Somerset Country Gardener July 2021 by Country Gardener

Somerset Issue No 182 JULY 2021 FREE

www.countrygardener.co.uk

relax

it’s summertime!

Plus: Your summer gardening problems solved; Can technology make your garden easier; Monster weeds; Cutting sweet peas; Hydrangeas are back; Second spring in your garden; Controlling pests naturally; The pollen gatherers; Out and about days in July; Gardening news and events throughout Somerset

Planting Outdoor Living Cafe www.fonthill-lakeside.com

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Gardeners cuttings

in Somerset

A LOOK AT NEWS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS IN YOUR AREA

TAUNTON FLOWER SHOW A FREE EVENT IN CASTLE GREEN There will be a very different look and feel to this year’s Taunton Flower show on Friday, 6th August and Saturday, 7th August. The historic event, traditionally held in Vivary Park in the town centre moves to Castle Green , the other side of the town and will be free entry. Last year’s event was cancelled due to Covid lockdowns.

Taunton Flower Show will move to Castle Green in the town centre for this year only

CUTTINGS

The Castle Green based show will still attract a wide variety of specialist nurseries and stallholders. The competition element of the two days will also be scaled down and the show will host just Division 2, flowers and pot plants and some young people’s classes. Organizers say that arrangements will be dependent on what Covid regulations are in place at the time and that they will be making regular announcements updating the show over the next few weeks.

Yeo Valley garden at Chelsea will celebrate Somerset habitats and wildlife The Yeo Valley Organic Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show in September will be inspired by the wildlife, habitats and plants found on the family’s farm in Somerset. The garden was due to exhibit The Yeo Valley garden at the September Chelsea Flower show at Chelsea 2020, before it was cancelled, so this is ‘Take 2 ‘for the team. The garden will be designed by Tom Massey and supported by Sarah Mead from Yeo Valley Organic. Sarah describes the chance to exhibit a Chelsea garden as a “once in a lifetime opportunity to see a completely different horticultural palette.” The famous RHS Chelsea event has moved back from its traditional spring day to new dates from September 21st to 26th. The garden design will celebrate soil health, biodiversity and encourage pollinators and other insects. Sarah and Tom hope the wildlife-rich, sustainable garden design will encourage people to try the same methods in their own spaces at home, like planting pollinator-friendly plants, using organic compost, and avoiding plastic and chemical-based fertilisers and pesticides. The design includes an open perennial meadow area full of colourful, scented flowers to provide a nature-rich habitat. Another structural element will be Mendip stones, taken from the farm in Somerset to London. They will be transported back to the farm after the show to re-join the landscape.

Use your waste to help the planet! Somerset Waste Partnership is stepping up its message to gardeners in the county to get even more committed to composting at home. “The council says in a new message: “Lots of us are trying to be kinder to the planet by reducing how much we throw away, but where do we start? “Home composting is a brilliant way of making the most of materials that might otherwise just end up in the bin; materials such as vegetable peelings, garden clippings, coffee grounds and cotton wool can be used to create soil conditioner that your garden, and the planet, will thank you for. “By composting at home, this waste no longer needs to be collected and processed. This can have a big environmental benefit as home composting can save as much CO2 as using your kettle makes every year! Making your own compost at home can also help reduce your reliance on buying peat-based compost, as well as make a small environment for creatures such as centipedes and worms, which can in turn provide a source of food for birds. “If you want to make a change, a great place to start is at home”. “For more information on how you can reduce what you throw away, including reducing your food waste and plastic use, visit www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/ revive-soil-conditioner/

East Lambrook open for high summer delights

East Lambrook Manor Gardens in South Petherton is Britain’s foremost cottage garden, hence its English Heritage Grade 1 status. The iconic and quintessentially English garden was created by the celebrated 20th-century plantswoman and gardening writer Margery Fish. It was here that she developed her own style of gardening, combining old-fashioned and contemporary plants in a relaxed and informal manner to create a garden of immense beauty and charm. The garden is characterised by many winding paths through borders and is renowned as the premier example of the English cottage garden style. It has noted collections of snowdrops, hellebores and hardy geraniums and there is an excellent specialist hardy plant nursery in the garden. The garden is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, until 30th October. Entry is £6. RHS members free entry is on Wednesdays. East Lambrook Manor Gardens, East Lambrook, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5HH

Country Gardener works hard to ensure we have up to date and correct information when it comes to garden events and openings. However, events can be cancelled at short notice with the uncertainty surrounding Covid 19, so we urge readers to double check with venues before setting out on a visit. Cover Image: The Old Mill, Ramsbury Wiltshire. Open for the National Garden Scheme in July. See page 28 www.countrygardener.co.uk

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CUTTINGS

Come visit us say Cotswold Garden Flowers Cotswold Garden Flowers are extending an invitation to visit the gardens at their nursery near Evesham. Planted and cared for by plantsman Bob Brown and often featured in Gardening Which? Magazine, there’s a huge range of summer flowering plants to give you inspiration. Plants you will see include hardy geraniums, alstromeria, phlox and penstemons. Use your satnav to find the nursery, as they are tucked away down a track in a quiet corner of the Vale of Evesham. Surrounded by fields, the gardens offer a tranquil spot away from the hurly burly of daily life. Open daily, admission free, dogs on leads please. Cotswold Garden Flowers, Sands Lane, Badsey, Evesham, WR11 7EZ Tel: 01386 833 849 Email: info@cgf.net www.cotswoldgardenflowers.co.uk

Forest of Imagination at Claverton Manor Gardens this summer

‘CARDENING ‘CRAZE ARRIVES IN SOMERSET Gardeners are known to be very creating when in come to finding receptacles for their plants. However a new craze seen across Somerset in recent weeks is being labelled as ’cardening’ – using spaces in cars to display houseplants. Since the start of lockdown there has been a trend of plant lovers growing their houseplant collections to bring the outdoors in. The UK’s love of houseplants has been steadily increasing over the past few years, so naturally lockdown was the perfect time to invest in indoor jungles. However, what was not predicted is this new trend of travelling with your houseplants.

The popular gardens of Claverton Manor is holding an outdoor experience on the grounds of the American Museum & Gardens from 27th June running throughout the summer. On the 27th there’s a special opening day with free access to the gardens for visitors where there will be live demonstrations, interventions and talks from local artists and partners. Visitors will be able to explore various spaces of the gardens through special interactive installations. The installations will remain up all summer and will grow over time through audience participation. It is the chance to explore the grounds and the spectacular views over the Limpley Stoke Valley and River Avon. Opening 10am to 5pm every day. Pre-booking for a free ticket is essential. You can upgrade your ticket to include a visit to the Museum collection and a special exhibition – Shooting Stars: Carinthia West, Britain and America in the 1970s. Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD

Taunton MP urges gardeners to Plant for the Planet Somerset is one of the focus areas of a new campaign launched earlier this month to inspire gardeners to get planting and help tackle climate change The campaign – backed by green organisations such as The Wildlife Trusts, Woodland Trust, National Trust, Horticultural Trades Association and Royal Horticultural Society – is asking gardeners and communities to play their part in helping reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and supporting nature recovery by planting flowers and trees, restoring community spaces and getting out into nature. The campaign was launched by Taunton Vale MP and Environment Minister Rebecca Pow who said “Plant For Our

Planet is a chance for the public to take part, planting flowers and trees, restoring a community space and getting out into nature”. James Barnes, Chairman of the Horticultural Trades Association said: “With three million new gardeners joining since lockdown last year, alongside the 22million who already take part in the country’s biggest hobby, we urge the great British public to seek advice and planting ideas from garden centres, nurseries and reputable online retailers and plant for the planet”. Other easy ways to get involved include joining an existing project, such as the National Trust’s ‘Blossom Watch’ or The Wildlife Trusts ‘30 Days Wild’. People can also plant trees through the Woodland Trust’s ‘Big Climate Fightback’.

Open Air Theatre comes to Forde Abbey The beautiful grounds at Forde Abbey near Chard will be the setting for two very different Open-Air Theatre productions in late July. Folksy Theatre Outdoors presents an outdoor adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest on Tuesday 27th July, a production filled with live music, colourful characters and a little touch of magic. The performance starts at 7pm. Take your picnics, blankets and folding chairs to enjoy this socially distanced open-air performance. The gates will be open at 6pm, ahead of their performance at 7pm. Tickets are now on sale via the Folksy Theatre website at www.folksytheatre.co.uk On Friday, 30th July the company will stage a very different production - Little Red And The Big Bad Wolf, the performance starting at 5.30pm. Filled with live music, puppetry and audience interaction, this wonderful family musical has something for everyone. Find out more at www.folksytheatre.co.uk . The performances of both productions will go ahead whatever the weather. Please check the website closer to the time to see if there are any changes on Covid restrictions. Forde Abbey, Chard, Somerset TA20 4LU. Phone: 01460 220231. www.fordeabbey.co.uk

Taunton Vale MP and Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow

Summer flower arranging at Hestercombe

Hestercome Gardens just outside of Taunton is hosting a Summer Flower arranging workshop on Sunday, 11th July with experienced florist and flower grower Jan Boddington from Blue Shed Flower who grows the flowers on the Somerset and Devon border near Wellington. It’s the chance to learn about the wide variety of garden flowers and foliage that can be used, picking and conditioning flowers for arranging, design elements and foam free mechanics. You can take your arrangement home with you! Tickets include all materials, vase, expert guidance from Jan, tea or coffee, and complimentary access to Hestercombe Gardens. Members: £55: Non-members: £65 You can book at www.hestercombe.com/whats-on/ summer-flower-arranging-workshop

Look out for the August issue of Country Gardener from Friday, 30th July www.countrygardener.co.uk

READERS STORY

What’s all this about a

‘SECOND SPRING?’ Passionate allotment gardener Matt Richmond heard the phrase about July being the Second Spring and thought what a joy it was if it gets gardeners to realise that sowing and planting isn’t just done in March and April

I have an allotment in Yeovil and my neighbours and I have been reading about something, which is being called the Second Spring. We’ve all started to hear this phrase over the past few weeks. It refers it seems, to the month of July and suddenly it’s a thing to say or to take note of. Like the idea that you can choose a planting time later in the year and away from the spring is a new idea! On the allotments we all agree on a simple plan. We are serious growers and want to provide as much veg to take home as we can throughout the year. Not just for the summer, but for 12 months. In March and April, or what we now seem to be calling First Spring, it is true we are all crazily busy sowing seeds and preparing our gardens for summer crops. It has always been that way. But what about autumn, winter and even next spring? There are on our allotment what we call a few ‘summer gardeners’. They are well known and we don’t think any the less of them for their seasonal approach to gardening and being on the allotment. But they are out on the soil in April and are gone by September - not to be seen for the winter months - appearing again the following spring when the weather warms up. They aren’t fair weather gardeners, I don’t think – they just want to take home some summer veg and fruit and then buy for the rest of the year from the shops. I have to say I don’t have that view of gardening and growing. Lots of people assume there is no growing or gardening to be done between October and March but to the majority of us allotment holders this is the busiest time of the year. When do we need to start thinking about sowing the seeds for those seasonal crops,

to ensure that we have fresh, wellgrown and local veg for as much of the year as is possible? Well the answer we now read is the Second Spring.

The best plan is to have vegetables from the garden most months of the year

In the autumn soils need improving, manure and compost needs adding, hard fruit needs pruning and it’s the perfect time to mend beds and create new ones. So what is there to plant in this Second Spring?

Kales, cabbages, winter lettuce and salad crops such as corn salad and chicory, oriental greens, turnips and spring onions can all be sown in July and even into early August so there’s a succession of crops through the autumn and into spring. On our allotment the answer is simple - you plant all year round. A basic part of year-round gardening is that there is always something to plant each month, especially for long-term crops that will mature six months in the future, two seasons later on. Enjoy the present sun and heat, but prepare for the rain and cold - as one of my mates would say. I sort autumn vegetables into three planting groups based on two thoughts: time left in the growing season and the soil temperature. By early August, time is the deal killer for broccoli, cabbage, and their close cousins in all but the mildest winter climates, but there is plenty of time to grow other vegetables which need less than 60 days to maturity. By the way, I add about three weeks to the maturation times given on seed packets for things grown in the autumn. Here are some of my favourites for those tempted to keep growing through the autumn. Spinach beet and Swiss chard are excellent alternatives to spinach, cropping for months rather than just a few days. Kale is hardy, easy to grow. If sown as late as August, it will keep you in leaves all through the winter and the spring hungry gap. Kohl rabi is not the easiest vegetable to grow, but when it does well it is delicious. It can be sown from late February to August, and can be ready in seven weeks. Rocket grown in autumn has wonderfully mild flavour, and autumn-grown plants become large and leafy and rarely show interest in bolting. Coriander is another crop that bolts right away when grown in spring, but holds much longer in the later vegetable garden. Lettuce from your autumn garden may include the same varieties you grew in spring, or you can choose varieties based on their cold hardiness. Catalogues offer cold-tolerant ‘winter’ lettuces. Mache (Lamb’s Lettuce) is the miracle green that sails through winter with minimal protection and fills your salad bowl first thing in spring. Turnips produce both greens and crunchy roots that will store in the refrigerator for several weeks. They are embarrassingly easy to grow. So whatever it’s called this Second Spring concept is good for us gardeners who take things seriously.

