Garden Thoughts

Berried fruits are very productive and really worth growing. They produce some of the healthiest food we can grow and many can be accommodated in quite small gardens. They are rich in Fibre, Vitamin C and Antioxidant Polyphenols and so are important for a healthy heart, for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol slowing cognitive decline and diabetes.

Some can be grown in tubs but many are better grown in the border or veg patch to achieve maximum crops.

The birds also like the berries that we find tasty so it is vital that you provide some protection. A fruit cage is the ideal solution which allows easy maintenance of the crops and easy picking at harvest. It is also vital to water often during the months when the fruit is forming and ripening so a ground irrigation system like Drip or Seeper Hoses will produce amazing crops of rich berries to eat fresh or freeze for winter use. This initial outlay will pay for itself time and again. For example you should expect at least 0.5 to 1 kg of fruit per raspberry cane per year. I have seen raspberries in the supermarkets costing £1.99 for 20 berries!

So Raspberries are really worth growing. For early and mid season varieties I like Glen Proven and Tulleman and for autumn fruiting Joan J or Autumn Bliss. But wait there’s a new kid on the block, Ruby Beauty is the world’s first compact variety. It is summer fruiting, the canes are short and stout so no need for support wires. It will even grow in a large pot. Useful tip feed with Rose Fertiliser in April. It is high in Potash producing lots of flowers and therefore fruit.

Blueberries are another very prolific fruiting berry a super food which is also expensive to buy. It is recommended that you plant 3 plants together to get good pollination and large yields. Grow in lime free compost and feed with ericaceous feed as they like acidic soil. Put sulphur chips around the base of each plant every couple of years to reduce the soil ph. Blueberries grow very well in containers Chandler and Sunshine Blue are both recommended varieties with masses of large berries that are easy to pick and will freeze very well for winter use.

The flavour of freshly picked ripe Strawberries is to be relished. Probably the favourite berry for children to eat they can be grown in tubs and even hanging baskets. Choose a spot that enjoys 6 to 8 hours sunlight per day. Plant 3 plants in a 14 hanging basket and 5 in a similar size deep pot. Feed with tomato food every week in the growing season and water copiously. I grow Strawberry Pegasus, Elsanta and Hapil for sweet juicy berries of excellent flavour.

Blackberries are much valued for Blackberry and Apple Pie, Jam or to eat fresh with Breakfast Cereals. You need space to grow good varieties like Adrienne and Oregon Thornless which grow vigorously and need a framework to be trained for easy harvesting. Opal however is small enough to grow in a container. All have delicious sweet juicy berries that freeze well.

Tayberries and Loganberries are both hybrids from Blackberries and Raspberries. They produce a lot of long stems so need space to be trained on a wire frame. Loganberries are used mostly for culinary purposes but Tayberries produce long sweet berries of excellent flavour.

Gooseberries are an undervalued soft fruit that is beginning to resurge in popularity because it is so versatile. A variety like Invicta can be used as dessert or for cooking and preserves so well either by freezing or for making jam or chutney. It will grow in poor soil even in part shade. Invicta trains very well as a fan shape on a wall which makes harvesting easy.

Jostaberry is a natural cross between a Gooseberry and a Blackcurrant. This soft fruit looks like a Blackcurrant and has the same refreshing flavour with a hint of gooseberry. It has prolific crops which ripen in July.

Most of the berry fruits are easy to grow and are a great addition to GROW YOUR OWN

Products mentioned:

• Tubs and containers
• Rose fertilizer
• Ericaceous Feed
• Ericaceous compost
• Fruit Bushes

The rose is probably the most popular plant in most English gardens. It is also one of the oldest in cultivation with fossil evidence of having existed 35 million years ago. It was grown 5000 years ago in Chinese Gardens and 1000 years ago the Romans planted Roses for medicinal purposes, perfumery and to produce “confetti” for celebrations. In England in the 15^th century it became a symbol of political power in the War of the Roses between the Lancastrian and Yorkshire factions of royalty. Roses were planted in large numbers in France in the 18^th century when repeat flowering varieties became popular. These are the ancestors of our modern varieties today.

