Yearly Archives: 2007

December began with strong winds and heavy rain, setting the tone for the start of another potentially mild, wet winter. It blew all of the remaining leaves from the ‘Silver Birch’ in my garden and has concentrated them all to … [ Read More ]

Over the past few years there has been a major resurgence of interest in vegetable growing on as people discover the joys and health benefits of home grown food for the table but you can add more interest to your … [ Read More ]

At the beginning of the month, I was privileged to give the annual Percy Picton Memorial lecture at Colwall gardening club, the timing was perfect for a visit to the Old Court Nursery and Picton Gardens, home to the National … [ Read More ]

Ambushed by recent tomato blight I’m going to clear some of my summer greenhouse crops and start my autumn tidy up earlier than planned. Returning from holiday to find my tomato plants browned and collapsed was no surprise, it had … [ Read More ]

Now is the time to prune Wisteria to ensure you have plenty of flowers next spring. First, tie in any new shoots to extend the existing network of branches or to fill in gaps, then using sharp secateurs, shorten this … [ Read More ]

Looking at the rainfall levels it seems that the prediction that this summer would be hotter than the last, might have been a little optimistic. All of that wonderful rainwater is free and it’s too good to waste so I’ve … [ Read More ]

When it’s a sunny day, you’ll often find me out in the garden, pushing a hoe. It’s an environmentally friendly form of weed control that I find relaxing and therapeutic. There are three types of hoes, the Dutch or push … [ Read More ]

The warmest April on record has provided ideal conditions for one garden fungus – powdery mildew, to thrive so be on your guard for early infections on vulnerable plants. It’s a dry whitish powder that coats the tops of the … [ Read More ]

It’s not only plants that are active at this time of year, the pests that thrive on them are increasing too as there is more and more to eat. Top of the list are slugs which delight in munching their … [ Read More ]