mazzycheshire

SLUGS AND SNAILS + PUPPY DOGS TAILS = ??

Learner Gardener - Yorkshire - hello there to another novice gardener and doggy owner, I bet you have fun with your apprentices, can't imagine trying to garden with puppies around, it's hard enough with my 6 year old puppy-like Tibetan Terrier.    Yes I am loving the gardening a lot, the previous owners were very keen gardeners so it's well established, but the elderly lady was on her own for a few years, so a lot of chopping, cutting back and weeding has been going on, but a year on I am pleased to say it's looking a lot better and I have started to add to it myself.

Daisyheadcase - going out at night with a torch to remove slugs, would I think, finish me off on the sheer anxiety alone, lol, you are very brave....  The egg shells and gravely may work, but think my dear dog may decide to chew on them, but will give it a try, thanks.  I have copper tape around the pots so that's sorted, I hope!  Thanks so much for the link, I will go and have a read, appreciate your help.  

SLUGS AND SNAILS + PUPPY DOGS TAILS = ??

Sorry for the heading, couldn't help myself...  

I have a large back garden which I am still working on (moved here a year ago), and as I have a dog who thinks the garden is his playground, I am wondering what I can do to control slugs and snails once I get round to planting up the beds as I obviously don't want to kill my dog also. 

Another alternative is to choose plants which slugs and snails won't eat, if there is such a thing??

I have only started gardening in the past few months, so please excuse my ignorance.

Thanks for any advice. 

Violas or pansies. Which is superior?

I love violas too, I planted winter viola bedding plants in baskets and tubs in October and they are still flowering, despite being covered in 4 inches of snow at one point!   In  the past couple of weeks they have really gone crazy and look beautiful!  I have never bothered with winter bedding plants before so wasn't expecting much, and have been amazed at how strong willed violas are.  Does anyone know how much longer they will flower for?  

Front garden re-design

Thanks to both of you, lots of ideas there, I will have a good google and see what I fancy. 

Crocosmia Lucifer deadheading

Verdun - I must admit the plants are very big and also heavy so tend to eventually lie on the ground, so will read up on how to split them in Spring, thanks. 

Front garden re-design

Thanks for your reply, Busy-Lizzie.    I would probably prefer shrubs, as there are 3 rosebushes which were already there, hidden amongst the weeds, which the gardener has grouped together, so we will see how they get on before getting any more.  I've noted down all your suggestions, thank you, I will have a google.  What time of year is it best to plant shrubs, or does it vary depending on type?  I would just like  something to give some ground cover as there is far too much soil on show at the moment.  Thanks for your help. 

Crocosmia Lucifer deadheading

Thanks J, yes there are a lot of plants but the previous owners lived here 50 years and the garden got a bit neglected in the last few years as the lady was living on her own and finding the garden too much.  We have watched all summer and been amazed at how much has come into flower, but now it's come to whether to prune or not, I'm still finding my feet, as obviously don't want to destry anything by mistake!

Crocosmia Lucifer deadheading

jo4eyes - yes that's exactly how they have gone, thank you, I will get out there today and sort them out. 

Front garden re-design

We moved house earlier this year and now have a very large rear garden which is a lot of work, so I decided to have the small front garden re-designed to make it a little easier on my back, as i was struggling to keep up with it all.  The gardener has reduced the amount of flower beds by putting sleepers in and then gravelling the centre section, which is much better and should be easier to manage.  Since this photo I have put a few pots on the gravel with winter pansies and viola, and tulips underneath (lasagne planting), but I'm looking for ideas for plants which I can fill the beds with, which will offer good cover and also great colour throughout the spring/summer (favourite colours are blues/lilacs/pinks).  The garden is south-west facing.  Any suggestions would be most appreciated. 

Crocosmia Lucifer deadheading

Thanks, that's great, it's been a bit bewildering as I know very little about plants, and have inherited a 100ft garden which previously was owned by very keen gardeners, so is well planted, so appreciate you help. 

SLUGS AND SNAILS + PUPPY DOGS TAILS = ??

Front garden re-design

Crocosmia Lucifer deadheading