Prince Charles has revealed the unlikely gardening ritual he does every time he plants a new tree: giving the branches a shake for good luck.
As part of BBC Countryfile's new campaign, Plant Britain, the team behind the Clarence House Instagram account wrote: "Did you know that after HRH plants a tree, he often gives a branch a friendly shake to wish it well?"
While the Prince of Wales' love for gardening is no surprise, the unique ritual reveals just how much he truly loves to plant. "As someone with a passion for planting trees, I can only encourage you all to get planting for Plant Britain," he said.
The post went on to encourage households to also plant trees for the sake of our planet: "The launch show will demonstrate just how much our trees and plants contribute to the health of the planet and how they act as vital, life-support systems for wildlife, insects and pollinators. An online interactive map will enable viewers, right across the UK, to log their planting; whether it is a tree, a plant, or a packet of seeds."
Max Mumby/Indigo//Getty Images
This isn't the first time the royal has revealed a gardening secret, either. In a previous 1986 interview, Prince Charles explained that he talks to every plant he meets. He said: "I just come and talk to the plants, really – very important to talk to them. They respond."
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
SIGN UP
20 gardening tools and essentials you can get delivered to your home right now
Walsall Wheelbarrows 85L Heavy Duty Builders Barrow - Black
Credit: ArgosMoving mulch, compost or soil to your garden beds? A wheelbarrow is an essential to save your back. One-wheeled, two-handled options are great for manoeuvrability, but if you're limited in strength you may want to opt for a dual-wheeled one.
RHS Burgon and Ball stainless digging spade
Credit: CrocusA fantastic spade that's RHS-approved, this stainless steel choice is rust-resistant and won't need regular sharpening, making it easy to maintain. Long-handle spades like this are great for digging large plots and transferring soil (not to mention being easier on your back). This is also a sustainable choice with the handle made from FSC-certified ash.
V&A William Morris Gardening Gloves
Add a splash of bold and beautiful colour to your garden activities with these stylish William Morris-print gloves. Not just for good looks, of course, they'll also protect you from thorns and brambles while you're working.
DeWit double leaf rake
Credit: CrocusKeep your garden looking spic and span and free from leaves and debris with this top-notch DeWit rake, which makes clearing up much more pleasurable.
Sicilian lemon kneeler pillow
Protect your knees while getting in amongst the borders with this pretty kneeler. Or you might prefer strap-on knee pads so you don't have to keep moving it – BUY NOW, £14.99
Garden Apron
Credit: Garden Trading Protect your clothes and get organised with a stylish gardening apron. Whether you're planting new flowerbeds, picking vegetables or potting around in the shed or greenhouse, this trusty apron will ensure clothes stay clean. What's more, all important tools, seeds and more can be stored close to hand in the front pocket.
Webb electric rotary mower ER40 15"
Opt for a more eco-friendly electric lawnmower as opposed to a petrol one.
Bosch EasyHedgeCut 12-35 Cordless Hedge Cutter
Credit: John LewisEnsyure your hedges and borders looks super-smart with an easy-lift, lightweight, cable-free trimmer for quick and easy grooming.
RHS Burgon and Ball stainless steel digging fork
An efficient tool for turning soil, garden forks can dig into dense soil better than a spade. This one made from rust-proof stainless steel with forged tines for extra strength, is a high-quality digging fork that's endorsed by the RHS. Need we say more?
Garden Tools In Wood And Copper
Now 99% Off
Credit: Not on the High StreetThe ultimates hand tool, trowels are wonderful for transplanting bedding plants and herbs, and planting containers. Hand forks, meanwhile, are perfect for taking out weeds. Not only are these a lovely on-trend copper, the material naturally doesn't rust and repels slugs and snails.
Personalised Copper Plated Garden Pruner Secateurs
Credit: Not on the High StreetPlants taking over? Pruning shears, or secateurs as they're also known, help reign in plants that are getting out of control. They're also perfect for trimming flowers, like roses. Why not match yours to your hand trowel and fork for stylish trio?
DeWit Dutch hoe
Credit: CrocusThis well-crafted garden hoe will make light work of clearing weeds from your flower beds, borders and veg plots. The extra-long handle will also protect you from back strain.
Galvanised Watering Can
Credit: Garden TradingAll gardens need a trusty watering can to keep flowers and plants thriving. This durable one is available in three sizes, so you can choose the one to suit your outdoor space. The 1.5L is perfect for herb pots on plant stands. The 5L for small gardens with plant pots and flowers. And the biggest, the 10L for vast rural flowerbeds and herb gardens.
FLYMO Contour 500E Grass Trimmer
Credit: CurrysTackle a variety of different tasks around your garden with ease with the simple press of a button. This handy trimmer can be used to edge the borders of your lawn, and a wheel is fitted to the trimmer, making it easier to follow the edges around walls and fences. There's also a shrubbing mode, making it simple to tackle difficult-to-reach areas, like under benches and bushes.
Set of 6 Plant Tags
Credit: Garden TradingKeep track of what you've planted with these stylish slate plant labels. The set comes complete with a square soapstone pencil, which allows you to interchange the labels with what's in season or current family favourites
Tool stool
Credit: RHS PlantsKeep everything together in a clever storage box that also doubles up as a foldable seat. You'll enjoy gardening so much more if you're comfortable and everything is to hand. The removable bag fastens with press studs and includes spacious side compartments for hand tools, dibbers, pens, string, and other necessities, and a central section perfect for larger items or a spot of lunch.
Fiskars Solid Lopper Bypass L11
Credit: Robert DyasAnother handy cutting tool, loppers are basically long-handled pruning shears used to trim hard-to-reach areas and cut thicker branches.
RSPB Garden wildlife camera - new
Don't miss the incredible action going on in your own garden. A good wildlife camera will capture all the exciting activity. This one from RSPB can be used to view anything from birds on a feeder, bird tables and nest box entrances, to hedgehogs and other nocturnal wildlife. It can also even be used to keep an eye on the garden or house as a security camera.
Soil test kit
Credit: RHS PlantsMaintain an ideal growing environment with an easy-to-use soil tester kit. You can test the pH and nutrient profile of your soil, think soil acidity and levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash, to see if it needs extra help.
SPGOOD 50FT/15M Expanding Garden Hose Set with Splitter, Foam Water Bottle Expandable Garden Hose, 9 Futions Spray
Water is the foundation of your garden’s life and it’s important that your garden hose can reach and spray every area. If you buy one with an adjustable nozzle, it puts you in control of the water pressure and spray radius. You can also buy nozzles separately.
Lisa JoynerDeputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.