The first stage in trials of Caveman’s Bat Guano at Lullingstone castle in Kent, home of the World Garden has reached some positive conclusions and leads the way to continuing use and trials beginning with fertilization of beds actually in the World Garden in October. We visited on a busy Sunday late August to catch up with Tom and check the progress of the plants. Back in October for another update! Click to enlarge pictures.
Above we have 2 Toothed Lancewood’s, inspected by Tom Hart Dyke and Michael from Caveman’s. The smaller plant on the left was fertilized with a small amount of Caveman’s Bat Guano, whilst the larger plant was left in Tom’s normal potting mix. The new growth at the top of the Lancewood’s is clearly visible, and although the Guano test subject was always a smaller tree, the new growth since fertilization exceeds the other plant by around 1/3. From this Tom concludes ‘The Guano subject has grown more than the lancewood without’.
Below are some Succulents, the one on the left was potted with a good dose of Bat Guano. The Succulent with the Fertilizer didnt fare as well, although still managed to survive. Tom says ‘Normally if I fertilize Succulents I would use a fraction of the general dose’. Of course specialist succulent fertilizers are available, but we will do more intensive studies to find a real beneficial dose of Bat Guano for Succulents next year.
Below are are some more specimens which clearly show an increase in growth. Although the dosage was kept to a conservative level during the potting these plants do have increased bushy growth and vibrant colouring.
Above. Aanigozanthos Flavidus – “kangaroo paw”. The plant on the right was potted with a Caveman’s Bat Guano in the mix. Note the extra growth and darker shade of green. Click to enlarge.
And here’s how the specimen on the right looked in May.
Above. Hedychium Greenii “Dark Leaved Ginger”. Again the plant on the right fertilized with Bat Guano is clearly inches taller than its counterpart on the left which is lifted of the ground. Click to enlarge.
This Cestrum below from Mexico was given a mix of Guano in May, unfortunately no comparisons but Tom noted its vigour and was very pleased with its success.
There is still some more subjects to examine in October so more updates then when we return to the castle, we are also aiming to add some testimonials from our customers once the season is through as well as update to more indepth usage guidelines based on continuing trials from our first season in the garden with Caveman’s Bat Guano. Much, much more to come.
Below. A bed in the wonderful Cactii house at Lullingstone castle, Centered by an amazing specimen.
