More than just a greenhouse specimen this is a seasonal decoration, the Poinsettia with its striking colour is a lovely plant. But one seldom seen other than during the run up to Christmas. Few house plants are easier to keep alive, yet few others are harder to get to perform as well again. The Poinsettia, […]
Some plants dislike the damp that characterises our winter weather, particularly plants like cushion alpines, as any leaves left on them, causes them to rot. Pick off fallen leaves regularly and cover with a pane of glass, polycarbonate or Perspex as protection. Helleborus niger, the ‘Christmas Rose’ needs covering too, so raindrops don’t splash soil […]
There’s something magical about the cold stark winter light inside the greenhouse. It’s lit up with a skeletal beauty that shines and glows whenever the sun shines. The recent mild weather and winter sun has been enhanced by the greenhouse glass and inside it has really pushed they spring flowering bulbs into growth. The greenhouse […]
A little while ago I wrote here of having grown ginger, tumicini and turmeric roots in my glasshouse among other similarly exotic things, as an experiment. I bought the roots from a Thai super market, very much inspired by a Thai grower I met last year who told me that as the British weather didn’t […]
Christmas is getting closer by the day, so it’s time to start planning those presents so you don’t have the familiar panic on Christmas Eve having realised that you have forgotten to buy a gift (like I traditionally do). If there is someone in your family or circle of friends who is a keen gardener […]
Winter pruning of apple and pear trees is important so that they remain attractive, easy to manage, healthy and crop prolifically. You can prune anytime between leaf fall and bud burst, providing the weather is not cold and frosty; the aim is to create an open goblet shape. First, remove any shoots or branches that […]
