National Beanpole Week
by Claire, April 22nd, 2010 in Green & Eco Living, In the Garden
This week gardeners are being encouraged to support Britain’s coppiced woodland by choosing locally-grown beanpoles over imported bamboo canes. As well as being good for the environment, hazel beanpoles and peasticks look really natural and some gardeners believe that their plants prefer them too.
Traditionally managed coppiced woodlands are a really important part of our countryside – they supply us with sustainable wood, provide a rich habitat for wildlife, support rural jobs and help to keep ancient skills and traditions alive.
Last weekend I planted out my sweet peas in an old cast iron copper and used some peasticks that I carried home from the community woodland in our village – we’ll see whether the plants do better, but I definitely prefer the rustic look.
For a directory of where to find local coppice products try the Allotment Forestry website or www.coppice-products.co.uk . Details about the various events that are going on around the country to celebrate National Beanpole Week can be found on their website.