Matt’s polytunnel is now sown for autumn vegetables 6

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Try pest control the natural way Tom Chapman from Dorchester prefers to control pests organically in his garden rather than use chemicals. He outlines some of the more effective methods he comes to rely on. It’s the question I get asked more than any other. How do you keep pests away? I’ve been using organic methods now to keep my vegetable plots and borders safe now for over 15 years. These are the methods I use at home and they aren’t necessarily scientifically proven but if you talk to enough gardeners you’ll find they work. I don’t like spraying my crops with chemicals. I believe strongly that there should always be something else in the gardener’s arsenal to help with pest control rather than just to turn to chemicals which can kill bees and pollinating insects as well. I don’t want to get too heavy but I do believe the best form of organic control is to use nature’s own checks and balances. It’s important to remember that there aren’t armies of pests waiting to get hold of your prized vegetables the minute you’ve planted them. Bad weather and poor growing methods such as overcrowding are more likely to ruin your crop. However, the pests most likely to damage your vegetables are birds (which also eat many garden pests), slugs and snails. However small your garden or vegetable plot, it should have a self-regulating ecosystem to control pests and keep your plants healthy. The simplest way to create this is to plant a range of plants which attract natural predators that feed on pests. Ideally, these plants should provide food (in the form of nectar, fruit and pollen) and shelter for predators and sacrificial crops to maintain pest colonies. A sacrificial crop could be a clump of nettles. This will harbour aphids which will feed predators such as ladybirds and lacewings. If any aphids then attack your crops, the ladybirds and lacewings will be on standby to clear them up.

sticky traps are a great way to catch thrips and whitefly when hung over crops in the greenhouse. French marigolds Growing marigolds to control pests is a must if you want to start gardening organically or if you just want some incredibly pretty flowers that keep all sort of pests from eating your vegetables. Marigolds – along with garlic and chives – are one of the most useful companion plants in your vegetable garden as they can control all sorts of pest organically in all sorts of different ways. The fragrance of marigolds naturally repels key pests including white fly, butterflies and moths whose caterpillars devour cabbages and collard greens and some beetles. When planted in groupings, marigolds put off a strong scent that masks the smell of the vegetables so that bad bugs can’t seek them out. That smell also repels many flying insects. Helpful herbs One simple way to help confuse pests and keep them out of the garden is to plant lots of strong smelling herbs like lavender, rosemary or sage. I have a small hedge of hyssop and thyme at the front of my veggie patch. This not only keeps pests away but it attracts beneficial insects. Planting basil under potatoes is a great way to get two crops from one space and to deter pests with the strong smell of the basil. Mint is also good for deterring many pests. Beneficial predators There are insects which play a big role in the veg garden. I use beneficial nematodes on potatoes to control slugs with great results. Nematodes can seem a little expensive but used in the right way are very effective. They also work well against vine weevils and I use them to protect my strawberries and blackberries.

Common predators that keep pest numbers in check:

Choose the right varieties

•

Birds eat slugs, snails, grubs, wireworms, caterpillars and insects

•

Hedgehogs eat slugs and snails, beetles and insects

•

Frogs and toads eat slugs, snails and various insects

•

Ladybirds and lacewings eat aphids such as blackfly and whitefly

The best way to prevent insect and disease attacks is to select the right variety of tree, shrub, or vegetable for your climate and planting site. A disease-resistant apple tree, such as ‘Liberty’, will require much less spraying than susceptible varieties. A blight-resistant cucumber variety, such as ‘County Fair’, will make controlling disease much easier.

You can attract various predators to your plot with a few simple planting techniques. A few bird feeders will encourage more birds on to your plot. A nesting box or wild patch will encourage hedgehogs. Lacewings and ladybirds can be encouraged to visit by planting candytuft, sunflowers and marigolds. Physical controls One obvious way in the battle against pests is the use of physical barriers. For example cabbage collars will protect brassicas from cabbage root fly. The small disc just simply prevents the lavae getting to the soil and protecting cabbages and cauliflowers in a basic and effective way. There’s also copper collars for keeping slugs away from crops or pheromone traps for different moths. Yellow 8

The power of garlic Hang a clove of garlic around your plant or crush some garlic and create a spray. I just add some water and I use garlic a lot to spray away. Garlic create a liquid spray works well to repel flying insects as well the usual culprits like aphids. Country Gardener

French marigolds are a must in any organic regime Powerful scented herbs like hyssop keeps insects away

Mark Hinsley

MSc.Res.Man.(Arb), OND (Arb), F.Arbor.A

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Summer

PLANT FAIR

PLANT FAIR Sunday, 4 July 2021 10am - 4pm at

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Great British Garden Party September 4th -12th ngs.org.uk/gardenparty

How and when to cut

sweet peas

Colourful, abundant and producing fabulous summer displays sweet peas make wonderful cut flowers but there are tricks to make them more captivating and long lasting

With their slender stems and perfumed blooms, sweet peas are a favourite for cut flowers and hugely popular with gardeners of all ages and experience. The best sweet peas for cutting are those with long, straight stems and strong fragrance. The best way to ensure straight stems is to train sweet peas with the cordon method. Regular picking is essential to keeping them productive, too, so you’ll never be short of a vase or two of scented blooms. When it comes to cutting them, the best time of day is first thing in the morning, or early evening, when the plants are least likely to be stressed and dehydrated. Pick stems when the lower three flowers are fully open, but the top flower is only just unfurling.

WHEN TO CUT The best time to cut is early in the morning. You should really avoid cutting in the heat of the day when they will potentially be distressed and hydrated and this in turn will reduce their vase life. Pick every two to three days thoroughly picking over every plant. The perfect point at which to pick a stem is when the flower three flowers are fully open but the top flower is just unfurling.

HOW TO CUT With sweets peas more than anything else, the more you pick, the more you get. Like other annuals their raison d’etre is to set seed and guarantee a new generation- the challenge of the gardener is to stop this happening. Cut stems as long as you can. Plunge then into a bucket of as cold water as you can get, and place them in the shade. Cheat a bit of extra length by cutting short stems right back to the plant, including a few tendrils to add to their romantic air of informality in the vase.

HOW TO REVIVE

forgotten to pick for a while you can sometimes encourage the plants back to lifeand a productive life too. The trick is to strip off every flower stem from the earliest development stage to those that have gone to seed. Then water each plant thoroughly and feed with a liquid seaweed solution. If you are struggling to get straight stems on sweet peas, the tip is to remove the tendrils. When you look at a sweet pea, you will see the tendrils, which cling onto the plant support and look as if they are helping the plant along; they are not.

HOW TO GROW AWARD-WINNING STEMS Professional growers and exhibitors for show tend to grow sweet peas as cordons – straight upwards and usually one plant per bamboo cane. The advantage of this is that each plant can be suitably spaced, won’t interfere with its neighbours and can easily be inspected for spent flowers. The cut flower grower’s enemy is flowers going to pod. Seed-set compromises flower productivity. Put up a good support. Stout canes or hazel poles are ideal; they must give the plants a height of six feet above ground to climb up. Your support must be strong and secure and allow the plants on both sides to get direct sunlight. Sweet peas do not grow well in shade. As the plants start to grow tie them into the canes or poles carefully using flexi-tie (that soft plastic tie), or soft string. You can also use the soft wire sweet pea rings. Be careful not to damage or break the stems. Cutting off the tendrils is not essential, but it does prevent them from getting tangled up with their neighbours and the flower stems. Tendrils wrapped around flower stems result in bent and curly stems that are useless for cutting. When the sweet peas have grown too tall for their supporting canes, untie all of them and lay the stems carefully on the ground, taking care not to snap the brittle stems. Next, re-tie stems to a cane further along the row, so the tip of the plant reaches about a foot up its new cane.

Beautiful displays made easy • Arrange long stems in vases filled with a single variety for impact. • Create a mixed arrangement with loose and romantic flowers such as oldfashioned roses. Alchemilla mollis and nigella work wonderfully with sweat peas. • Boost the perfume of stronger scented varieties such as ‘Manucana’ or ‘Albutt Blue’ and tuck them under more most fragranced varieties.

If your sweet peas start to set seed because you have

• Make the most of small-stemmed blooms with special bud vases. Or even improvise with clean jam jars or small tea cups.

www.countrygardener.co.uk

In Hatch Beauchamp near Taunton

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TECHNOLOGY

Technology to the rescue?

Ian Davies, a former IT specialist and enthusiastic Dorset gardener, looks at why technology should be at least tempting us to see if can help us with garden chores Gardening is all about knowledge, experience and instinct. We all learn what works, what doesn’t, what causes problems, what threatens our plants and we get to understand the timing and if you want the pulse of a garden throughout the year. So once you get the hang of it, gardening is a fairly intuitive process. That doesn’t mean we can’t garden smarter. What is smart gardening? Just like devices such as smart phones, smart gardening takes advantage of the technology around us. Technology isn’t just for video games and phone apps. It is becoming increasingly true that gardening with technology can save time, energy and money. Smart technology is all the rage, but it does translate to useful help in the garden and is becoming increasingly more worth our while to at least test it out. Whether you are a lazy or simply uninformed gardener, gardening with technology can help with chores and tasks common in the landscape. From smart irrigation systems to auto-control lawn mowers, technology has its finger on the gardener’s pulse. Many are now familiar with smart plant meters, which monitor the health and moisture levels of houseplants, but the concept doesn’t stop there. More and more products are being developed to help lower our carbon footprint, simplify chores and help us be wiser consumers. Such technology can enhance plant care, help with landscape design and inform us of the best plants for specific sites. In an imagined future, all the drudgery of gardening

will be removed, leaving only the pleasurable aspects of maintaining your home. It may not come to that but at least we can take a few steps along the way.

Smart irrigation and watering systems As much as 50 per-cent of this water is wasted in our gardens due to overwatering caused by inefficiencies in the way we water our gardens. Smart irrigation technology is the answer and can result in water savings from anything up to 45 per-cent.

Garden lighting can easily be controlled from a distance

Smart irrigation systems control schedules and run times automatically to meet what the garden needs. They can monitor weather, soil conditions, evaporation and plant water use to automatically adjust watering to actual conditions of the site. For example, as outdoor temperatures increase or rainfall decreases, smart irrigation controllers test such things as soil type, sprinklers’ application rate, etc. to adjust the watering run times or schedules. At one end of the scale there’s a full garden watering system going right down to an electronic control on your tap which is left on and then released at times of the day you think appropriate. www.countrygardener.co.uk

GARDEN LIGHTING THAT YOU CAN CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE Your garden can now be part of your smart home setup thanks to a growing range of outdoor smart devices including garden lights. It is possible to connect up to 50 bulbs around the house, and control them all from your phone with a number of apps. They allow you to dim lights or turn them on or off from almost anywhere. It is essentially a part of garden and home security - by setting timers for lights to come on when it gets dark, or while you’re away. www.smarttechstuff.co.uk/clever-homes/ smart-garden-lights.html 13

TECHNOLOGY

Do home weather stations help your gardening? Do gardeners need to have help being better informed about the weather? At a minimum, a basic weather station should report temperature and humidity, inside and outside your home, and barometric pressure outside your home. A mid-priced station will measure wind speed and direction, as well as rainfall. A high-end model should deliver all of the above, plus other specialized measurements such as UV index, soil moisture, and water temperature (think: your pool or a koi pond, for example).

Some robot mowers can now be linked into weather tracking

Automatic lawnmowers are here to stay Once set up, robot mowers should be completely autonomous. There’s usually no need to switch them on or keep an eye on them and, of course, there’s no pushing required. The mower can come on at times scheduled by you, cut your grass and return to its dock to charge its battery ready for the next cut.

Ideally mounted at a height of four to six feet above the ground. Ideally located at a horizontal distance of four times the height of the nearest obstruction. Ensure the gauge is mounted level to the ground, away from any horizontal surface that can introduce rain-splashing or surrounding snow build-up.

Many work by creating a map of your lawn to make sure they don’t go over the edges into your borders. When they cut, most do so in a random pattern and it may look as though your mower has gone haywire, but good ones won’t stop until they have cut every square inch of your lawn. Some do cut in methodical straight lines, though. Most have sensors, so they’ll stop if they encounter any obstacles and continue cutting in a different direction. There’s no need to empty them either. Rather than collecting the cuttings, the mower cuts them up finely and leaves them on the lawn as mulch to encourage healthy grass and help prevent weeds. Some mowers struggle to cut wet grass, while others return to their dock automatically when the rain starts falling. Some smart robot mowers are tuned in to weather tracking to optimise cutting at the best conditions.

SOLAR POWER CAN BRING AN ADDED DIMENSION TO YOUR GARDEN Solar power can suddenly transform your shed from a basic storage area into a fully functioning garden building. It can allow you to say goodbye to darkness, cobwebs and to welcome lighting, warmth and the ability to use the shed for longer. Solar panels sit on a robust aluminium frame, which you can position on your shed roof or the ground and you will be able to adjust the panel’s exposure to the sun. The panels generate a flow of electricity from the sun’s rays which then pass along a cable to a high performance solar battery. This is connected to an inverter including a three pin socket from which you can run a variety of 12v appliances, A 80W solar panel delivers 400W of electricity a day, enough to run lighting and power for two to four hours. During winter you may need more panels to achieve the same power. Solar power is one of the greenest sources of energy and hugely popular now to power water features.

A basic solar panel will provide two to four hours lighting a day

GARDEN APPS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE A LITTLE EASIER There are now a large number of gardening apps on the market, some free, which offer day to day help to gardeners. Here are some that we like. Garden Manager: Plant Alarm (FREE) This is ideal for the absent-minded gardener. One of the main causes of a plant failing to take is forgetting to water, fertilise, and tend to a plant at the right time. This app allows you to set alarms and keep an online journal of a plant’s progress and the weather conditions it has been exposed to.

SmartPlant: Identify & Care (FREE APPLE) Previously known as PlantSnapp, this is an identification tool but there are optional extras. Simply scan any plant – or pest – and it will identify it against what it claims is the world’s largest plant library, offering 95 per cent accuracy and plantcare advice. The app is free, but paid membership offers unlimited access to chat with hundreds of horticultural experts.

Garden Plan Pro (£7.99 APPLE) This app simplifies the task of planning your garden, your crops, your sowing and harvesting plans and, 14

despite the ‘Pro’ in the name, it’s aimed at beginners. It enables you to create a 3D plan, including the ideal spacing for plants and which ones grow well together.

RHS Grow Your Own (FREE APPLE) Geared towards growing your own fruit and vegetables, the RHS Grow Your Own app is for beginners and anyone interested in grow your own. The basic application is free, covering 39 popular vegetables. Spending a further £1.99p buys you a bundle with a whole lot load more veg, including a few more unusual crops.

mySoil (FREE ANDROID) A soil with a low pH, for example, may be too acidic for certain types of plants to grow. mySoil arms gardeners with the knowledge about their soil with a comprehensive properties map. The map details the soil in any area, so you simply click on your area and the app gives information on the soil beneath your feet.

