Amateur Gardening 12-May-2018

• A greenhouse, well-lit porch or conservatory is perfect for overwintering exotics that go back outside in summer. • After lifting my cannas last autumn I stowed them in a tray of sandy compost in the greenhouse and potted them up once they started to shoot again this spring. • This took place slightly later than usual, which I put down to the long cold winter and late arrival of spring. • Olive and lemon trees can go back on to a sunny, sheltered patio once the risk of frosts has passed. • Acclimatise them slowly to the outside conditions and keep them fed and watered.…

FOR me – and I suspect many other gardeners – one of the joys of foreign travel is seeing what plants flourish abroad. From the angular Strelitzia reginae (bird of paradise plants) of South Africa that are used in Mediterranean gardens, to tough little alpines from mountainous Europe, there is always something to add a touch of ‘otherness’ to your break. Best of all, these memories can often be recreated back home, as many foreign plants will grow well here. Thanks to the internet, they are more widely available from suppliers with a wealth of knowledge to help you grow with confidence. Some plants survive outside all year, either on their own or protected by mulch and wrapping. Others, such as cannas and lemons, need overwintering in a greenhouse, cool conservatory or light porch.…

1 Mediterranean: With light soils and a sunny, sheltered position, plants such as rosemary, cypress, olive trees and bird of paradise plants will thrive. 2 Alpines: Fill rockeries and pots with gentians, thrift, sempervivum and aubretia. Keep them well drained and free from weeds and soggy debris. 3 Exotics: Bananas, agapanthus, canna lilies – these bold and statuesque plants lift a summer garden. Just make sure you protect them well in winter. 4 Structure and foliage: Cordylines, persicaria, bamboos and hostas are perfect for adding verdant shape and structure to both open and shady areas.…

EXOTIC species are nothing new. Like the parakeets flying around London (either released during the filming of The African Queen or by a bored Jimi Hendrix), many foreign plants have also taken up residence in this country. However, the plants are less welcome, and many are covered and regulated by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The most problematic invasive foreign species include Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, Rhododendron ponticum, giant hogweed and New Zealand pygmyweed. You face a fine or up to two years in prison if you transfer any of these plants to the wild or cause them to grow in the wild. Japanese knotweed is the worst offender. It grows rapidly, regenerating each spring from deeply rooted rhizomes. It is almost impossible to eradicate and must not be placed in garden…

In this country the most reliable way of growing exotic plants is somewhere suitable indoors. Orchids, cacti, succulents and the many foliage plants of every shape and size that are widely available should thrive in a warm household. They do have certain requirements though, and you need to meet these to get the best from your plants. Central heating dries out the atmosphere, so stand plants on a bed of gravel and keep it damp. This raises humidity around the plants and helps deter pests. Similarly, mist leaves regularly to keep the surrounding air damp. Leaves gather dust and debris in the still environment of home, so wipe them clean to help photosynthesis. Also watch for pests such as mealybugs, scale insect and aphids, and treat immediately. Unless flowering, plants only need regular feeding and watering in…

To guarantee the best possible display of blooms next year, carry out these simple tasks. After blooming and before the leaves die back, feed daffodils with a high-potassium liquid tomato feed every fortnight. This is especially important for container plants. If conditions are dry after flowering, water regularly. Never tie knots in the leaves. Let them yellow and die back at their own pace (around six weeks) to return energy to the bulbs.…