We grow Roses in many different ways for the vibrant colours and perfume they add to our gardens in summer and autumn. Roses can be grown to decorate many places whether for a mass display on their own, an addition to mixed shrub and perennial borders, against walls or fences, over arches or pergolas, as standard small trees, as ground cover or a feature in pots on a sunny patio.

Roses are available in a vast array of colours and many have names that highlight occasions like wedding anniversaries and birthdays so make excellent living gifts for gardening friends. Most varieties also make good cut flowers for the house.

Roses will grow successfully in many different soil types but prefer heavy clay to lighter sandy places. It is advisable to add organic material like peat and farmyard manure and a mycorrhizal compound to help the plant to establish a good root system easily.

It is important to plant roses deeply to prevent wind rock which reduces the vigour so dig a hole that allows the soil to cover the graft at the base of the stem by two inches. It is better to plant roses between October and March when the plant appears dormant above ground but it will start to grow roots in the winter months ready for the top rapid spring growth. Most roses need a sunny position. When planting new roses dig farmyard manure into the planting hole to improve the soil structure and mulch the ground surface with bark to retain moisture and smother weeds.

It is important to prune roses to produce the best display. It is essential to use clean sharp secateurs. Do not prune in frosty weather.

Prune Bush and English Shrub Roses by half in November to prevent winter root damage and again in March to 3 outward facing buds. If you cut the plants back by half again after flowering feed with a good rose food and keep watered for about 4 weeks you can enjoy a second flush of flower in early autumn.

Miniature and Patio Roses should be only lightly trimmed in early spring.

Climbing Roses are pruned to maintain their shape so train 4 to 5 long stems horizontally to encourage flowering shoots along the stem. If you are growing over an archway wind the stems as laterally as possible around the upright posts for a lot more flower before training overhead.

Rambling Roses need severe pruning. Cut out the old stems that have flowered and tie in the new ones maintaining a horizontal plane to promote flower buds.

Ground Cover roses can be reduced by half immediately after they flower and will often flower again in the autumn.

Most old varieties of shrub rose flower once in a season on old stems so only need light pruning to remove any diseased or damaged branches and to prevent congestion.

To keep roses free from disease it is important to maintain vigorous growth so feed generously and give plenty of water in dry weather. In November feed with bone meal which is slowly released during winter and from March until June feed with rose food or fish blood and bone. Also put a good layer of mulch around the base of each plant in February to help control any fungus spores in the soil. It is advisable to spray roses when the leaves have grown in spring with a fungicide to control mildew and blackspot and an insecticide if aphids are seen in early May.

There are so many wonderful roses that I cannot begin to recommend varieties. Instead here are a few photos of real specialities.

Products mentioned:

• Farmyard Manure
• Mycorrhizal Fungi
• Mulch/Bark
• Secateurs
• Bone Meal
• Fish, Blood and Bone
• Rose Clear - Insecticide
• Rose Feed and Protect

A positive outcome of the Covid Pandemic this spring has been that a lot of people locked down at home became “Gardeners.”

There has never been so many people taking up this wonderful pastime and discovering the Active, Creative, Interesting, Fascinating, Fulfilling and Rewarding hobby of growing plants we call Gardening.

It was very difficult in the spring to fill Patio Pots and Hanging Baskets with colourful plants for summer because, when Garden Centres were allowed to open in the middle of May, there were very few summer bedding plants with which to fill our containers. Many millions of these plants had been assigned to the compost heaps by the commercial nurseries because they had passed the sell by dates.

It is now time to change the scene and replant to make the Patio colourful through autumn and winter. Any container can be used if we follow a few basic guidelines. The container should be big enough to ensure it holds enough compost to prevent drying out too quickly which happens even in winter. Also it should hold a good layer of draining material at the bottom to prevent waterlogging like gravel or a drainage saucer. Also raising the container from the ground with pot feet is a good idea. By using a Multi compost with John Innes and 10% added grit both plants and bulbs will benefit.

It is not as important in winter if the pot is in sun or shade but positioning away from icy blasts in December and January is good.

Traditional autumn plant combinations are Pansies or Violas which will flower autumn, winter and spring under planted with dwarf daffodils like Tete a Tete and tulips like Red Riding Hood with attractive striped foliage. Another good scheme is Primroses, in flower in autumn and spring, with crocus flowering from January onwards. By including bulbs in the mix gives another dimension and a promise of added interest later. It is so exciting to see the first bulb shoots appearing in the dark winter days.