Country Gardener

Apps such as SmartPlant give access to lots of information

CGJULY

www.countrygardener.co.uk

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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

GARDEN

advice

It has been another bumper postbag from Country Gardener readers seeking advice on high season growing and everyday gardening problems

I have two camellias next to each other in my border. Both are treated the same. Both get the same amount of sun and food. One is very bushy and vibrant. The other is just a stick. What can I do if anything to revive the ‘stick’?

Pauline Taw Liss It is difficult to say without seeing the growing conditions, but check for weeds around the roots. Clear a diameter of two feet round the weaker plant and expose the soil to ensure there is nothing competing for space. This will allow you to add fertiliser. The next step is to prune it. Young plants often develop a leggy appearance and benefit from early pruning. Reduce the weakest and longest stems to two or three buds from the point of origin. New growth should come from just below the pruning cuts so you might choose to cut back some of the other stems to encourage a good shape. The recovery should be complete by next year.

I love growing broad beans but this year they have been feeble to start with and the tops covered in blackfly. I know you are supposed to nip out growing buds but they had not flowered so I gave up. Is it too late to re-sow?

Laura Burns Plymouth Broad beans are easy to grow as long as their needs are met. Black bean alphid is a very common problem. You can try nipping out growing buds. Broad beans like to grow in cool weather on soil nourished with well-rotted farm Black bean aphid is very common manure or compost. Spacing can also be an issue so set them a good nine inches apart in a double row for the best crops. You can sow broad beans in succession up to mid July but they may not be able to find ideal conditions and dwarf French beans might be a better option.

My four apple trees look healthy and full of blossom again this year. I am worried that I might get a repeat of the last few seasons when all I get is lots of smaller, unripen fruit, often damaged. I expect that June drop will mean nature will do its business and thin things out but is this a case of too much blossom on the tree?

Joe Caxton Exmouth

Yes it may be you need to do some manual thinning. June drop is a wonderful thing when a massive set of tiny fruitlets are naturally shed by the trees. The trees ’know’ roughly how many fruits they have the reserves to ripen so they drop the surplus before they get too big. The important point is that this is the tree’s estimate –it wants to ripen the maximum number of seeds. The answer to your trees may be that too much is still staying on the tree. Thinning will remove the damaged and weaker fruit, the misshapen and infected fruit. By doing this you will be reducing this year’s and next year’s problems. What fruit is left should have more space and apple to see the sun. The great advantage of thinning is it isn’t hard work.

I am desperate about my delphiniums and am finding them almost impossible to grow. They used to flourish in my garden but for the past few season they either snap in the high winds or are covered in slugs. The winds we had in May took most of them out.

Anna Pausley Honiton

I have a plant whose name I think is ’Mind your own business’ which seems to have spread from my neighbour’s lawn and has taken over on mine. It has become a real problem. Is there any way I can eradicate it?

Jeff Lincoln Swindon Mind–your-own-business is a nuisance on the lawn and on borders and loves in particular growing up fences and poles. It is a plant which thrives in moist and shady conditions and will root from every node that touches the soil. Try and weed it out by hand but it will be difficult to achieve 100 per-cent successes. Use an organic weed control, which should only act on broad leaved weeds and leave the grass alone. Don’t however expect it to disappear overnight and it may require several applications. As a last resort maybe you will have to dig up the affected areas of lawn and re-seed.

www.countrygardener.co.uk

Delphiniums need separate stakes

Sadly hollow stems are very vulnerable to wind damage and a lot of gardeners suffered disappointment in the poor May weather. Each delphinium must ideally a separate cane support which should be tall enough to reach the top of the bloom. If they are not the unsupported part of the plant may snap off. You could try protecting them from slugs by using beer traps or organic slug pellets. Another trick is to place the peel of an orange upside down on the soil. Slugs and snails crawl in and are easy to dispose of. 17

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED It is coming up to a critical time with my greenhouse tomato plants. I don’t think I have been as successful as I should have been recently. I grow from seed and transfer the young plants – about four inches- into their permanent growing position. My neighbour tells me that I just haven’t got my watering regime correct- too much or too little. What is the ideal watering regime for tomatoes?

My beloved rhododendron has over the years become misshapen and now looks quite unattractive. I think, or I am certain this is to do with my husband’s not completely successful pruning strategy. Is there anything I can do to get its shape back?

Graham Hinkley Lyme Regis

Francis Dawkins Ilminster The best time to prune a rhododendron is immediately it has finished flowering. If yours has become misshapen then you Even badly pruned rhododendrons will recover should cutback ill-placed stems to creating a much lower and complete rounded shape. Remove all the dead and less healthy shoots which often appear in the centre of plants. Then carefully prune out faded blooms, taking care not to damage new shoots growing close to them. If the soil is dry, water well before feeding with an ericaceous granular feed. The recovery should be quite quick.

My Phalaenopsis orchid looks dead at the top but still has healthy roots. It was a present from my dad and I’d like to keep it alive as I can.

Alice Lui Painswick Growth in your orchid will come from a central rhizome which produces fleshy leaves one at a time with usually four or five per plant. It is important to keep water out of the centre especially during winter when cold wet conditions encouraged the rotting which might be the reason your plant is in the state it is. There is a slight chance of recovery and a new bud might appear at the top but to be honest if nothing appears after a couple of months then you will have to buy another one. Orchids should last a few years and re-potting and feeding regularly can lengthen their life by a long while.

Watering regimes for tomatoes are critical

In a greenhouse clearly your plants are totally dependent on your watering them. The key is to test the soil on a regular basis. This may be obvious but too many gardeners think they have to water their tomato plants every night as part of a strict routine. That is the big part of the problem. If the compost feels dry then water, giving enough to soak right through to the depth of the roots - a good drink less often is much, much better than a little drink more often. If the compost feels damp and the plants are not wilting then it will probably be OK to leave for a day or so. As you suspect underwatering and overwatering are the most common problems with growing tomatoes and can have a dramatic effect of crops which result in tasteless fruit, blossom end rot or splitting.

We were out on a walk with the grandchildren last weekend and came across lots of wild flowers. We started picking a few and then suddenly I became worried what the rules were for picking wildflowers.

Kay Partridge Burnham

Rules on picking wildflowers are fairly straightforward 18

The rules and regulations to do with picking flowers on British soil are fairly straightforward – but they are enforced by sets of guidelines and codes of conduct. Much of it comes down to common sense. Where the lines are slightly more blurred then err on the side of caution, so even if you’re legally permitted to pick certain wildflowers, you should never uproot them to be re-planted unless you have explicit permission to do so. You should also only pick one flower for every 20 in the patch. If there are fewer than 20, leave them be. Don’t pick flowers in public parks or community gardens or on National Trust property or nature reserves. And don’t intentionally pick, uproot or destroy any plant without permission from the landowner. Country Gardener

Grass cuttings alone on compost bins will turn to a green sludge

I’ve been fascinated by your features on composting and compost making. I really only have grass cuttings but not sure what I can add to them.

Charles Butler Bromsgrove Grassing cuttings and other soft plant material will just collapse into a green sludge and be no good for anything. What you need is a carbon rich addition and the simplest way to do that is to add paper and cardboard, used tissues and ripped up egg boxes, toilet roll middles, cereal boxes and any other plastic free cardboard packaging and shredded newspapers. Another tip is to place the compost on soil on a hard surface which encourages the worms up and takes away some but not all of the need to turn the compost.

It is amazing to be able to learn and receive feedback directly from the experts. - Julia The first task is to identify which group your clematis belongs to

When and how hard should my established clematis be pruned? I never seem to be able to get it right?

Andy Wilkinson Eastbourne The problem might be as it is with many clematis owners of identifying correctly which group your clematis belongs .The diversity of plant types may leave you wondering when to prune clematis. Many gardeners are now looking for a simpler system simpler way. Dead or damaged stems may be removed at any time when pruning clematis vines. Damaged plant parts will never be productive, so get rid of them as soon as they are noticed. Know when your clematis blooms. You may want to wait until the second year to prune clematis, especially if it is the large flowering variety. Always prune clematis when flowering is finished. Flowers that bloom in spring grow on old wood. Blooms of this clematis developed during last year’s growing season. Plants in this clematis-pruning group should be pruned before the end of July to allow blooms for next year. Pruning clematis vines that flower in summer or autumn should be done in early spring, as these flowers are produced on the current year’s growth.

We have lots of bees in the garden but for some reason they ignore a wonderful display of lavender and seem to prefer anything which is red. I don’t understand this.

Yvonne Popei West Hatch The answer might be he type of lavender you are growing. Bees prefer the easily accessible flower clusters of the English lavender to the frilly flowers of French lavender. Bees prefer English lavender Bees can’t see the colour red but they see ultraviolet so your red plants may have patterns or guidance lines on the petals attracting the bees that they see and we don’t. Our garden borders down here just off the Devon coast are very overcrowded. What is the best time to left them and separate the plants without damaging them?

Ian Hollies Exmouth There isn’t a right time to clear a border without some risk to the plants. The worst case is you may lose some flowers for a year. Ideally if you can wait the autumn is the best time when the plants are approaching dormancy. This is the perfect time for shrubs and many perennials. However irises would be better replanted now or September at the latest and you may find tulips have started into growth. Autumn is also a good time to tackle improving the soil. Also you will need to allocate somewhere to put the plants while you sort out your beds. You will either need to heel plants in at another part of the garden or you could pot them so at least there is only one shock to the root system. You should aim to get the plants back into their permanent homes during autumn. Wait until the autumn to separate plants

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GREAT DAYS OUT

Summer time and finally lots to LOOK FORWARD to

A record number of summer garden openings and events are about to give garden lovers finally lots to look forward to. The pace of life getting back to normal has been often painfully slow. And while strict Covid controls such as wearing face masks indoors and social distancing are likely to remain in place for a while yet, there has been a dramatic acceleration over the last few weeks in the number opportunities for days out. It’s clear from those venues which have opened that there is a real hunger to get out with many venues reporting lots of visitors. Garden fairs, garden opens particularly with the NGS Gardens Open scheme have started to appear in everyone’s diaries. The closer we come to high summer the better the news has been. Even the latest Government four week delay is unlikely to deter garden lovers who will be able to visit venues safely. After the toughest of times last year for those who love their garden days out and trips, the last few weeks have seen things starting to get back to normal. The earlier relaxation of the Government’s Covid restrictions at the beginning of May gave the final go ahead for gardens to open and to provide a fuller experience for visitors in terms of not just numbers but food and drink options.

GARDEN FESTIVAL RETURNS IN JULY TO THE BISHOP’S PALACE The Bishop’s Palace Garden Festival returns this year to celebrate its sixth year, amongst 14 acres of stunning RHS partner gardens. The event takes place on three days from Friday, 2nd July to Sunday, 4th July, when the gardens will be at their best with dramatic summer colour and the evocative fragrance of roses. Festival speakers will include Roy Lancaster, John Horsey, Claire Greenslade and James Cross. The south lawn will be filled with stalls including nurseries, food & drink, garden gadgets, gifts, sculpture and more, and there will be live music, hands on demonstrations, workshops, flower installations and garden tours.

Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £6.50 for children and are now on sale at www.bishopspalace.org.uk

Melbury Vale Locally produced: • Wines • Aromatised Wines • Liqueurs • Brandies From Dorset vineyards • Wine Tours • Glamping

Badminton House Garden Open Day

The Winery, Melbury Vale Vineyard, Cann, Shaftesbury SP7 0BW (Open to visitors Fri & Sat 10am 4pm or by prior appointment)

SUNDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2021 10AM-4PM

Tel: 01747 854206

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Tickets

Hartland Abbey & Gardens

BRING A PICNIC AND ENJOY SUMMER THEATRE ON THE LAWN

PRE-BOOKED TICKETS: £7.50 PER ADULT ON THE DAY ENTRY: £10

Visit our family home with its beautiful walled and woodland gardens, walks to the Atlantic Coast, fascinating architecture, collections, displays and film exhibition, now fully open. No pre-booking required. Location for Enid Blyton’s ‘Malory Towers’.

CHILDREN U12: FREE

Tickets and full information available through the website: www.badmintonestate.com Any questions please contact the Estate Office on 01454 218203 or by email estateoffice@badmintonestate.com 20

* Dogs welcome * Holiday Cottages * * Homemade light lunches & cream teas * * Hartland Quay 1 mile * House, Gardens etc and Café: until 3rd October, Sunday to Thursday 11am - 5pm (House 2pm - 5pm last adm. 4pm)

For more information and events see www.hartlandabbey.com Hartland, Nr. Bideford EX39 6DT 01237441496/234 Country Gardener

CADHAY IS A DELIGHT TO VISIT IN JULY July is an excellent month for the collection of lilies on view at the Ottery St Mary gardens. The various water lilies, which were planted five years ago, are creating a wonderful display and making the most of the medieval fishponds and goliath lilies (a cross between giant oriental and trumpet lilies) are still in full flower. As well as a profusion of roses, the large collection of dahlias is beginning to add a lot of colour. For the vegetable growers amongst you, the allotments are at their best having benefitted from even greater attention during the lockdowns. The gardens are open from 2pm every Friday afternoon and more details can be found on cadhay.org.uk Guided tours of the house will not take place for the time being.

Honiton Agricultural Show We look forward to welcoming you on Thursday 5th & Friday 6th August

Acts Booked So Far... Viper Aerobatics Display, Jason Smyth's Adrenaline Tour, The Sheep Show, Twistopher Punch & Judy, Livestock, Horses, Vintage Tractors & Classic Cars. Over 400 Trade Stands. New Village Green with fabulous food and entertainment. Horse & Livestock Schedules available now. TICKETS JUST £16 (ACCOMPANIED UNDER 16 GO FREE) AVAILABLE FROM

www.honitonshow.co.uk Secretary: Marcelle Connor, Bank House, 66a High Street, Honiton, Devon, EX14 1PS info@honitonshow.co.uk

Cadhay, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1QT

Buscot Park in high summer is a thrill for garden lovers The Georgian mansion at Buscot Park in Farringdon is surrounded by gardens or rare beauty. The old walled garden below is now the ‘Four Seasons Garden’ where mixed borders bustle beside pleached allées and walkways. Above this pathways and tree-lined avenues lead to the 18th Century Pleasure Grounds where the water garden designed by Harold Peto in 1903 descends to a lake; and a citrus garden and swing garden feature on the way up to an obelisk sundial. Open 30th September. Monday to Friday 2pm to 6pm and some weekends including Bank Holidays. Entry: Adults £9, Over 65s £7, Children (5-15) £4.50.

