November already, and still a lot of spring about with weather still unsettled as we experienced a Labour weekend drenching rather than the usual wind to blow away the blossom, no complaints from me.
This is proving a great spring for rhododendrons, azalea's and dogwoods and roses are putting out fat buds in readiness for their grand display. Remove green fly with finger and thumb and rust effected leaves can been removed and bagged to stop spread. Once leaves have firmed up spray roses with fish emulsion and an organic fungicide. Always best to spray on a dull day with less bees around, rose leaves should be dry going into warm nights to prevent mildew growing. Fat buds on those wonderful peony roses as well, make sure they have nothing over hanging shading them from the sun, peony's prefer to take the stage alone.
Spring is the best time for transplanting seedlings popping up from existing plants, like hellebore ( Winter rose), last years hellebore seedlings should be strong, small plants now, I have been potting some up in root trainer pots, once pots are full of roots I will plant out in groups under deciduous trees, and around rhododendrons, camellias, hydrangeas and fuchsias, they all like the same shady conditions.
Spring bulbs and tulips have finished and look messy at this stage but don't be tempted to cut them back because the bulbs need green tops to die back naturally, twist them and push them out off site under shrubbery if you can until they have lost vigor before pulling them from the bulb.
Box hedge: I am waiting for the new growth to firm up a little before trimming the box hedging, If trimmed too soon it will be a wasted effort because while foliage is very soft they are still putting out growth. When you feel spring new growth is done choose an overcast day to trim, this allows under growth a little time to recover before being subjected to our harsh sun, however some sunburn on new buxus growth is unavoidable and thankfully hedges will soon grow through the burning. Our hedge trimmer has been on the go on some other hedges like viburnum and lonicera. If a hedge has reached the height and width required trim back to the last cut, all soft trimmings can go on the garden or into the compost.
Planting on a slope: Spring is the best time to plant out a slope or bank, the ground is moist and plant roots are growing fast which means they will get a good hold before the heat of summer and while small should not be whipped out by wind. Prepare the bank first by spraying out all weeds and grass, they will compete with moisture, if it is possible terracing a steep slope with rocks or sleepers would be beneficial to hold moisture around plant roots. If this cannot be done try not to disturbed soil / clay in areas that are not being planted. If the soil is disturbed and broken up it will wash away with rain and watering. Planting: Dig a hole deep into the bank but shallow at the front, (an angle hole) this will create a hollow reserve for water. Use stones around each plant to prevent wind blowing soil away from roots. Choose plants that grow in dry conditions, like South African plants; grevillea, leucodendro
Grass, Grass. Grass...So much mowing! If lawn weeds have not been sprayed sprinkle clippings around the garden, wonderful humus, but don't leave thick piles, spread it out to break down fast. Now the ground is warm your garden can take as much fresh green growth that you can throw at it. Leave the catcher off from time to time and rake cuttings evenly over the lawn. We have had a good strike on a new area sown this week and in bare patches left after moss removal. Moss grows because off pour drainage or mowing grass too short either results in soil compacting. Keeping the ground firm (don't dig) just rough the top soil up before raking the seed in, covering well so the birds don't notice then keep the moisture up until seed germinates. Hydrocotyle weed is a problem on damp shaded lawns, bright green flat and round once it becomes established it is hard to eradicate. Frost will kill but once the ground warms it appares again. The only product I have had success with is a spray specifically for Hydrocotyle which will eradicate many other lawn weeds as well without killing the grass. I am prefer to spot spray just where required because what ever kills weeds will also kill all good bacteria in soil and give worms a hard time.
Vegetables/fruit
All veg should be doing well after the rain, get corn and pumpkin in, they need a long ripening season.
Strawberry's, black currants, gooseberries and raspberries have all had a visit from bee's here, mulch with fresh grass clippings to keep the moisture from evaporating. Strawberries like soil to be on the acid side so the addition of pine needles or coffee grinds will help. A little potash watered in around the drip line of all fruit will encourage fruiting. With grapes, advice given in the past was to bury road kill under a grapevine. I have made our small vineyard a burial ground for whatever out lives it's time in our garden, gold fish, budgies,hedgehogs, bantams and doves plus, this year the addition of pig manure, fingers crossed for a good season.
Rockvale Gardens are looking wonderful right now, come out for for a visit, open daily.
Cheers, Linda
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