A New Resolution

Jan 20

Posted by JJohnson in Composting, Homegrown Food, In the Veg Patch, Uncategorized, Vegetable growing

It’s a bit late in January to make resolutions so I’m already playing catch-up. I didn’t really give any thought to resolutions this year, but I had an epiphany yesterday, and decided that this year is the one where I will get organised in the garden. Instead of haphazardly throwing seed in any space available and hoping for the best. I’m going to plan. This is not a forte of this particular gardener. I’ve never once actually thought about what, when and where to put things. I garden on impulse, ad hoc, chaotically – which is probably why I get such mixed results.

This year it’s going to be different. I’m going to plant things that I know will be eaten: carrots, peas, beans and salads, rather than the fast growing and impressive vegetables that will ultimately end up composting it – I confess it happened with Swiss chard. It was beautiful with glossy leaves and ruby red stalks, but the family turned up their noses and in the compost bin it went. I consoled myself that it wasn’t really going to waste, after all it had made an attractive garden plant, and next year it would nourish the garden.

Have now sown broad beans and garlic and feeling virtuous.

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Jan 3

Posted by Sue in Uncategorized

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all, 2012 already how time flies. Wonder what the weather will be like in January – this time last year we’d already experienced snow and ice whereas up until now it’s been mild with some wet days! It’s usually fairly quiet this month apart from perhaps starting to raise plants from seed and trying to keeping the garden looking good. So why not take time to relax in the warmth of your home and check out our wide range of young plants, both flower and vegetable, we offer in our Main Catalogue, request a copy now!  

 



Vegetables 

Seed potatoes should be stored in trays, in a light, cool, frost-free place to chit ready for planting in March or April. Sowings can still be made of broad bean Aquadulce Claudia and The Sutton (under cloches) if conditions are suitable. In the greenhouse, sowings can be made of aubergine and summer maturing cauliflower.

In colder parts of the country, and for exhibition, sowings of onion should be made in the greenhouse, harden off the plants in March prior to planting outdoors in April.

Prepare a deep trench, for where runner beans are to be grown next summer, by digging out and filling with rotted compost from your compost bin, plus during winter you can carry on adding kitchen waste. Then in late spring cover with soil and sow your beans on top.


Fruit

Continue to plant raspberries and other soft cane fruit, however, if soil conditions are unsuitable when you receive your plants, plant them temporarily in a spare piece of land or pot to prevent the roots drying out, until there is an improvement. Established fruit bushes and trees should be pruned.

Remove any old stems to avoid over-crowding in the middle of whitecurrants and redcurrants. Also the sideshoots should be pruned so there is just one bud.

Dormant clumps of early rhubarb should have buckets or forcing jars placed over them which will encourage stems to form giving an early harvest.

Nectarines and peaches that are being grown in pots should be moved under cover for the winter, such as in an unheated greenhouse. Keeping rain off these trees will assist in preventing the spread of peach leaf curl disease. The early flowers will also be protected from frost.


Trees & Shrubs

New plantings should be protected from the wind by erecting a shelter around them. Move container shrubs being over-wintered into a cold greenhouse, cold frame or you could even use bubble plastic and plant jackets/giant fleece bags to wrap or place your pots in as they will all give protection. Fleece or netting should be used to protect vulnerable plants from severe frost. Tree ties and stakes should be checked for loosening. Use wire netting to protect outdoor seedbeds, pots and trays from damage by squirrels. Glue bands can be applied around tree trunks to control pests such as the winter moth.

 



Flowers

Sowings can be made of antirrhinum, begonia, geranium, gloxinia, lobelia, sweet pea and verbena. Some perennial plants such as anemone, auricular, aquilegia, hollyhock and kniphofia can also be sown at this time. Sweet peas that have been raised from autumn sowings can be encouraged to form sideshoots by pinching out the seedling tips.

Cut down flowering perennials to ground level. Any newly panted perennials or winter bedding that have been lifted by frost should be firmed back in.