Information Line: 01367 240932 info@buscot-park.com www.buscotpark.com Buscot Park, Lechlade Rd, Farringdon SN7 8BU

GARDENS & TEAROOM Open every Friday 2pm - 5.30pm until 24th September

Also August Bank Holiday weekend Saturday, Sunday & Monday GARDENS: adult £5, child £1

Member of Historic Houses

CADHAY, OTTERY ST. MARY, DEVON, EX11 1QT 01404 813511 www.cadhay.org.uk

www.countrygardener.co.uk

HARTLAND ABBEY AND GARDENS BACK TO FULL SWING No pre booking is required to visit Hartland Abbey and Gardens; July is a wonderful opportunity to have a long, lazy day out taking in this fascinating family home since the Dissolution, its exhibitions, the glories of the gardens and walks leading to the beach at Blackpool Mill. Stunning views to Lundy and the wider Atlantic make visiting the Abbey uniquely different from other attractions. Watching an excellent theatre performance on the lawn, with a picnic, is a wonderful way to finish the day. There is lots of local accommodation for those who don’t want to drive home!

All details on www.hartlandabbey.com Tel: 01237441496 Hartland Abbey, Nr Bideford EX39 6DT

BOSCREGE CARAVAN & TOURING PARK Ashton, Cornwall TR13 9TG

Small, peaceful and picturesque site open all year round Luxury holiday homes and lodges for sale and hire Used static caravans for sale offsite

01736 762231

There’s an exciting new exhibition running at Hestercombe Gallery until 25th July with a new exhibition which brings works by Andy Warhol, Derek Jarman, Claudette Johnson, Susan Derges, Leon Kossoff, Patrick Caulfield, Gilbert and George and Balraj Khanna to Somerset, and for the first time to Hestercombe Gardens. ‘Landscape Portrait: Now and Then’ explores how people see the world around them, juxtaposing Hestercombe’s rich history with more contemporary works. The show mixes pieces from figures such as Hestercombe’s previous owner, landscape designer and artist, Coplestone Warre Bampfylde (1720-1791), with artwork from contemporary artists. This incredible combination invites viewers to ask themselves how they choose to view their surroundings, and how we imagine art will portray society in the future. The exhibition opens daily from 11am to 5pm.

To visit, book gardens admission online at hestercombe.com

44th Cerne Abbas

Open Gardens More than 15 Private Gardens Open

14th & 15th August, 2-6pm Day ticket to all gardens £7 Ticket for 2 days £10 Accompanied children free Teas in St Mary’s Church from 1.30pm Plant Stall Free Car Park (DT2 7GD) from 11am

www.caravanparkcornwall.com

ANDY WARHOL ON SHOW AT HESTERCOMBE

Equal proceeds to: Cerne Abbas School & Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance

15 gardens ready to show off high summer beauty in Cerne Abbas At least 15 private gardens in the Dorset village of Cerne Abbas will be opening from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday, 14th and Sunday, 15th August. The proceeds will be divided between the local junior school and the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. The event was cancelled last year due to Covid and this year is a later date, which means the gardens will have a different, high summer look and feel. The weekend is a special event for the village as a whole and the gardeners are very keen to share their gardens again. All the gardens are within easy walking distance of the free car park which will be open from 11.30am and there will be the usual well stocked plant stall operating from 1pm and teas from St Mary’s Church. Keep up to date via website: www.cerneopengardens.org.uk for any late changes.

Keep up to date: www.cerneabbasopengardens.org.uk

Country Gardener

The Gardens of Kent & Sussex

4 DAYS FROM

£765 The RHS Chelsea Flower Show

If you want to capture the joy of strolling around the quintessential English country garden, this four-day holiday offers the perfect opportunity. Visiting the likes of Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, Nymans, Lullingstone Castle and Great Comp, the quality and pedigree of these gardens make for a memorable tour. There is also an exclusive special tour at Perch Hill, garden of broadcaster and writer Sarah Raven, personally led by the Head Gardener there.

and Classic English Gardens

7 DAYS FROM

£1295

For the first time in its 108-year history, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will take place in September instead of its usual spring slot and Brightwater can take you there. In addition to a full day visit to this horticultural highlight, you will also spend time at Stourhead, RHS Garden Wisley, Hestercombe, Great Dixter and Iford Manor. (A number of other Chelsea-themed tours are also available.)

Award-winning garden holidays by coach If you’re looking for fantastic value for money, trips led by experienced Tour Managers and a welcoming service from start to finish, choose Brightwater Holidays. Celebrating 30 years in travel next year, the Brightwater team can take you to the most glorious gardens, inside historic houses and to fascinating ancient sites in and around the UK as well as overseas. The itineraries are perfectly paced and some even offer special access to wonderful private gardens. Trust Brightwater when you return to travel.

01334 611 815 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com Brightwater Holidays Ltd Eden Park House, Cupar, Fife KY15 4HS www.countrygardener.co.uk

130th anniversary agricultural show for Honiton Honiton & District Agricultural Association are putting together what promises to be a fabulous show in it’s 130th year and are extending a welcome to visitors on Thursday, 5th August and Friday, 6th August for a celebration of rural life. The first two-day show since inception will allow visitors more space to enjoy what’s on offer. The main ring will include the fantastic Jason Smyth and his Adrenaline Tour. Viperaerobatics perform two phenomenal flying displays in a beautiful iconic Pitts S2B Biplane. The lower field has a countryside theme with hurdle making, thatching and Cob Block demonstrations, a blacksmiths guild, a trip down memory lane with Vintage Tractors, Classic Cars and hosts The West of England Hound Show on Thursday. Children are catered for with Professor Twistopher’s Punch and Judy, and there’s a dog show on both days. With over 400 trade stands there really is something of interest for all. For further details , schedules, sponsorship opportunities or details on becoming a member of the Association contact the secretary on 01404 41794 or on twitter @honitonshow1890. Tickets are available online at www.honitonshow.co.uk, £16 per day and two accompanied children (under 16) are admitted free with a paying adult.

Melbury Vale Vineyard welcoming visitors again

Melbury Vale Vineyard, just one and a half miles south of Shaftesbury is excited to be busy, seeing people again and share this hidden Dorset gem with others. After a busy morning ‘talking vines’ in the sunshine and wine-making in the vat room, whilst tasting the refreshing wines of Melbury Vale, what is needed is a delicious local produce lunch …with maybe just another glass of your favourite wine! Working with The Vale Artisan Bakery, who use Stoates Flour in their bread from the mill next door to the winery and offering up homemade chutneys, really compliments the locally sourced ham and cheeses from Dorset that we provide, to give the full Dorset lunch experience. From this month the fun and quirky ‘glamping wine barrels’ have been occupied too. Set on the hillside with stunning views over Melbury Hill, and the vineyard, you can relax in a giant timber barrel, watching the wildlife and hearing the soothing river flowing by as the sun sets and evening descends. Then you can cosy up outside with a brazier fire and listen to the barn owl whilst gazing at the stars, with a glass of something chilled to enjoy. All grown and produced right around you. Weekend glamping packages will start in late June, again subject to Government confirmation, until September. Both can be booked online at www. mvwinery.co.uk/tours/

Melbury Vale Vineyard & Winery, Foots Hill, Cann, Dorset SP7 0BW

Brightwater Holidays celebrates 30th anniversary with award winning trips Celebrating its 30th anniversary next year, Brightwater Holidays is the leading provider of coach holidays to glorious gardens and historic houses in the UK and overseas. Its award-winning trips visit an array of destinations and with perfectly paced and well-planned itineraries, a holiday with Brightwater is a memorable experience. Brightwater offers holidays that are not only accompanied by friendly tour managers, but

great value for money with coach travel, visits, accommodation, and most evening meals included as standard. Guests enjoy financial protection, a welcoming service and special access to private gardens on selected itineraries. Highlights among Brightwater’s current programme include the newly opened RHS Garden Bridgewater, its new 11-day Grand Tour of the Gardens of Scotland holiday, its Gardens of North Wales tour, and the beautiful Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway itinerary. From manicured grounds to castle interiors and from ancient sites to celebrated garden projects, there’s something for everyone.

Contact information: contact the Brightwater Holidays team on 01334 611815.

BUSCOT PARK & & BUSCOT PARK THE FARINGDON COLLECTION THE FARINGDON COLLECTION One of Oxfordshire’s best kept secrets One of Oxfordshire’s best kept secrets

BUSCOT PARK & THE FARINGDON COLLECTION One of Oxfordshire’s best kept secrets

Open 1 April - 30 30 September September Contact: Info line 01367 01367 240932 240932 or or www.buscotpark.com for website www.buscotpark.com for opening opening times. times. 24 Cotswold Show Ad 154x118 v.indd 1

Country Gardener 16/06/2021 10:30

Open 1 April - 30 September Contact: Info line 01367 240932 or website www.buscotpark.com for opening times.

LATE SUMMER OPEN DAY AT BADMINTON ESTATE GARDENS The sensational gardens of the badminton estate host a late Summer open day on Sunday, 5th September. There is a great variety of plants to view, from the formal beds on the east side of the house, designed by Russell Page, to the South Garden with its water squares, hedges, beds and borders. Glorious displays of roses and borders of soft summer colours are combined with herbaceous perennials, campanulas, penstemons, geraniums and phlox.

Cotswold Show set to provide bumper entertainment on new August dates The Cotswold Show is going full steam ahead and set to deliver a bumper event on Saturday, 14 August and Sunday,15th August . The dates were put back eight weeks earlier this month after the latest Government announcement .With everything from dancing sheep to BMX stunt riders performing at cloud grazing hights, the excitement continues to build for the return of the buzzing main arenas, filled with show stopping attractions once more. Following a mundane year for many, the show’s main prerogative is to provide attendees an injection of excitement and thrill, with not only the main arena attractions, but the surrounding entertainment as well! The show’s founder, The Earl Bathurst said: ‘The Cotswold Show has always been a firm favourite, with its wide variety of attractions for all ages, showcasing activities from the farming and countryside industries, with added entertainments. I am looking forward to personally welcoming everyone back again to our show in the heart of Cirencester Park.” This year’s show is setting up to be just as fun packed and exciting as its preceding years. It really is a great day out for all. Tickets for the show are on sale now via the website www.cotswoldshow.co.uk.

The Cotswold Show Cirencester Park, The Bathurst , Cirencester GL7 2BT

The Walled Garden, a short stroll from the house through the park, is home to the Badminton House kitchen garden, providing fruit and vegetables as well as cut flowers for much of the year. An archway, running the full width of the garden, is covered with roses, clematis, wisteria and yellow laburnum. The greenhouse is used for propagation and houses a fine display of pelargoniums. Pre-booked tickets are £7.50 per adult. On the day entry is £10 per adult. Children under 12 are free. 01454 218203 or by email to estateoffice@badmintonestate.com

The Badminton Estate, South Gloucestershire, Badminton GL9 1DD

BOSCREGE, A BREATH OF CORNISH FRESH AIR Boscrege Caravan and Camping park in Cornwall is a peaceful and picturesque park, set at the foot of Tregonning Hill amongst a myriad of Cornish lanes in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The park, which is open all year, is situated close to the wonderful Cornwall coast and only a few minutes drive to Praa Sands, one of Britain’s nicest beaches. St Ives, Penzance, Hayle, Lands End, The Lizard Peninsular, Helston and Falmouth and many other Cornwall attractions and beaches are very easily visited from the central location in West Cornwall. So if you are looking to take a holiday in Cornwall this year in a self catering caravan, camping, or even purchasing your own holiday home then contact Boscrege Caravan and Camping Park.

Boscrege Caravan Park, Boscrege, Ashton, Cornwall TR13 9TG 01736 762231 www.caravanparkcornwall.com

www.countrygardener.co.uk

GARDEN VISITS

GARDENS TO VISIT

in July

compiled by Vivienne Lewis With summer colour all around us and restrictions being lifted, it’s a great time to get out to see lovely gardens opening for charity. Here’s a selection in the areas we cover, with many new openings this summer. We advise checking on individual charity websites that are included in a garden’s details, with the NGS website at www.ngs.org.uk and with current Government guidance before starting out on a journey. Many NGS open gardens now offer cashless payment (again, check on the NGS website for individual gardens), otherwise it is payment by cash; it’s still possible to pre-book.

CHYGURNO Lamorna, Cornwall TR19 6XH Beautiful, unique, three-acre cliffside garden overlooking Lamorna Cove. Planting started in 1998, mainly Southern hemisphere shrubs and

exotics; woodland area with tree ferns set against large granite outcrops. Garden terraced with steep steps and paths. Plenty of benches to enjoy the wonderful views. Open for the NGS on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July, 2pm-5pm. Admission £5, children free.

BADGERS HOLT Frost Street, Thurlbear, Taunton, Somerset TA3 5BA

COURT VIEW Solsbury Lane, Batheaston, Bath, Somerset BA1 7HB

Another new opening for the NGS, a newly created English cottage garden, around a 17th century cottage, with views over the Blackdown Hills. Just over 1/3 acre transformed from a near blank canvas of rough lawn in 2019, a variety of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees, extensive vegetable garden, and wildlife pond added last year. Open for the NGS on Sunday 11th July, 10am-4pm. Admission £4, children free.

Three miles from Bath, this two-acre garden is a new opening for the National Garden Scheme, with a third of an acre devoted to cut flowers and foliage, a colourful mix of annuals, biennials and perennials, and spectacular views from terraced lawns; box parterre, small orchard and meadow area. Open for the NGS on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th July, 11am-5pm. Admission £5, children free. All refreshment money to Bath Men’s Shed.

THE OLD RECTORY Quenington Church Road, Quenington, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 5BN On the banks of the mill race and the River Coln, an organic garden of great variety with mature trees, large vegetable garden, herbaceous borders, shade garden, pool and bog gardens and a permanent sculpture collection. Open for the NGS on Sunday 11th July, 2pm - 5pm. Admission: £10, children free.

