Browsed by
Month: September 2021

Lavatera is best pruned back hard every year to encourage new flowering stems. Pruning is best done in spring as stems swell.
How to Prune Lavatera – When and How to Prune (Mallow Bushes)

How to Prune Lavatera – When and How to Prune (Mallow Bushes)

Originally from Mediterranean areas, Lavatera plants produce beautiful funnel-shaped flowers of different colours. These easy to grow plants enjoy well-drained soils but are not too picky about location and will grow well even in poor soils, but to really get the best from them I recommend pruning once a year, or at least every couple of years. To ensure these semi-evergreen plants thrive regardless of the weather, you need to know when, and how to prune Lavatera, also more commonly…

Read More Read More

I often get asked when to pick gooseberries but there are two answers for this as it depends on what here used for, ie cooking or eating fresh
When to pick gooseberries and how to encourage the best crops

When to pick gooseberries and how to encourage the best crops

Gooseberries are not only delicious but, they are good sources of vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B. You can make anything from jams, chutneys, pies and salads if you enjoy being in the kitchen. If you already own a gooseberry bush or intending to own one but are unsure when to pick the fruit, this is the article for you! Do you know the best time to pick gooseberries? In this guide, I will explain when to pick gooseberries…

Read More Read More

There are a few pest that will eat magnolia leaves, burrow into the stems and eat the flowers.
Magnolia pests: What’s Eating the Leaves on Your Magnolia Tree?

Magnolia pests: What’s Eating the Leaves on Your Magnolia Tree?

Magnolias are one of the most stunning types of trees, with the Magnolia ‘Yellow River’ being my ultimate favourite with its yellow tulip-shaped flowers, but I also have Magnolia ‘Stellata’ and Magnolia ‘Susan’ planted in my garden. This charming tree produces large blooms that are both a remarkable sight and some varieties have a lovely scent. While Magnolias look majestic when fully matured, they need some maintenance to promote healthy growth and that includes understanding what is attacking its leaves,…

Read More Read More

Caterpillars on Roses Rose Sawfly
Caterpillars on Roses – Killing Rose Sawfly Larvae

Caterpillars on Roses – Killing Rose Sawfly Larvae

Your beautiful roses have been thriving and then all of a sudden you start noticing that the leaves are curling inwards or outwards, scars on the stems or holes in the leaves. You look for the root of the problem and discover rose sawflies are plaguing your roses. It is actually a fairly common problem, so what do you need to do? How do you deal with rose sawflies without causing further damage to your roses? In this guide, I…

Read More Read More

I explain step by step how to take Buddleia cuttings including softwood in spring and hardwood in autumn.
How to Take Buddleia Cuttings – Step by Step

How to Take Buddleia Cuttings – Step by Step

If you fancy some butterflies and bees in your garden, you can never go wrong with a Buddleia. This is why there are also more commonly known as the Butterfly Bush. Buddleias are exotic-looking flowers with around 140 species on different continents from large varieties such as Buddleia ‘Royal Red’ to dwarf Buddleia such as Buddleia ‘Buzz’ and ‘Blue Chip’. The one thing that they all have in common is that they are incredibly easy to grow as well as…

Read More Read More

Alliums are spectacular plants. In this guide, I show you what to do with alliums after flowering from cutting back to dividing bulbs
What to Do With Alliums after Flowering

What to Do With Alliums after Flowering

Alliums have a distinct look, taste and smell. They are typically used for decorative purposes and depending on the species, they can be used as food crops but I’ve always grown ornamental alliums and really enjoy the larger flowered varieties although I do have a selection of smaller growing varieties too.   Do you enjoy the sight of alliums? If you already have them in your garden they are magnificent, but what do you do with alliums after flowering? Those…

Read More Read More

Lilies are stunning plants and generally, you should deadhead each flower as it finishes but pruning depends on a few factors. Learn more now
What to Do With Lilies after Flowering – When and How to Cut Them Back

What to Do With Lilies after Flowering – When and How to Cut Them Back

While in full bloom, lilies stand tall and majestic creating an exotic scene that many appreciate. However, what happens to the lilies after flowering? Do you just let them be, or do you deadhead them and prune them in preparation for the next season? Experts indicate that it is essential to prune and cut back your lilies followed by mulching for healthier growth. In this article, you will discover tips on when and how to cut lilies to provide optimal…

Read More Read More

There are many reasons conifers start to turn brown from winter browning caused by cold weather to diseases such as Pestalotiopsis dieback.
Why Are My Conifers Turning Brown? What you need to know

Why Are My Conifers Turning Brown? What you need to know

If you enjoy the evergreen aesthetic that conifers offer, you might be shocked to notice wide-scale discolouration. You may wonder; why are my conifers turning brown? There is cause to be concerned because several reasons can result in conifer leaves turning brown. However, hope is not lost because you can remedy the problem and nurse the tree back to health. Below are some common causes of leaf discolouration in conifers and some remedies you can undertake. Pruning conifers at the…

Read More Read More

Caterpillars are one of the most damaging pests so how do you deal with them. Organic Ways to Stop Caterpillars Eating Your fruit, veg and plants
8 Organic Ways to Stop Caterpillars Eating Your Plants

8 Organic Ways to Stop Caterpillars Eating Your Plants

Before transforming into beautiful butterflies or moths, caterpillars need a lot of food for energy purposes and that is why you may find them camping in your garden. Caterpillars are not generally harmful, but they can cause damage to your crops if left unchecked. So, how do you prevent these caterpillars from wreaking havoc on your plants? You can use pesticides but they may be toxic for the other animals and insects in your garden. Instead, you will find plenty…

Read More Read More