October Gardening News
The tide has turned and how very quickly, Autumn rushed in, the brutal heat of summer bringing the early surrender from an exhausted landscape. The trees tell of a desire to shed their leaves and rest. All across the garden there is a sense of shutdown. The harvest has been mixed, the runner beans cropping strongly but over quite a short season, the tomatoes outdoors have been amazing but are being messed up by the arrival of the wet, which is making fruit split. The cabbage, cauli and sproutings have also been tested as word of their availability passed to caterpillars, pigeons and aphids. I suspect these pests took in turns to hold up the net, for even when covered they were ripped and gnawed. But, we’re on to the next bit and we can be clearing away and clearing the way for over wintering crops. Salvage the last of your tomatoes to stand on a window sill to ripen and gather in leftover marrows, squashes and courgettes (cool and frost free they will store for some weeks).In the retrieved space Peas, Broad beans, Onions and Garlic can be set out and there are still some late greens and spinach to be found. Of course, if you have some shelter then you will still get away with a bit of sowing and certainly lettuce and salad leaves are worth a go. We need to be on frost watch now, so consider all tender subjects that you might wish to preserve. Frost is callous and treacherous, coming from nowhere and wreaking havoc. Geraniums and Begonias need shifting and may even be potted to continue showing off on the kitchen shelf, in fact many subjects can be transferred to give an extended show. As space is freed up bulbs and autumn and winter plants can be introduced, with pansies, violas, sweet William, forget me nots and many others being available in quantity. Take time to stop by a stand of bulbs and soak it up, then treat yourself to something. I just marvel at natures pallet and the carnival that heralds spring as the bulbs pop up. And finally get that compost heap topped up and if you haven’t got one, make one. It is hugely rewarding. Nature rips through the piled debris and turns into compost like nothing that you ever buy. Don’t make the job too sophisticated or complicated or you put yourself off…………just pile it all on. Happy Gardening. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org
May Gardening News
And the craziness continues… What a frustrating season, with gardens and gardeners all out of step. In mid-April the consensus was that we were three weeks behind with our planting and before much could be planted there was still the preparatory stuff. Every hole filled with water, so many of us have only just put out potatoes and onions. Garden Centres and Supermarkets alike have been offering all sorts (some of it far too early for consideration) for weeks and stocks are backing up. Anyway, we have said it before, nature knows how to do it and will quickly catch up, but it has been a little trying. May is the month, when we should get away with planting everything as long as we show a little caution with the most tender items like Beans, Marrow and Cucumbers as well as Begonias and Busy Lizzies which are worth holding up for a fortnight. Our tubs and baskets can be planted too and there will be plenty of good plants everywhere over the next month. If you are making up, then its worth using a decent compost ( as contained plants are greedy), so pass on the very cheap. Of course you can still be sowing seed too, with all of the salad stuff responding quickly and having mentioned caution with tender vegetables, Courgettes, Squash, Melons, Runner Beans and all of their near relatives can be sown now in pots or in situ, without too much weather risk. It will be worth popping down a few slug pellets to deter visitors, but not much else is going to bring you grief. That said, if you have set out any greens, do consider a bit of net. The pigeons seem to be very switched on these days. I have talked about the production, but repair may also be on your list. The lawns have had a bashing and if you can find the time prodding the lawn with a fork is going to improve the aeration. There is moss and weed on every lawn and there are plenty of chemicals to bring to the rescue, but the prodding may help and it costs less. There is also some worth in nipping around with the secateurs, just to tidy up. The rough weather has battered and broken trees and shrubs and clean repair will ensure healthy recovery. And finally, every year we joke about the premature promotion of everything, Easter eggs in January and Christmas Party bookings in June. I saw Runner Bean plants for sale in the first week of April. Can that be bettered? Happy Gardening. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org
October Gardening News
What a muddle of a month we’ve had, a few bright moments, but my goodness when it has rained, we’ve known all about it. There has been a sense of autumn for weeks and trees laden with berries from quite early. It is almost as though the seasons have slipped forward a month. Certainly there was no trace of frost as we turned into April and anyone planting early got away with it. When the sun came it came in blistering style across the middle of June and then stopped and as we entered July the muddles began. The vegetable production has been good and indeed the strong vegetation has supported lively cropping of most things. The blight did knock out the tomatoes, but most other things looked good. At the moment our winter and spring greens all look solid too. The Spring Cabbage has made good leaf and the stalky sprouts and Purples all look in good order. As always at this time, it is worth tramping the rows to firm in roots, as these taller veg are getting top heavy. If you are wanting to fill a few gaps then winter onions and shallots are there to take, there are bits of winter lettuce too. As the month closes make sure that you have your Aquadulce broad beans to