gardeninggenes

Talkback: Ants

Ging2

I have never heard of such a thing (not that I don't believe you) I think my attitude would be a bit different if I'd suffered that reaction.  Could it be that the weather has affected them in some way - are all the problem areas where it has been in drought? We have had a "summer" of almost continuous rain in the west and I imagine the ants have been drowned!

Hurrah! New Gardening Prog.

Looking forward to the new programme and seeing the hosts.  What happened to Joe's arm?  Does he still have it in plaster.   I hope not.  Very good luck to all on the new programme, may it run forever!!!

Talkback: Ants

Ants can kill plants by building their nests around the roots, which stops the roots getting any water and consequently killing them.  They can certainly kill plants in pot much more quickly than if they were in the soil because the plant cannot divert its roots to another spot.

On the whole I don't understand why gardeners (and birdlovers for that matter) regard such things as ants, wasps, rabbits, squirrels as pests and thieves!  They are creatures thave a right to live, and they make their living from the earth and the plants which grow on it (as the birds do) How are they to know that some of them we planted?

Even the birds get called thieves when they have a couple of "our" fruits!

Hardy Geranium - Propogation

Brilliant!! Thanks very much!

Hardy Geranium - Propogation

My apologies for my mispelling of propagation - it didn't look right in the first place! Many thanks to figrat for the legal knowledge!

As it's quite legal, does anyone know when to divide Rozanne? And does it have any nectar for the bees?

Hardy Geranium - Propogation

This plant is well known, I do actually know its name but hesitate to mention it in case it might be illegal to propogate!  It is climbing all over its companions and looking absolutely wonderful.  Being sterile it just keeps on flowering.  I would like some more but obviously seeds are not going to develop.

I would also like to know if a sterile hybrid is any use to the bees, they swarm all over it, but I don't know if their search is in vain - does it actually have any nectar?

Orange Hawkweed (Hieracium auantiacum)

I have some coming up between brick steps in my garden and I was thrilled by the beautiful flowers.  Until I read Angel's comments I was prepared to let it stay as often one removes an attractive weed only for it's place to be taken my an ugly monster!!  I shall have to think aboput this!

what can i use instead of plastic pots

Thanks for that Bev,  I got so into the idea of using second hand stuff that I forgot you can get things cheap if you look around.  I shall give that a go as well!!

Talkback: Snails

Someone already invented slug pellets containing only iron which break down into nourishment for the soil.  They kill slugs and snails which simply dryup (yes even in the rain) leaving only empty shells, but, and this is a big but, you have to remember to renew them about every three or four days. I usually forget until there are a few slugfulls out of the leaves and renew them - but if only I topped them up (the pellets I mean) regularly I'm sure they would be very effective.  The only trouble I've had with copper tape is that the adhesive dries out and I swear the little b....rs are waiting and get straight in there before I notice!!

Good Hunting!

what can i use instead of plastic pots

Hi Lavender Lady

Don't forget to put holes in the plastic pots. You can do it with a hot carving fork held over the gas burner. I haven't tried electric. You must clean the fork while is still fairly warm or the residue (plastic) sets and it's difficult to remove!  I've also found that the polystyrene drinks cups you get from some machines are great to put plants in (and easier to make holes in)

Spanish Bluebells Still on Sale

Hurrah! New Gardening Prog.

Hardy Geranium - Propogation

Is glyphosate safe?