quercus_rubur

Uses for last years grow bags/compost

Normally I put in on the soil as a soil improver, but it's worth a try. Seed compost doesn't have a lot of nutrients so as old compost will be depleted in them it could work in theory. I'll definitely try it for the carrots

Are Morrisons bulbs any good ??

I struggled with growing clematis for years, but now have 4 growing quite happily. What changed was the planting regime. As a general rule they need their roots in shade and head in the sun. I put a stone or brick over the soil.

Here's advice from the British  Clematis Society 

http://www.britishclematis.org.uk/Planting.htm

CATS

Water does work. I used a spray to train my cats not to do stuff I didn't want them to do. Can't really deter them from pooing in my garden as they'd go in someone else's which wouldn't be fair. I do keep them off my raised beds though with a combination of fleece, string and old CDs - helps to keep the birds and squirrels off too.

My daughter bought a high velocity water pistol to keep two stray cats out of her garden. After a few soakings they got the message!

Are Morrisons bulbs any good ??

I bought 2 Camellias from Morrisons about 6 or 7 years ago. One, Camelia Morrisonii alba is in a large pot, the other, Camelia Morrisonii Rubra is in the ground. They are both glossy, big and flower profusely each year. See how handy latin is? The only labels Morrisons had on them were Evegreen Shrub white and Evergreen Shrub red 

Dilemma - Corkscrew Hazel

Well I got out the pruning shears last weekend and took out about a third as Dove suggested. I left as many branches with Catkins on as I could and tried to open up the structure a bit. It looks good, so it's got a reprieve for another year. We'll see once the leaves arrive

fence planting

Also just found this on how to make your own

http://tumbleweedtraveller.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/how-to-build-your-own-living-wall-or.html

problem with rats

Lyn I just passed on your thoughts to a friend who's found 2 rats on her property and thinks she might just ignore them as they'll "go away". Hopefully it might make her sit up and take notice 

fence planting

One of this year's To Do jobs is to make a mini living wall up the front of my blueberry plot i.e. my old bath. I saw an idea in a market which was just a wooden frame with bags fixed on the back and a piece of hessian stretched over the front. I've been growing and splitting Sedums and Sempervivums for a couple of years. I think I can make the frame quite cheaply using leftover wood, a couple of hessian potato sacks for the front and strong plastic bags for the pockets

Dilemma - Corkscrew Hazel

I'll give the hard pruning a try this year then. I thought you could only prune to shape. It's worth a go!

Dilemma - Corkscrew Hazel

Good point about the pruning Blairs I hadn't thought about the grafting. 

Yes I doubt I'll get a small enough rootball to transplant it. Think I might have to buy a new one.

Hopefully another rootball to turn into something though!

My Corkscrew Hazel - Thanks

Gardening as part of the National Curriculum

Dilemma - Corkscrew Hazel

Speed gardening

Hampton Court Palace Show

Calling Mrs P - or anyone who can grow Verbena bonariensis from seed

I have my first courgette!

Push mowers