Question: I want to encourage butterflies in my garden and have a patch of nettles. At which time of the year is it best to trim the nettles as they do spread about a bit and I don't want to ruin the butterflies by chopping the nettles down at the wrong time of year for them? Answer: The best time … [Read more...]
Plant of the Month for September – Japanese Anemone
7 September 2009 By 1 Comment
Our plant of the month for September is Japanese Anemone. Japanese Anemone are beautiful plants, are very easy to grow and flower their heads off from August through to the frosts. During September they are at their best when there are few other plants around. The Gardening Register has two … [Read more...]
Which growing medium should I use?
7 September 2009 By Leave a Comment
Question: I have read in a well known gardening book that plants do not like being transplanted into a different medium. Does that include transplanting from peat based raising plant medium to garden soil? Answer: I must admit I don't worry too much about the different types of growing medium. I … [Read more...]
What’s looking good in August
14 August 2009 By Leave a Comment
I went out into the garden this morning not expecting to see much to photograph and was surprised at the number of plants looking really good. Often August is a quiet time in the garden but with plants such as Japanese anemone, Rudbeckia, Buddleja and Hibiscus you can guarantee a good display of … [Read more...]
Make your own Leafmould
11 August 2009 By Leave a Comment
Autumn can be a lovely time of year but the work involved in clearing up all the dropped leaves can be a chore each year. However, there is a benefit to be had - they make a fabulous free source of organic matter. Leafmould is ideal for use as a soil improver, mulch or potting compost. Here's what … [Read more...]
Make your own Compost
11 August 2009 By Leave a Comment
Composting can be as simple or as complex as you want to make it and the best part is that it can consist of any organic material that we all have access to every single day from the lawn, the garden, and the kitchen. You can even re-cycle the leaves which fall during Autumn to make wonderful … [Read more...]
Aquatic Gardening
11 August 2009 By Leave a Comment
There are several points you need to consider before building your pond or water feature. Should it be formal or informal, natural or modern? Do you want to keep fish, grow plants or attract wildlife? Are there children to keep safe? Once you have answered these questions you need to decide where … [Read more...]
How do you grow your own cut flowers?
8 August 2009 By Leave a Comment
Buying cut flowers on a regular basis can be quite costly, so why not try growing your own in the garden? They can be grown in their own cutting bed or mixed into a border to add to the display; either way you could raise enough flowers to have a constant supply of fresh blooms for your home. To get … [Read more...]
