Comments on: Prince Charming!

By: Pyj

Pyj — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:32:22 +0000

Hooray! I’m not the only one who admires HRH’s organic commitment. I’ve had the book about his organic Highgrove estate for years and it’s one of my favorites.

By: Rosie

Rosie — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:54:29 +0000

Guess what I discovered recently?… Part of Prince Charles’ sustainable organic garden at Highgrove is a small reeded wetland that naturally filters and purifies the sewage from the whole estate, to be re-used on the gardens. Now that’s commitment.

By: M. D. Vaden of Oregon

M. D. Vaden of Oregon — Fri, 29 May 2009 05:41:16 +0000

This was new to me.

Pretty cool to hear about his garden interest.

Maybe he’ll post some photos.

MDV
Oregon

By: germinatrix

germinatrix — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:38:09 +0000

Loree! You are going to have the BEST TIME checking out gardens here – the Huntington is GREAT, and the fact that you are going to Lotusland makes me SO HAPPY! That place is, without a doubt, the single biggest inspiration in my life as a garden designer. I’ll think up some other places for you to check out that you’ll like – and I hope you got a cargo van!
XO!

You are so right, Zoe – why use peat when you can compost? If acidifying your soil is an issue, you can add things like pine needle mulch, coffee grounds in your compost, or sulfites. But how about doing something REALLY radical, like working with the soil you HAVE? If your soil doesn’t support acid-loving plants, well – plant other things!
And like you, I am VERY suspicious of the claims of the peat harvesters … peat bogs are ancient. They don’t replenish quickly the way bamboo groves or kudzu does (there has to be a good use for that stuff!). I believe gardeners should be responsible and work with what you have first … if you MUST alter your soil with bagged mixes – make certain that you know what is in them. And that you are on board with the societal impact of your gesture. But that’s just me!
Thanks for the comment!

By: Zoe

Zoe — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:57:07 +0000

Thanks for the link to the peat moss issue. Although a few of the assumptions made in the article didn’t jive with me (for example, I don’t think archaeological research that destroys ecosystems is necessarily worthwhile) I was particularly struck by the point that whether the ecosystems return to their previous state as peat growers claim or not, why would a gardener choose peat over fallen leaves and compost? The latter generally being handy, local, and free.

By: Loree/danger garden

Loree/danger garden — Thu, 07 May 2009 03:13:49 +0000

Wow to ranty for Garden Rant! I am impressed! Lotus Land is part of our vacation plans this year – I AM SO EXCITED! I think we’ll also hit the Huntington Gardens. I would love to hear of other recommendations that you have for the area. The risky thing is we are driving down the coast. Car = can buy plants! Yea!!! I can’t wait to see your post….it’ll be like the appetizer!

By: germinatrix

germinatrix — Thu, 07 May 2009 01:37:38 +0000

Megan – Isn’t the peat thing crazy? When I was a baby gardener, I believed the peat lobby and all I got was crazy dried out soil (peat + dry heat = thirsty crumbly mess). Then I did some research and realized that it is for a very specific condition and climate. But they STILL sell the stuff EVERYWHERE! And the books still say it is a good choice! You are totally right. It makes me mad, because it’s all about money. The bagged garden soil industry uses it as a cheap filler to lighten their soil mixes and aid with water retention, and people buy the stuff because it is significantly cheaper than non-peat or peat alternative mixes. Well, whatever! SAVING THE EARTH IS NOT GOING TO BE CHEAP!!!
Megan, I got so mad at one of the posters on the Garden Rant comments who said that she’d still buy peat because she needs to acidify her soil and it’s cheaper and that is just the reality. I went off on her in MY comment, and they didn’t post it. I ranted too meanly for Garden Rant. I felt bad.
BUT STILL!!!

Hey Loree! See above, spiky friend! You know what, I will join you passing out that post of Druse’s… yeah, we might get thrown in the slammer, but it’s for a good cause – Peat Bogs! We’ll be Green Activists!

Hey Megan & Loree, you two are going to DIE – I am going to the most amazing garden on Friday – for us who love the sharper side of gardening, it is Nirvana. Lotusland. I’ll post about it on Saturday. Dedicate to you guys, and Pam, of course…

By: Loree

Loree — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:29:56 +0000

Upon moving to Portland and discovering the clay soil here EVERYONE told me to mix in peat moss, that it was the cure all. I was ignorant of it’s downside then. I’ve learned. I bet those same people are still spreading the word.

After I read Ken Druse’s rant on Garden Rant I wanted to print it and post it everywhere around town. Like on the tall stacks of peat in the local garden centers. Think I could get thrown in the slammer for that?

By: Megan

Megan — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:39:29 +0000

Why does so much stuff have peat in it? I remember hearing years ago that peat is bad, and I’ve been avoiding it, but I still see it everywhere, used even while promoting sustainability. What gives?

By: germinatrix

germinatrix — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:09:32 +0000

James, man – I think I owe you a six-pack for taking the lead on the ‘taking back’ of the word SEEDY!
HRH Chas is a problematic man – but I could totally get behind a Gardener/King. If we just didn’t have to deal with the personal side of him, he’d be fully seedy!

I DO like that snappy outfit he’s wearing, though!