SOMERSET STREET DISPLAY GARDENS Kingsdown, Bristol, BS2 8LZ A new opening for the NGS, a linked row of walled gardens dating from the 18th century, separated from their houses by a narrow setted street. Restored in the last few years, they are now close to that shown in the 19th century Ordnance Survey map of Bristol. Designed as display gardens, a welcome green space of shrubs and perennials between terraces of Georgian houses, with box parterre, pleached hornbeam hedge, fan-trained apple trees, pond, mature trees and mixed borders. Open for the NGS on Sunday 11th July, 2pm-5pm. Admission £3.50, children free.

OUR KEY TO FACILITIES ON OFFER AT THE GARDENS:

Refreshments available

Plants usually for sale Dogs on short leads

Wheelchair access to much of garden

Partial wheelchair access

Unsuitable for wheelchairs

Visitors welcome by arrangement

Coaches welcome consult owners

Accommodation at this venue

Country Gardener

HONEYHURST FARM

GOATHURST GARDENS

Honeyhurst Lane, Rodney Stoke, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3UJ

Goathurst, Bridgwater, Somerset TA5 2DF

A 2/3 acre part walled rural garden with brook and four-acre traditional cider orchard, with views. Specimen trees, pergolas, arbour and numerous seats. Mixed informal shrub and perennial beds, and many pots planted with shrubs, hardy and half-hardy perennials. Open for the NGS on Sunday 4th and Monday 5th July 2pm - 5pm. Admission: £4, children free.

Only 30 yards apart, two quintessentially English cottage gardens in a rural village setting. Old Orchard’s garden is planted to complement the cottage with over 100 Clematis viticella with a range of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, annuals and summer bulbs. The Lodge has flower borders around the thatched cottage packed with shrubs and perennials, fruit and vegetable beds. Open for the NGS on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July, 2pm-5pm. Admission £5, children free.

LOWER MILL Mill Lane, Longparish, Andover, Hampshire SP11 6PS Set in 15 acres of informally planted gardens, magnificent trees and water, grasses, perennials and shrubs lead to a lake surrounded by wildflowers. A hidden sunken garden, and tranquil riverside walks. Open for the NGS on Sunday 4th July, 1pm-5.30pm. Admission £5, children free.

ST MARGARET’S HOSPICE

TERSTAN

Yeovil, Little Tarrat Lane, Yeovil BA20 2HU The hospice’s own garden will be open to the public on Sunday 25th July from 2pm until 5pm, admission £3. Tended by the gardening team at the hospice there are colourful perennials, lawns, shrubs and trees. Feel free to bring a picnic blanket and enjoy refreshments made by the kitchen team, and enjoy entertainment in a relaxed, tranquil atmosphere. www.st-margaret’s-hospice.org.uk

Longstock, Stockbridge, Hampshire SO20 6DW A garden for all seasons, developed over 50 years into a profusely planted, contemporary cottage garden in peaceful surroundings, with gravel garden, water features, cutting garden, showman’s caravan and live music. Open for the NGS on Sunday 18th July 2pm-5pm. Admission £5, children free.

MEON ORCHARD

MANOR FARM

Kingsmead, North of Wickham, Hampshire PO17 5AU A two- acre garden with an exceptional range of rare, unusual and architectural plants including National Collection of Eucalyptus. Dramatic foliage plants from around the world, bananas, tree ferns, cannas, gingers, palms and perennials dominate; streams and ponds, plus an extensive range of planters complete the display. Visitors are welcome to explore the 20 acre meadow and half a mile of Meon River frontage attached to the garden. Open for the NGS on Sunday 25th July, 2pm-6pm. Admission: £5, children free. Also opening Sunday 5th September, 2pm-6pm.

Hampreston, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7LX Traditional farmhouse garden designed and cared for by three generations of the Trehane family through over 100 years of farming and gardening at Hampreston. Beautiful herbaceous borders and rose beds within box and yew hedges, mature shrubbery, water and bog garden. Open for the NGS on Sunday 18th July, 1pm-5pm. Admission £5, children free. Also open on Sunday 15th August 1pm-5pm.

www.countrygardener.co.uk

GARDEN VISITS

TWIGS COMMUNITY GARDEN LOWER ABBOTTS WOOTTON FARM

Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 2QJ Delightful twoacre community garden, created and maintained by volunteers. Features include seven individual display gardens, ornamental pond, plant nursery, an Iron Age round house, artwork, fitness trail, separate kitchen garden site, Swindon beekeepers and the haven, overflowing with wildflowers. Open for the NGS on Sunday 18th July, 12pm-4pm, admission £3.50, children free.

Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6NL The sculptor owner reflects her creative flair in garden form, shape and colour. A new open gravel garden contrasts with the main garden’s lawns, borders and garden rooms, a perfect setting for sculptures. The naturally edged pond is tranquil, but beware of being led down the garden path by the running hares! Open for the NGS on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th July, 2pm-5pm, and Wednesday 7th July, 2pm-5pm. Admission £5, children free. No teas on 7th July but picnickers welcome.

THE COACH HOUSE

THE OLD MILL Ramsbury, Wiltshire SN8 2PN The River Kennet runs through this garden with a millrace, a millstream and small channels. The planting is relaxed and colourful, more naturalistic further out into the meadows beyond. Gravel and grass paths wind through controlled wilder areas with seating. There’s a more formal and productive kitchen garden. Open for the NGS on Sunday 25th July, 1.30pm-5pm. Admission £6, children free. Also open on Sunday 22nd August, 1.30pm-5pm.

Bridge Street, Manton, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 4HR, and Peacock Cottage, Preshute Lane, Manton, SN8 4HQ The Coach House is a country garden surrounding an 18th century barn, with herbaceous border, mixed colour themed beds, pond garden and small veg/soft fruit patch, informal lawns and mature trees. An 18th century well is used to water the garden. Peacock Cottage is an undulating garden, with herbaceous and mixed borders, parterre and exotic bed. Open for the NGS on Sunday 25th July, 2pm-5pm. Joint admission £7, children free.

BACKSWOOD FARM Bickleigh, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8RA A new opening for the NGS on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July from 11.30am until 5pm both days, this newly created two-acre nature garden provides many uniquely designed homes for wildlife, with a flower meadow, gardens, structures, water features and ponds. Seating areas with stunning views towards Exmoor and Dartmoor. A photographic exhibition will be open each day. Admission £5, children free.

PANGKOR HOUSE Runnon Moor Lane, Hatherleigh, Devon EX20 3PL A four-acre naturalistic garden with spectacular views over Dartmoor, a freeform lawn with a series of grass paths with lovely vista views. Quirky and highly personal with sculptures and random artefacts hidden within the borders. Wild meadow, wild garden, Zen garden, courtyard garden and pond area with waterfall. Open for the NGS on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th July, 1.30pm-5pm. Admission £5, children free.

Country Gardener

THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE Ashcombe, Dawlish, Devon EX7 0QB Another new opening for the NGS, The Old School House is part of Ashcombe Estate. Created by Queen’s Nurse Vanessa and husband Chaz, the garden is an artistic palette of colour with a hint of the theatrical, a variety of plants, shrubs, vines, bananas and trees, quirky recycled materials, and Dawlish water stream encircles it. Open for the NGS on Saturday 31st July 1.30pm-5pm and Sunday 1st August 1.30pm-5pm. Admission: £4, children free.

HOUNDSPOOL Ashcombe Road, Dawlish, Devon EX7 0QP Formerly a market garden, now a private pleasure garden developed over past 40 years, this is another new opening for the NGS. The garden is very much a work in progress, the owners aiming to make it as labour saving as possible indulging in their love of trees, shrubs, herbaceous, water, fruit/vegetables and flowers, providing all year interest. Open for the NGS Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August, 2pm-5pm both days. Admission £4, children free. Also open Monday 13th September, 2pm-5pm.

GARDENS AT LAKE FARM Sheepwatch, Beaworthy, Devon EX21 5PE Two gardens on opposite sides of a track: Lake Farmhouse is a plantaholic’s garden with themed areas: rose garden, hosta, peony and hydrangea borders, cut flower garden, kitchen garden, raised beds and containers. Musselbrook Cottage is a one-acre naturalistic/ wildlife/plantsman’s garden with many rare/unusual plants on a sloping site; 11 ponds, stream, Japanese/Mediterranean gardens, wildflower meadow, clock golf. Hundreds of ericaceous plants, and aquatic nursery including waterlilies. Open for the NGS on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July, 11am-5pm. Admission £5, children free.

GUY’S CLIFFE WALLED GARDEN Coventry Road, Guy’s Cliffe, Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 5FJ Lying behind Hintons Nursery and once the kitchen garden for Guy’s Cliffe House, this Grade II listed garden with its original 18th century walls, is of special historic interest and is now a community garden. Restoration began seven years ago using early 19th century plans. The layout has been reinstated, planted with fruit, flowers and vegetables including many heritage varieties. Glasshouses await restoration; exhibition of artefacts discovered during restoration. Open for the NGS on Saturday 24th July, 10am-3.30pm. Admission £3.50, children free.

RED ROCK BUNGALOW Elm Grove Road, Topsham, Devon EX3 0EJ Opening with two other Topsham gardens for Hospiscare on Saturday 18th July from 2pm until 5pm, the garden has formal and informal flower and vegetable garden areas with borders set in fine lawns. Altimira Lodge, Monmouth Street is a mature garden with a splendid Tulip tree, and 11 Monmouth Street is an old cottage garden with some unusual plants and trees, and a wildlife pond. Plants and homemade teas will be on sale on Topsham’s Quay. Admission £5 to all gardens. www.hospiscare.co.uk

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Summer problems solved Summer problems can stop you enjoying your garden in high summer. It is the time of year when everything in the garden should be lovely but then those niggling problems which seem to crop up distract from the day to day pleasures of being in the garden. Plants stop flowering This is a more complex problem as there are a number of reasons. For example sweet peas will stop flowering if they are allowed to go to seed. By keeping picking flowers and bringing them indoors, the blooms should keep appearing. In some cases, a plant is simply too young to bloom. In fact, it can often take up to two or three years for some plants to mature, and others may take even longer to bloom. Temperature also affects blooming. Low temperatures in early summer can quickly damage or kill flower buds, resulting in no flowers on a plant. In some cases though, a plant needs to go through a cold period to provoke flowering. This is true of many springflowering bulbs such as tulips. In addition, the bloom cycle can be disrupted by extremes in temperature, moisture levels, humidity, and winds.

A lack of adequate pollinators can inhibit both flower and fruit production.

Moles An all year problem for many but it can look so much worse in the summer. Every gardener will have his own tricks. Mixing powdered mothballs on the molehills is a popular idea as is the simple task of ‘planting’ a children’s windmill to reverberate under the surface. In extreme circumstances a mole catcher is the only answer.

Brown lawns

Dry and wilting plants Pots and containers are often one of the biggest problems in the summer garden. It is because they are totally reliant on us to keep them moist. Let them dry out and growth slows and then stops. This will eventually kill the plants and shrubs. Larger tubs dry out less quickly so the bigger the better. If you have Leave grass cuttings on your lawn

Green pond

If the summer is going to be long and hot then the reality is there will be times when your lawn will go brown so don’t waste water by trying to keep it green. It is a waste of time and money.

There are few things more disappointing for the water gardener than to see the water of your lovingly built pond turn soupy green. Crystal clear soup is what you want. New ponds will always turn green but the water should become clear one it has ‘balanced’ which means oxygenating plants have worked their magic.

Grass is very, very resilient and once the odd shower comes along things will get better.

Removing blanket weed is important, drag it to the side of the pond and leave it to allow any wildlife to return to the water. Smaller ponds will be a problem as they heat up quickly and attract blanket weed. Perhaps the single greatest advance in recent years in the battle against green water has been the development of reliable and affordable ultra-violet (UV) clarifiers. Aside of its effectiveness in destroying the algae which cause the problem, this approach has a number of other advantages. It has no effect on water quality and because it takes place away from the pond itself, it poses no threat to the plants or fish. 30

lots of pots try rigging up an irrigation system. These are relatively inexpensive and will save you pounds in lost plants. In the borders concentrate on the plants that need it most - young plants and annuals and of course vegetables. Established trees and shrubs should have a good enough root system to cope with the summer except in the driest of spells.

What you can do is to raise the level of the cut on the lawn mower which will slow down the rate of browning.

De-sludge your pond regularly

Country Gardener

There is again a debate about whether in a dry summer it is best to leave clippings on the grass. There is no definitive answer but the suggestion is that while this works to the benefit of the lawn in spring and autumn it doesn’t help in summer.

Wasps

Birds eating fruit

They eat insects and caterpillars so in some respects they are a gardeners’ friend. The problem comes with them attacking the fruit crop, Trap them in narrow necked jars of jam and water, or you could try burning citronella candles, scattering peppermint oil which is said by many to be the most effective wasp deterrent.

There is really only one way to stop the birds eating your precious fruits and that is to use netting. Not loose netting which can leave the birds trapped and entangled but a proper fruit cage, tall for raspberries and low for strawberries. It is that simple really.

Greenhouse over heating In summer, greenhouses can become minifurnaces which will burn the life out of even the strongest of plants. Ventilation is the first option. It is almost safe to say you hardly ever want to close the greenhouse door from May to August and certainly have windows open. If there is still a problem you can invest in blinds, which tend to be expensive. Whitewashing the glass is one option to take but it is always a pain to apply and certainly to remove.

The good news is that the netting can be removed and stored so you don’t have to have it in your garden all year round.

Insect attacks Pests are a common challenge but that doesn’t mean they need to gain the upper hand. In fact, in most cases there are ways to prevent your crops from getting infested in the first place.

Netting can be quick to layout and easy to store

Rabbits and deer Old and new solutions keep popping up for this summer problem but there really is only one answer and that is fencing.

Make good use of barriers to physically separate pests from plants. Insect mesh or horticultural fleece will stop just about any pest from getting near your hard-won crops. Allow covers to rest on the plants or support them on hoops.

For deer it needs to be about three metres high as they are the most athletic of garden invaders and for rabbits the most important element is that you need to go underground by burying the netting. Hard work but you only need to do it once.

