RHS advice on Crown Lifting
RHS Advice Crown lifting trees, shrubs, and bamboos Crown lifting is basically the technique used to remove the lower branches of a plant to produce trunks or stems that are taller and clearer. This allows better access and allows light and air through the canopy. As well as accentuating the colour and stem structure, it … Continue reading “RHS advice on Crown Lifting”
Japanese Knotweed Vs psyllid Aphalara itadori
Japanese Knotweed Vs psyllid Aphalara itadori Britain is quite fortunate when it comes to having invasive plants because as a country we have very few. However one in particular called Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) is one of the worst invasive plants that Britain has to contend with regarding the amount it would cost to eliminate them … Continue reading “Japanese Knotweed Vs psyllid Aphalara itadori”
Non-Pesticide Methods for Small Pests
Non-Pesticide Methods for Small Pests As an increasing number of pesticides are being withdrawn, cultural techniques from the past are becoming even more relevant. Hand-picking out large pests such as snails, slugs and lily beetles may be the simplest way to get rid of them. However, for smaller pests such as earwigs, female winter moths, … Continue reading “Non-Pesticide Methods for Small Pests”
House Plants and Hedge Planting Tips
House Plant Care Low light, large temperature swings and dry air can all make it hard for houseplants over the winter. Many houseplants are often benefited from a rest over winter so when flowering is over and growth slows down. Adjust watering so that the compost is barely moist and withhold fertilizer until the plant … Continue reading “House Plants and Hedge Planting Tips”
Fruit and Vegetable Storage Problems
Fruit and vegetable storage problems To prevent the spreading of disease, check fruit and vegetable storage areas regularly and dispose of any affected. Most fungi enter in wounds, but some spread by contact; handle produce carefully and keep fruits apart from each other. Brown rot Attacks apples and pears on trees and n storage, spreading … Continue reading “Fruit and Vegetable Storage Problems”
Ice, Frost and Snow Clearance
Ice, Frost and Snow Clearance On the Health & Safety Website it says… Ice, Frost and Snow “To reduce the risk of slips on ice, frost or snow, you need to assess the risk and put in a system to manage it.” This is often in the form of a grounds maintenance company such … Continue reading “Ice, Frost and Snow Clearance”
Fruitful Endeavour
Fruitful Endeavour The Fruit manual This year its 150th anniversary since Robert Hogg published the Fruit Manual. It is so inclusive that it was consulted for over a century and is still referred to today. The first of the fruit manuals was 280 pages long and covered almost all the range of hardy fruits included … Continue reading “Fruitful Endeavour”
Protecting Hardy (and not-quite hardy) Palms
Protecting Hardy (and not-quite hardy) Palms Some of the hardest palms include: jubaea chilensis (coquito palms), Trachycarpus fortunei (chusan palms) however they can still suffer in cold harsh winters. Blue Iris Landscapes recommend that more tender palms such as Butia capitata are best grown in pots. Professional landscapers and gardeners also suggest that palms are … Continue reading “Protecting Hardy (and not-quite hardy) Palms”
Are you Thinking About Having your Lawns Landscaped?
Are You Thinking About Having your Lawns Landscaped? Here at Blue Iris Landscapes, we can offer different solutions for all of your turfing needs. Bee heaven– A substantial lawn can be altered malformed into a meadow. Mow paths where you need to cross and grow wildflowers that support the wildlife around you. Hard choices made … Continue reading “Are you Thinking About Having your Lawns Landscaped?”
Plant Supports- Grow your own
Plant Supports – Grow your own A cheap and effective alternative to bamboo cane plant supports can be stems of trees and shrubs from your garden. Not only can it be a fun alternative, but it is also more economical and eliminates the carbon footprint of importing bamboo canes. Also the stock plants in which … Continue reading “Plant Supports- Grow your own”