Symbiosis

This is a new concept to me, though I realise the biologists amongst you will already know about it. It first came to my attention this morning, lying in bed reading the excellent 'Woodlands' by Oliver Rackham. In it he states that 'Most plants are dual organisms' He went on to explain that mycorrhizal fungi will attached itself to a plant's roots and as its hyphae are far finer and more richly branched than the plant's roots are and therefore are more effective in penetrating the soil that they share. The fungi extracts minerals and water from the soil and exchanges them with the plant for sugars which it is unable to produce for itself. As a consequence a plant's roots will do little of this work itself, especially in poor soils or in drought conditions. He also exploded the myth that a tree's root system is as far into the ground as its branches are above the ground. Many trees have very shallow root systems, as they delegate the job of seeking water and minerals to the mycorrhizal fungi. This relationship is a 'symbiotic' one; mutually beneficial. Humans too, I discovered, are dual organisms; the bacteria in our gut, so vital for our health, are indeed another organism altogether.

My next task was to find out if these mycorrhizals were available to the gardener. Sue reminded me of an occasion out buying roses when we were given a small packet of spores to shake into the hole before planting. Indeed, two of them flourished and the third, which only had the dregs of the packet to go on, was dead within its first year. A quick Internet search revealed that they are readily available, a valuable tool for the organic gardener.

A post isn't complete without a picture so here are the highlights of our garden this weekend;



This plucky little Tulip has been damaged by the extreme weather conditions but will bloom any day now.


A deliciously coloured Crocus with its variegated leaves adding much needed colour to the garden.


Winter Aconites waiting for a little sun to open up fully.