Botticelliwoman

New Plants, New Seeds- Ragged Robin & Sweet Rocket

We're growing both ragged robin and sweet rocket for the business.  Both were seeded in trays last year and gradually potted on and both have survived the winter in pots outside and are looking very healthy.  Keep the ragged robin moist as it's a plant that thrives in boggy areas.  It would be useful for you to sow at least a few of the sweet rocket seeds in containers as it's a biennial then you won't make the mistake I did (with asters) of forgetting where I'd sown the seed and pulling up half of them, thinking they were weeds

Aitch

gardeners world save 25 percent offer off subscriptions

Hi Daniel,

Sorry, I wasn't quibbling about the price, which is fine, I was just surprised the money went out without warning which was probably my fault for not reading everything when I originally subscribed.  I just presumed that I'd be informed when the subscribtion was due to expire....I know, I know....idiot

Aitch

gardeners world save 25 percent offer off subscriptions

I took the £20 offer last year, which worked out fine......then this year the full amount of £35.50 miraculously disappeared from my bank account without warning.  I'm presuming it was in the small print somewhere that I didn't read properly....so be warned!

after watching Sarah Raven

Jo, there are quite a few wildflowers that absolutely thrive on the kind of ground you've got.  Rosebay Willow Herb and Buddleia to name two! You only have to look at any derelict industrial site or at the edges of railway tracks to get your inspiration

Aitch

Climbing rose suggestions

Hi Maria,

Four years ago I bought 'The Pilgrim' from David Austen and planted it in a very narrow, east facing border against the garage and it just gets better and better every year.  The flowers are yellow fading to cream and the scent is amazing.  Last year we got 3 repeats with the flowers!

Gardeners world pond

As long as the water doesn't get absurdly low, I tend to not top it up at all as the exposed areas provide another habitat for insects.  I always top up with harvested rainwater but it involves a Heath Robinson affair with hosepipes as the pond is nowhere near the water butt.

Wonder when we're going to get part 2 of the new GW pond?

Aitch

Green Pond

Hi Oz,

After you have fished out what you can (if you can), you could try a solar pump/fountain.  Last year I bought a floating solar fountain and found that for the first time I had a clear(ish) pond with very little blanket weed.  Because I didn't have it running over winter, the pond became murky again but after running the fountain for a few days, it started to clear up.  I tried the barley straw extract last year and it didn't work for me but it might work for you.  I agree with Emma though, shading the pond either with floating plants or marginals is the way to go.  Algae just loves sunlight!

Aitch

Encouraging birds to the garden

The birds love our holly tree, and the ivy that's growing up the trellis.  As well as providing shelter, they're both great for wildlife.

Talkback: Aphids

I grow nasturtiums specifically for luring blackfly away from my other plants; not sure how lured they'd be away from broad beans though

Talkback: How to grow mint from cuttings

Wouldn't mind that recipe, Mike!

I agree with Paul, mint cuttings put in a jam jar full of water on the windowsill indoors soon root and can be potted on.  Sam, you can grow on the mint in pots bought from the supermarket and take cuttings.  I pot on most of the supermarket bought herbs I buy as soon as I can after getting them home and when it warms up outside they either go in my raised herb planter or in big pots on the patio.

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Millstone Water Feature

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