Many winter flowers are highly scented to attract any pollinating insects that are brave enough to forage outside on a still and hopefully sunny day. In the garden many of these winter stalwarts are already in flower. I had great intentions to plant some prepared hyacinths in August and September so that I had plenty […]
Whatever the weather in October, from the beginning of November, temperatures drop and strong winds begin to blow, clearing the leaves from deciduous trees. It’s the time of year to tidy the garden, making sure that tender plants are protected and that everything can withstand the winter blast. Last year came as a surprise; I’m […]
Ever since I harvested the last of my greenhouse crops, I’ve been dying to go forth and propagate. It’s not that I need more plants, but I’ve never had the space for cuttings before and besides, it’s always useful to have a tray of plants to take to the school fair or the local jumble […]
I’ve left the greenhouse to it’s own devices for the last few days as I’ve been working away. Normally I leave the key with a neighbour, who diligently waters everything in my absence, but most of the established plants are at the end of their cropping period so they didn’t need much attention really. Now […]
In this series of monthly articles Bob explores the incredible range of plants you can grow in a greenhouse, conservatory or plastic tunnel. Not just the purely decorative but the scented and edible also, and maybe those plants that are just downright interesting. This month Bob nominates ~ Sweet potatoes. Now here is a plant […]
When is a good time to clean the greenhouse? Many gardeners recommend early spring, just before seed sowing when over-wintering pests can be got rid of, but I’ve chosen my first major clear-out in October. I could have kept my tomato plants going for much longer, but I decided to boot them out because it […]
Three years ago I decided to make my own apple press, to take advantage of two giant ‘James Grieve’ apple trees, the most reliable cropper’s in the garden. This year, however, I admitted defeat, realising that my dream would never become reality and decided to buy a small press, instead. Although there are some wonderful […]
The children may be back at school, but at this time year there is always the promise of a few delicious days of unexpected sunshine. One of the great pleasures is having impromptu family meals outside: making the effort, savouring the moment. Then, just as everyone is seated and about to tuck in, the wasps […]
By September the greenhouse is starting to look a bit tired, well not so much the greenhouse, more the plants inside. I often think that the plants I’ve chosen to grow inside the confines of my wonderful glasshouse are almost forced into productivity, a little bit like battery hens, cooped into a small space to […]
In this series of monthly articles Bob explores the incredible range of plants you can grow in a greenhouse, conservatory or plastic tunnel. Not just the purely decorative but the scented and edible also, and maybe those plants that are just downright interesting. This month Bob nominates ~Bananas. I admit bananas are not for the […]
September is one of my favourite months of the year, it’s often warm and settled for part of the month, despite what may have gone before and the days often still, with barely a breeze. As you can see from the picture, the wet summer encouraged extraordinary amounts of new growth on my cordon and […]
Of course it’s depressing to start thinking about Christmas when you still have shiny tanned skin from your summer holidays. Think about it you must if you are to provide a superior feast for your family. This is the time to make way in the greenhouse for Christmas potatoes. What could be nicer than some […]
