Guides

Guide to Growing Olives

The history of Olive trees goes back at least 6,000 years, when the distant ancestors of the trees we grow today are thought to have originated in Persia and Mesopotamia. Many Olive trees around the Mediterranean are centuries old. Some olive trees are up to 2000 years old. The English climate is perfect for growing an Olive tree. Mature […]

Vegetables in Small Spaces

First decide where to grow your vegetables. It can be as small at a yogurt pot on the windowsill, as long as there is light, and you can provide food and water, plants will grow. Some micro greens such as mustard and cress can even be grown on a damp piece of kitchen roll. Most […]

Plants for Shade

Fatsia Japonica This tough evergreen with shiny, leathery leaves, is a native of the woodlands of Japan and Korea. Fatsia is a forgiving plant, capable of surviving in deep shade, on a variety of soils including clay, but will be more vigorous in fertile soil with a regular supply of water. Fatsias will also grow […]

Care for your Christmas Tree.

Potted Christmas trees. Keep your tree outside until you are ready to decorate it. Do not place near direct source of heat i.e a radiator. Water once a week ensuring enough water to soak through to the bottom of the pot. After Christmas acclimatize tree before putting outside. I.e. in garage or protected area. Plant […]

Using Peat-free compost

Peat-free compost is not like a peat-based compost, they can vary greatly between brands, so it is worth experimenting with your chosen compost. The major differences are water retention and feeding. Peat-free compost is great for water retention but, for plants that require good drainage, add grit or sharp sand to the mix. For cuttings […]

Jobs for December 2023

Flowers Prune back Roses by up to half to prevent them from rocking in the winter winds. Remove dead  or diseased wood on Climbing Roses, and take back older flowered side shoots by two thirds of their length. Side shoots on wisteria should be pruned back to two buds to flower next year. Dig over […]

Jobs for November 2023

Flowers Plant tulips now for spring displays. Plant out winter bedding such as wallflowers, pansies and violas. Raise containers on pot feet to improve drainage. Prune back Roses by up to half to prevent them from rocking in the winter winds. Lift Dahlias, Cannas, Begonias and Gladioli. Clean and remove dead foliage before storing in […]

Jobs for October 2023

Flowers Divide your herbaceous perennials to keep them vigorous, enrich the soil with compost before replanting. Lift Dahlias, Cannas, Begonias and Gladioli. Clean and remove dead foliage before storing in a frost-free shed or garage. Prune back flowered wood on Rambling Roses once they have finished flowering, and tie in new growth. Cut back plants […]

Jobs for September 2023

Flowers Divide your herbaceous perennials to keep them vigorous, enrich the soil with compost before replanting. Buy and plant spring flowering bulbs now. Narcissus and snowdrops in particular prefer to be planted early in the autumn. Keep feeding and picking over hanging baskets, planters and bedding displays so they look good until the first frosts. […]