Tim Burr

Harlequin Ladybirds

Thanks guys, although my other half made the decision for me. Went into the kitchen, couldnt work out why there was a ladybird trapped under a glass and let it go free thinking I was going to do the same thing but got distracted half way through!

Harlequin Ladybirds

Ive just found a harlequin ladybird climbing up the inside of my kitchen window. Have caught it and currently have it trapped under a glass on the kitchen table. As these critters are not native to these isles, should I terminate it or live and let live (its not its fault its here?) and let it go free. I did have a look on the following website, but it doesn't say anything about what to do with them when they are found http://www.harlequin-survey.org/default.htm I did fill out the survey though!

Ants in the lawn

The other thing to remember is that its not now a natural system. So much of our landscape, including our gardens, is man made, and all these infestations are a result of nature taking advantage of what we have created as ideal habitat for them. If however, the environment reverted back to how it was, these surpluses in nature would not exist and everything would be in balance with natural controls and checks.

Ants in the lawn

Doesnt say it can't be used on or around plant, but if its ok to use directly on lawn then should be ok. Only caution is that it says to rinse out watering can and empty rinsings on the treated area. Also says (like most other insecticides) tp ensure its not used near watercourses. Its also not good for bees. If you plan to use on or plant avoid the flowers and perhaps do it in the evening when bees have gone to bed.

Gardeners World Magazine iPad Edition

Great advancement in my view as no longer arguing over who is going to get the magazine first! However, I also get BBC Focus magaizine and the iPad edition of that is way more interactive. Is there a plan to make the GW mag iPad edition the same?

Talkback: Dealing with lily beetle

Keep an eye out for these little red aliens. Now the weather has warmed up, they'll be out and ravaging lillies with wild abandon. I squished one yesterday I caught parading itself on my lillies, and then killed its children! Move over Sigourney Weaver.

Ants in the lawn

For the lawn I use Antstop! granules by Home Defence (comes in red canister with a picture of an ant on the front and a black lid). It works well. I had three different ant nests on my lawn and they were gone within a week. Being granules, no dust to breath in. You can also mix with water and drench the ant nest. Safe for pets and children once application has dried.

I also use the Antstop Bait Station (I bit like the Nippon Ant Trap), and find them a lot less messy, and safer than Nippon, as you only have to break off little black tabs, and place in vicinity of ant run. I use the Antstop! Bait Station on my paths.

I dont work for Antstation! Just their products works well.

I appreciate that some people may find the little creatures fascinating, but not in the middle of my lawn. And actually, given that there is now an ant super colony covering most of the globe, I don't think the planet will miss the odd thousand critters that used to invade my lawn!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8127000/8127519.stm

Kerria Japonica

My kerria japonica has put out several news shoots about six foot tall,but they've all flopped and leaning forward. Should I chop them down and tell the plant to try harder, or stake them upright? Does reducing the plant by half after flowing produce a more prostrate plant? Is it too late to do this now?

getting on with the neighbours

You can do what you like in your own garden, as long as its legal!! Unless the trees in your garden constitute a hedge (two or more trees or shrubs may be considered a hedge), it can grow all it likes. If it is a hedge then, before they can do anything in terms of actions against you, they have to ask you nicely to reduce them in height before they can complain to the council who may (I say "may"), subject to their own investigation, then compel you to reduce the height to a minimum height of 2m, which then must be maintained at that height for perpetuity. However, the council may decide on your side. In terms of damage to walls - is there any proof the wall is currently being undermined? Also, your neighbours can quite legally cut off roots that appear on their land, however, they must not kill the plant. They can also cut off over hanging branches but they must offer these back to you (or throw them in your garden), and again, they cannot kill the plant.

I seem to recall the maximum fence height without planning permission is 6 foot, and anything heigher (certainly a completely solid fence) requires planning permission. Im sure somebody will correct me if I am wrong.

Talk about stating the obvious

Some nutty professor (ok, researcher), has discovered that putting plants in pots stunts their growth..... http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/18612661 If only they'd given me their research grant, I'm sure I could have told them exactly the same.

Stamped on lilies

Big foot strike again 

Umbrella Plant

To chop or not to chop! 

Crown Imperials

Lazarus bulbs! 

Too cold to relocate perennials?

Cold days and freezing nights 

Bird box v bird feeding

What to so in small garden 

National DIY chains remove bug killer containing neonicotinoids from sale

.....but still on sale in your local Garden Centre 

Hellebores

Do they spread? 

Is it too late/early to move perennials?

New year growth starting early

Very underweight hedgehog found on doorstep

Practical advice please 

Tidying up herbaceous plants for winter

Leave for winter protection or clear away? 

Siberian Iris

When to split/move 

Autumn planting of Alliums (not!!)

Eek! Hedgehog in the pond....

....but alive and kicking 

Spindly Bamboo