p21
 Cruel bird torturers or fluffy companians, cats prowl N16
in large numbers. Barry Menteath loves them, but as a 'cat-sitter' he's biased. However he
has the advantage over most of us as he can speak to these urban guerrillas in their own
language.
He writes:
Whether waiting for a pat on the pavement, scamperingthrough garden
hedges, or just snoozing at the window, cats make N16 the cutest and most cuddlesome of
neighbourhoods - without a penny on our council tax.
So why is it that so many furry felines choose to live in N16? I've been
talking to some of the community's best-loved moggies.
Spokescat Elvis of Walford Road told me. 'Stoke Newington owners don't
need much training. I just wrapped my fluffy tail round their ankles and was running their
lives in no time.' Thomas from Bouverie Road agrees. The two-legged ones really know how
to pamper cats. Their either dashing off to The Fishery, or coming home with meals
from the local restaurants'.
Jazz-loving Smudge, who lounges on the piano at the Vortex, was equally
enthusiastic. They even hire a butler for me when they are away from home!' Ex-stray
Greystoke of Bethune Roaad was phililoosophical, You couldn't do better than N16 if you
want a good home and a good owner. Rising property prices don't bother us. Most strays
check the "Sold" posts in front of houses, and then move straight in.'
However, not all the locals warmly welcome Stoke Newington's cats.
A squirral from Clissold Park ( who wishes to remain anonymous ) was
critical of caterwauling under her favourite tree. 'I like a bit of opera just like the
next squirral, but these cats can't sing. They're just after my nuts. Most of them don't
have any of their own.'
But such complaints arev the minority view. Although every cat needs a
home, most Stoke Newington residents know that every home needs a cat.
Barry cares for cats in their homes when their owners are away. Phone
on 020 8806 7264 or send an e-mail to catcare@skyscape.demon.co.uk
How Does Your Garden Grow?
by Luisa Ferrari
The diminutive size of the average garden in Stoke Newington can seriously
limit the householder's ambitions. The desire for an outdoor playground for children or
pets and a traditional green lawn is difficult to achieve when the grass is constantly
subjected to wear or when surrounding buildings or trees reduce light into the garden.
Romantic notions of peaceful al fresco eating can be spoilt by a lack of privacy during
the rare good weather.
As I mentioned in the last issue of N16, the successful treatment of boundaries is crucial
to the creation of a comfortable atmosphere. It would be very short-sighted to enclose
oneself in a mass of rapidly growing vegetation, as this would gradually block the light
and reduce the space in the garden. It could also have an impact on the neighbours.
It is best to plan the reduction of areas of overlook and noise pollution by choosing
suitable plants most of which should be able to be prunedby considering their relationship
and potential effect on the garden next door.
In the context of building a successful plant structure within a small garden which I will
explore further in future issues it is worth sparing a thought for trees. Media publicity
about disruptive cable installation and general road works have led to protection
campaigns that have demonstrated public interest in the local environment.
The reality of city life, however, is that many trees become problematic, either in terms
of the conditions of house insurance or restricting available space. Generally, ignorance
has allowed the wholesale removal of trees, while, on the other hand, over-zealous
protection of seriously unsuitable specimens has discouraged the public from planting even
appropriate species.
As Stoke Newington is itself a 'miniature', it can hardly accommodate its forest trees,
especially when they grow like Triffids. While I enjoy the big trees in the cemetery and
the park, it was with relief that I noticed the Council's removal of a young and already
large purple beech in Dumont Road. It was a stranger among the urban trees and could have
seriously affected the nearby house.
The rapid takeover of a neglected back garden by lime, ash and sycamore trees can damage
buildings and scare away potential house-buyers. But trees are an important part of
gardens and act as a passageway for birds. The future impact of their siting should be
carefully considered. Slow growing specimens with an open canopy, or suitable shrubs
trained into small tree shapes through thoughtful pruning, can transform even the smallest
space.
Luisa Ferrari is a garden designer and consultant. She is the London correspondent of
the Italian gardening magazine Giardini and can be contacted on 020 749 6762
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