Archive | August, 2009

Change Your Garden

By on August 24, 2009 in Gardening

Despite the lack of sun this summer there has still been quite a splash of colour in the garden. In my case a bit too much colour perhaps. I have several desires when it comes to changing my garden and it is time I put thoughts into action.  If I do not act this Autumn [...]

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Sweet William Organic Seeds

By on August 23, 2009 in Dianthus, Flowers and Plants, Green Gardening

Cottage garden favourites are now running to seed in my garden. I am glad I dead headed the plants earlier and got a second flush of flowers but now is the time to collect seed. Sweet William Seed. Each pollinated floret will generate seed which is held in a firm upright cup. As the seed [...]

Read full story • Comments { 2 }

Growing Good Crocosmia

By on August 23, 2009 in Flowers and Plants, Tips for Growing Series

The national plant collection of Crocosmia in Lincolnshire has 270 different varieties. Most are grown in containers to make use of the available growing space. Growing Hints and Tips The bronzed leaf varieties are a bit tricky being more tender and slower to bulk up. Given good drainage and a warm sunny spot then Nigricans [...]

Read full story • Comments { 2 }

Control Invasive Weeds

By on August 21, 2009 in Pests, Problems and Health, Tips Hints and Ideas

Top Ten Invasive & Pernicious Weeds Japanese Knotweed see link. Convolvulus or bindweed (above)that grows as a twining climber and throttles the host. Mares Tail a plant from the age of fossils, so hard to destroy once you have a colony. Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum is covered by legislation and quite dangerous due to the [...]

Read full story • Comments { 5 }

Lavatera Tree Mallows

By on August 21, 2009 in Flowers and Plants, Shrubs and Trees

This tree Lavatera arborea ‘Olbia Rosea’ is a deciduous shrub growing 10 ‘ tall. It has a profusion of deep pink veined flowers, two inches across, that appear throughout the summer with lobed, mid green leaves. There are a range of Lavetera species or Mallows from the tree and shrub varieties to annuals called Lavetera [...]

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Knapweed Garden Gem or Invasive Weed?

By on August 20, 2009 in Flowers and Plants

Centaurea macrocephala also called Knapweed is a tall perennial plant in the cornflower family. Even wikipedia can’t decide about the scale and desirability of the Centaurea family.  As with many families there are good and bad and this species seems fine in my garden. Growing Centaurea macrocephala At 3′ to 5′ high this bold plant [...]

Read full story • Comments { 3 }

Heather Moors and Gardens

By on August 20, 2009 in Shrubs and Trees

On Ilkley Moor the heather is blooming and smelling a treat. Certainly the horseflies seemed to think so until we got to the top of the moor where the heather really made a statement. In your garden heaths and heathers can be very useful perennial plants. They have all year round interest and are generally [...]

Read full story • Comments { 2 }

Invasive Japanese Knotweed

By on August 19, 2009 in Pests, Problems and Health

This Japanese Knotweed has been colonised by Convolvulus and I can only say they deserve one another. The pink buds of Convolvulus or bind weed will open shortly into the white saucers we know well but the Japanese Knotweed is more insidious and troublesome. Recognising Japanese Knotweed Japanese knotweed begins growing in early spring and [...]

Read full story • Comments { 2 }

Invasive Weeds Himalayan Balsam.

By on August 19, 2009 in Garden Equipment Tips, Pests, Problems and Health

Himalayan balsam is enemy number one at Otley Chevin where this invasive weed is chocking our natural flora. Locals have been recruited to help with ‘Root it Out’ events to stop the spread of these seed propagated plants. I have has seedlings in my garden as has my badminton partner but fortunately they are easy [...]

Read full story • Comments { 2 }

Carpet Bedding Tribute to Girl Guides

By on August 18, 2009 in Garden Design, Tips Hints and Ideas

100 years of Girl Guiding is being celebrated in September 2009 by Girl Guides around the country with a range of appropriate events. This floral tribute is in the grounds of Carlisle Cathedral and has been created from just 4 types of carefully chosen ‘carpet bedding plants’. Contrasting shades of leaf and low, slow growing, [...]

Read full story • Comments { 1 }