Secure them around the edges so pests can’t gain access by just walking in at soil level. Covers are a great solution for caterpillarprone brassicas and for barring entry to the likes of carrot fly and aphids. Ladybirds, hoverflies, parasitic wasps, lacewings - just a few of the beneficial bugs that help control pests by either eating them or hatching their young inside them. Tempt more beneficial bugs into your garden by growing lots of the flowers they love, like cosmos, sweet alyssum, dill, yarrow and many more besides. Grow them among or immediately next to your vegetables for maximum impact. Fencing is the only realistic answer against rabbits

Mildew and blackspot on roses Badly affected examples are best pruned out and disposed of as soon as the symptoms are seen. Overhead watering (in mid-morning) in dry weather can reduce powdery mildew (which does not like direct contact with water). Avoid leaves remaining wet for long periods, however, as this may favour other diseases such as black spot and rust. Prune shrubs to give an open structure (which will improve air circulation and reduce humidity). Feed regularly to encourage strong growth, but avoid using too much nitrogen - this produces ‘soft’ growth which is prone to attack.

Weeds Little and often is the answer- and don’t let them win. Hoe off annual weed seedlings when they are tiny, ideally on a warm, dry day and they will then shrivel in the sun. Let them grow and they will get so big they compete with your plants for light and nutrients. A longer term solution is to reduce the space they can grow into. Plant beds more densely so that space is taken over by your plants and not weeds. Mulching areas will do something to help but again those stronger weeds will fight through so just take a small chunk of time in the summer long fight against weeds. www.countrygardener.co.uk

Weed every day - even for a few minutes

Hydrangeas are back! If you are not sure you like hydrangeas then perhaps its time to think again says passionate grower Mark Duvall who chooses his own favourite varieties

It wasn’t so long ago that the mention of the word hydrangea sparked off anger and dislike among gardeners. They were thought of as dusty pink and blue balloons of shrubs, which took up too much room in the garden and were generally unpopular. That has changed and the last few years have seen the return of the hydrangea into popularity. The reasons are pretty significant. New introductions have opened the way up for a whole range of options. New varieties mean they can be better used in smaller spaces or even containers. There are new double flowered varieties, even bi coloured varieties line ‘ Vanille Fraise’- is a remarkable variety which somehow manages to change colour as the flowers mature. Nurserymen are still developing new forms which will flower for longer, such as the mophead variety “Ripple’ or n bloom twice in the same season –on old and new wood. So the profile of the old much maligned hydrangea has changed but what hasn’t changed is how easy and adaptable they are to grow. They will happily roar away in sun and shade. They remain hardy and pruning is simplicity itself.

Mophead varieties

These are the ones to grow if you are looking for an explosion of dramatic colour in your garden. These varieties really pack a punch with blooms, which will last for months, finally ageing to muted tomes before drying to biscuit brown for winter. Recent improvements include varieties with two seasons of flowering, neat, double layered florets and some with even all of these features. 32

They can be grown in a large pot and they can also change a garden as impact plants or as a low hedge. It can be very tempting to tidy up the flowerheads for dried winter decorations but remember that next year’s flower buds form on this year’s growth so you don’t want to rob yourself of flowers next year. H. macrophylla ‘Ripple’ Produces bright white, red tinged flowers in huge heads and is perfect for containers. Wonderful silver and lavender hued flowers where the florets have curled edges and stay in flower a long time. H. macrophylla ‘Miss Saori’ A winner of a recent Plant of the Year at the Chelsea Flower Show and hugely popular now as you get two ‘goes ‘ at this plant every summer.

Lacecap varieties

These popular varieties are a great choice if you find the mophead options too large or too overpowering in a smaller garden. Lacecaps are good as pollinators too with large ray flowers to attract their attention, around

H. macrophylla ‘Ripple’

a mass of tiny fertile flowers that offer pollen. It is from these lacecap varieties that the more flamboyant options have been developed and they are generally the hardiest. H. macrophylla ‘Veitchii’ Produce free flowing florets which turn pink as they go through the summer set around a mass of tiny blue flowers.

THE KEY TO GROWING HYDRANGEAS •

Mulch plants to conserve moisture around their shallow roots.

•

Make sure plants in pots are kept moist and never dry out. Feed them regularly once they are established.

•

Work out what colours work. In lime or neutral soil they will be pink, but inn acid soils they’ll have blue tomes. The addition of aluminium sulphate will mean you will get more blues. Country Gardener

H. serrata ‘Bluebird’

H. arboresccens ‘Annabelle’

H. macrophylla Ayeshaš

H. paniculata ‘Vanille Fraise’

H. macrophylla ‘Jogaski’ Is popular as an autumn option in gardens with tiny florets which range from the palest pink through to ivy blue. H. serrata ‘Bluebird’ Is as the name suggests, the bluest of the lacecap varieties which offers smaller blooms and again survives well into the autumn.

H. macrophylla ‘Veitchii’

And now for something different

There are some lovely new options on the market which have all played a role in the switch round of the popularity of hydrangeas. These are mostly white options and are tough, reliable and because they are mainly white, you don’t need to worry about your soil pH. Hydrangea arborescens Have huge domed flower heads in white or pink. Hyydrangea panisculkata Varieties have very big conical heads that start off white or green and then become a much bolder white before ending up pink. They are great pollinators and also make great cut flowers. Hydrangea quercifolia Have oak shaped leaves, which turn very dramatic shades in the autumn H. arboresccens ‘Annabelle’ A huge impact variety with white and green florets and a real stronger grower which can reach two and a half metres H. quercifolia ‘Snowflake’ A popular new variety with double ray flowers. H. paniculata ‘Vanille Fraise’ White conical flowers which change dramatically from shades of pink to dark red.

To get fabulous blooms, prune in late winter

HOW TO PRUNE HYDRANGEAS Almost all hydrangeas should be pruned in late winter or early spring, with the exception being the climbing hydrangea which is pruned after flowering in summer. Before you start hacking back your shrub you first need to identify which type of hydrangea you have in your garden. The most common hydrangeas planted in UK gardens are mop-head and lace-cap hydrangeas. These types of hydrangeas produce flowers on older wood, so you don’t prune them hard. Leave the old flowers on over winter as this provides protection to developing buds during a cold snap. If you cut back your mop-head or lace-cap right back to the ground, your hydrangea won’t flower that year. Which is one of the most common questions asked about hydrangeas, “Why isn’t my hydrangea flowering?” and this is the reason why, because all the older wood has been pruned too hard and the new growth that shoots up doesn’t flower that year. If you wish to renovate your hydrangea and still have it produce flowers in the summer then this can be done over a three year period by cutting back a third of the shrub each year and this will totally rejuvenate your plant. If you have a really overgrown shrub, take out two or three of the main stems at the base, and your hydrangea will send up new shoots. www.countrygardener.co.uk

READERS STORY

‘WHY DOES MY GARDEN ALWAYS GET OUT OF CONTROL IN SPRING?’ Devon architect Malcolm Ryder explains how when everything starts growing like mad in spring, he loses control of his garden and never seems to be able to catch up

Around about late May I always become a grumpy gardener. Take this weekend for example. It’s a lovely warm late Bank Holiday Monday in May in my Devon garden. My grumpiness has already been around for a few days, perhaps a week or two but for some reason my slump in mood has reached a peak today. For what seems to have been the latest year in many, I have let my garden overtake me. I am so far behind in where my garden should be at the beginning of June that it causes me real distress. The grass is overgrown and unkempt. The vegetables in my greenhouse are tiny and only just beginning to appear. Weeds and brambles cover my unprepared vegetable plot. Stinging nettles cover my hedge and are already big and dense. The borders, and I might be exaggerating, seem just full of weeds and whatever shrubs, roses and colourful perennials are in there ,are being swamped. I am not sure I can catch up. I should explain I am a freelance architect working from home just outside of Barnstaple. I do, in normal times, spend a lot of travelling mainly in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. Last year I spent more time than ever in the garden. I love it – fresh air and the genuine pleasure of seeing things grow. My garden is spacious but shouldn’t be beyond my control, it is about three quarters of an acre and has a couple of borders, a fruit and vegetable growing area and I have a reasonable sized greenhouse. It isn’t that I haven’t been working in the garden. I am out there most afternoons and weekends for a few hours.

But how many gardeners I wonder suffer this time of the year when everything is growing so fast that it literally overtakes you? It is spring that is the problem. I always seem to underestimate what a thing it is. I read the other weekend that an hour in the garden is enough to keep on top of things, to be creative yet in control. Rubbish! I think five hours a day wouldn’t be enough. The simple answer is I suppose to say my garden is too much for someone who works as much as I do. But I never feel, like accepting that. Partly this year it’s the weather, but then again what year has there been recently when gardeners haven’t had cause for complaints. Apart from the odd day, the last few weeks have been cold and very wet and unappealing. To get some encouragement, or at least that’s what I thought, I sought some advice from a couple of friends who have allotments the other side of the village. I went down for a cup of tea and a chat about two weeks ago and it was clear pretty soon it wasn’t going to help my mood. Don, an ex railway engineer, was already picking his first broad beans of the season. He had lettuces ready to pick, radishes, huge swathes of rocket and his tomatoes were serious plants – 18 inches high and in flower. He had potatoes to earth up and was sowing winter vegetables. My tomatoes in contrast were only thumbnail size. My broad beans only just starting to appear. The secret, Don said, was to make a plan to start early and then bring forward your plan by a couple of weeks. His busiest time was March. His allotment is so far ahead of my garden it’s embarrassing. True he doesn’t have a reasonable size lawn to cut and that is perhaps one of my faults – tending too much to the lawn when I should have been planting and sowing.

My garden always seems four weeks behind! 34

He must spend more time gardening than I do but he is clearly better at it than I am. He says too many gardeners Country Gardener

get caught out and worry about how cold it is in March and April and think it’s too early to do a lot. He believes it is still a great growing few weeks. His neighbour on the allotment site is Allison, a retired civil servant who has a perfect manicured plot and admits to spending whole days gardening. Her belief is that you have to put the hours in when nature is working its hardest. That rings true with me. My gardening is a constant few hours, whatever the season. She says that in April and early May she steps things up dramatically and puts the hard work in. She tells me it’s no coincidence that those few weeks are the ones when she sees most people on their allotments. Looking at her plot it is weeks ahead of my garden. She tells me not to worry, let the grass grow and concentrate on the plants, sowing, feeding and weeding. She tells me that I will catch up. And that I should get some help – a part time gardener who can work on tasks I am always putting off. I am not sure. Perhaps it is in my nature to worry that I work hard in the garden but always seem to be catching up. I have a demanding job but lots of time is spent in front of a computer and the garden is an escape but this time of the year, the time when I should be enjoying it most I genuinely get upset that I have ‘lost’ another year. I am not sure I want a gardener coming in – too much of an invasion I think. I shall have to live with my stress and see if I can catch up.

WATER WATER

- now everywhere One of the biggest themes to come out of lockdown gardening has been the investment into some sort of water feature in our gardens - and there’s a fascinating list of aquatic options It is almost impossible to overestimate the importance of water in your garden. It’s a fact that gardeners are discovering in record numbers. It seems over 40 per-cent of us now have made some sort of investment into the appearance of water in our gardens - and that includes ponds, water features, running water, small ponds in pots, water cascades - it’s an interesting and developing list of aquatic options. Water features enhance any garden, providing ornamental interest, soothing sound and a habitat for wildlife. Adding a garden water feature needn’t cost a fortune. Something as simple as an attractive bowl filled with water can make a real impact, reflecting light and neighbouring plants. Calming trickling sounds can be generated by a rill or fountain, while a pond will allow you to grow aquatic plants and provide a home for newts, frogs and dragonflies. Casey Farrell is a landscape designer who has specialised in water features for over twenty years. He stresses that outdoor space can be given an enchanting effect by the way that water adds movement and sound as well as reflecting precious natural light. “Its not a question of size. A small pond can have a great impact in a garden if it is sited well, properly maintained and cared for. Water features need some understanding however. They can for the beginner be a challenge to maintain. “The water requires observation, the equipment requires maintenance, and sometimes chemicals need to be added to keep the water clear. Leaf litter, dirt and other debris can build up over time and cause problems. Filtration is a key issue. “Luckily there are some great products and equipment on the market and there’s a wealth of information out there. The gardener who wants to invest in any sort of water feature certainly won’t be alone. “With some advance planning you can incorporate the sounds and visual beauty of water into your garden. Casey’s top five rules are: • •

The water garden must blend into the existing garden landscape plan. Consider placing it close to a patio or seating area, where you can enjoy it, rather than in a distant corner.

•

Decide what type of sound you want to hear.

•

Be mindful of sun exposure that will impact your selection of plants and the ability to have fish.

•

Avoid locating your water garden under trees where leaves accumulate.

Solar-powered adds a new dimension to water features

‘Water Feature Month’ at Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre

Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre has a wide range of water features as they celebrate Water Feature Month. Water features instantly add a sense of relaxation to your garden. Bow have new models from traditional to contemporary designs, in varying sizes, so they have

Gardeners and pond lovers can now create an attractive, easy to maintain and cost-effective solar-powered water feature or fountain in their outdoor spaces without the need of electrical cables. Blagdon’s Liberty 200 mains-free pump is a battery and solar pump with LED lights suitable for use in three different set-ups: in a pond as a fountain, using the float and anchor, and the four different fountain features provided. It can also be used in a self-contained water feature; either purchased or homemade, to create a fountain using the four heads provided or finally, as a water feature pump. Run by the long-lasting Lithium-ion battery and re-charged using the high-powered solar panel, no power required and can locate your feature wherever you wish. Available at all good aquatic retailers and online. All Blagdon products are designed in the UK by a British development team and are thoroughly tested in-house at its offices in Somerset. www.blagdonwatergardening.co.uk

a water feature for every garden. During their special promotion month they have up to 50 per-cent off selected water features. Many water features are self contained which makes installing them a breeze. There is also a wide range of solar powered features, giving flexibility to enjoy them anywhere in the garden. Bow has an expanded range of summerhouses, sheds, greenhouses and patio kits on display with a range of quality garden furniture. The extended plant areas includes vegetable and fruit plants, summer bedding, herbs, perennials, shrubs, hanging baskets, trees and fruit trees. You will also find a large selection of pond and bog plants. Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre is on the A3072 half way between Crediton and Okehampton Tel :01363 82438 www.bowgardencentre.co.uk

FILTRATION IS THE KEY TO CLEAN, CLEAR WATER If you are lucky enough to own your own pond, you’ll know how important it is to ensure the water quality remains in check, particularly if you own fish or Koi Carp. If a pond is left to stagnate, the water quality will deteriorate and likely go green due to thriving single-celled algae. Filtration is the key to keeping the water clear and clean.

