Poohsticks

They tell me I need a hobby outside of horticulture. Apparently my mind is too hardwired into the one area of life at the expense of all other stuff, which is news to me, but I am assured my general health will continue to improve if (as well as no alcohol) time is set aside to do something else....even nothing!

It occurred to me that in 1971 I walked through the gate of a typically English walled garden and have never stepped out again, even playing cricket my mind was always elsewhere. Some unkind person might say that's hardly surprising given the nature of the game.

So I have decided upon stick making. Carved and simple walking sticks, primarily out of blackthorn or holly, but reading up on the subject a whole host of unusual as well as common wood can be used including, Rhododendron, Elm, Plum, Apple, Ash, and Birch amongst others. Perhaps the best part of it will be in scouring the countryside looking for suitable shafts (I new a girl that liked doing that) in the hedgerows, woodlands, and copses. It will be good to get up and spend a day walking the woods and lanes every other week...packed lunch, camera, and a trowel in case one needs to do a pooh.......

Todays image is of a Bodgers horse, or a shave horse as it's sometimes known. I am familiar with this piece of equipment as I spent much of my teenage years with the woodsmen from my village on the South Downs who coppiced much of the woodland thereabouts, making hurdles, beesoms, rakes, and firewood, as well as providing a steady supply of bean-poles and pea-sticks.....Never made walking sticks though.

PLANTSMANS CORNER will be opening on the 1st and 3rd sundays April to October;

2010 OPENING DAYS;
April 4th & 18th;
May 2nd & 16th;
June 6th & 20th;
July 4th & 18th;
August 1st & 15th
September 5th & 19th
October 3rd & 17th

You can also visit by appointment on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and to collect plants.