Purple Wellies

Garden trends in the last year have seen further interest in Xeriscaping, no doubt affirmed by last year’s drought. This may or may not be a term you are familiar with, but as we see more evidence in our weather patterns of climate change, it is sure to be a phrase you will come across again.

Last year was unique, weather wise. I don’t think any of us could have foreseen the dry spring leading into a dry summer with UK temperatures hitting new records. Our gardens gasped a sigh of relief when rain finally came and then didn’t stop. Combined with a warmer than average autumn meant many plants that were forced into leaf fall early by the summer as a protective measure were then confused by the weather and did their best to provide a spring show of flowers in autumn. This was particularly common in rhododendrons and azaleas. Combined with late season flowers that just continued into December, it made for an unusual...

If you have ever wondered why you struggle to grow a particular group of plants, it might be down to the soil microbiology. The soil food web is teeming with both bacteria and fungi, both of which are preyed upon by protozoa, nematodes, arthropods, and other larger organisms such as animals and birds. All gardens differ in the quantity of microbes in the soil, and some of this is down to the type of plants we grow.

Requests in the village for gardening help are becoming more common, but how can you be sure of finding the right person for your requirements. I’ve listed a few things to consider before you begin.

To mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee the tree planting initiative, The Queen’s Green Canopy, is encouraging as many of us as possible to plant a tree. Summer is not the obvious time to plant new trees, but it’s an ideal time to visit public gardens to choose varieties.