hand. The seasonal flowers are all looking well bashed, with only the geraniums really holding up. Many subjects were knocked out very quickly and a lot of snapdragons took a real thump from rust. So, borders are there to liven up and autumn bedding is in plentiful supply everywhere. There are pansies, violas as well as bellis, wallflowers and Sweet William and all need to get planted. You still have time for bulbs too, so get cracking. Before we know it the leaves will be down, so you can start getting a bit of tidying up underway. Gentle pruning is good in the next couple of weeks and it is also time to plan if you are considering new trees, shrubs and fruit. New soft fruit will be on the shelf towards the middle of the month, with raspberries being offered as bare rooted. Site preparation is worthwhile, but do try to be generous with space, soft fruit does benefit from annual maintenance (raspberries can invade). And finally keep on top of the lawn and consider prodding it with a fork to get some air into it. Improving the movement of air and water will reduce moss on the lawn…………..be warned it is coming. Happy Gardening. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org
March Gardening News
So February carried on where March left off and the teeth were bared to remind us of the treacherous unpredictability of our winters. Snow flurries punctuated the month of February and night temperatures teased around freezing. Life is returning though and a couple of warm afternoons brought midges out across the pond and one or two bats ventured out from hibernation, just to test the wing and the temperature. As yet not much evidence of frog spawn though, but it will come through quickly now, the days are lengthening and the clocks will change before March is out. There is as ever much to do and whilst the ground is wet, we can still be planting. There are new seasons herbaceous and biennial plants to consider. They will all be showing new growth and are primed for summer flowering, so look out for lupins, delphiniums, primroses, aubretia as well as bellis and Sweet William. These things are not as popular as they once were, as more emphasis than ever shifts to tubs and planters, but they are wonderful introductions to the ground, bringing architecture, colour and sometimes fragrance to early summer displays. Soon hardier annual bedding will appear too, further complimenting these offerings. My gaps will be filled with another traditional plant, the ‘Snapdragon’ or antirrhinum. What a robust and versatile plant this is, now offered in a wide range of colours and heights from a few inches to a few feet. Do check them out, there is still time to try some seed if you fancy it. Across the garden this is a good month to plant trees, shrubs and roses all of which are poised to leaf up. Trying to place them whilst they are on the edge of dormancy will see them settle quickly. If your borders are well established, March is also not a bad month to tackle the pruning. Spring growth swiftly repairs wounds. The vegetable plot is starting to come to life, there is still time to plant onions and shallots and as the month draws on we can put out the first potatoes. A sowing of broad beans can be tackled and earlier contained sowings of beans and cabbage can also be set out. Continue sowing seed if you have window sill space or a greenhouse. Many seeds will germinate under cold glass or in a frame. It’s just fun to get going. And finally if you’ve already planted onions or shallots just firm them in, the birds have started tugging them up. Happy Gardening. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org
February Gardening News
Well, we really have seen the lot this time, a winter with teeth. A run of deep frost, plenty of wet, high winds and flurries of snow. We have had some very bleak moments, but the new season calls. We need to get our act together and make a start on sorting for spring. In just seven weeks the clocks move forward. There is much we can be doing and preparing. Garden Centres all have their seed potatoes in. Whilst there is no panic to start them in the ground the best selection is to be found early and you can have some fun trying a few new varieties. You might just surprise yourself and find something that works better on your ground. Of course if you have some shelter, you can always try a few early ones in pots. Onion sets, garlic and shallots are also about and these can be planted immediately. Of course there is plenty of seed and at this time, I do like to start something off, even if it’s only a pinch of lettuce in a pot. If the enthusiasm is there, all sorts can be started in cool shelter. Much of the leaf veg will germinate quickly, as will some of the old fashioned bedding subjects. Love in the Mist, Cornflowers and Old fashioned Marigolds are quite happy starting cool. Also to be found around the centres are the first summer bulbs, Begonias, Dahlias, Gladioli, Lilies, Nerines and Crocosmia are all about and as with the spuds worth getting in if you want choice. Dahlias can actually be started up inside and then stripped for cuttings at the end of March. The cuttings root easily (even in water) and if you fancy a deep bed of Dahlias this is a cheap way to fill it up. Outside, weather permitting you can top dress standing ground with a bit of lime to break it up and run a bit of manure around soft fruit. The raspberries in particular will be appreciative. If you do have gaps in the fruit, root wrapped plants will be around for another month as will bare root hedging. In fact if you are considering planting contained or bare root trees and shrubs February into March is the time. Plants are about to come to life and will romp after planting. And finally, turn a bucket or an old dustbin over your rhubarb. Its just beginning to show and when forced in darkness is so much better to harvest. A real delicacy. Happy Gardening. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org
