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”
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”
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”
Grow your Own Mistletoe
Growing your Own Mistletoe Viscum alba (mistletoe) is usually associated with the winter period however; this mysterious species can also be established on suitable garden trees. Mistletoe is a semi partial parasite. Although it has chlorophyll, the roots have adapted to tap into the vascular system of its host tree absorbing water and nutrients, instead … Continue reading “Grow your Own Mistletoe”
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”
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”
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”
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”