Newbie - Help pls!!

You know I hadn't even thought of that! I will ask my Doc and see what he says. Or perhaps I could get my hubby to do all those prickly jobs from now on - he's covered by all jabs as he often has to work on refuse lorries and farm equiptment.Ummm....trouble is I enjoyed it too much!

 

If you look at the thread - it's not certain you'd actually need it - it's just something you ought to be aware of, as gardening does bring you in touch with some nasties! And, of course there are all the skin irritants in certain plants - but don't let it worry you - just be aware, and take sensible precautions, like wearing gloves when dealing euphorbia, for instance. It's potentially nasty.

 

Thanks for that, I'll keep it in mind.

 

We are all mad about plants or we wouldn't be on this site so often. Not so sure about the health side Fran, you missed out Hernias I had my THIRD op last November all due to work related lifting but it's an occupational hazzard.

 

I've found I'm nearly as addicted to this site as to the garden! When it's just too cold to be out there I'm in here reading all the old posts to get as much info absorbed as I can! Just found the water gardening section so I'm gonna bug them with a fishy question too!

 

right at the beginning of this question you mentioned a couple of trees in one of the raised beds, if my memory serves me right - now that you've got the hang of posting pics, how about putting one of those in? Maybe we can id them for you??

 

The other one is exactly the same. Probably difficult with no leaves I know. There are alot of rotting leaves which i was going to rake up today but didn't get around to, I will try and find a whole one to photograph in the morning.

 

Nope - can't say I know what it is from your photo - but I agree, weird looking describes the shape perfectly! Looks like it's been trained to start with, then been allowed to do its own thing. Leaves could well help. It's usually fruit trees that people train like this.

 

it looks like an espalier trained Apple tree that has been neglected for many years.
I had some like this at the last place I lived.
will add a picture when i find it.
I cut all the upward growth to within 6" of the lateral.
during the growing year got loads of water wood growth
the following winter I pruned that wood to 4 buds, and left only 3 at each station.

 

if you look to the right and left of the photo you will see the result of the pruning.

 

Re the pretty lady gardener gloves - forget them. Go for gloves with leather fronts (stops the thorn problem - makes pruning roses a doddle), elasticated wrist bands - or gauntlet style (stops bits and pieces falling in) and tough thick canvas backs.

Me I wear gloves for digging, pruning and heavy work - but for planting, weeding (except nettles and brambles) I prefer to use my hands ungloved - surprisingly nail varnish will remain on - and after a bit of attention, your hands will be suitable for kissing again :D :D

 

glad I was on the right lines!

 

I like the green rubberised thigs that are labelled "Rosier", but you can get cheap versions of too! They do keep most of the thorns out, but not all! But they're thin enough to let you weed properly. I wouldn't be without them - any more than my felcos!

 

Yes I definatly have to invest in a decent pair of gloves! I did some weeding over the weekend and soon had to take them off as I couldn't get a good hold of anything! I followed a tip I heard ages ago and dug my nails into a bar of soap before starting, they weren't completely free of mud when I'd finished but they were easier to clean.

 

That would be a great way of stopping you picking the odd raspberry and eating it! Good tip, though - I haven't heard it before, but will try. If I don't wear gloves, I get cuts at the sides of my thumb nails - really sore, and take ages to heal - so I've ALWAYS worn gloves.