When leaf shoots begin to show on crocuses, remove the pots from the beds where they had been placed, clean the pots of any old compost and place them in a cold greenhouse for the flowers to develop.

Bare-rooted roses can continue to be planted. To avoid disease refrain from planting new roses where old ones have been removed from. However, the exception to this is if the soil has been replaced and conditioned. 


Bulbs 

To prolong the flowering period of winter-flowering houseplants avoid droughts and any dry places such as near fires or radiators, by keeping them in good light and a cool position. To prevent disease remove dead leaves from foliage of plant. Remove any dead flowers on cyclamen and azaleas to prolong their flowering period. Daffodils and hyacinths can be force fed to build up bulbs. Prior to bulbs appearing spread mulch over the flower borders and also around shrubs.

Hippeastrum bulbs can be planted in free-draining compost and placed somewhere warm, eg shelf over a radiator, encouraging strong root development along with flowering. Do not leave them standing in water.

Bulbs, corms and tubers that are being kept in store should be checked regularly for signs of deterioration or rot. 

 



General Information 

All leaves that have fallen, along with the ones under bushes and hedges, should be cleared away as they give protection for snails and slugs during the winter months. Also remember that falling leaves can clog up greenhouse gutters. All the raked up leaves may be left to rot down in a leaf bin.

To let in more light, the greenhouse roof can be washed down removing dirt and grime. It is also a good idea to empty and clean water-butts. Trays and pots can be cleaned ready for use. Another idea is for tools and equipment such as lawnmowers to be cleaned and serviced.

Any areas of ground that are presently empty can be dug over forking in plenty of rotted manure or compost, should conditions prove wet a polythene sheet can be used to cover the area helping to keep any further rain off, then once the soil has dried out digging can begin again.

To improve drainage and reduce waterlogging, stand planted patio pots up on feet so that they are slightly raised from direct contact with the ground. Also during very cold spells move them to a sheltered position.


Ponds & Wild Birds


Leave netting in place that was put over ponds last month so as to prevent any falling leaves from going in. Also if any filters or pumps haven’t been removed yet it may be worthwhile doing so thereby avoiding any damage from freezing water during cold winter spells.

Please remember to provide a supply of food again this month for all the birds who visit our shores from colder countries.

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December in your garden

Dec 13

Posted by Sue in In Your Garden Now

 

Day by day Christmas is getting closer, and if you’re looking for gifts to give to family and friends why not have a look at our Christmas Gift section where we have some great ideas.

What a change in the weather from last December when we had already had snow, whereas this year has certainly been milder. No matter what the weather, why not take time on these cold, dark evenings, to sit somewhere cosy and warm browsing through our catalogue planning your garden for the year ahead. Even better, why not go online to see our full range and place your order!! Although there isn’t too much going on this month there may be a few jobs that could be done. To request a copy of our main 2012 catalogue just click the Catalogue Request button and give your details.

 

 



General 

Should you have a few spare hours available, pruning dormant plants quite severely will prove beneficial for their growth next season. So as to keep your favourite garden tools and mowers in good condition, servicing and storing them properly at this time of year is worthwhile as it will help to make sure they work well and last for years to come. Another important job is to sweep patios and driveways so that any slippery algae and leaves are cleared away. Keep clearing up any leaves so that slugs and snails can’t shelter beneath them. 

Now is a good time for repairing fences, trellises, pergolas, etc., replacing any loose posts or any that might be rotting at the base before they collapse which could cause a lot of damage. Also treat timber with preservative or wood colouring when perennial and annual climbers have either died away or lost their leaves.

The remains of any old crops should be cleared away, and added to the compost heap, tidying the area and preparing the ground for next year. A layer of compost can be spread over the soil once cleared and forked into the surface.  

During the winter months plants should be watered sparingly so as to prevent water-logging and rotting. Plants should be checked weekly and only if the compost has almost dried out should watering be carried out. Also avoid getting any water on the leaves.


