2020.05.01 stuff
Gardening has undoubtedly enjoyed a boom since the lockdown, and by all accounts, there are now many new gardeners in New Zealand, who may (or may not) be happy to learn that May 2 this year is World Naked Gardening Day.
For all these new gardeners who may not know the etiquette of this day, we run through the basics.
First of all, remember we are still in Alert Level 3, so you must commemorate the day in your own garden.
What to do after taking off all your clothes? The experts at NZ Gardener magazine (who will not, they want you to know, be celebrating the day) have come up with a few gardening tasks that may help you stay warm and safe while naked in your garden.
RAKE LEAVES
Grab a rake and sweep. It's the perfect season for it too. Put the leaves in your compost or make leaf mould, which is great to add to homemade potting mixes as it has a high water-retention rate.
MULCH
Whether you favour grass clippings, pea straw or bark, mulch is good for your soil at any time of year. Besides, spreading mulch evenly calls for a degree of physical labour and flexibility that may get your heart rate up.
TIDY THE GLASSHOUSE
There's a good chance the glasshouse will be the warmest spot in your garden. Even if you haven't got one, surely the potting shed, tool shed or shadehouse needs a bit of a cleanup.
MOVE POTS AND CONTAINERS
Not the too-heavy ones because, well, toes. Focus on medium-sized pots of non-hardy subtropicals that may not survive a frost.
DIG AND WEED
It's the perfect time to dig up some root veges such as Jerusalem artichokes and ginger as well as the last of your kūmara. While you're at it, some weeding and sowing for winter veges would not go amiss.
And now that you can scoff at the windchill factor, think about observing a few safety tips while gardening in the nude.
- Stay away from rose bushes and brambles. This is not the day to put in prickly plants. Similarly, plants with sap, toxins and possible allergenic properties are best avoided. Instead, weed around your barenaked ladies and peter peppers.
- Wear sunblock – yes, everywhere.
- You won't have pockets for your secateurs and other useful bits, so keep a trug or small bucket at hand.
- A kneeling pad protects your knees and could well prove useful in other positions.
- Warn your neighbours to keep their curtains closed or retreat to a more secluded patch.
- Power tools of any kind are best avoided.
I am told some gardeners have a looser interpretation of the "naked" part of the day, and a hat, gloves and one gumboot for your digging foot could count as accessories. Good to know.
And to my husband who volunteered to pose for the photo shoot for this story, that won't be necessary, dear. I do, however, appreciate your willingness to support my career with, well, everything you've got.
