Comments on: Space Invaders

By: Kester

Kester — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:40:54 +0000

Hi Goo
One idea which I was trying to promote amongst members of Transition Bedford, when I lived there, and others was a slant on seed bombing. Instead of just using any seeds, seed bombing with appropriate edible and medicinal seeds might offer some defence in preventing the spread of invasive alien species. Youtube has many good vids on seed bomb manufacture eg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5TKNmeFRU4
Seed bombing with appropriate edibles and medicinals would also help to create a more edible/medicinal landscape for the future.

Have fun

By: goo

goo — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:29:06 +0000

I didn’t know you could eat the seeds of Himalayan Balsam, thanks for that. The young tender shoots of knotweed are edible, apparently in terms of usage and taste it is not dissimilar to rhubarb, though I’ve never tried it myself. Knotweed can also be used for animal fodder and I have heard of attempts to use it as a fuel source, so I guess it’s not all bad news. However, I am keen to protect our native flora and believe knotweed has to be kept in check to some degree.

By: Bird

Bird — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:18:26 +0000

Japanese Knotweed has taken over large stretches of the River Lee where it goes through London – council gardeners simply strim it down once it gets to a certain size and I’ve often wondered how much this approach has led to it spreading. (To be honest, it doesn’t really need anyones help to spread though) Himalayan balsam is a beautiful invasive, and the first time I saw a seed pod explode I couldn’t believe my eyes! I briefly lived in a house who’s garden was stuffed with it, and it outgrows everything at a frightening rate. But here’s a handy hint… the seeds are edible, and rather nutty. So you can eat them at least…