Amateur Gardening 6-Jul-2019

“Do you think of yourself as an ‘interactive naturalist’? That’s how Alan Titchmarsh described amateur gardeners at the launch of the RHS Welcome centre at Wisley (see News, page 6). It highlights a truism that is not recognised enough: in towns, cities and villages all over Britain, amateur gardeners are making a vital contribution to the environment. We’re not talking about it in trendy bars or posh dinner parties – we’re out there doing it by growing plants and creating environments for insects and other wildlife. Well said, Alan!”…

THE summer should be in full swing by now, though as I’m writing it’s grey and drizzling outside, I’m wearing a thick jumper and the heater is on next to me. The garden is in full swing, however, following its yearly cycle even if the plants are developing slightly slower than they did in last year’s glorious warmth. So there’s plenty to do, especially when the weather perks up. This is your last chance to cut back shrubs that bloom in late spring and early summer, such as weigela, deutzia and philadelphus. Do it as soon as they finish flowering – they bloom on the previous year’s growth and need as long as possible to grow to form next year’s blossom. I hard-pruned our overgrown, unproductive philadelphus two years ago, cutting it almost…

1 Divide overgrown perennials, unless the weather is extremely dry. Lift, split with a knife or spade, then replant divisions at the same depth, water well and expect more flowers. 2 In the shed, make sure chemicals are in date, labelled and out of the reach of children and pets. Look after your tools – wire wool is a gentle way of removing rust spots. 3 Keep pests at bay, using organic methods rather than chemical, unless absolutely necessary. I find that regular applications of Grazers 4 gives excellent protection against lily beetle. 4 The June drop should have finished now, so thin overloaded tree fruits by hand and support heavy-fruiting branches. Don’t forget to feed tomatoes, courgettes and squashes.…

It’s heating up in the greenhouse – literally – so take steps to protect plants and keep them healthy. Too much direct sun will scorch leaves and dry out the atmosphere, making it perfect for pests such as glasshouse red spider mite. Help diffuse sunlight by painting the glass with washable liquid shader or by attaching fleece to the greenhouse frame. Keep doors and windows open for maximum ventilation and damp the floors to raise humidity. Use biological controls such as the parasitic wasp Encarsia Formosa to keep whitefly and other pests at bay and remember to water plants daily.…

1 Warm, wet weather lets weeds flourish. Be diligent about weeding; weeds steal light, water and nutrients, but please leave one or two for pollinators. 2 When watering, ideally use harvested rainwater or ‘grey’ water from washing-up (don’t use water containing bleaching agents). 3 Keep hard surfaces clear and clean to avoid a build-up of debris that hosts pests and disease, and can block drainage channels. 4 Deadhead short-lived perennials, such as lupins, so the plant puts energy into new leaves and next year’s growth, rather than seeds.…

IT’S all systems go for this year’s 69 Britain in Bloom finalists ahead of judging, which runs from 29 July to 9 August. Community gardeners devote nearly 5,000 hours throughout the year preparing for the tour by RHS judges. This can take up to four hours and involves inspections of all the plants to make sure they are healthy, deliver seasonal interest and are ‘the right plant in the right place’. As they vie to win their category, finalists put on a dazzling array of floral displays while also aiming to impress with their green credentials and community spirit, which each add up to 30% to their overall score. Hale Village in Tottenham, London is among the 2019 finalists. Competing nationally for the first time, their entry might be seen as the icing…