Combinations of small shrub and herbaceous plants attractively arranged coordinating colour and shape themes also under planted with small bulbs is another suggestion.

A couple of recipes to try are:

Maroon Pansies, Pinky Grey Succulent, Deep Red Flowering Heather, White Cyclamen and a Variegated Hebe planted in a 45cm Terracotta Bowl under planted with White Crocus.

Solanum, Yellow Feathery Santolina, Heuchera Silver Frost, and a Red leaved Cordyline under planted with Tulip Peaches and Cream. Stand a Pumpkin nearby and there’s a display for Halloween.

Autumn flowering Chrysanthemums give many weeks of colour way into winter when planted on their own in a 30cm container.

Daffodils can be planted in layers in a deep pot. Put 10 cm of compost on top of the drainage material and then a layer of daffodil bulbs about 10cm apart. Add another 10cm layer of compost and another layer of bulbs and if there is enough room repeat this ending with a layer of compost. The bulbs will all grow to the same height and burst from the pot.

What about planting a deep container with some layers of potatoes for New Potatoes to eat for lunch on Boxing Day? I use Jacks Magic Compost for this. Also for fresh herbs for the Turkey stuffing plant a pot with Sage and Thyme.

Hanging Baskets are another source of winter Plant Pleasure. It is better to plant one large basket for winter and spring interest so choose a 40cm basket. Using Jacks Magic Compost half fill the basket and add the layer of dwarf daffodils tulips or crocus. Then anything goes and all look good. For the trailing edge plants choose Aubretia, Ajuga, Lysimachia, Lamium, Variegated Thymes, Ivy, Heathers or Trailing Violas . For the upright middle plants look at  Helichrysum, Heuchera, Grasses and Dianthus.

If you have just started growing plants, rekindled an old interest or like some of us unable to live without a potter in the garden every day enjoy the best hobby The Garden. It will keep you sane.

 Products mentioned:

• Pots
• Gravel
• Potting Grit
• Multi-purpose compost with added John Innes
• Jacks Magic

August is Summer and Holiday Time the weather is usually conducive to outdoor living so this year especially with the Coronavirus Pandemic let’s stay home, relax, potter, barbeque, entertain within your bubble but most of all enjoy your garden.

This month the summer bedding plants, if you were lucky enough to either have grown some from seed or bought from the limited stock at the Garden Centre, are at their best. Keep watering them regularly and feed once a week with a liquid plant food to keep them going well into autumn.

Hardy annual flower seeds can be sown this month for early colour in the borders next year. I scatter the seeds in patches but always mark these areas in case I accidently disturb them when weeding. Some varieties to try are Calendula Oopsy Daisy, Forget Me Not Indigo and Digitalis Firebird can all be grown in sun or part shade while Cornflower Classic Romantic, Nasturtium Orchid Cream and Poppy Victoria Cross love a sunny place. When the seeds have germinated thin to the distance recommended on the packet for the maximum success.

Prune Wisteria to three buds on all extension growth and feed with superphosphate. Lightly trim Hebes and Lavender after flowering and remove the dead flowers from Roses to promote more flowers. Cut back Perennials that have finished flowering but feed and keep watering to promote new growth. Rhododendrons, Azalea and Camellias set the flowering buds now for next spring so keep watered and fed with ericaceous feed. Hydrangeas should be watered every three days whether in pots or the border.

Spray Dahlias to prevent earwigs damaging the flowers and keep cutting bunches for indoor displays. Also watch for holes in the leaves of evergreens or a sudden plant collapse which could be Vine Weevil. Treat with Provado or Organic Control. Hang up Wasp Traps to deter unwanted guests at outdoor mealtimes.

Prune trained fruit trees. Please ask Terence at the Garden Centre for detailed advice.

Pick the summer fruits as they ripen and make jam or freeze any excess or trade with a neighbour. Raspberries, Blackcurrants, Redcurrants, Blackberries, Loganberries and Gooseberries can be pruned immediately after harvest. Cut Strawberry plants back to ground level and pot up any runners to replace old plants or increase your stock. Can’t have too many Strawberries!!!!! Keep picking Blueberries a very worthwhile fruit to grow even in a tub.

