August Gardening News
And then it was August. Completely bonkers, testing, amazing, uplifting and surreal. There are so many things that one could say about this extraordinary period and whilst it has at times been tough, I have had fun. The oft mentioned ‘playing’ has been at the heart of my journey and has reminded me of all that delivered me as a kid to gardening. I do hope that you have found the time to play too. Generally speaking, gardens have never been so good, though I must record that the rain came at the right time. Everything lifted and was refreshed. There was a cost of course, the weeds enjoyed the rain, the black fly have been dreadful and the pigeons hungry. The humidity is bringing in disease too, with many fungal conditions making themselves known. In particular there has been a lot of mildew and I think we will need to keep an eye out for blight. These things are not easy to combat. Thinning foliage to improve airflow can make a difference, but chemical applications need to be used as a prevention rather than as a cure. Around the garden the maintenance issues are key and harvesting is of real importance, leaving produce on the plant, blocks the way for the next pick and takes energy. So, keep crops picked and keep flowers dead headed to extend the season. Keep planting too. On the vegetable plot, we can still be sowing salads, extending the range to bring in mustard, endive, rocket and corn salad. We can still sow spinach and spring cabbage. There are still vegetable plants around and late sprouts and purple sprouting will still come through. Bulbs are arriving in garden centres and whilst there is no great urgency, the best ranges are there to buy in August. Certainly get organised with Hyacinths if you want to try your luck for Christmas. Pot them, water them and get them into a cool dark place to start the journey. They focus on growing roots when starved of light and will be ready for light after ten to twelve weeks. And finally, try taking some cuttings. Many bits of shrubs as well as geraniums and fuchsias will root now. Break a few bits off and give it a go. By the end of the month we shall see the first of the winter pansies. The year rolls on. Happy Gardening. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org
December Gardening News
The finishing post is once more in sight, another year flown away, a different mash of the same ingredients. Not a bad year overall, there were certainly plenty of leaves and those that are falling are making for a bumper compost heap and the winter greens look promising. The wet has been a bit tiresome over the last weeks and access to the ground has been greatly compromised. You have had to snatch your moments if you have wanted to turn the ground, plant anything or squeeze in a late run over with the lawn mower. If you have managed a last cut, then you have probably spotted the moss, which is thriving and laying claim to many a lawn. If we do get a break in the wet weather and you fancy some exercise, a bit of aeration with a fork is worth the trouble (even now). Just assisting the movement of air and water through the ground may reduce the carpet spread of moss. There are bargains to be had in the bulb and bedding departments of many centres. Having had an unkind month and with a focus on Christmas, there is stock clearance going on. If you do pick up a few bits then try them in pots and in sheltered spots they will come good. This month is normally good for bare root plants and hedges can be planned and installed cheaply. There should be access to everything from Hawthorn and Privet to Beech and Maple. Consider carefully what you want to achieve to, then select more or less vigorous subjects to suit. Plants are usually offered in bundles as indeed are Raspberries which can also be planted now. If you want to sow a few seeds, they will need to be done undercover on a windowsill or in a cold greenhouse, but you will get results. Mustard, winter lettuce and mizuna will all pep up a salad and you can start onions from seed too. If the ground is ready you will still get away with Broad Beans. And finally, when you are done with the labouring, seek out the catalogues. Nothing lifts the spirit more than the promise of new beginnings. Every year I comment on the diversity of nature’s palette and every year new plants arrive to expand the offering. What is more it can all be found online. Happy Gardening and season’s greetings. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org