Saw this delightful wall planter outside a shop in Cromer, Norfolk, today. I want one!
Latest Entries »
Blossom at sunset- picture by Sarah Walters
Dicentra- picture by Marain Squires
Deciduous shrubs should be moved while dormant, and evergreens in September/ October, or March/April. Dig a small trench around the shrub so that you can get your spade underneath, and lift out a good-sized root ball. To compensate for the damage to the roots, prune back the top growth of deciduous shrubs by 25 per cent to reduce trasnpiration from the leaves. Evergreens should not be cut back, but they will benefit from protection form cold, drying winds. Spray with an antitranspirant spray, sold as Christmas tree spray.
If the root ball is heavy, place it onto an old compost sack or other heavy-duty sheet in order to drag the shrub to its new planting site. Alternatively a sack trolley might do the job.
Source: ‘Short Cuts to Great Gardens- Reader’s Digest 1999
Picture by Eva Kovacs
‘The massacre of dandelions is a peculiarly satisfying occupation, a harmless and comforting outlet for the destructive element in our natures. It should be available as a safety valve for everybody. Last May, when the dandelions were at theri height, we were visited by a friend whose father had just died; she was discordant and hurt, and life to her was unrhythmic. With visible release she dashed inot the orchard to slash at the dandelions; as she destroyed them her discords were resolved. After two days of weed slaughtering her face was calm. The garden had healed her.’
Clare Leighton 1935
Violet – picture by Sarah Walters
Plant Close
Squeeze out weeds by placing plants close to each other. Buy small plants rather than larger ones; they are cheaper and establish faster. Plant out in groups of odd numbers for a balanced effect.
Give Support
Invest in plant supports that are quick and easy to use and that will last many years. Insert them early in the growing season, avoiding any need to support damaged plants later in the season.
Keep in Trim
Encourage bigger and longer-lasting flowering displays by regularly removign fading blooms.
Source: ‘Short Cuts to Great Gardens’- Reader’s Digest 1999
Prunus amanogawa – picture by Anita Gowing
‘My father mistrusted gardeners- they dig up all one’s best plants, he avowed- and would not have one anywhere about the place, so always I was commandeered to do the weeding and clearing that bored him. ‘When I grow up I’ll never, never, never have a garden’, I resolved, as day after day I uprooted daisies from the tennis court or tidied the edges of the paths. And I meant it. But now that there is no force to command me but the needs of the garden itself, I am happy with it.’
Clare Leighton 1935
Old School Garden 