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”

specialist services

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

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”

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?”

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”

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”

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”

Helleborus Plants

Helleborus- RHS Collection as Recommended by Blue Iris Professional Garden Maintenance  Blue Iris Landscapesgives you insight and information into the rhizomatous perennials which are found growing in parts of Europe and Western Asia. Find out more about Helleborus here… Helleborus are found growing in woodland, grassy and rocky sites throughout parts of Europe and Western … Continue reading “Helleborus Plants”

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Liquidambars

 Liquidambars Robert Vernon’s Selection of Sweet Gum During the gloomy days of winter, the bonfire shades of sweet gums remain bright beacons in the garden. Liquidambar (sweet gums) are known for their glowing displays of autumn colour and are similar in appearance to an Acer (maple), and can develop into truly spectacular garden trees. Liquidambar … Continue reading “Liquidambars”