Protect carrots from Carrot Root Fly by covering the plants with pest control fabric which prevents the fly laying its eggs at the top of the carrot. The larvae cause the damage. Feed cauliflowers cabbage and broccoli with Growmore or Organic Chicken Manure for strong healthy plants and spray to control white fly and caterpillars. Keep harvesting the vegetables when young and full of flavour and freeze any excess. Courgettes will produce large crops if you harvest regularly when they are banana size, an excellent vegetable to barbeque or use in Ratatouille which freezes well. Water Tomatoes often to avoid blossom end rot (black at the bottom of the fruit) and continue feeding weekly. Cut and freeze or dry herbs and sow the last batch of Parsley, Basil and Coriander. August is the last chance to sow salad crop seeds outdoors. Also sow Pak Choi, Chinese Cabbage, Turnips, Spring Cabbage, Winter Spinach, Swiss Chard and Autumn Onion Sets. Try some potatoes in a planter to have new potatoes with lunch on Boxing Day. Water all vegetables well especially Runner Beans and hoe weeds which compete for water.

Finally keep the pond topped up with water. If you have fish aerate the water in hot weather. Ask Keith at the Garden Centre for further advice.

Products Mentioned:

• Watering
• Plant Feed
• Superphosphate
• Ericaceous Feed
• Shears and Pruning Tools
• Pest Control Sprays
• Garden Hoe

While we have all been in this unbelievable science fiction lock down existence many new projects have been undertaken and with the wonderful spring weather we have spent a lot of time in the garden.

Now is the time to add the plants to decorate those new pergolas, raised beds and living walls.        

 BRING TROPICAL COLOURS TO YOUR GARDEN THIS SUMMER

Although summer in England can be hot we are not likely to reach the temperature and rainfall of tropical regions where most flowers are brilliantly coloured. However we can create similar spectacles by selecting plants that together give a tropical feel to our gardens but will happily grow in our climate.

Alstromerias are a great group of low growing summer flowering perennials that require little maintenance and are now available in a vast range of bright hot colours. They are excellent when planted at the front of the borders or in pots where they produce non stop flowers from June to October. The stems can be used for flower arranging and should be pulled not cut from the plant. The more you pull the stems the more new shoots the plant produces. Alstromerias should be grown in well drained soil in a sunny place and covered with mulch in winter until really established. If you are growing these plants in pots use John Innes No. 2 compost and give protection during severe winters. A gorgeous new variety to look out for is Alstromeria Indian Summer with pale and vivid orange outer petals and yellow inner petals and striking dark markings.

Dahlias are another group that have enjoyed a lot of Growers attention over the last few years. There are now some lovely perennial varieties which although subject to frost damage if planted six inches deep in the ground and covered with thick mulch in winter will survive and thrive. Dahlias grown in tubs they should be protected in a conservatory, covered porch or greenhouse. Plant the tubers or plants in a rich organic soil or compost and protect the young plants from frost. Remove the growing tip from young plants to encourage branching and so more flower buds. The plants are very easy to grow but can be subject to aphids or earwig damage so spray with Provanto when any are seen. By continually cutting the flowers for vases indoors encourages a lot more flowers. Strawberry Bon Bon and Amazon are two stunning small decorative varieties while Bishop of Lancaster is bright red.

Crocosmias are a vibrant range of hardy perennials that grow well in sun or shady places. There is an ever increasing range of varieties with more being added every year. They flower from July until a really hard frost often into December. The dazzling range of colours becomes more and more tropical. They are always a successful plant to grow in normal well drained soil and are pest and disease free. Columbus and Buttercup are both good shining golden yellow varieties with Emily Mckenzie a dramatic orange with red centres.

Rudbeckias are very hardy daisy like flowers which are also very easy to grow in normal well drained soil in full sun. There are annual and perennial types and if the annual seeds are sown in March they will be flowering by July until October. The vibrant yellow and orange flowers are now accompanied by new red varieties. Butterscotch is the honey and orange colour that the name suggests.

