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”

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”

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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”

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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”

Gardening jobs for April

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”

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Recommended Plants by Blue Iris Landscapes

RECOMMENDED PLANTS BY BLUE IRIS LANDSCAPES As well as giving planti6ng advice and maintenance advice, Blue Iris also use their professional status and services to recommend plants from The Royal Horticultural Society and much more.   The RHS Trillium Collection The trillium collection is perfect for woodland gardens or shaded borders, these rhizomatous perennials will … Continue reading “Recommended Plants by Blue Iris Landscapes”

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?”