November Gardening News
Less suddenly came the darkness? Was it just me or were the evenings really surrendering themselves to the night way before the clocks changed? October seemed like a dark month. There were some hot spots, but by three the sun was racing towards the horizon and now winter steps up. It has been an interesting year, plenty of pests and diseases, some fat pigeons and overall a disappointing harvest. There has been strong vegetative growth, but flower and fruit development has been poor. The gardens are tired and in need of repair, with leaves and rubbish to gather, some light pruning to set plants to order and a tie or two to hold up others. Of course we can also be planting, good containerised fruit and ornamental trees are around and they will cope with transfer. Many will need a stake to secure them and providing that happens they will settle and romp away in the spring. Bare root hedging and soft fruit will also be on offer in the coming days. This material offers an easy and very cheap way to create a boundary. You should be able to pick up Privet, Beech and Laurel if your need is for ornamental subjects, but native plants including Hawthorn, Maple and Hazel should also be available. Bare root is also the way to buy Raspberries and canes for all seasons from late spring to autumn are around. Most garden centres still have bulbs and as usual there are plenty of Pansies. The days are marching on so do get on with decorative planting. You’ve just about got time to push in onions, shallots and garlic too. Then it is back to that tidying. Take a wander around trouble shooting, tender plants and tubers need lifting if they are to be saved, so that’s dahlias, begonias large flowering fuchsias and anything exotic or continental. Just lift them in get them undercover. If in doubt ask for advice or just do it, there may not be a second chance. Bait the shed, disinfect the greenhouse and check your heating and insulation if you have a greenhouse or conservatory. And finally, the lists and catalogues will be out soon, new seeds, new plants and new adventures. As it gets ever more difficult to choose presents for people who just seem to buy what they need when they need it, seeds make a great gift. Happy Gardening. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org
October Gardening News
Then it rained and autumn arrived in the hedgerows, whilst the summer crops dithered about whether to have one last go. Runner beans stalled and have teased with a few late flowers and Marrow plants disappeared into the mist as the white dust of mildew covered them over. As anticipated last month, not the kindest of seasons. The heats been ok, but the wet punctuation has made for some very unpleasant humid days and it’s been great for plant diseases. There have also been a lot of rodents about and I have seen rats all over the place, which is a delight when you want to get some bits into storage. Do keep an eye open. As you clear space in the vegetable plot there are still bits to play with, overwintering onions will fill space and there are shallots and garlic cloves still be found. Whilst conditions stay mild you will still be fine to bung in spring cabbage and they will settle quickly. By the end of the month we will back around to overwintering Peas and Broad Bean seeds too. This is always a big month for bulbs and it is worth getting stuck in. Daffodils in particular which can rot in very wet winters, will make good root and be ready to face anything. You have a bit more scope with tulips, which are altogether tougher. I have had good success with smaller bulbs, overwintering them in small pots in sheltered corners and standing them to transplant in early spring when they are showing green. If you try this, get a little bit of grit in your compost to improve drainage. The winter bedding is still about in plentiful supply and I do urge you to get on if you are going to plant. It is good to have a bit of colour across the winter and there are some strong plants about. Not offering colour but a good investment, you should be able to find plenty of wallflowers as well. If winter colour is what you seek and you have space, then you are still ok to plant shrubs and late displays are starting to show on garden centre benches. The Mahonias are looking very promising, but Viburnums, Jasmine, Winter honeysuckles and winter sweet are all worth a look. And finally, watch the autumn sweep through, this month nature puts on a real show, as leaves turn and plants ready themselves for rest. Happy Gardening. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org
September Gardening News
So the summer eventually decided to creep out for a few weeks and then set about frying anything that looked vulnerable. We have had some very hot days and if you haven’t been on the ball with the watering plants have really struggled and blossom has just been drifting like confetti without setting. All of that and now the autumn knocks firmly at the door. It has been a tough journey and it will be interesting to see how the final harvest unfolds. The vegetables and fruit crops have been well tested, with every pest that can creep, crawl, fly or float on a breeze, turning up and creating havoc. There have been caterpillars, white fly, lily beetle, plum moth, slugs and snails as well as blight, mildew and botrytis all entering the fray. Much of the damage is done, so don’t waste too much money on chemicals, just be thorough in cleaning up. If the caterpillars continue you can drape a bit of net over them and who knows it may keep off the pigeons too. Many of the flowers, have taken forever to perform and already gardeners are seeking to bring new life to the borders, ripping out summer planting and looking for something new. There is a strong interest in herbaceous and alpine plants these days, as many opt for more permanent planting. Most centres seem to be offering a good range of plants at sensible prices. Of