 Flowers

Sowings can be made of coleus, cyclamen and geranium provided suitable temperatures can be maintained. Taller growing bush roses can be pruned down by about half which will prevent the wind from causing them to become loose through swaying and in turn damaging the roots. The branches of standard roses should also be shortened. Bare-rooted rose bushes can be planted this month. Bulbs that have been potted up and placed in forcing frames should be watered if compost is dry, and only when their shoots are 5cm (2″) high can they be brought out into light, cool conditions.


 Vegetables

Broad Bean Aquadulce Claudia can be sown outdoors and the variety The Sutton can be sown under cloches. For large onions, seed can be sown during December and early January transplanting the young plants outdoors in spring. Vacant areas in the vegetable plot can be dug ready for sowing and planting in spring. Chicory roots can be lifted at this time by cutting back tops and potting up which will force them to produce blanched, tender chicons with whitened leafy shoots. Three roots should be contained in a 25cm (10″) pot placing another pot (upturned) on top so that light can’t penetrate. 



Fruit

Soft fruit such as currants, gooseberries, raspberries, blackberries and tayberries can be planted at this time as they are dormant. If soil conditions are unsuitable when you receive your plants, plant them in a spare piece of ground or pot until there is an improvement. Currants – extra plants can be raised by hardwood cuttings being taken from existing healthy bushes. The cuttings should be 25-30cm (10-12″) in length, then buried to about half their depth. Blackcurrants – established plants can now be pruned allowing the young wood, which will bear most of the fruit, to start putting on growth in spring. Blackcurrants – all the buds that are intact should remain, but in the case of whitecurrants and redcurrants only the top four should be left, removing all the others. Gooseberries – cuttings may also be taken. Rhubarb – lift clumps, pot up in large boxes for forcing and place either in the greenhouse or shed. The roots should be covered with moist compost, then with the support of a frame place black polythen over the top which will exclude light. Apples – store picked fruit that isn’t going to be used immediately in clear plastic bags. The bags should be sealed but two or three small pinpricks should be made in the sides so as to release any gasses produced by the fruits. The bags should be kept in a cool place and only healthy fruits stored. Alternatively, keep them in tip-top condition in traditional apple trays. Check the fruit regularly and remove any rotten ones.

 


 Lawns

Using a rake remove any leaves that have blown onto the lawn, keeping off the grass if wet or frozen. Or to make it easier, why not check out the labour saving Electric Blower and Vacuum to keep your lawn free of any debris! Leaves should also be cleared away from rock gardens and borders. Remove any worm casts when nice and crumbly by using a stiff broom or besom from the lawn on a dry, windy day.    



Greenhouses 

This is the ideal time to clean the greenhouse, pots and trays in readiness for plant raising. Also check that greenhouse heaters and propagators are working correctly. In order to keep greenhouses warmer and reduce heating costs insulate with bubble film which is easy to fit. Before starting to line glass below staging level with white polystyrene, wash the glass inside and out as this will maximise light levels. Remember to keep the gutters clear of any leaves or debris.

Pests may overwinter on plants so keep an eye out for them, as small infestations of red spider mite, greenfly and whitefly can soon spread. This could provide problems in the future so it is best to control now by either spraying, removing them from the leaves or, if really necessary, disposing of any plants that are infected.


Ponds & Wild Birds


Cover with netting to prevent any falling leaves from going in. It is also a good idea to remove filters and pumps so that they don’t suffer any damage from freezing water during the winter months.
With the colder weather arriving, plus birds who fly south from countries such as Siberia and northern Scandinavia who visit our shores due to the relatively mild climate during the winter, why not provide a supply of food and enjoy the pleasure they give. Please remember to hang feeders at a height so that they will be beyond the reach of cats.

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Nov 8

Posted by Sue in Uncategorized

November is already upon us and it’s still mild although a little wet! We have to remember though there is always a chance of frost which could very well bring an end to your summer displays in some parts of the country. Now is a good time to insulate greenhouses with material such as Bubble Film which will save on those fuel costs. Crop protection should also be thought about and either Envirofleece or Enviromesh will prove useful. Also with Christmas creeping up, why not take a look at our new Christmas section for some great gift ideas.

