In keeping with my tree theme this weekend, here are some useful websites to inspire you to actually plant one in your garden.Now is the perfect time to establish a new tree to allow it time to settle before the summer. Do remember to water any new plantings as the weather is very dry this winter. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=237 http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/moretrees-moregood/advice-centre/guides-tools/Pages/help.aspx http://www.cityplanter.co.uk/practical/how-to/how-to-plant-a-bare-root-tree […]
Continue reading...13. February 2012
Comments Off on New Zealand Flax, Coastal Flax, Flax Lily
Here is a great plant that will cope with hotter summers and colder winters that the UK now experiences. Latin name: Phormium tenax Description: Very tough and dramatic architectural plants that need little maintenance, in a range of sizes to suit every garden. P. tenax is a clump forming perennial with dark green, rigid, upright, […]
Continue reading...11. February 2012
A recent RHS study has shown that rooftop gardening can help combat climate change by lowering surrounding air temperatures. RHS scientist, Tijana Blanusa, who undertook the RHS research, says: ‘With our climate getting warmer, gardeners will be playing an even more important part in helping reduce the effects.’ ‘Getting planting right in urban spaces, which can […]
Continue reading...10. February 2012
Comments Off on What is a rain garden?
Rain gardens were initially developed in the States around 15-20 years ago and spread rapidly to Australia and New Zealand.http://www.arc.govt.nz/environment/water/stormwater/a-home-raingarden.cfm The concept was first promoted as a way for gardeners to contribute to reducing the growing problem of severe flash flooding in towns and cities. The idea is that the garden soaks up as much, if […]
Continue reading...9. February 2012
Comments Off on Frost alert for UK plants
The cold weather continues to challenge many plants in the UK with very severe frosts and temperatures of -8 recorded in the South East tonight. The RHS has useful information about how some plants protect themselves from frost and suggests things you can do to help them survive the current freezing temperatures: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?PID=704
Continue reading...8. February 2012
Comments Off on Bees,butterflies and blooms
Great new series starts tonight on BBC2 with writer, broadcaster and gardener Sarah Raven on a mission to halt the rapid decline in Britain’s essential bees, butterflies and pollinating insects by bringing flower power to towns, cities and the countryside. Good that Sarah is highlighting that the world’s bees and other pollinating insects are in […]
Continue reading...8. February 2012
Comments Off on Kew Gardens sunshine on cloudy day
How to brighten a grey day? Visit the Tropical Extravaganza at Kew Gardens Be transported to a tropical rain forest with a visual delight of exotic plants and flowers Listen to wonderful recordings of exotic birds and animals that transport you overseas http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/tropical-extravaganza-2012/
Continue reading...5. February 2012
Comments Off on Snow and plants
Snow arrived inthe UK today which means that many plants will be at risk from damage by the cold. Here are a few tips to help your garden survive this freezing weather: Dealing with snow The benefit of snow is that it acts as an insulator, protecting plants from the cold and frost, however, a heavy layer […]
Continue reading...4. February 2012
Comments Off on USA basks in winter sunshine
What is happening with the weather? Whilst the UK freezes, temperatures in parts of the USA have been exceptionally high – Central Park saw almost 60F on Thursday 2nd February. This map shows shows unseasonably warm temperatures soaring across the continental U.S. this week. Trees and plants budding early may lose their chance to bloom when the […]
Continue reading...1. February 2012
Comments Off on Weather, Climate control and Water companies
Just read some alternative definitions of these words that resonated and amused. Thought I would share them with you: Weather Forecasting The science of telling, with 70% accuracy, what the weather has just been Climate Control An essential decrease in consumerism to avoid climatic catastrophe Water Companies A business that sells back the rain that […]
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21. February 2012
Comments Off on How to plant trees