cowslip2

Late Runner Beans

flowering rose, you do not have to grow them in a different position next year, indeed it is beneficial to keep to the same trench. Just add manure or of course, compost, as you dig the plot over when the beans have finished for the season.

bird feeders

Could not agree more, for goodness sake take those darnation nets off the fat balls. They should not be there in the first place. When one thinks of all the song birds that have been left dangling, till their death, makes one cry.

Talkback: Caterpillars

Take a little time to squash the caterpillars. This is most important, but even more so is to keep a sharp look out for any, each and every day. Try and keep a sharp lookout  for a grey deposit on the leaves, and if you destroy this, there will not be any caterpillars.

Damson Crop for 2012

So very disappointing not to have any damsons this year. They usually grow like wildfire, and fruit with abundance. How I envy those with a crop!

Monardas

A true beauty is CAMBRIDGE SCARLET, Try growing this alongside Campanula lactiflora. Both flower at the same time, and are the same height. Stunning!

Runner beans.

Yes Penninepetal, I will be doing the same thing next year all being well,  so watch this space! My largest pots are eighteen inches across, and smaller ones only about twelve. It is a darn problem with the wind blowing them to one side. use plenty of canes ,I say.!

What a great series!

I didn't know Monty's dog was called Nigel. Golden Retrievers are such a delight, an outstanding nature, delightful looks as well. I have had five over the years. Mine has just starting picking and eating runner beans from the pots. Annoying, but I will refrain from telling her off!

Runner beans.

For several years I have been growing Runner Beans in containers, this is just to have an extra supply near the house, and indeed for interest. As there is a plentiful supply of farm yard manure I always place a generous amount in the base, and top up with J.I. No 3. This is very successful, but I just wondered if other gardeners do this, and if they use any other feed at any time during the growing season, so as to maximize the quantity of this delicious vegetable.

CARROT AND RADISH FLY

Couldn't agree more with christopher2, fleece works brilliantly. It can be left on for some time, as the carrots happily grow under the fleece, pushing it up. July sowings seldom attract the fly, so that way we extend the season.

FORSYTHIA

I believe, one normally prunes just the part of the branches that have flowered, any when after June. It has always worked perfectly with mine.

Runner Beans.

Spring visitors.

Birds.

Birds.

The Potting Shed.

Hot Beds.

Birds.

Birds

Runner beans.