Show your bloomers to the one you love

Andy Cole is a reiki healer based in Middlemarsh. He specialises in planting for healing.

The snow has all but gone and the weather is at least for a while beginning to warm up, well at least above freezing. The activity at The Potting Shed, Wellbeing Nursery, Therapy Garden, has slowed down a bit due to the weather but we have still managed to fence the community garden and the side of the potting shed area.

We have today been fencing the top of the nursery area using the timber from recycled pallets, and we have started to put gravel down where the metal work like arches, plant supports, seats, and obelisks are going to be sited for sale.

We have been unable to do any planting or work on the potting of plants due to the weather, but as things thaw out, we will start to plant in earnest.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching our thoughts are drawn to those we love and either share or would like to share our lives with. There are many types of flowers that mean love, but the most common is the red rose. The red rose symbolises deep emotions and desires.

However, don’t write off the yellow rose, although In Victorian times a yellow rose was a symbol of jealousy and would be sent to people accusing them of betrayal of infidelity. Luckily, this symbolism has changed over time and now, yellow roses are associated with happiness and everlasting friendship. So, a mixture of red and yellow roses would symbolise love and everlasting friendship, ideal ingredients for a lasting relationship. Other plants that have a special meaning and are ideal for valentine’s day are the orchid and peony –both represent love, fertility, luck and success. Peonies specifically symbolise new love and relationships: ideal for the new love in your life. Although the rose has now taken over the mantle for the flower of love by connecting all the dots from history, it is safe to conclude that orchids are the ultimate flower that represents love.

The popular orchid has been the gift to represent refinement, luxury and mystery for years. The exotic blooms also symbolise love, beauty and strength and make the perfect gift to express how lucky you are to love your special person.

Meanwhile, here’s a few things to do in the garden during February..

Cut down deciduous ornamental grasses which have been left standing over winter for the picturesque scene when covered with frost. This needs to be done before fresh shoots appear.

Prune late-summer flowering clematis, cutting stems back to about 30cm from the base, just above a healthy bud.

Divide large clumps of herbaceous perennials as this will give you new plants for free.

Prune winter-blooming shrubs such as mahonia, and winter jasmine once they’ve finished flowering.

Cut back wisteria side shoots to three buds.

Prune buddleia and elder to the base to keep these vigorous shrubs to a reasonable size.

Finally, don’t forget to clean and sharpen your tools, service your mower and strimmer ready for the work to come. Clean out and disinfect your green house, pots, and seed trays.

So, don’t forget those flowers for your loved one, and enjoy the preparation ready for the coming season.

For Sale

KENWOOD MICROWAVE

900w, white, as new £25 Crewkerne 01460 279687

ARTHUR MEE’S

CHILDREN’S ENCYCLOPAEDIAS, set of 10 red bound, with index in volume 10. 1950s, very good condition. Collector’s items. £50. Sue, 01308 425037.

FREE, BRAND NEW, UNUSED PEDESTAL cost £140. m.hyman123@btinternet.com

ROMAN BLIND, new unused Width 40" drop 42" plum colour black-out blind. £35 (new £70). 07729 111783.

SET OF 23 AGATHA CHRISTIE CRIME COLLECTION

BOOKS, which include 131 novels and short stories.

1970s, vgc, black bound with red spine and gold lettering. £75 (half of which will be donated to Bridport Millennium Green). Sue 01308 425037. 90 wood effect LAMINATE FLOORING PLANKS (beige colour) in very good condition. £85. Beautiful large carved wooden framed bevel edged MIRROR 100cm W x127cm H. £75. Stainless steel heavy ground based KETTLE suitable for Aga or a ceramic hob. £25. Almost new HAY FORK £15. 01305 260339.

OFFICE CHAIR, as new, John Lewis black mesh and chrome with removable armrests £35; 'retro' TYPIS T'S CHAIR, reupholstered in red £15. Folke 01963 210869.