We're Growing Snakes

My children aren’t spoilt but there are two things I will happily throw money on if they ask – books and gardening stuff. The latter is mostly seeds so I’m hardly pushing the boat out.

I haven’t bought many seeds for myself this year; I have lots from last year and I’m all about the budget now. Although I’m hoping my husband won’t read that last bit as he’ll probably die laughing.

But on a recent garden centre trip for the school gardening club I spied some seeds that I knew my four-year-old would love. Gourds that grow into a snake shape.

He’s a bloodthirsty little beggar (always first on the scene if someone’s hurt themselves asking “Is there any blood?”) and loves creatures that are not cute cuddly kitten (although he does love those too) so I knew these would be a hit.

It was lovely planting them in the warm greenhouse with him yesterday. He listened and pushed them in on their sides, after we’d laughed at their funny shape.

My only worry, given my rather feeble track record with such plants, is that they won’t grow or produce the snake-like gourd. There were six seeds in the pack so, assuming they all grow, I reckon one for a veggie patch at home, three for the allotment and two for large containers.

I do think garden centres miss a trick sometimes. Think how many seedlings of these ornamental gourds they could sell to other equally doting, green-fingered parents. I’d buy a couple, just for insurance purposes.