Archive | September, 2010

Quick Single and Collerette Dahlias Tips

The hot subject for discussion this Autumn seems to be the renaissance of Dahlias. For me they have never been far from my garden but I understand how fashions come and go then return. Quick Dahlia Cultivation Tips Disbudding two out of three buds per stem with produce longer, stronger and more weather resistant stems. [...]

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Bitter Pit in Apples Causes and Cures

Bitter Pit is a problem with the fruit on Apple trees caused by a shortage of Calcium. The fruit have dark, sunken spots on the surface, browning flesh and a slightly bitter taste. The problem can continue or start developing after harvest so inspect stored apples. Causes of Bitter Pit Dry conditions can reduce the [...]

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Winterproofing your Garden

Summer is over and we had the first Autumn frost last night 26th September. It was only a light frost and we have some cloud cover for the next few nights so it won’t be as cold tonight. Still I set-too to protect some plants. Winter Plant Protection Tender plants can be protected in a [...]

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Fuchsia from Cuttings All Year Round

Fuchsias root very easily and it a simple matter to take cuttings both to increase your stock of plants and to protect them from winter losses. Cuttings in September & October from Semi-hardwood. I think this is the best method for those without a heated greenhouse. Cuttings are taken late in the season when the [...]

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Growing Roses from Seed

I have collected quite a range of Rose Hips from wild species Roses and intend growing my own collection from seed. Rose hips vary in colour from Black, Orange, Red and Green and the seed inside varies in the quality of crop it will produce. Seed Grown Roses I have de-husked the rose hips and [...]

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Autumn’s Last Insect Feed

The Sedum or Ice Plants are providing a treat for the bees and insects in the garden this September. Many other plants have ‘gone over’ quite early this year so these Sedum blossoms will be quite welcome as a pre-winter energy booster. Autumn Insect Food Late Rose flowers seem especially well scented at the moment [...]

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Echinacea and Cone Flower Varieties

Echinacea purpurea is commonly called the Cone Flower. There are other Echinacea varieties that will put on a long lasting and colourful display in your garden. The daisy like flower heads are attractive to insects and butterflies and are available is several warm colours. Echinacea make good cut flowers for the house. Echinacea Varieties Echinacea [...]

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Growing Trillium Spring Flowering Perennials

. Trillium are idea plants for woodland gardens or a shady border. The three petals produce an interesting triangular pattern often enhanced by the three sepals that cover the bloom and open to allow the flower to shine through. What are Trilliums and how to Care for Them Trilliums are a species of rhizomatous, herbaceous [...]

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Nasturtium as a Vegetable

I have not got into the habit of eating Nasturtium and it may be too late for me to start at my age. However my vegetarian children take a different view. Eating Nasturtium The leaves of the nasturtium plant are edible, with a peppery flavour, that can  tossed into salads. The flowers make a unique [...]

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Runner Bean Organic Feast

The early insect damage on my runner bean leaves (above) has not damaged the crop of beans. Cool evenings and warm sunny days with adequate rain, has helped produce a bumper crop of tender beans. Tips For Runner Bean Next Year Add plenty of rotted compost this winter to increase the moisture holding ability of [...]

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