In his introduction Kevin said that heavy pruning, widely practised, is not advisable, as it can remove elements that contribute to the subsequent development of plants. Grass heads, as well as looking spectacular, provide food for insects and birds, and leaves can protect plants from the ravages of climate. The glorious colours of Autumn were […]
Great presents for Christmas, concentrate on pot plants, bulbs and cut flowers. Pointsiettas can be kept in a warm room, but avoid over-watering. A yellow ring on the leaves indicates this is happening. A pot of small chrysanthemums is a good present for someone who doesn’t want to spend time looking after plants. Azaleas need […]
Dionaea mascipula, commonly known as The Venus Fly Trap has many forms, and the advice was to put it on an ants’ nest at the end of the Summer. Cephalotus follicularis, found in Australia, grows in inhospitable, inaccessible places, such as cliff tops, has flowers on long stems and “in a pot is stunning, or […]
Nerine “Pink Tiumph” was shown, described as shocking candy pink, a surprising colour for the autumn. They have a sturdy 2 foot stem, which appears without leaves from the bulb. The bulbs should be planted in a hot dry position – e.g. the foot of a south-facing wall – and do not disturb them! If […]
Choose healthy plants, preferably ball-root, and use good compost, Rootgrow (mycorrhizal fungi) and Vitax Q4. Thomas digs square holes, planting in the middle, an inch deeper than the hole itself, taking the roots to the edges, to encourage root spread. When pruning ensure very sharp secateurs and pruning saws, getting rid of dead or diseased […]
Check hellebores and remove any old leaves showing signs of disease, otherwise the new leaves will get the infection. Don’t put them in the compost – dispose of them in your green bag. Now is a good time (while the soil is warm and moist) to move shrubs, perennials, and even small trees. Summer-fruiting raspberries […]
Whatever the size or style of our gardens shrubs can form a key element in their framework and the wide range available enables us to maintain year-round interest Initially, John asked his audience which shrubs in their gardens had coped well in the current hot dry weather: Osmanthus, Euonymous, Hebe and Mimosa were mentioned and […]
It’s not too late to sow dwarf French beans for an autumn crop. Also, you can sow one of the smaller varieties of turnip – I have noticed farmers sowing them into the stubble after harvesting and getting very good results. FLOWER OF THE MONTH Catananche likes it dry and hot. Insects love it. It […]
Richard Loader, a Nurseryman with 40 years experience, he is also a professional photographer whose photos of flowers appear in journals and magazines. Richard indentified the main principles. The shape of the pot matters. Avoid a narrow base and a pot that tapers at the top as that makes potting on difficult. He recommends Yorkshire […]