A pond filtration system usually consists of 3 main items. Firstly, a submersed pump is used to pass the pond water to the pond filter, usually via a flexible hose. The second item is the Ultraviolet Clarifier which will kill single-celled algae and this algae then flocculates (clumps together). The third item is the pond filter which is usually in the form of a box containing filter sponges which will remove debris, fish waste and algae passed from the pond, through the pump and UV Clarifier. The clean water is then passed back to the pond for recycling on a continual basis. If you need help selecting the right filtration system for your pond or water feature, call Water Garden’s team on 02392 373735 for expert advice. www.countrygardener.co.uk

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Country Gardener

Prevention as well as cure in septic tank management

THE RIGHT POND FILTER FOR YOU

Pond filters have come a long way in the last 20 years. Now rather than being only functional, they are efficient, easy to clean, sometimes self-cleaning, and scientifically developed to get the best results for your pond and fish.

Septic Tank maintenance is a necessity sometimes overlooked with the result of blockages and the need for expensive pump outs. Regular use of Aquarius SC will mean such problems can be virtually eliminated.

But what size is right for your pond?

Aquarius SC is a dry, multi-culture preparation designed to liquefy and consume organic wastes and almost all factions of animal fats and vegetable oils found in sewage and septic tank systems, drains and grease traps. The microbial cultures continue enzyme production to consume the organic wastes and grease, restoring and maintaining the bacterial balance required for effective operation. Aquarius SC is non-toxic, noncaustic, non-corrosive, non-pathogenic and is biodegradable.

For a 10,000 litre pond, don’t simply buy a 10,000 filter, as model numbers often refer to the volume of water that they can look after with no fish. This may sound alien, but many ponds outside of the UK are just garden ponds or wildlife ponds, while we generally build fishponds.

Whatever extra features you choose, it is most important that you choose the right size – always over size when it comes to filtration. You can easily work out the size of your pond in litres: average length (m) x average width (m) x average depth (m) x 1000.

Adding fish to a pond forces the filter to work harder. As a general rule of thumb, whatever the model number of the filter, halve it to get the rough size for a fish pond, and halve it again for a koi pond. Oase UK Ltd. Tel: 01256 896886

The performance and efficiency of septic tanks, drainage and sewage systems depends entirely upon the type of waste throughput and the amounts and strength of the bacterial agents present therein. The bacteria lives and multiplies by feeding on the waste matter within the septic tank and as such causes decomposition of the soluble waste into less harmful and inoffensive effluent, which may then be safely dispersed through the system. The increasing use of household detergents, bleaches and cleansers destroys the very bacteria required to digest the sewage in the purification system. Aquarius SC is supplied in a soluble sachet, as a pre-measured treatment of one sachet a month for standard size domestic tank, simply entered into the drainage, septic tank and sewage system through the sink waste or flushed down the toilet. Aquarius Agriculture (A division of Morgan Hope Industries Ltd) Visit www.aquarius4u.com for more information.

Discover the perfect filter for your pond Water Landscaping Waterfall Kit

Formal Spouts Whether you need to filter a natural pond, one packed with fish, or a large koi pond, OASE have the solution for you. Learn more here: social.oase.com/pondfilter

Copper Bowls

www.countrygardener.co.uk

GLORIOUS

Greencombe A delightful three and a half acre spectacular summer garden to visit, overlooking the Bristol Channel and host to four National Collections Greencombe Gardens has a lot going for it when it comes to a visit from garden lovers. It is an organic three and a half acre strip full of beautiful and rare plants overlooking the Bristol Channel. Greencombe is very much a postwar garden, laid out in 1946 on a north facing hill. For 50 years, Joan Loraine developed a collection of exceptional plants employing methods that she termed ‘intrinsic gardening’. Building on established organic methods and shunning chemical sprays, she produced all her own compost and spread copious amounts of leaf mould, resulting in fertile soil with a riot of birds and butterflies all around. While most of the plants have been carefully placed in their present positions, the garden gives the impression that it just occurred and that paths wander around plants that already existed.

‘A magical, organic woodland garden, famous for erythroniums, ferns and double Trillium grandiflorum.’

The garden’s moss covered paths meander through a collection of exceptional flowering plants flourishing beneath a magnificent canopy of oaks, hollies, conifers and sweet chestnuts. Camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, maples, lilies, roses, clematis, and hydrangeas all flower in turn The gardens are situated just off the road to Porlock Weir. They welcome visitors at other times and days by appointment. Please contact the website, by phone or send email to bookings@greencombe.org.

A woodland garden and organic showpiece of international renown, Greencombe extends along a sheltered hillside below the tree-covered slopes of Exmoor and offers outstanding views over ancient fields onto Porlock Bay and the sea beyond. Moss covered paths meander through an exceptional collection of ornamental plants that flourish beneath a magnificent canopy of oaks, hollies, conifers and sweet chestnuts. Camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas, lilies and hydrangeas flower among rare ferns and the garden’s four National Collections. Roses, clematis and other climbers wend their way upwards through an understory which includes a rich collection of maples. 38

On display throughout the garden are four National Collections; erythronium, small mountain-lilies; vaccinium, ‘whortleberries worldwide’; Gaultheria, ‘whortleberries for bears’; and polystichum, the ‘thumbs-up’ fern. Also of special interest, the garden is home to a champion English Holly tree (ilex aquifolium), the largest and oldest in the British Isles. Like all good plantsmen’s gardens, Greencombe is full of rare and wonderful plants and has much to interest and delight every visitor.

VISITING INFORMATION Greencombe Gardens are open to the public every day from 2pm to 6pm through to 31st July. Day ticket: Adults £7, children 16 and under £1 .Provides admission to the garden on the day. Season ticket £14 per adult. No dogs. Greencombe Gardens, Porlock, Somerset TA24 8NU Tel: 01643 862363

Country Gardener

The

pollen gatherers We probably know more about the plight of the bee than we do about its history and development - but it is a quite remarkable story

We all know bees are in trouble. The dilemmas of dwindling habitats to the added threat of pesticides and parasites have meant the challenges they face have caused widespread declines in honeybees and wild species alike. Their plight has also sparked a survival industry of products and the significant increase in the desire of gardeners to help them out by putting more emphasis on pollinating plants. So the profile of the bee has never been higher. And we probably know more about their plight than we about the story of the bees themselves- their history, biology and their habits. So to start at the beginning, a bee is a hippy wasp and one thing to remember is that wasps came first and they had been buzzing around the planet for millions of years before bees came along. Bees evolved from wasps and they still look a lot like them, which is why the two groups are often confused. There is, as we all know, a significant difference. Wasps are hunters and scavengers constantly searching the landscape for flies, scraps of protein which extends to food from our outdoor picnics! Bees on the other hand won’t do more than nip a taste of jam or a drink from your orange juice. That is

because the key innovation that started them on their evolutionary pathway was dietary. They gave up eating meat and instead began provisioning themselves and their babies solely from the products of flowers. Once they made the switch it offered all sorts of advantages. Gathering pollen is a far safer way to get a meal than for instance attacking another insect. It didn’t take long for the behaviour and bodies of bees began to adapt to this new lifestyle. They developed long, tube like tongues for sipping nectar from deep flowers as well as feathery, branched hairs specifically adapted for carrying pollen back home to the nest. The sensory organs on their antennae became attuned to floral scents and they became experts in navigation, plotting and memorising efficient routes from blossom to nest and back again. The development of bees worked to nature’s advantage—suddenly there was a far more efficient way of pollinating plants. Many scientists believe that the evolution of bees coincided with the evolution of flowering plants. As more species of bees fed on pollen, flowers developed bright colours and unique shapes in order to attract more insects. In turn, some bees—such as the honeybee—developed hair all over their bodies and stiff baskets on their legs in order to catch more pollen as they flew from flower to flower. Bees survived the mass extinction that took out the dinosaurs and most of the planet’s large creatures. In the millions of years that followed, bees spread across the planet, adapting and evolving as they went to their different climates. Today, scientists have identified roughly 25,000 species of bees across the world. Sex has always been difficult for plants, because they cannot move. If one cannot move, then finding a suitable partner and exchanging sex cells with them poses something of an obstacle. The plant equivalent of sperm is pollen, and the challenge facing a plant has always been how to get its pollen to the female reproductive parts of another plant; not easy if one is rooted to the ground. The early solution, and one still used by some plants to this day, is to use the wind. But the development of the bee has been a life changing one. www.countrygardener.co.uk

Nature abhors waste, and it was only a matter of time before the blind stumbling of evolution arrived at a better solution in the form of insects. Pollen is very nutritious. Some winged insects now began to feed upon it and before long some became specialists in eating pollen. Flying from plant to plant in search of their food, these insects accidentally carried pollen grains upon their bodies, trapped amongst hairs or in the joints between their segments.

While many other insects such as butterflies and hoverflies feed on flowers as adults, very few do so as young too. Flowers are sparsely distributed in the environment, and immature insects cannot fly from one to another as only adult insects have wings. The innovation unique to bees is that the adult females gather the food for their offspring, so that their larvae do not need to move at all. The larval stage is maggot-like, legless and generally rather feeble, being defenceless and capable of only very limited movement. They are entirely dependent on the food provided by the adult bees. So far, only three bumblebees are thought to have become extinct globally: Bombus rubriventris, Bombus melanopoda and Bombus franklini, but surely more will follow. The momentum is heavily in support of the bee. Gardeners probably think more about pollinators than ever before so out of crisis there is at least hope for this remarkably evolved creature. 39

READERS LETTERS

Have your say... Country Gardener readers offer everything from advice, views, options in a busy mailbox. Write to us at Mount House, Halse, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3AD or email alan@ countrgardener.co.uk

An early spring surprise

Prune and feed answer to blackspot on roses

I usually sow my Cerinthe major “Purpurascens’ from seeds very year as a ritual in our garden but last year fro the first time it survived the winter in our Warwickshire garden. As a result it started blooming in April at the time I am normally sowing it and I would recommend it. It also provides an early bonus for hungry bees.

Angela Morton Weston

In praise of robot mowers In March I bought a robot mower and am so impressed I wanted to write about it. It was a bit of a luxury but I had a hip replacement last year just before lockdown and although the operation was successful I wasn’t as able to push a lawn mower as I once was. It was a Flymo and cost me £599. The difference has been substantial. What has impressed me is the quality of the cut. I thought it would do a job and save me lots of walking but it really cuts the lawn very well. They are easy to use and my lawn has never looked better mainly because I cut it much more often than I used to. It also fascinates my black labrador who chases it round the garden, barking at it as if it some alien from another planet.

Steven Robinson Bristol

WISTERIA WITHOUT THE PROBLEMS

Help in difficult times I cannot thank you enough for the regular dose of medicine for my mental health with Country Gardener. I’ve have picked up your magazine for years and it gets better and have always looked forward to the quality of the gardening coverage. During lockdown I had to shield and generally have been very restricted. A neighbour now picks up your magazine and without it I think I would have found it much more difficult to cope and it certainly inspired me to get out into my garden much more often.

Anne Hudson Dartmouth

Crisp and fresh lettuce I like to pull up a lettuce and all and keep it in a jug of water in the kitchen. It stays crisp for days and avoids that instant wilting which can often make it unappetising.

I read with interest your article about caring for roses. I love growing roses and have done so for the past 25 years. I now have about 80 different ones and you are right to point out that roses do need constant care . In my opinion it is little and often. I’d like to share a couple of my ideas for keeping the roses healthy. To deter sap- sucking aphids I grow elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum) among the roses. I know fellow rose lovers who make a concoction and spray it in but I really don’t like sprays and the garlic plants produce attractive spherical flowers that partner the roses perfectly. I also mulch very heavily with bark. It keeps the weeds down which can limit the health of the roses. I find also that if you prune roses very hard and feed them well you will never get blackspot- at least it works for me.

Grace Henney Dawlish

AN UNCOVERED MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE? I recently took over the maintenance of our overgrown church remembrance garden and started by severely pruning all the shrubs. The reward was a magnificent early spring display from an Exochorda ‘The Bride’. I like to think this was planted by a bereaved husband to remember his beloved bride long after she was gone and we have done something to help that memory.

Susie Hellin Martock

Mollie Branfers Plymouth

Mini meadow success We decided we had too much lawn and inspired by Country Gardener’s article on mini wildflower meadows we decided to give it a try. We prepared the ground, sowed the seeds and sowed it last year. This is the first year of flowering and the results are just wonderful.

Sam Davison Exeter Wisteria isn’t suitable against a lot of garden walls and fences –not our house anyway. It is also, I know, a problem for many climbing up ladders and pruning. I planted a tiny wisteria plant with a single shoot in 2000 and I have now seen it grow into an enchanting tree. I deadhead it after flowering and follow the recommended pruning schedule. I am 80 now and can still manage the whole tree from ground level. The best of both worlds.

Peter Strong 40

West Meon

The wonders beneath a sheet of metal During lockdown last year I became passionate about doing more for wildlife in my garden . I have continued the same this year. I laid square sheets of corrugated roofing material as a warm refuge for slow worms and grass snakes. The sheets became home to a lot more ‘guests’. The most dramatic difference for me has been the appearance of short tailed field voles, cowering in their little ball shaped nests of dried grass as they are suddenly exposed to the daylight. On occasion I find a wood mouse lurking underneath, then a couple of weeks ago I lifted up one of the sheets and found two yellow necked mice peering up at me. I am sure all these are in most gardens but it is a wonder to me that something as simple as laying down some metal attracts such lovely creatures.

Mark Billiald Minehead Country Gardener

The sounds of summer We share our small suburban garden with four friendly free-range bantams, growing most of our plants in containers to protect them from being eaten and trampled on by our greedy and inquisitive hens. For us the sound of summer is the buzz of bees and the chattering of bantams.

