Amateur Gardening 4-Dec-2021

“I note that the National Trust has called upon members to stop using peat compost (News, page 6). This is not the first organisation to do this, but I do wonder why announcements are always aimed at gardeners using compost when it could be equally aimed at people who drink Scotch whisky or eat mushrooms—both of which rely on peat. Waitrose came out earlier in the year to ban peat compost from its supermarkets, but there was no mention of the pot plants it sells and there is no shortage of mushroooms or whisky in its stores. Double standards?” Contact us: ■ Subscriptions: 0330 333 1113 ■ Editorial: 0330 3903732 ■ Email: amateurgardening@futurenet.com ■ Advertising: 0330 3906566…

“I note that the National Trust has calledupon members to stop using peatcompost (News, page 6). This is notthe first organisation to do this, but I dowonder why announcements are alwaysaimed at gardeners using compost whenit could be equally aimed at people whodrink Scotch whisky or eat mushrooms—both of which rely on peat. Waitrose cameout earlier in the year to ban peat compostfrom its supermarkets, but there was nomention of the pot plants it sellsand there is no shortage ofmushroooms or whisky in itsstores. Double standards?” Contact us: Subscriptions: 0330 333 1113 Editorial: 0330 3903732 Email: amateurgardening@futurenet.com Advertising: 0330 3906566…

AS long as the ground isn’t frozen or saturated, you can plant trees and shrubs now. In fact, you will be spoilt for choice as most varieties are available to buy bare root, meaning they are smaller and considerably cheaper than those sold in containers. Bare-root plants are so small they look almost twig-like, but come spring they will romp away and put on astounding levels of growth. Having said that, there is no need to wait until spring to see the results of your planting. If you choose a container-grown variety that boasts patterned evergreen leaves and berries, or carries winter flowers, such as a Daphne or a deliciously scented sweet box (Sarcococca confusa), then you will have a pretty and perfumed spectacle to greet visitors straight off. From a gardener’s point of…

AS long as the ground isn’t frozen or saturated, you can plant trees and shrubs now. In fact, you will be spoilt for choice as most varieties are available to buy bare root, meaning they are smaller and considerably cheaper than those sold in containers. Bare-root plants are so small they look almost twig-like, but come spring they will romp away and put on astounding levels of growth. Having said that, there is no need to wait until spring to see the results of your planting. If you choose a container-grown variety that boasts patterned evergreen leaves and berries, or carries winter flowers, such as a Daphne or a deliciously scented sweet box (Sarcococca confusa), then you will have a pretty and perfumed spectacle to greet visitors straight off. From…

AS well as planting new potted shrubs for winter interest and scent, you also need to look after those you have already planted. We have a flourishing Skimmia japonica that is on the cusp of flowering. It needs moving into a larger pot, but that can wait until spring as I don’t want to disturb its flower buds. Skimmias don’t take kindly to heavy pruning, so I simply removed a few dead leaves then forked some sulphate of potash into its compost to promote blooming, watering it in afterwards With any luck the flowers will be at their best over the festive period when we hopefully have family visiting. Lemon and olive trees that have spent summer outside should be moved somewhere light and frost-free, but don’t put them in…

AS well as planting new potted shrubs for winter interest and scent, you also need to look after those you have already planted. We have a flourishing Skimmia japonica that is on the cusp of flowering. It needs moving into a larger pot, but that can wait until spring as I don’t want to disturb its flower buds. Skimmias don’t take kindly to heavy pruning, so I simply removed a few dead leaves then forked some sulphate of potash into its compost to promote blooming, watering it in afterwards With any luck the flowers will be at their best over the festive period when we hopefully have family visiting. Lemon and olive trees that have spent summer outside should be moved somewhere light and frost-free, but don’t put them in a hot, centrally…