 



Vegetables 

Sowings can be made outdoors of broad bean Aquadulce Claudia, the variety The Sutton can also be sown now but must be given the protection of cloches. Continue planting suitable varieties of garlic such as Solent White until the middle of the month. Crowns of globe artichoke should be protected from frost by wrapping straw around the base of the plants. For an early variety of mangetout pea the variety Oregon Sugar Pod can be sown under cloches this month. However, if in colder areas it might be worth waiting until spring to make sowings. Potted up herbs should be brought indoors for the winter. Overcrowded clumps of chive can be lifted and divided. As this is such a useful herb for garnishes and flavouring all year round why not grow small clumps in pots on the kitchen windowsill. For a continuous supply of lettuce crops during winter plant varieties, such as Vaila-Winter Gem, in pots, borders or growbags and grow on in a warm greenhouse.

Protect outside crops with either Envirofleece, which is very popular with vegetable enthusiasts, or Enviromesh which acts as a barrier to garden pests as well as providing some frost protection.

POTATO BLIGHT – Warm, damp, humid weather favours the spread of Potato Blight. The first symptoms seen are brown or blackish irregular patches on the leaves which quickly spread resulting in all the foliage collapsing. If damp, humid conditions continue the disease quickly spreads to neighbouring plants. If the crop is well advanced the loss of the potato crop can often be prevented by removing all the dead foliage as soon as  possible to prevent the spores washing down to the tubers. To reduce the risk of attack in warm, damp, humid weather conditions spray the plants with Bordeaux Mixture or Bayer Fruit and Vegetable Disease Control at 14 day intervals.


 Fruit

Soft fruit can be planted in prepared ground that has well rotted manure or garden compost incorporated. Canes that provided fruit of blackberries this year can be pruned to soil level and new ones tied into their place. Canes that are very long should be trained back down towards the soil or, to ensure the stem of the longest length is left, wind this in circles. Tips of canes may be buried in the soil to root which will then form new plants. Ripe apples should be picked and, depending on the variety, either be eaten or stored in a cool, dry place until perfect. Glue bands can be wrapped around fruit trees.


 Bulbs

Planting spring bulbs should be completed as early in the month as possible, ensuring they are planted at the correct depth. Should their final planting space not be quite prepared, then why not plant the bulbs in large pots and then they can be planted out at a later date. Bulbs such as crocus, tulip and narcissi should all be planted into bowls by now for placing in a cool situation, given cover protection from any heavy rain so that development can begin.



Flowers

Early sowings of geranium seed can be made, remembering to provide a minimum temperature of 15ºC (60ºF) that should be maintained for growing on the plants. Sowings can also be made of cactus. Cut down and lift dahlias and cannas once the top foliage has been frosted. Pot chrysanthemums should be kept moist and remember to deadhead regularly as this will keep the flowers coming. Remove cyclamen leaves that are yellowing along with faded flowers by pulling them from the corm, however, to prevent leaves from turning yellow keep in a cool, light place. Plants that flower over winter must continue to be watered, but remember to cut down on the watering for other subjects.

 


 Borders

Perennial plants that are past their best should be cut right down, remembering to clear away all remains and added to the compost heap. Why not plant wallflowers in the spaces left as they will give strong, bright colour, or tulips could be planted amongst the wallflowers to give a good contrast of colour. Of course, any suitable perennials or shrubs could always be planted instead.



Lawns 

If weather conditions are still mild and the grass is still growing give it a light trim; also continue to remove any fallen leaves that have blown onto the lawn. A handy piece of equipment to have for removing leaves (plus other garden debris) not only from the lawn but paths, between plants etc is the ‘Electric Blower/Vacuum’. A hollow-tined aerator can be used for spiking lawns and grit can be brushed into the holes for improved drainage. Keep off the lawn if soil conditions are wet or frosty.


