Archive for April, 2016


PicPost: Blue China

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06/04/2016
Chinadoxa. Picture- Anna Stochaj

Chinadoxa. Picture- Anna Stochaj

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More double digging at Blickling

Filed under: Blickling Hall- rebirth of the Walled Garden, Community Gardening, Heritage Gardens & gardening — 2 Comments
05/04/2016
This week's efforts- double digging in the Walled Garden

This week’s efforts- double digging in the Walled Garden

Back to Thursday this week at Blickling, so it was good to see the rest of that day’s volunteer team again.

On my way into the gardens I noticed an orange MG spots car and some people filming- apparently it was for an edition of  ‘Antiques Road Trip’ due to be aired on BBC TV in the autumn.

After our initial meet up in the bothy (the old one) I didn’t see much of the others apart from Norfolk Peter, who joined me in double digging one of the beds in the Walled Garden.

Penstemons potted up- just a few

Penstemons potted up- just a few

The rest of the team were potting up Penstemons prior to their planting out next to the double borders (once the Hyacinths have gone over). I was also pleased to see that a lot of new plants were nestling in the old cold frames along side the glasshouses, all showing their first leaves and promising a good summer show.

After about 4 hours digging Peter and I had finished about a half of one quarter of one quarter of the walled garden! The soil is a bit of a clayey loam and quite stony (it was a car park for a time, I think), so it was a bit harder going than on my sandy loam at home. Having said this, I suppose I ought to subtract the trenches Aussie Peter and I dug a few weeks ago for the trained fruit…

Norfolk Peter resting on his spade after a hard day's digging

Norfolk Peter resting on his spade after a hard day’s digging

Anyway, I think that means we completed about a thirty second of the total area, excluding the side borders. Whilst some areas will be trenched rather than completely double dug, and I think Project Manager Mike is not planning to bring all of the garden into full cultivation this season, that still leaves quite a bit to do…hopefully our fellow volunteers on other days will make a contribution, otherwise I will have to plead to be put onto ‘light duties’!

Further Information:

Blickling Hall website

Blickling Hall Facebook page

A 360 degree tour of Blickling Hall

Old School Gardener

 

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If the world has another record warm year, will everywhere be warmer? — Met Office News Blog

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04/04/2016

Across the world 2015 was the hottest year on record. When compared with the long-term average between 1850 and 1900, the temperature was around 1C warmer. This increase is mostly the result of long-term warming linked to greenhouse gases, but temperatures in 2015 were also boosted by a very active El Niño – warmer-than-normal ocean […]

via If the world has another record warm year, will everywhere be warmer? — Met Office News Blog

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PicPost: Splash on the Face

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Hydrangea- picture Ellen Zillin

Hydrangea- picture Ellen Zillin

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Top Tip: Tonic for Sick Plants

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03/04/2016

magnesium deficiencyIf a plant lacks certain nutrients, it will look unhealthy- with pale of yellowing leaves, stunted growth or withering stems. In general, sick-looking plants are suffering from more than one nutrient deficiency. However, it can be difficult to identify which deficiencies a plant is suffering from, because there are so many different  types and symptoms can vary from plant to plant.

Take a look here to find out more: https://www.rhs.org.uk/prevention-protection/nutrient-deficiencies

As a quick and easy solution to reviving a plant that you suspect is lacking nutrients, giver it a liquid feed that contains a good mix of trace elements or a foliar feed for faster uptake. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some liquid feeds can also be used at half strength as a foliar feed.

Source: ‘Short Cuts to Great Gardens’- Readers’ Digest 1999

Old School Gardener

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April Notebook

Gallery
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02/04/2016

Winterbourne House and Garden's avatarDigging for Dirt

  • Now is a great time to repair bare patches in your lawn. First dig out the affected area, lightly fork the bottom of the hole and re-fill with topsoil – the finer the better. Next, gently rake in your grass seed before watering it in. Beware of late frosts and hungry birds! Both will seriously inhibit germination.
  • Everything should be beginning to wake up now ready for the growing season ahead – begin to increase the amount of water you give to your houseplants.
  • The moist weather which usually accompanies spring creates the ideal conditions for applying mulch. Organic mulches can help to retain moisture, suppress weed growth and improve the structure of your soil. Leaf mould and spent mushroom compost are amongst the best. Be sure to clear weeds from beneath your plants beforehand, apply to 5cm of depth and keep clear of central stems and trunks –…

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Ten Favorite Stars for Sunny Gardens

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gardeninacity's avatargardeninacity

In my last post I wrote about an article in the current issue of Gardens Illustrated called ‘100 Plants Every Gardener Should Grow’. While I took issue with the title, it has inspired me to do a much more modest list of my own.

I want to stress up front that just because these plants are favorites of mine does not mean that they will perform satisfactorily (or even stay alive) in your garden. Cultural requirements are key, so look that stuff up before you buy. Otherwise, don’t come crying to me if you plant one of these puppies and it doesn’t work out.

Gardens have stars and supporting players, just like movies. Garden stars are plants that really stand out.  For me, that means plants that are especially noticeable due to size or color – or both. Around these stars there must be supporting plants that provide background and…

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PicPost: Arc de Triomphe

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Picture: Janine Moorhouse- Lees

Picture: Janine Moorhouse- Lees

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