Canna Lilies are perhaps the most tropical plants we can grow. They are traditionally grown as centerpieces or accent plants in large bedding plant displays. They will flower from July onwards but when the foliage turns yellow and droops down stop watering and allow the plant to dry completely to over winter successfully. Protect with a thick layer of mulch and start watering and feeding again the following March. If growing in pots stop watering completely and put somewhere frost free for winter. Tropicana Black is a must variety to grow with the electrifying contrast of the orange flowers and very dark leaves.

Products Mentioned:

• Plants
• Pots
• Mulch
• Watering
• Plant Feed
• Compost

We Gardeners didn’t really need the Pundits to tell us:

GARDENING IS GOOD FOR YOU!

It is a low intensity work out that encourages an active lifestyle.

Research shows that not only do Gardeners get health benefits from the physical exercise when digging, raking leaves, hoeing and mowing the lawn but mentally it is healthy as well. Gardening helps to keep the brain active and creative reducing the risk of dementia in over 60 year olds by up to 40%. The physical exercise reduces stress and the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and stroke. It gives us challenges that when achieved promote feelings of satisfaction and happiness. Gardening burns calories helping to control weight, relieves stress and improves the immune system. It demands responsibility giving us a sense of worth, improves the sensory skills, assists with anger management and helps us live in the moment. Repetitive tasks like weeding, watering and trimming help to calm the mind.

If I’ve had a grotty day a “20 minute Hoe” on the veg patch chopping away at those weeds encourages the positive feelings associated with tidying up tasks. The stress hormone Cortisol is lowered in the brain by engaging in a rewarding activity. Gardening has been shown to do this. High levels of Cortisol in your brain can affect memory and learning hence the phrase “I have a lot on my mind”. Gardening can be enjoyed at many levels providing the gentle physical exercise which removes negative thoughts produced by life’s stresses and helps restore the mind set balance.

Gardening is an activity associated with nurture, renewal and growth. When you sow a packet of spring onion seeds or transplant petunias into your patio tubs you are encouraging new life.

Growing your own fruit and veg means you are creating a healthy lifestyle for your family. When we harvest our blueberries or dig our potatoes the reward centre in our brain produces Dopamine, a slight euphoric, which is triggered by the sight and smell of picking the fruit and veg. There’s a great joy when you pick that first ripe strawberry or the first portion of runner beans. This is akin to that felt when you take the first batch of cheese scones from the oven or have a morning’s retail therapy at Rushden Lakes. It is thought that the release of Dopamine and the rewarding feeling it produces was probably experienced by our hunter gatherer ancestors when they found their food. The release of this endorphin encourages repeat activity because it makes you feel rewarded and so it is self-perpetuating.
A natural way of keeping depression at bay is to get your hands dirty. By not wearing gardening gloves and touching compost and soil with your bare hands promotes the release of Serotonin, the happy chemical. It is so called because along with Dopamine it helps to boost the immune system and put us in a good mood.

Planting the Patio Tubs with brightly coloured Bedding Plants and Bulbs enhances our surroundings inviting you to step outside and enjoy fresh air and some sun. Colour and perfume are great stimulators for positive thoughts. Studies have shown that by surrounding ourselves with flowers boosts our state of mind increasing feelings of happiness and joy. Colours like red orange yellow and pink denote laughter, white is bright cheerfulness and green foliage calms the anxious mind. Some flowers like orchids can be enjoyed in greenhouse where they increase the positive energy in their surroundings and are recommended for Feng Shui.

Patient studies showed that those allowed flowers in their rooms needed less pain relief, had lower blood pressure and pulse rates were less anxious and had a more positive attitude to recovery. What a shame NHS hospitals will not allow flowers in the wards.

When your skin is exposed to sunlight it produces Vitamin D which helps with calcium absorption to strengthen bones and the immune system. ALL GOOD STUFF.

So have fun playing in the dirt, enjoy your freshly picked fruit and veg promoting that healthier lifestyle. Take a break from the computer screen and go out into your garden no matter how large or small. Pick up that trowel seek out the spade and secateurs start up the mower and discover for yourself why gardening is good for you.

A very important thing to consider is the structure in our gardens. We build our house, define the boundaries, lay the patio and buy a shed. To blend these all together we need plants. However plants themselves provide structure.

