dilapidations Advice

An impressive Grade II Listed Georgian Town House. Original features, charm, and character throughout. A versatile interior, Southwest garden & parking. Well placed for Clifton Village and City Centre. Viewing is highly recommended. No onward chain. A four bedroomed detached family house situated at the far end of a cul-de-sac. Full planning approved to extend the existing building to offer an extensive five-bedroom interior. A generous size South facing rear garden. Superb views towards the Severn Estuary and the Welsh hills beyond. Well placed for Clifton Village, M4, M5 motorway links and Bristol Airport.

Of interest to investors and speculators. Grade II Listed period building comprising of 5 x flats (4 x 1 Bedroom and 1 x 2 Bedroom). All five flats are currently let each with a six-month shorthold tenancy agreement. Details of current rents are available upon request. Prime Clifton location. Extensive communal gardens to the front and rear of the terrace. Basement, balcony, and courtyard gardens. An elegant detached four bedroom family home, situated in one of Bristol’s most desirable areas. Extensive and well-presented interior. South facing gardens incorporating woodland copse. Gated entrance and detached garage. Beautiful open outlook.