Bits and Bobs Autumn 2010

[Johnboy]

Hi OH,
I would suggest that the true Runner Bean is NOT self fertile and there are certain varieties when the seed boffins refer to certain varieties as
partially self fertilizing, which incidentally when I ran a trial had the worst result ever. I very soon went back to the good old Scarlet Emperor which has been around since the last quarter of the 19th century and still IMHP has the finest taste of any variety that I have grown.
I would think that the varieties you mention are hybrids and not true runner beans. If you decide to grow them next year I would be interested to know what crop that you have and if the flavour compares with other varieties that you have grown.
JB.

[Johnboy]

Hi OH,
I would suggest that the true Runner Bean is NOT self fertile and there are certain varieties when the seed boffins refer to certain varieties as
partially self fertilizing, which incidentally when I ran a trial had the worst result ever. I very soon went back to the good old Scarlet Emperor which has been around since the last quarter of the 19th century and still IMHP has the finest taste of any variety that I have grown.
I would think that the varieties you mention are hybrids and not true runner beans. If you decide to grow them next year I would be interested to know what crop that you have and if the flavour compares with other varieties that you have grown.
JB

[oldherbaceous]

Thank you all for your replies, i will have to give it some thought whether to trial them or not.

[alan refail]

Morning OH and Johnboy

For us runner beans are something to be eaten once or twice a year - mainly for nostalgic reasons - then ignored. So pollination is not a problem - the less the better.

However, googling around, I see various references, such as this, "the first commercially available cross between a runner and a French bean". Now there's an interesting story to explore! I didn't know they could interbreed.

[oldherbaceous]

Thank you for the link Alan, that gives me a better idea of what they are like.

[PLUMPUDDING]

I love autumn, everything smells so lovely, the fallen leaves and the ripe fruits, and all the beautiful warm colours.

Dealing with the huge amounts of everything is a satisfying challenge and the neighbours always benefit from the surplus.

I've got lots of ivy attempting to invade my garden from the council owned land at the other side, I cut some back and let a large chunk flower and fruit to benefit the insects later on. I found a Red Sword Grass moth feeding on the flowers on a sunny day in late November last year.

We've just returned from a week in Northumberland and there were still Housemartins feeding their young in the arched passage we passed through to get to our cottage. It always amazes me that these babies will have to migrate so soon after leaving the nest. Back home in Yorkshire our Martins seem to be congregating in large flocks now ready for their journey south.

Thinking about the runner beans, I too have rather gone off them this year. A couple of boilings of small tender ones are very enjoyable, then I've just left them. They look very pretty climbing through the top of the wisteria - the red and white Painted Lady looks very attractive against the wisteria leaves. I've concentrated more on the french climbing beans this year as they are less trouble and don't go stringy as soon as you turn your back. They are also much nicer from the freezer than runner beans. The one called District Nurse from HSL also has lovely tender buttery beans when saved as a dried bean as well as being tasty and productive as a green bean. The beans are very pretty pinkish brown with purple specks and blotches.

Right, enough time on the computer, must get out there now it's fine again and do a bit more harvesting.

[oldherbaceous]

Just to lighten things up a little on the forum, there was great excitment in Milton Bryan today, the manure was delivered to the allotments earlier.

[Parsons Jack]

Just to lighten things up a little on the forum, there was great excitment in Milton Bryan today, the manure was delivered to the allotments earlier.

I hope you and Old Codger haven't been fighting over it already

[oldherbaceous]

Evening P.J, not at all, but i'm sure my load was slightly bigger than his.

[Nature's Babe]

Tidying spent crops in the garden yesterday, I heard honking, and one after the other, two large formations of Canada geese flew over on their migratory flight back to Canada, they spend the summer on Romney marsh, not far from here. I also saw a green woodppecker at the bird feeder, usually see the greater spotted ones. There are kilner jars of ratatuille in the pantry, pickles chutneys and jams. Squash in the conservatory, letting the skins mature and harden. Garlic and autumn onion sets arrived and will be planted soon. Yes it really feels autumnal. Also trying moonlight next year and Wisley magic.

[oldherbaceous]

A dull wet old morning out there this morning, no mowing will be getting done today.

So i'm glad we have this forum to brighten the day.

Forgot to say, those loads of manure have put a pleasant smell around this end of the village.

[alan refail]

Bore da NB

Call me pedantic if you wish (many people do), but what you describe are assuredly not Canada geese migrating to Canada!

I do not know what species inhabit Romney Marsh, but I can say this with certainty:

Canada Geese are an introduced species to the UK and they do not migrate at all.

No birds spend summer in the warmer south then migrate to a colder place for the winter. Pure suicide! Think of it; would you?

Your geese were just flying from place to place locally, as they do.

Sorry for the pedantry, but I do react to inaccuracy.

Alan

[Parsons Jack]

Bore da NB

Call me pedantic if you wish (many people do), but what you describe are assuredly not Canada geese migrating to Canada!

I do not know what species inhabit Romney Marsh, but I can say this with certainty:

Canada Geese are an introduced species to the UK and they do not migrate at all.

No birds spend summer in the warmer south then migrate to a colder place for the winter. Pure suicide! Think of it; would you?

Your geese were just flying from place to place locally, as they do.

Sorry for the pedantry, but I do react to inaccuracy.

Alan

Hi Alan,

More information on the Canada Geese here
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdgui ... index.aspx

[alan refail]

Thanks, Parsons Jack

I always make the RSPB site my first port of call to check bird facts

[Parsons Jack]

Evening P.J, not at all, but i'm sure my load was slightly bigger than his.

But you did cheat a bit though didn't you