Still no encouragement weather wise for Gardeners to get into the garden right now even though there is plenty to do, however I am sure some here on the coast are out on the sunny days pruning roses. Just in case you need reminding on how to tackle pruning.... make a slanted cut just above a strong outward facing bud.
Standard roses should be pruned to about 25cm above the main stem and bush roses can be cut back about two-thirds, leaving 3-4 buds on each branch. Climbers can go back leaving 5-6 strong canes. Secateurs must be sharp to avoid damage by ripping branches which leads to die back.
Standard roses should be pruned to about 25cm above the main stem and bush roses can be cut back about two-thirds, leaving 3-4 buds on each branch. Climbers can go back leaving 5-6 strong canes. Secateurs must be sharp to avoid damage by ripping branches which leads to die back.
With low cloud and rain about keeping frosts away the ground and plants are benefiting from the softness for new root development but it also benefits slugs, snails and other annoying insects so it is important to rake out all garden litter, dry leaves, twigs and past plant foliage and stalks. It's time to tidy up died back dahlias, peony rose leaves, cat mint any plant which has gone through the winter die back, leave no coverage to pests.
All shallow rooted shrubs like camellia, rhododendron, hydrangea, azalea, lavender, Hebe, fuchsia and some perennials such as ajuga reptans, sedum and euphorbia will be doing well in the damp conditions and I see fat buds forming on rhododendrons, Debbie camellia buds are ready to burst into flower.
I will be leaving the pea straw off gardens with hosta's and perennials until weeds start growing again to avoid creating a place for pests to winter over.
Polyanthus and primulas want to push through and flower they benefit from an application of dried blood to increase plant vigour.
Remember to continue protecting plants like Margarete daisies, pelargoniums and bougainvillea because there will be more hard frost right though to the end of August.
Under glass sow seeds of antirrhinum (snap dragon), carnation, calendula (common marigold), verbena and viola they should pop up and be ready to plant out in spring, sweet peas can go straight into the ground with a good amount of compost/manure well down for roots to grow deep into.
Dahlias, gladioli, and peonies are coming on the market this month and can be planted from now on in good draining soil, if you think there is a chance they would sit in wet soggy soil over winter they may rot, planting can continue until September
If young trees or shrubs need transplanting now is a good time at their most dormant stage and the ground is soft.
Dahlias, gladioli, and peonies are coming on the market this month and can be planted from now on in good draining soil, if you think there is a chance they would sit in wet soggy soil over winter they may rot, planting can continue until September
If young trees or shrubs need transplanting now is a good time at their most dormant stage and the ground is soft.
Fruit: I notice a lot of yellow and blue green lichen on trunks and branches of my fruit and other trees which I must admit looks as if it could be affecting the health of the trees but no, there is no need to remove lichen. It is not a parasite or other pathogen. This unusual organism cooperates to be self-sustaining throughout the harshest world environments and is beneficial to insects and wildlife for food and shelter. Once leaf cover is back it will not be so noticeable.
Vegetables: Seedlings on offer now can be planted, gradually introduce punnets to cold night temperatures before planting out.
Cheers, Linda.
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