Growing Corylus colurna
How to grow Corylus colurna ‘Te-Terra red’ This small hazel tree grows to around 20ft. In the spring the foliage is wine-red but, like all purple-foliage hazels, the leaves fade to green. A two-tone effect appears in the summer when the wind blows and ruffles the more mature green leaves amongst the youthful purple foliage. … Continue reading “Growing Corylus colurna”
Lawn Care
Lawn Care Many lawns around this time of the year are looking barren rather than having a lush green finish they are worn and brown; making your garden look unattractive and needing a bit of attention. Whatever the problem you are probably wondering what sort of grass seed would be the best to revitalise your … Continue reading “Lawn Care”
Common Garden Plants
10 minute Gardener – Storing Agapanthus, Lilies, and Succulents Large containers of agapanthus need time to dry out to improve their chances of endurance over winter. Once they are dry, they can be placed under the bench of an unheated greenhouse and left alone until spring. If they need to be stored outside place them … Continue reading “Common Garden Plants”
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 in storage, spreading … Continue reading “Fruit and Vegetable Storage Problems”
Gardening Jobs for December
Jobs for December Kitchen Garden…… · Order plants of early crops such as cabbages, cauliflowers, and lettuces from specialist suppliers for early spring delivery. · Continue harvesting Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Parsnips, and Leeks. · Dig over bare soil if workable-soil pests are therefore exposed to birds. Ornamental Garden……. · If soil conditions allow, plant … Continue reading “Gardening Jobs for December”
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”
Establishing Snowdrops
Snowdrops Establishing snowdrops: Traditionally it has been recommended that snowdrops are best moved, planted or propagated by division after flowering. Experimentation current thinking is variables which can produce change. As the leaves yellow towards the end of spring and later when fully dormant. This helps avoid root damage. Starting Out: When introducing Galanthus to … Continue reading “Establishing Snowdrops”
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?”
Catkins
Catkins – wind-pollinated harbingers of Spring Although less flamboyant than flowers that attract insects, Catkins are ultimately designed for wind pollination and signify the end of winter when they appear in early spring. Salix caprea Garrya elliptica Corylus avanllana ‘Cortorta’ Alnus cordata The stubby, fury, male catkins of goat willow have yellow stamens. Its pendulous … Continue reading “Catkins”
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”