Word of the day today was fasciation. Not fascination or a fascinator for your head, but fasciation which according to the local horticultural experts was apparently the reason behind the strange daisies that had popped up through the grass at Newhaven Community, Growing Together garden.

Fasciation is a plant abnormality that can cause plants to appear distorted or increase in weight and  volume.  It’s thought that this can be caused by hormonal imbalances, genetic mutation, or other environmental factors such as fungi, mite or insect attack. In this case we thought the daisies were quite delightful, with many extra petals in each head. One was proudly picked by a young lad to give to his mum. By the time I left, the reserve mowing team had managed to get the mower working, and a team of young volunteers were enthusiastically helping to mow all the grass pathways. The errant daisies may not have made it through the day, but they had cheered us up!

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the weeds in your garden or local park, you never know what you might find.

Judy Pepper