Garden Maintenance

Viburnum Beetle Update

Viburnum Beetle Update The viburnum beetle feeds on the foliage of some viburnum species; the larva causes extensive defoliation in spring. The beetle’s eggs are laid in young stems and hatch in April and early May. The creamy black larvae eat holes in the new foliage and by June the foliage can be severely damaged. … Continue reading “Viburnum Beetle Update”

French Beans

French Beans French beans are easier to grow compared to native beans and are one of the freshest tastes of summer. They are also pest and disease free so are able to bumper yields in limited spaces. Cultivar choice   Make good use of vertical space by choosing climbing selections or if space is limited, pick … Continue reading “French Beans”

Gardener in Lightwood

CRB Checked Gardeners

CRB Checked Gardeners Most gardens, whether they are private or commercial are in need of attention around this time. You may be an organisation that is looking for a gardener, to help tidy your grounds up. However in today’s society, many are worried about whom they are employing, wondering what their background is like, especially … Continue reading “CRB Checked Gardeners”

Gardener Cheshire

RHS Advice on Winter Flowering Clematis

RHS Advice on Winter Flowering Clematis Pruning of Clematis A number of clematis species and cultivars flower in winter. The key to pruning all clematis types is knowing when to prune them at the correct time, to do this it is important that we understand the flowering habit and pattern of the clematis. Those that … Continue reading “RHS Advice on Winter Flowering Clematis”

Sparrow in London

Are Birds Causing Disruption in your Garden?

 Are Birds Causing Disruption in your Garden? Most wild birds are welcome in gardens but some, including bullfinches, sparrows, and pigeons cause much disruption to gardens and plants. In winter, these birds will eat flower buds, fruit, grass seeds and will damage vegetable seedlings along with flowers such as crocus and can also strip peas … Continue reading “Are Birds Causing Disruption in your Garden?”

Pruning Fruit Trees

Treating Waterlogged Lawns and Split or Cracked Bark

Treating Waterlogged Lawns High rainfall during winter and impeded drainage mean that lawns can struggle to cope with excess water, which leaves them prone to moss and algae. Waterlogging tends to be a problem on compacted and heavy clay soils, although poor preparation before turfing or seeding new lawns can be a cause also. Roots … Continue reading “Treating Waterlogged Lawns and Split or Cracked Bark”

Gardener Cheshire

Gardening Jobs for January

Gardening Jobs for January Six important seasonal Gardening jobs for January Prune wisterias by reducing last year’s growth to spurs of two or three buds. On winter pansies and violas, remove leaves with downy mildew and black spots. Order vegetable seeds: as new popular cultivars sell out quickly. Cutaway old hellebore foliage to reveal new … Continue reading “Gardening Jobs for January”

Pruning Fruit Trees

How to Winter-Prune Apple and Pear Trees

How to Winter-Prune Apple and Pear Trees Winter can be a good time to prune established bushes, half standard and full standard apple and pear trees. However it is advisable that you avoid pruning in wet conditions or during a heavy sharp frost. It is a good goal to have all pruning finished before the … Continue reading “How to Winter-Prune Apple and Pear Trees”

winter flowering shrubs

Winter Flowering Shrubs

Winter Flowering Shrubs Recommended by Blue Iris Landscapes The winter garden can be surprisingly colourful, here is a list of our favourite winter flowering shrubs: These evergreen climbers are not only attractive but also show their high ability in producing an abundance of flowers throughout the winter. They also add a profusion of colour to … Continue reading “Winter Flowering Shrubs”

robin

Wildlife Policy – Robin

Wildlife Diary of a Robin Here at Blue Iris Landscapes we are very conscious and make sure we are correctly informed and aware of the natural habitat in which we work. As the environment is a major factor within our work, we strive to do as much as possible to protect the wildlife of which … Continue reading “Wildlife Policy – Robin”