Katherine Wilmslow Gloucester

READY FOR CHRISTMAS ! Several years ago I collected and sowed some seeds from my hippeastrum when it finished flowering. I had to be patient and I kept on sporadic feeding and watering but these two bulbs have at last rewarded me with their own lovely flowers. They will keep flowering through the winter and will bring some indoor colour for Christmas!

Anna Graham

Porlock

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We continue to have a great response to our new regular gardening crossword, compiled by Saranda. The first winning entry will receive £50 worth of RHS gift tokens. Completed entries should be sent to Mount House, Halse, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3AD. Closing date is Friday, 30th July. The winner of our May crossword was Mrs Annie Hawkins from Exeter. 1

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We are delighted to be in the midst of a new gardening season and a full 10 issues of Country Gardener. The restrictions on our everyday way of life are starting to ease but there are still restrictions and frustrations on day to day life. For Country Gardener readers it often remains difficult and stressful to obtain a copy of the magazine. it’s summertime! Country Gardener is so popular that we know from many readers that even in Inspired Living normal circumstances our outlets run out of copies quickly because of the demands for the magazine. There is a way to end that frustration by getting a copy of the magazine delivered direct to your door. For just £20 we will deliver 10 issues to your door guaranteeing you see a copy and enjoy our unrivalled gardening coverage. Cotswolds

Issue No 177 JULY 2021

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are sweet peas; Hydrangeas Monster weeds; Cutting Cotswolds make your garden easier; events throughout the July; Gardening news and problems solved; Can technology Out and about days in Your summer gardening naturally; The pollen gatherers; back; Controlling pests

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ACROSS 7. An old name for sunflower (7) 8. Popular Southern African plant of the iris family (7) 10. Bristle or stalk of a moss capsule (4) 11. Classic cottage-garden flower whose name means wolf in Latin (5) 12. Popular herb of the salvia family (4) 13. Attractive plant with pink, purple or white flowers (7) 14. A dated Irish term for a potato (5) 18. Healthy garden vegetable particularly enjoyed by a certain American sailor (7) 20. Field plant with daisy-like flowers, not appreciated by farmers (7) 22. Also called gillyflower, this scented bloom is native to the Balkans (5) 23. A prickly pear named after a town where Pliny said it grew (7) 27. Indigo plant or the dye obtained (4) 29. It might apply to grass before it is mowed? (5) 30. Wild pansy or hearts____ (4) 31. Well-loved flowering plant originating in South America with exceptional blooms (7) 32. A tree such as cedar, pine or fir (7)

5. Often called cleavers, this plant is of the genus galium (8) 6. Calluna vulgaris or heather (4) 9. A small bug such as the blackfly or greenfly (5) 15. Vetch or weed as mentioned in the Bible (4) 16. A spade’s depth or a spadeful (4) 17. Flower whose colours traditionally range from light pink to crimson (9) 19. Botanically the central part of the ovule (8) 21. An ear of grain or a spike, as of a flower (5) 24. Genus to which candytuft belongs (6) 25. Showy, bright-coloured flower associated with Holland (5) 26. Any willow whose twigs are used in basket-making (5) 28. Variety of Indian tree yielding a valuable oil (4) Answers from previous issue, June 2021: T A N S Y V

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JOBS FOR THE MONTH

JOBS IN THE

July garden July is perhaps the most productive month in the garden. It is one of those few months that wherever you look there is something to do and work on from veg plots, fruits to borders and lawns. Even so, simple tasks such as watering and deadheading take on enormous importance

Beat the heat

July can often be very hot, and many of us may be experiencing heat waves or very warm weather at this time of year. One of the top priorities this month should be finding ways to beat the heat.

The need to feed

Now’s the time to boost crops and late blooms so they can be at their best. Tomato crops should be fed with a diluted tomato fertiliser once a week. Or, if the leaves are yellow or looking pale, increase how often you feed them. Other crops, like cucumbers, need a good feed once a week with a high-potash fertiliser once fruits start to form. In fact, any plant that’s producing flowers or fruits needs a little bit more attention. Make sure you keep adding organic mulches – to replenish nitrogen, potassium and other micro-nutrients essential for plant growth. Nitrogen rich mulches are particularly important for strong green (leafy) growth. And potassium is crucial for optimal flower and fruit production. Whilst some late-flowering border perennials may benefit from a quick-acting feed before they flower, especially if the soil is not very fertile.

Any sort of temporary shade cover will help

• Use companion planting to provide shade for plants that may bolt in hot weather. • Consider other options for shade cover in particularly warm areas. • Water well especially in dry areas, in containers, or when growing undercover.

If you have grown comfrey in your garden, a liquid fertiliser made from this is an excellent choice. You can also make a compost tea for a balanced, general purpose fertiliser that can be very useful at this time of year.

Comfrey liquid fertiliser is a wonderful tonic for plants

Deadheading - tedious but essential this month Deadheading can be one of the more tedious summer jobs but is very essential. It also keeps containers and hanging baskets looking immaculate throughout the summer.

• Make sure there is adequate air-flow/ ventilation around your plants. Thin planting where necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Plants that respond well to deadheading include pansies and violas, geraniums, roses, lupins, delphiniums and phlox.

• In undercover growing areas, damp down hard surfaces to increase humidity and reduce temperatures on particularly warm days.

Note that some plants, such as fuschias, lobelia and salvias, don’t need deadheading, as they do not set much seed. Also avoid deadheading plants that have ornamental seeds or berries, such as Love-in-amist and alliums.

Most flowering plants will produce more flowers with regular deadheading. Removing fading flowers stops them from going to seed, preventing the plant from thinking it has achieved its reproductive goal and directing its energies into producing seeds rather than further flowers.

Don’t forget the July compost heap

If you do already have a composting system, there are a number of things you need to do to make sure it continues to function effectively in July. Make sure cold composting systems don’t get too hot. Ensure there is adequate moisture content in your composting system. If the compost dries out too much, the rate of decomposition can slow considerably, and beneficial creatures helping create your compost may even die. Turn and aerate your compost to make sure it retains conditions for aerobic decomposition.

Try and get some air in heaps so they don’t get too hot

Country Gardener

Make deadheading a mantra in July

Your fruit will need a lot of care

Check soft fruits. Producing fruits makes plants thirsty, currants particularly so. Water at the roots so as to avoid encouraging damp related diseases. Strawberries are prone to these so don’t wet their leaves and avoid overwatering which can also cause trouble such as botrytis. Mulch around fruit trees and bushes to conserve moisture. Apply a two inch layer of mulch after it has rained when the ground is damp, making sure not to let the mulch touch the trunks or stems. Make sure the ground is first clear of grass and weeds.

If you train your apple and pear trees they will need a summer prune. This should be done when the bottom third of the new shoots have toughened up and become woody. Depending on where you live this could be any time from now until early August. The idea is to prune to let light reach the fruit. First: prune new shoots that are growing from the main stem (but only those longer than 8ins) to about five leaves from the base. Second: prune new shoots growing from side shoots to one leaf from the base (not cutting off any fruit). Third: prune out vigorous vertically growing shoots. Summer pruning of apple trees will improve your crop

Make watering strategy a priority

Watering is so important during the early summer months when plants are racing to put on growth. Increase watering so that they don’t dry out in the heat. The first thing to say is that if you don’t already harvest rainwater in your garden, now is the time to set up a rainwater harvesting system right away.

There are a number of steps you should take now, if you have not already done so, to reduce water use in your garden. • Mulch well around plants to reduce moisture loss from the soil (and keep it cool). • Consider adding drip irrigation/ using wicking methods rather than using a sprinkler or hosepipe to water your garden. • Think about using clay pots, or other vessels inserted in the soil or in containers, and watering into these – so water goes directly to plant roots, where it is needed. • Using watering globes or watering spikes with reclaimed materials to ensure adequate water supplies for your plants throughout the summerespecially if you are growing in containers.

Weed little and often

Stay on top of weeds This is the time of year when you may be struggling to stay on top of weeds. The best approach is to be relaxed about them. Remember, many weeds can actually be very beneficial in your garden. It is a good idea to make sure you have some wilder corners, to welcome in wildlife and promote good biodiversity. But in annual growing areas, where weeds compete too vigorously with crops, they do often need to go. Maintaining fertility and avoiding overcrowding are both very important in a July garden. Choose the right tools. A hoe can make it easier to remove unwanted weeds from between your crops. Weed little and often. Don’t let things get to the point where you have to undertake a massive weeding session all in one go. Space plants relatively closely, choosing non-competing plants – with shallower root systems, for example – to fill in gaps, and avoiding bare soil whenever possible.

Increase watering substantially in July

Clear the grass from around your trees

A health root system means healthy plants. At this time of the year with the grass growing strongly it is important to keep a good root circle around trees in particular. Plants and trees have to compete with grass for nutrients and water and if they lose the battle it can seriously slow down their growth. The answer is simple - just clear a one metre area from the base of the trunk and clear all the grass away exposing the soil. Ideally once its clear mulch it heavily to stop the grass from fighting back and then the tree can enjoy air, water and nutrients without any competition.

Choose ground cover companion plants that can outcompete weeds without competing too much with your main crops. Use organic mulches to help suppress weed growth.

Don’t forget...

• Compost heaps can stop working in hot, dry weather, so ensure all of your spent garden waste continues to rot by occasional watering heaps and turning with a fork. If it doesn’t have a lid, place a sheet of cardboard or a piece of old carpet on top to retain moisture and heat. • A spell of hot weather can dry up bird baths, so top them up regularly to ensure there is always a fresh supply of water. • As the evenings start to get cooler, close greenhouse vents, doors and windows at night to lock in warmth. Remember to open again in the morning to avoid the build up of excessive temperatures during the day. • Keep an eye out for craneflies (daddy longlegs) skipping across the lawn. Their larvae, known as leatherjackets, nibble the roots of grass causing unsightly brown patches to develop. Don’t let your trees be spaced out by grass and weeds www.countrygardener.co.uk

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Technology’s role in getting closer to garden

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Increasingly popular during lockdown and with young families, these devices allow you to capture beautiful colour images of birds in your garden and stream the images directly to a TV, PC, or smartphone device. A bird box can be put up any time of year, but birds will start to nest from February- May, which provides the most exciting footage of hatching eggs and tiny chicks in the box. If you want to see birds up close all year round, a 2-in-1 bird box and feeder camera system is a great option. It’ll attract a range of garden birds including Blue Tits, Robins, Wrens and House Sparrows.

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TREE SPECIALIST

MONSTERS

on the rampage!

Japanese knotweed- famously a real threat to property

TREE EXPERT MARK HINSLEY URGES THAT WHEN YOU GROW STUFF IN YOUR GARDEN YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE FOR THE MOST PART IT STAYS IN YOUR GARDEN

If you had a dog called Rover, you would not expect to be able to let him out in your garden and have him jump over or tunnel under your neighbours’ fences and run amok in their gardens, would you? So why plant a bamboo called ‘Running’ as a fancy boundary hedge and let it escape to rampage across neighbouring properties? I have seen it. The result is neighbour suing neighbour suing neighbour, whilst the ‘Running’

bamboo sets about creating a thicket across a swathe of gardens large enough to support a family of Giant Pandas! The point is, when you grow stuff in your garden you really need to make sure that, for the most part, it stays in your garden. Mature trees may be an exception; some neighbours may value the shade and screening created by some canopy overhang. Local authorities may decree that the canopy is important for public amenity and protect it with a Tree Preservation Order. But even then, do not plant the thing right on the boundary, bring it in a few metres so that it can do some growing over your land before potentially becoming a neighbour disagreement issue.

Gaultheria shallon (Salal) a serious problem on lowland heaths and in forests

The most important trick is to know what you are planting and what its characteristics are. Some plants are famously a problem, like Japanese knotweed. If you have not heard of that – welcome to the outside world! Bamboos are not straightforward. There are some perfectly well-behaved clump-forming bamboos which will stay just where you put them. Then there are the Running bamboos, which want to colonise large areas and are no respecters of boundaries. Just like knotweed, leave even a small piece of rhizome in the ground when digging them up and off they go again! These plants are also a menace if they escape into the countryside. Gaultheria shallon (Salal) is another one which is becoming a serious problem on lowland heath and in forests. This one will spread by underground stems and via fruits eaten by birds. So, it can jump from site to site.

Robinia pseudoacacia (False Acacia) - high on the problem list

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Trees which produce suckers are another potential problem for your neighbours. Robinia pseudoacacia (False Acacia) and Populus tremula (aspen) are high on the problem list. Not so obvious can be Flowering Cherries which are grafted onto a Prunus avium (wild cherry) root stock. The suckering problems can be fairly minor until the tree dies or somebody decides to cut it down; that is when you and everybody around

Running bamboo also known as invasive bamboo, produce long rhizomes (underground stems) which grow away for the main plant and in damp humid conditions can run amok

you discovers the true extent of a tree’s root system. I have seen suckers from the above species coming up on the other side of roads. Ulmus procera (English Elm) used to be a similar problem. There are ways of containing some of these plants. I have seen bamboo planted inside a sunken oil drum. Root barriers can be excavated and installed along boundaries. Rogue elements can be dug up or chemically controlled. But it is all a lot of work and expense when you could simply have planted something else! The thing to take note of is that garden plants either come straight out of the wild or are descended from a wild species. All wild things have survival strategies, and it is these survival strategies which dictate how they grow and multiply. Understanding the survival strategy of a particular plant is a big step towards knowing what it is going to do when you stick it in your garden. Invasive plants which have natural controls in their native environment can turn into persistent bullies when planted in ours.

Mark Hinsley is from Arboricultural Consultants Ltd www.treeadvice.info

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The Country Gardener magazines are distributed FREE at Nurseries, garden centres, National Trust Properties, open gardens, garden machinery specialists, country stores and farm shops in each county. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or made available in any form, without the written permission of the copyright holder and Publisher, application for which should be made to the Publisher. Unsolicited material: do not send or submit your only version of manuscripts and/ or photographs/transparencies to us as these cannot be returned to you. While every care is taken to ensure that material submitted is priced accurately and completely, we cannot be responsible or liable for any loss or damage suffered. Views and/or opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of Country Gardener or the Publisher.

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