GENERAL


If you didn’t manage to give the outside of the greenhouse a wash down last year, it would prove very worthwhile to try and do it on a warm day during this month removing any algae and grime that has built up preventing light getting to the plants inside. The use of a hosepipe, using a slow spray, and brush washer on each glazed panel would prove ideal for this job. It’s also a good idea to insulate greenhouses by using bubble air insulation film. Retaining warmth in the greenhouse is important so it is best to close vents by mid-afternoon.

As temperatures drop houseplants should be watered less frequently. It’s also advisable that plants being over-wintered under-glass are checked regularly to make sure they are keeping healthy and free from disease, which can be done by removing any dead flowers along with leaves that may become discoloured.

Clean and disinfect pots and trays ready for next season. Plan your garden for next year, order plants and seeds early to avoid disappointment.

As temperatures start to fall birds will appreciate regular feeding. Why not have a look at our Wild Bird Feed section and see the range of bird food we’re offering, along with the Fat Bird – a kit for making your own ‘cupcakes’ to hang out for them.        

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October In Your Garden

Oct 4

Posted by Sue in In Your Garden Now

 

Wow, what a great start to October weatherwise for some of us – better than summer! Well lets not get carried away as there is work to be done. Not only is there a lot of lifting and clearing of summer flowering items to be done during the month of October, but many flower and vegetable varieties can be sown at this time. Also there is still time to tend to the lawn.

 



Lawns 

In milder areas final sowings of grass seed can be made early in the month, provided soil and weather conditions are suitable. Apply an autumn fertiliser to established lawns. Growth is now slowing down and the final mowing should be made. Remove any leaves that have fallen onto the lawn and add them to the compost heap.


 Flowers 

Sow sweet peas in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse to overwinter planting outdoors in March or April to produce early blooms. In the heated greenhouse sow cyclamen seeds. For colourful displays indoors during Christmas and New Year plant containers with prepared hyacinth bulbs early in the month, and towards the middle of the month plant narcissus. Plant up winter hanging baskets and containers using myosotis, pansy, polyanthus, primrose, dwarf wallflowers and spring flowering bulbs.
 


 Summer Bulbs

Gladioli bulbs should be lifted as soon as possible for drying before any soil is cleaned away and the old foliage and flower spikes are cut back. They can now be stored until late spring when replanting can take place. Dahlias can also be lifted and stored once the foliage has gone black from the first frosts. The hollow stems can be cut down to approximately 10cm (4”) above the tuber. Any water should be allowed to drain by standing the tuber upside down and store under frost-free conditions.



Spring Bulbs

Plantings of bulbs that are to give displays in the spring can be continued especially for hyacinths, crocuses and daffodils.


 Vegetables

Plant garlic bulbs using a suitable variety such as Solent Wight,
Onions Early Crop and Swift can be planted during October and November. In sheltered areas make sowings of  Broad Bean Aquadulce Claudia towards the end of the month. Lift and store root crops such as carrots, beetroot and potatoes. Cut down asparagus to near ground level.



Fruit 

October is a good month for preparing the ground for planting
soft fruit. Select well drained, sunny position that is not prone to late frosts. Dig over the area incorporating well rotted farm-yard manure or garden compost removing all perennial weed roots. Erect supports for cane fruits such as raspberries. As the berries of late fruiting varieties of blackberries ripen they should be picked, and to keep the birds off the canes a netting should be used as protection. The canes can then be cut back to soil level and this year’s new canes should be tied in.


Greenhouse


If at all possible any tender perennials, such as fuchsias, which are in containers should be moved into the greenhouse for the winter so as to give protection from low temperatures that can occur at night in some parts of the country. Also at this time, similar types of plants that have been grown in borders should be very carefully lifted, potted up and placed where they will be protected from the cold. Remember to trim back any leggy or tall top growth that may have been left as this will avoid any damage being caused.

