JANUARY 2017 | Nell Carr

SOME GROUND covers become invasive pests. The common Deadnettle, (Lamium galeobdolin) is one such. After it is thought to have been eradicated, a single opportunistic stem has been detected ready to begin a new and vigorous invasion to overwhelm smaller plants in moist shady sites.

There are however some species of Lamium that make very decorative non-invasive ground covers, and grow well in either deep or partial shade.

Lamium maculatum ‘roseum’ (pictured) has mauve tubular flowers, L. album has flowers of the purest white. Both have white stripes down the centres of the leaves, so are decorative even when not flowering. Lamium “White Nancy” is perhaps the most striking variety as it has silver foliage with green edges and pure white flowers.

Broad Beans. These are apt to mature all at once even if sown in different Autumn months. It is best to harvest them before they get too mature, when the skins become tough.

This avoids the labour of skinning them after cooking. Surplus beans are easily frozen and are welcome over the greater part of the year when they are not available fresh.