January in the Garden
As January rolls on, sunny afternoons and lengthening days remind us that in just a few weeks we will be sowing seeds and enjoying the flowers of early spring. Despite frozen soil there’s still plenty to do in the garden, as long as care is taken. It’s important to avoid working frozen or waterlogged soil, as this can cause permanent damage. When possible, avoid walking on waterlogged soil too. Instead, work from a plank or board that spreads the load. Now is a good time to prune currants and gooseberries – especially new bushes or cordons. If you were too busy last summer...
Read MoreNovember in the Garden
November is a mixed month in the garden. Warm, sunny days offer an ideal opportunity to get out into the garden and finish up important tasks, while frosty mornings warn about the season to come. Gardening tasks centre around maintenance and repair, as well as planting for next year’s growing season. Tidy borders Many annuals and herbaceous perennials begin to look tatty, brown and soggy at this time of year. Cut them back and add to the compost heap or they will encourage disease. Some herbaceous perennials may still be providing late colour, while many seed heads dry into...
Read MoreGarden – Frost Damage To Plants
Guest Article by Stephen Drummonsy A frost occurs when the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees centigrade. It is damaging to plants in two ways, water is rendered unavailable to plant roots and the cells of sensitive plants are ruptured. These dangers are linked with the severity and duration of the frost as well as the constitution of the plant, in Britain we leave our Roses unprotected over winter whereas in some parts of Scandinavia and N. America straw or sacking protection is essential. Late spring frosts which occur after growth has started are the most damaging...
Read MoreGardening – Climate And Weather
Guest Article by Stephen Drummonsy Weather - is the combination of rainfall, temperature, wind sunshine and air humidity which affects your garden at a particular point in time. Climate – is the summary of the weather which is likely to affect your garden throughout the year. The climate maps of your area should be used as a rough guide only. They provide averages over many years rather than telling you the extremes of weather conditions which you are likely to enjoy (or suffer) during a particular year. In addition, the general climate of your region will be much modified by the...
Read MoreAn Introduction to Wildlife Gardening
First Steps Follow the advice below to begin attracting wildlife to your garden. Small changes can make a tremendous difference to the amount of wildlife attracted into your garden. For instance, by incorporating plants carrying scented flowers, seeds and berries (especially native plants) you will attract more birds, bees, butterflies, and many other desirable animals, and predatory insects, such as ladybirds. Butterflies, moths and songbirds feed mainly on nectar, pollen and seed. Bees too are attracted by nectar. You can incorporate ‘food’ plants throughout the garden or perhaps...
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