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September in your garden

Sep 1

Posted by Sue in In Your Garden Now

Ah well summer is nearly over and it’s September already – how time flies!! Wonder if we will be in for an ‘indian summer’ – who knows but how great would that be! Wouldn’t it be nice if we could still find a bit of time to enjoy sitting in the garden. Ah well back to the garden – it’s a good time to begin general maintenance on the lawn, along with tidying borders and containers so they will be ready for planting spring flowering subjects. Also a number of vegetable and flower seeds can now be sown outside and inside.

 



Fruit 

For raising new plants of blackberry, bury tips into the soil of any shoots that have developed this year, as they will quickly form roots and new shoots will develop next spring. Once this has happened the new plants can be separated and planted where you plan to grow them.

Try to avoid wasp damage to early fruiting apples by hanging wasp traps in the branches of the trees. Pick fruit from these early ripening varieties as soon as they are sweet enough to eat as they don’t keep.

All shoots that have carried peaches should be pruned so that newly formed ones can be tied to ones formed this year and these will flower next spring.  

Crops of raspberries, blackberries and other autumn-fruiting varieties should be covered with netting to keep birds away. However, the netting should be checked daily making sure no birds or any other animals are trapped. 


 Flowers 

Once the summer bedding plants have been removed, plant spring flowering plants such as bellis (daisy), pansy, polyanthus, primrose and wallflowers along with spring flowering bulbs. It is a little early to plant tulip bulbs which should be left until November to avoid attacks of Tulip Fire. This disease causes scorched areas on the leaves and spotting on the flowers. The following hardy annuals can be sown outdoors – calendula, cheiranthus, godetia, larkspur, nigella and poppy. Wild Flowers that can be sown direct outdoors are field scabious, field cornflower and feverfew. In the greenhouse sow cyclamen, pelargonium, schizanthus and strelitzia. Sow in a cold frame the wild flowers primrose and cowslip. Sweet peas can be sown in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse to over-winter. The young plants can then be planted out in March/April to obtain early blooms. It is now a good time to begin watering dormant cyclamen pot plants which were left to die down for a rest.

When rose blooms have faded a last deadheading of roses can be done, and taller stems may be slightly shortened so that movement from wind can be reduced. During the early part of this month stem cuttings may be taken. Cut a length of stem, remove the soft tip just above a leaf joint, cutting below a joint at the base removing all but the top three leaves. Place directly into the soil approximately 30cm (12”) to about half its length somewhere in the garden where they can remain to root and develop for about a year.

 


 Bulbs

Gladioli are still giving enjoyable displays in the garden but it might be nice to cut a few spikes for indoors. Should thrips be causing a nuisance spray with Bug Clear. Once flowering has finished, the corms may be lifted, cleaned and carefully stored for planting out again next spring. So that dahlia stems do not break in the wind tie them to supports such as canes.  Remove any deadheads and cut some flowers for a nice display indoors. When lily bulbs become available they can be planted as soon as you want. 

 



Bedding and Hanging Baskets

To make sure displays last well into autumn remember to still give them a little attention.  Water regularly, daily if possible, keep pests under control and, of course, remove any fading blooms. Pot any of the tender plants you may wish to save for next year so that they are allowed to become established in readiness for being placed under cover when the weather starts getting cooler. 


 Lawns

Early September is an ideal time to sow a new lawn or make repairs to an existing lawn.  Grass growth is slowing, therefore, reduce the frequency of mowing. Keep the lawn clear of fallen leaves. General maintenance should be carried out to established lawns, aerate by spiking with an aerator or fork, apply a top dressing and towards the end of the month apply an autumn fertiliser.



Vegetables 

Plant onion sets of an over-wintering variety from the middle of the month. Sow winter lettuce Valdor and Winter Density. A few cut-and-come again salad varieties could be planted in pots for tasty leaves in the autumn. Lift maincrop potatoes and allow to dry prior to storing in wooden trays in a dark, cool, frost-free shed or garage. Transplant spring cabbage into their final positions. For a supply of herbs during the winter, pot up plants of basil, marjoram, mint, oregano and parsley and grow them on the kitchen windowsill. Crops should be picked regularly ensuring they are always fresh and tender, and items such as courgettes and beans shouldn’t be left too long prior to picking. Tomatoes and chillies in greenhouses should still be watered during late summer. Celery plants reaching required size can be lifted carefully with a hand fork.


