Search - Articles

Rose powdery mildew is a fungus that produces airborne spores from infected stems or buds on roses. After overwintering on your plants, the disease is most likely to flare up if the roots are in dry soil and the leaves are in humid air - conditions

Leaves and sometimes stems are marked by dark blotches caused by a fungus. The spores overwinter on fallen leaves, stem lesions and bud scales, and reinfect the plant the next spring when there's a flush of new foliage. If these leaves

The culprit is the flea beetle, which, like its namesake, jumps away when disturbed. The small, shiny, black, brown or blue beetles emerge in April and May, after winter hibernation, ready to start feeding. Eggs laid near host plants hatch in late

Long handled spongeScouring spongewintera dayIf you're overwintering tender plants, choose a mild spell to empty your greenhouse completely. Cover plants or take them into the house, if necessary. Brush down framework and staging, then sweep the floor

Aptly named blackspot is a fungus that causes dark spotting on rose leaves and stems. Eventually, leaves turn yellow and drop off before autumn. Spores overwinter on the fallen leaves and re-infect the plant in spring when new foliage appears

overwinter. Just before the new spring growth appears give the sedge a trim. Birds will love the seedheads of the thrift so wait until late February before cutting back the foliage.AdamAll these plants thrive in very well-drained soil. Plant them in a free

and algae.Water insectsNewts lay their eggs on pond plants. Good varieties to include are water forget-me-nots, watercress and reeds.NewtsMore on garden pondsHow to build a garden pond.Make a mini-pond.Top 10 pond plantsHow to maintain a Garden pond

and overwinter them in a coldframe.Keep the cuttings watered and shoots should start to appear next spring. Leave plants for at least 12 months before transplanting.AdamRemove a 1-2cm sliver of bark from the base of any variety that is shy of rooting, e

Cuttings taken from new shoots will root easily in spring to provide new plants for flowerbeds or pots. Alternatively take cuttings of your favourite plants in late-summer to overwinter indoors ready for planting or potting in the following season

, this spreading plant features clumps of strappy leaves alongside sprays of trumpet flowers in shades of red, yellow and orange.My top plants for extending colourCrocosmiaThis plant is ideal for the no-fuss gardener. The large, long-lasting flowers in pinks