There comes a day when last season's plants begin to look - well - last season's. Up until now they have looked to be serving the purpose they were left to serve - seed pods to feed various birds, shelter for insects, winter texture and tracery. Then suddenly they draw attention and it is noted that there is fresh greenery at the roots, the new season's growth has appeared! Now it isn't a matter of gripping the old shoots and pulling - no, not at all. That dislodges the 'babyies'. Instead one grasps the old stems, usually in a handful unless a particularly Zen approach of each by each is chosen, and gently pushes the stems back toward the earth. Their duty truly finished they snap off easily and comes away in the hand a satisfying harvest which can be folded and broken into smaller pieces and added to a compost heap. The snapdragons (which are volunteers aplenty here) showered me with really-last-minute seeds as I did the forward and backward dance with them; the feverfew released the most lovely scent.
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