Pond Care


Pond debris, particularly if the weather has been windy, should be removed by using a net, rake or pond vac. It is important that any dead or dying plant matter is removed immediately so it is not allowed to fall into the water, as this can lower the oxygen content and may also harbour diseases. To catch falling leaves secure a net over the pond. Filters and pumps should be kept going, remembering to check them regularly to see if they need cleaning. It may prove worthwhile to siphon off around a quarter of the water in the pond replacing with fresh if your fish stocks are high. To build up fish strength in preparation for the winter give them a high-protein feed.

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Trial Grounds Open Day

Aug 16

Posted by shawkins in Uncategorized

Our Trial Grounds in Ipplepen

Visitors enjoying the flowers

It was a lovely down at the Trial Grounds open days over the weekend, the weather staying pretty calm with a few spots of rain but mostly sunshine.

We were extremely pleased with the turnout with allotment societies and keen gardeners coming to visit from far and wide.

Veg at the Trial Grounds

Veg Ready for the Picking

Along with a tomato taste test & live music, we asked for visitors to rate and vote on their favourite flower and veg variety on display. We are eagerly  awaiting the results and will share these as soon as we can.

 

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There’s something lurking in the wood store . . .

Jun 29

Posted by JJohnson in Wildlife gardening

Slow Worm coupleOpening up the wood store for some logs we discovered that we had a squatter. This rather large and handsome slow worm has taken up residence just under the canvas flap that keeps the rain out. He pops out every now and again to sun himself – or so we thought. It looks like a very long specimen, but on closer inspection we realised that there were in fact two lying together – a pair. We try to be wildlife friendly in our garden so we’re very pleased.

The amphibians seem to be fairly plentiful too, although I’ve heard that a lot of frogs had been lost to the cold winter weather in some parts of the country. In our case we seem to have plenty of frogs of varying sizes, but we don’t seem to have any tadpoles despite there being copious amounts of spawn early in the year. It’s been mixed fortunes for tadpoles over the last few years with one good year and one year where they don’t seem to thrive. We do have a healthy population of newts this year in the pond and it’s great to watch them with a torch in the evening.

We hope that all those frogs are munching their way through the slugs and snails that are out and about in force.

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It’s a good year for roses

Jun 24

Posted by JJohnson in Uncategorized

Rambling RosieThere are many great things about gardening, but the occasional gifts from Mother Nature, and little surprises that pop up every now again are priceless.  It could be a wind blown or bird dropped seedling, like foxgloves or poppies, that turn up where you haven’t planted any; English bluebells popping out of nowhere, and raspberries that spring up where you don’t expect them.  Best of all though is the appearance of a rambling rose that I didn’t know was there.

 

I’ve identified it as ‘Rambling Rosie’, but if I’m wrong please let me know.  It must have been planted by a previous occupant of my garden, and she’s been keeping a low profile for quite a while because I haven’t noticed her before.  This year though she’s decided to make an entrance in a big way and is putting on quite a show in the shrubbery. 



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Summer Rain

Jun 14

Posted by JJohnson in Uncategorized

On Sunday morning we awoke to the pitter-patter of raindrops, and generally at the weekend this sound wouldn’t have been that welcome. However with the ground gasping and the pond level dropping, this gardener was very happy to hear it.

It very much depends on where you are in the UK at the moment as to how much rain you’re getting, but in the dryer areas it’s a good thing to store the rainwater when we get it at this time of the year. Our water butts were almost overflowing yesterday, so if it doesn’t rain that much for the next few weeks we have a good store to ensure that we don’t have to pour drinking quality water onto the ground.

Our water butts come in lots of shapes and sizes, including some great space saving models, so if you don’t have a water butt already, why not see if you can fit one in – it makes sense.

What is the situation in other parts of the country?

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