Archive: Jun 2021
Nuzzled beside other poisonous plants and toxic shrubs, The Giant Hogweed takes up a prized position in our Poison Garden as one of the most commonly found, yet highly dangerous weeds. Although we are only able to maintain one Hogweed plant, somehow three had taken root within our Garden which required urgent maintenance. Fully suited and booted, we sent in our trusty Senior Gardeners to tackle the recent infestation all whilst ensuring their safety.
Giant Hogweed or Heracleum Mantegazzianum is an expansive,
hazardous plant that can cause serious damage, particularly to those who are unaware
of its unpleasant properties.
Harbouring harsh chemicals within its sap, Hogweed can be
responsible for some gruesome injuries if it comes into close contact with skin.
Initiating photodermatitis, the chemicals can leave skin incredibly
sensitive to sunlight, resulting in severe burns, blistering and intense
scarring.
With a spectacular ability to spread everywhere it shouldn’t be, Giant Hogweed can grow within the most surprising of conditions and rather quickly due to the wind dispersing its seeds. There is no confirmed rules or regulations regarding the elimination of Hogweed within public spaces, although most farmers and gardeners strive for their land to be free of its risks.
You may notice that there are a generous number of warnings around this time of year about Hogweed’s potential danger, particularly concerning children and their general awareness of the plant. Here are some of the ways to keep safe and avoid getting caught in a blistering blur.
Know your plant:
Hogweed bares a strong resemblance to Cow Parsley and takes up a vast amount of room when grown to full size. Having a thick, strong stem and a flowering head, Giant Hogweed can be further identified by the striking purple sap that can be seen staining the root.
Do not touch:
If spotted, avoid close contact at all costs and if you should accidentally brush by it, wash the affected area quickly and thoroughly.
What if I see it in my garden?
There is no rule to eliminate Hogweed from your garden or
allotment but many like to be ridded of the precarious plant. If you decide to
tackle from the root, make sure to wear gloves and plenty of exterior protection.
Our Senior Gardeners were fully protected and were still incredibly careful whilst handling the remaining of the Hogweed. To learn more about poisonous plants and where to find them, head beyond The Poison Garden gates if you dare…
Our Gardeners were were safe and in good hands at all times, to learn more about the weird and wonderful tasks they often undertake click here
From all angles, the Grand Cascade offers a breath-taking sight and with 20 years and counting, it has remained utterly timeless throughout the decades.
The first thing to greet you on your Alnwick Garden adventure and arguably one the most iconic features within our 45 acres, the Grand Cascade was one of the original features of the garden. Officially opening in 2001, a wealth of guests have since been dazzled by its beauty or soaked by the catapulting water jets.
Described as the Central Spine of the garden, Belgian
designer Jacques Wirtz’s garden design has made an unmistakable impression on
the surrounding atmosphere. A stunning example of how the garden’s vast history
has perfectly blended with various contemporary elements.
Architecturally, the Grand Cascade takes advantage of the
natural landscape that was left in a damaged and desolate state for more 40
years. Uprooting the original site and transforming it into something that
would captivate visitors and garden lovers for years to come.
For two decades, our guests have been dazzled and delighted by the water’s choreographed displays where 120 jets create a volcanic eruption every hour, creating a
cacophony of sound that whooshes through the garden. A colossal 250,000 gallons of water circulate through the system and is all controlled by just two members of The Alnwick Garden team. Helping to assist the magic of the Cascade, Allan and Gordon, our handy maintenance men, work hard below the scene’s way down in the Pump Room to ensure a stunning display every time.
There is no doubt that the Grand Cascade is wedged between photos in hundreds of family albums, as the mammoth fountain as it has diligently served as both the focal point and backdrop to thousands of photographs across the years.
Delighting children who speed past the jets screeching with
joy as they get drenched, providing the all-important backdrop to proposals, weddings,
and family photos. The memories linked to this spectacular piece of water sculpture
are immeasurable.
Consistently challenging what an English Garden can be, the
Grand Cascade was the first instalment and undeniably the catalyst to the Alnwick
Garden adventure, that so many have been able to enjoy across the years.
To share your memories, head to our 20 Years of You page and upload your images.
As part of our Maker of the Month Series, we will be celebrating independent and North-East based suppliers of our Pinery Gift Shop. Supporting small and shopping local is what we do best and we want to shine a light on the makers behind the magic.
The bright June sunshine does an exceptional job of reminding all of us to take better care of our skin and as Father’s Day fast approaches, Chris O’Grady is on a one-man mission to encourage a natural approach to skin-care. Carefully blended and lovingly packaged, Chris’ unique range of products make for the perfect gift.
Chris’ business adventure is rooted in a personal discovery after examining an alternate, more holistic route to skincare. Propelling him around the world on a dermatological voyage, Good Day Organics eventually came to be what it is today.
“When I was 18 and suffering with bad acne I tried a ‘crazy’ alternative to the mainstream treatments called organic jojoba oil, within 2 weeks my acne had cleared up and my skin felt amazing. That was the start of the journey which 14 years later, after 12 months working for an organic manufacturer in Melbourne and 6 months research across America led me to set up Good Day Organics Ltd in early 2014, with the intention of putting years of experience and worldwide research of organically sourced skincare ingredients to use.”
Taking an organic approach, Chris provides a ‘back to basics’ method of grooming as all of his products are natural, plant-based and designed with sensitive skin in mind. Breaking away from the mainstream, the alternative route has led to a successful small business with incredible results.
‘I started selling the Mount Purious Skincare range at Tynemouth market in 2014, and quickly added the mens range in 2015 when I moved over to the Quayside Market. The Pet Care Range and Gardeners Ranges followed in 2017. Although my days of standing at cold markets are over, I’m continuously adding new products to the ranges’
Behind every product is a story and by shopping local and supporting independent, we can allow that story to continue. In his Maker’s Message Chris writes:
From the very start it has been very important to me to provide the very best products, in the most ethical and eco-friendly way, to the highest standards. To ensure my customers that every product I sell, has been lovingly hand formulated, using the very best ingredients, everything in my premium ranges is handmade in small batches in Co Durham, from Organic, Cruelty free and Plant based ingredients.
Whether it is for a friend, family member or a self-care treat, Chris’ products make an exquisite addition to anyone’s grooming routine. For more information you can visit his website here
Good Day Organic’s can be found in our Pinery Gift Shop located at The Alnwick Garden and will be on display for the entire month of June. You don’t need Garden Entry to access our shop or plant centre so make sure to pop in!
