Gardening jobs for April

Liquidambar Cultivation

Liquidambar Cultivation Liquidambars (sweet gum) are among the more trouble-free trees to grow. They are rarely affected by pests and diseases, although they are fairly vulnerable to honey fungus. Poor Autumn Colour The most common problem reported is that individual liquidambars are not producing a good display of autumn colour. Although the reason is somewhat … Continue reading “Liquidambar Cultivation”

House Plants

House Plants House Plants can be a lovely addition to your home as they can bring the outside in. Keeping you attached to your garden at all times, but even though they aren’t in your garden they still need looking after through the winter period. House Plant Minimum temp Aspect in Winter Can it be … Continue reading “House Plants”

Garden Maintenance

Tender Hippeastrum

Tender Hippeastrum Hippeastrum bear impressive flowers to enliven winter days. Plant the bulb into a 13cm (5in) with the top two-thirds of the bulb above the surface of the soil. Water in and place in a well-lit spot in temperature between 15 and 18 degrees. Water sparingly at first, adding more as growth develops. Avoid … Continue reading “Tender Hippeastrum”

Blue Iris Logo White PNG

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”

bulb planting

Bulb Planting Techniques

Bulb planting techniques   Blue Iris Landscapes are often asked what are the best and most effective techniques when planting bulbs. This brief article will teach you the tricks of the trade.   How deep do I plant certain bulbs?   Bulbs Muscari Crocus Allium Tulipa Narcissus Fritillaria imperials How deep do I plant? 10cm … Continue reading “Bulb Planting Techniques”

Dock Bugs

 Dock Bugs Dock bugs are most common in southern England and Wales, and many are attracted by wildflowers such as maculosa, docks, and sorrels. In August and September, dock bugs are attracted to raspberry and blackberry fruit. Their feeding can cause come of the fruits to deflate however professionals can ensure that the damage is … Continue reading “Dock Bugs”

winter flowering shrubs

Over Wintering Citrus

Over wintering Citrus   All citrus plants need winter protection, and for high qualities batch a frost-free greenhouse (10-15c/50-59f) or airy conservatory is best, however, a sunny windowsill in an unheated room is also a good idea. Water the citrus plants moderately in winter and allow the surface to dry out between watering. It is … Continue reading “Over Wintering Citrus”

Choosing Winter Bedding

Choosing Winter Bedding  No matter what the landscape or the season, there are always opportunities to create colourful displays that can stand up even in the harshest of weather.   Adding early flowering bulbs such as snowdrops, and crocus can improve the display and layout of even the smallest gardens, especially containers.   Winter-interest pots … Continue reading “Choosing Winter Bedding”

shrub-pruning-banner

Dividing Grasses

Dividing Grasses The easiest and most effective way to ‘propagate’ grasses is by division. Grasses can be divided in the autumn however most grass species dislike having cut surfaces exposed to winter wet and cold. For this reason, it is usually better to wait until Spring. Climate Grasses ‘Cool-climate’ grasses are best divided just before … Continue reading “Dividing Grasses”

Pruning Fruit Trees

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”