Secrets of a Head Gardener
Be nosey
– don’t be afraid to look in your neighbours’ gardens to see what’s growing well for them. This is particularly relevant should you move to a new area and are starting to establish a new garden. Equally, trips to local gardens open to the public can be a good indicator of the type of plants that are successful locally.
Rhododendrons make good subjects
for container culture. Choose a dwarf or compact variety and use ericaceous compost. However, don’t be tempted to start with too large a container – it’s better to pot-on plants into larger pots every two or three years. Rhododendrons aren’t deep-rooted, so select a pot that’s quite squat in shape.
Restore small sunken or damaged areas of lawn
by creating an H-shaped pattern on the offending area using a half moon-shaped edging tool or spade. Lift the flaps created within the H and infill with topsoil. Re-lay the flaps of turf and ensure that the area is once again flush with the remainder mainder of the lawn before fillinglling any gaps with topsoil. Re-seed e-seed the area as necessary.
If camellias require some control,
pruning is best carriedca out soon after flowering before efore the fresh new growth startstarts to appear. Camellias are surprisingly tough, and old and ailing plantsp can sometimes be rejuvenated by pruning heavily and feeding in late spring.
Why not leave a little mess,
if you have a hidden area in your garden? Areas of long grass, piles of wood, wild flowers and even a few weeds and nettles will provide homes for insects and small mammals and encourage birds and other
wildlife into your garden.