This great site was on two levels and we planned to make the maximum use of both: The upper levels were used to create terraces and an area for a productive garden and greenhouse, whilst the lower level became a comfortable, sunny, family garden. The trellises provided screening for privacy and also opportunities for climbing…
This was a large planting project for a newly constructed garden. I approached the project by designing a naturalistic planting scheme for the majority of the planting areas. A large amount of existing viburnums and pieris were moved to the boundaries to create a double evergreen frame rather than removing them. It was a challenge…
Sowing and Planting This is a good time to take root cuttings from perennials. Take 5cm cuttings and lay them horizontally on a growing medium of perlite and cuttings compost ( 50-50 mix). Cover with a thin layer of compost, water lightly and keep in an unheated greenhouse or coldframe. Plant out spring bedding such…
It is still clear-up time, when you can pop out on a lovely sunny autumn day and mosey around in the garden doing little bits of clearing and tidying in a relaxed fashion, listening to the radio and occasionally stopping for a cup of tea. I love it! When it’s wet, you can still rummage…
Later in the month there is a definite chill in the air, and our short summer is coming to an end. However, this can be a most beautiful time of the year. There is absolutely nothing more thrilling than a cool, sunny September morning. The plants seem to be standing to attention as if startled…
August can be a bit disappointing as many plants have reached or passed their peak and suddenly the garden can be bereft of colour. Don’t feel you can’t sneak a few flowering pots into the gaps in the borders. It’s a quick fix, but it works and you can see if you want to make…
Plant Management Keep looking out for pests and diseases. Aphids, red spider mites, whitefly, sawfly and caterpillars are all among the pests to look for as before. Now is the time to keep an eye out for conditions such as potato blight and powdery mildew. You can spray outdoor plants with a fungicide as a…
Sowing and Planting Plant out your tender bedding bedding plants and vegetables now. Remember to water them in well afterwards to enable them to establish. You can sow runner beans directly into the soil which is warm enough to produce fast-growing plants which will supply you with a good crop later in the summer. Your…
In Glasgow this month I think we have something to celebrate. It’s the blossom! It is a cruel fact that usually the minute the blossom is out on the Cherry trees along come the old westerly winds, accompanied by some stonking downpours, resulting in gutters and pavements full of soggy, sorry blossom flowers but enjoy…
Never cast a clout ‘til May is out! We all know how fickle the UK weather is and how careful you have to be at this time of year. There are some easy ways to protect your plants however and it’s worth it to get everything off to a good start. By now you should have…
