Mickey Little obviously never had a strict, Welsh history teacher or if he did, then he has spent his whole life trying to ignore the dictates of such a martinet and break free from the restrictions suggested by any Celtic tyrant. On June 10th his topic was roses, and his audience was the Lydford and District Gardening Club. The Parish Hall was packed, and the door was open to allow some of the perfect summer’s evening to come inside. Mr. Little’s approach was based on the scattershot formula and it provided an entertaining and informative evening as members enjoyed a few, brief hours away from the pressures of maintaining their plots. The talk contained history, literature, planting advice, pruning advice and lots more. Who knew that the thorns on a rose stem are essentially devices to allow the plants to climb? Many photographs were shown to provide evidence as to the effectiveness of this adaptation and inspired planting of ramblers and climbers may soon occur throughout the local area. Pruning was de-mystified and outward-facing buds, or their absence, no longer have such a large role in the nightmares of otherwise calm and content members of society. The largest intake of breath came when he suggested that it was reasonable to spend £90 on a pair of secateurs! For that much money most members would expect the articles to be gold-plated and to come with a lifetime membership of the R.H.S!
Mickey shared the following information about pruning:
Rose pruning has a ‘tug of war’ created by the old guard. Trials at various locations with The Rose Society has proved the old gospels are not only pointless but are counterproductive.
When?
Climbers/Ramblers – ideally prune in autumn. Others – Jan to March
Deadheading is good and, on all plants, regenerate by cutting out VO wood
You can contact Mickey at tandmlittle@gmail.com
