Phytographer

pinks

billy nomates wrote (see)

I did look on the internet and they say to pinch out the dead but this didnt help the whole plant stem came out thats not good is it :/

When you say that, I assume you mean that the whole stem came away when you tried to pull of the dead buds?

Regardless, perhaps the problem is the damp weather we've been having? Perhpas they are not happy sitting in a damp soil and the stems are dying as a result?

Just a guess...

Can anybody tell us what these flowers are

Common-or-garden daisies have different foliage. See here: http://bit.ly/MwO7cW

My best guess is Erigeron karvinskianus.  See it here: http://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/plants.cfm?pl_id=1738&fromcategory=filter%3Dbest%5Fsellers#

Are sterile plants any good for wildlife?

Lunarz,

According to the information I can find, the plants should still produce nectar.

The nectar producing parts of the flower, (called "Nectaries") are seperate from the sexual parts of the plant and situated deeper in the flower.

Therefore, despite the plant's sterility, it should still produce nectar and be just as beneficial for wildlife as many of your plants.

Although, I do agree with Gary. They are not likely to be as pollinator-friendly as the native foxglove.

Hope this helps

Why the Gap?

"the tasks are not as relevant" ?

Surely there are no garden tasks that must be done on, for example, the 33rd week of the year. As we all know, plants have no knowledge of the calendar. Thus, almost all garden tasks that I am aware of have a seasonal time requirement.

In conclusion, why would it matter that the recommended tasks are a week later?

Hedgecutting - When allowed?

I like Alina W's practical advice.

Presumably such action would count as one's "due diligence" and would provide legal protection if an unnoticed nest was damaged accidentally.

Hedgecutting - When allowed?

According to this publication from Natural England, 

publications.naturalengland.org.uk/file/120018

hedges shouldn't be cut from 1st March - 31st July - the bird breeding season.

Apparently it is an offence to damage a nest while it is in use or under construction.

Does this mean that is irresponisble of us to, for example, lightly trim our box hedges during this time? Should all hedge cutting, however minor, be avoided during this time?

Many thanks to you all in advance.

A few random questions :)

Spuds - start digging as far away from the plant as you can and gradually creep closer, removing spuds as you go.

Beans/Peas - I'm having the same problem. In my case, late planting + bad weather. Just keep perservering and hope for the best. Vigilance is the key to slug control, as with all pests. (P.S. Some extra sowings may be in order - if you have any spare seed.)

Lavender Collapse - Can it be saved?

Thanks for all the suggestions. Perhaps I shall take cuttings from some and hack into the wood of one or two (just to please you, Bookertoo ) and see what happens.

Was very interested to learn that Lavendar is shortlived. Will bear that in mind for future plantings.

Many thanks

Lavender Collapse - Can it be saved?

Several lavender shrubs I look after seem to have collapsed slightly leaving the centre of the shrubs exposed, showing the less attractive woody tangle of stems beneath.

I suspect this may have been caused by the winter snows or perhaps the heavy rain we've been having this spring.

Any other theories as to the cause are welcome.

More importantly, does anyone know of a way to restore these shrubs to the nice, compact globe-like shape they were before?

Many thanks to you all in advance.

The Mysterious Case of the Changing Berries of Holly

Yes, you're probably right. I'll keep an eye on it to see if they open.

Thanks

Winter Lawn Mowing

Shrub Pruning - No limits?

Sedum Collapse

Digging in the Wet

Hedgecutting - When allowed?

Lavender Collapse - Can it be saved?

The Mysterious Case of the Changing Berries of Holly