course the Pansies are back and in fairness they are still the most reliable of options when it comes to winter colour. True, the Cyclamen are wonderful and there are very pretty and compact Chrysanths about, but they don’t like prolonged cold and wet, so it will be Pansies and violas for me again this year. I have to say the varieties developed for baskets are pretty impressive, for best results these want planting soon (look for the Cool Wave series) but are worth a go. The other winter offerings will be around as the month advances, with Wallflowers, violas, sweet William and more turning up as the days pass. All of that and then there are the bulbs, which are now all in stock and offer huge temptation. I am like a kid in a sweet shop with bulbs and stand open mouthed as I join the carnival. Tulips in particular are a delight. And finally, they are still bits and pieces of veg to play with. As space is created you can introduce late greens, spinach, lettuce and over wintering onions. Happy Gardening. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org
February Gardening News
Well, some slightly more seasonal weather around, with some spiteful wind pulling temperatures down. The water doesn’t want to go away though does it, everything is so wet. It is a very strange start to the year and you do wonder what will happen to all of the tender plants if we have snow, everything is soft and out of step. Everyone has been reporting the early showing of daffodils and snowdrops, but we have cowslips flowering and bluebells in full leaf. Anyway theoretically we have turned a corner and the spring is not far away. Easter is as early as it can be so let’s hope that it offers a springboard for a good season. We do need to start tackling something. Last months work will have rolled over in most households, so as space permits, Broad beans, Peas, Rhubarb, Garlic, Onions, shallots and Asparagus can all be planted out. Vegetables seed can be started, they will need some basic protection, a cold frame, greenhouse or even window sill. Hardy vegetables will not need heat, so you can consider Cabbage, lettuce, some late spinach or even a bit of Calabrese or Cauliflower. If you want a bit of fun try a few beetroot or onions in egg boxes. Put a pinch into each compartment and then drop the cells into the ground in four or five weeks. The trays will degrade and you will have some early salad. The potato season is in full swing and whilst it is still too early to set them in open ground, covered or raised in pots though they are worth a go. If you have a bit of protection or a window sill space, then you can also start off a few hardy annuals, Calendula, Carnations, Sweet Williams and Pansies can all be started now. They want very light covering with compost to encourage germination and a bit of polythene across trays will accelerate the process, though you must maintain a daily watch. The seedlings move quickly from sprouting to romping and they are a pain to transplant once they become leggy. If you fancy Antirrhinums then they too can be sown,but don’t cover the seed with compost instead lightly pat them to have them adhering to the compost lightly water and again pop over a bit of polythene. And finally if all of this weather is frustrating you, grab a packet of Nigella, a packet of cornflower, some Californian poppies and Larkspur, mix them all up together and sprinkle them into a border that is not going to be fussed over this spring. Happy Gardening. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org
January Gardening News
Well, it has arrived then? 2016, has battled its way through the muddle of the previous year to offer new adventure. 2015 really was a strange one, with the last month as daft as the previous. Blustery days, some torrential storms and ridiculously high temperatures. The grass has kept growing and there are whitefly everywhere. I have greens with their tops turning in as marauding aphids lay siege, it’s amazing. The Blue Tits are loving it, in fact the birds are busy everywhere and the bigger ones much more brazen these days, with Crows, Jackdaws and Pigeons all demonstrating a proficiency in circus skills in order to share the bird table and nut feeders. It is great entertainment actually and a delightful endorsement of natures adaptability. The weather conditions have encouraged things to keep growing and leaf vegetables are actually looking quite good, do tread the rows from time to time to firm in the taller plants though. These buffeting winds do shake plants loose and if they tumble they are very difficult to repair. If you have planted any trees, shrubs or hedging in the last few months, make the same check. Whilst you are out there check the over wintered onions too, they have tops on them and the birds have pulled some of ours up. Look in on storage spaces whilst you are doing the rounds, the rodents continue to be very active, with mice it seems continuing to breed (I have found some very tiny tots recently). Thus far in spite of their growing numbers, they do seem to be leaving the peas and beans alone and there is evidence of germination. As the days move on, we shall be teased with seed potatoes and shallots and onions, Garlic, Asparagus and Rhubarb, all can be considered for planting and then it’ll be seed sowing time again. I do love to play with bits on the window sill and will have a pot of something started very soon. It’ll probably just be Lettuce, but that first flash of new green calls us to arms and is a standard that rallies for the start of a new beginning. I love it. And finally, I am going to play with coloured potatoes this year. I spotted a wonderful platter of cooked coloured fleshed potatoes and was inspired. With Red, pink, blue, black and purple fleshed varieties available, the staging that I saw delivered a culinary carnival and I want to join the parade. Happy New Year and happy gardening. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org