Trees provide an interesting skyline and screen the neighbours. Larger trees like Acer Kelly’s Gold and Sorbus Hupehensis have wide canopies and lovely coloured foliage but lose their leaves in winter time. The conifers like Chaemacyparis Lawsoniana are evergreen with green blue or golden leaves and give all year interest and provide nesting cover for birds. Narrow upright trees like Betula Snow Queen with gorgeous white bark, Prunus Amanagawa and Malus Red Sentinal both flower in spring and are suitable trees where space is a premium.

Hedges can be planted to mark the boundary of your property and are more interesting than fences, providing nesting places for birds and squirrels and a safe haven for a plethora of insects and butterflies. Leylandii gives a quick screen but must be maintained regularly to stop it becoming unmanageable and a bone of contention with the neighbours. Thuya Plicata is slower growing but a lovely colour green with aromatic foliage. Photinia Red Robin, Taxus Baccata Yew and Viburnum Tinus are all good evergreen alternatives to conifer hedges. If you need an immediate taller screen (approximately 3 to 4 metres) plant Carpinus Hornbeam or Tilia Lime trained as espaliers with yew planted below. It is expensive but is a stunning structure in any garden.

Large shrubs can be planted in borders in front of fences and walls to give interest and need little maintenance. Photinia Red Robin with bright red young leaves, Viburnum Tinus and Mahonia Charity winter flowering and Ceanothus and Choisya Tenata (spring flowering) are all evergreen while Forsythia, Cotinus, Philadelphus, Berberis, Sambucus Ivory Tower and Viburnum Opulus lose their leaves in winter but are quick growing and provide extra seasonal interest.

Feature plants used successfully provide points of interest in borders. Taxus Baccata Fastigiata Aurea, Juniperus Virginiana Blue Spire, Berberis Helmann’s Pillar, Miscanthus Karl Forster or Miscanthus Zebrinus, Phormiums or Buxus trained as pyramids are all excellent feature plants giving focal points and structure in mixed borders.

Small top grafted trees which only grow to about 1.5metres do the same. Some examples are Cotoneaster Juliette, Salix Nisiki Variegata, Holly and Euonymus. These can also all be grown in tubs on the patio and can be moved around to change the scene. Standard roses can also be planted in rose beds for height and definition. Something special is Wisteria and Canary Bird Rose trained as standards. Both are breath taking when in flower but interesting shapes for the rest of the year.  Bamboo is another superb structure plant. It is evergreen and can be used to accent or screen.

Paths and walkways look more inviting when planted with low hedges. Lavender and Buxus are ideal plants for this but Thyme, Catmint and Heucheras are also recommended.  Low walls and rockeries are garden structures that need decorating with plants. The alpines are brilliant plants for these situations because they grow tumbling over rocks in the natural environment. Aubretia, Alyssum Saxatile, Saxifrage, Thyme, Saponaria, Alpine Phlox, Helianthemum and Campanula Carpatica between them give displays throughout the year.

We can also introduce permanent features to give interest. Archways, Pergolas, Sitting Nooks, Rope Walks and Obelisks however ornate need plants.  Arches that cover paths and Sitting Nooks need plants with soft stems and perfume that will train easily. You don’t want to be grabbed by rose thorns when you attempt to walk to the garage or sit sipping your Chardonnay! Plant these structures with different varieties of Honeysuckle to make a feature all year. Lonicera Belgica early flowering, Lonicera Serotina late, Lonicera Princess Kate highly scented, Lonicera Hall’s Prolific and Mint Crisp evergreen make the arch a year round interesting feature.

Pergolas being larger will accommodate Wisteria, Clematis Montana, Jasmines and Climbing Roses. Rope Walks are good for Rambling Roses because the rampant growth quickly drapes the posts and ropes. The new varieties like Rose Albright pink and Malvern Hills yellow are exciting because they repeat flowering throughout the summer. Obelisks, the Victorians and Tudors loved them and painted them bright colours. I like to use them to decorate herbaceous borders and to give height in tubs. Planted with perennial sweet peas, hybrid clematis and as in the cottage gardens with runner beans you can achieve another dimension in garden structure.

Finally some structures like the shed can be an eyesore. Cover them up with plants like Polygonum Baldschuanicum, Clematis Montana, Virginia Creeper and Variegated Ivy.

The best structure of all of course is the lawn. It sets off the rest of the garden and keeps the Man in the House amused for hours each week.