I've always been fascinated by algae. These simple organisms take so many forms... But right now they've gone too far...
I've always been fascinated by algae. These simple organisms take so many forms. Some are accurate indicators of water pollution, and some, like the blue-green alga spirulina, are a brilliant source of vitamin B12. But right now they've gone too far. The recent wet weather has left just about everything in my garden covered in water, and as temperatures have been mild, algae has spread.
The soil here is clay, which I've spent many years improving with garden compost, manure and leaf mould. Algae and some mosses have appeared in a few of the less well tended areas. It doesn't look good, but as it would wreck the soil structure if I went out in these wet conditions with a fork, I'm leaving them for the time being.
But the paths and patio area are the real nightmare spots. A thriving film of thin algae coats them, making them almost as slippery as sheet ice. I'll be wearing crampons soon! Today is sunny and dry, so I'll be out there with the stiffest yard broom I can find, scrubbing away at the algae and trying to make the main pathways a little safer. Special cleaners are available, but I'm worried they might leach in to nearby soil and cause yet more damage to the soil micro-organisms.
A little bit of salt can help too, but only in areas away from plants. In these areas I'll use a bucket of sand, casting the thinnest possible layer over the surface of the stone paved areas. Removing algae is very hard work, but at least it's good exercise...
