Orchids have a unique charm, and are often considered delicate plants that require specific care. Both first-time orchid owners and experienced growers can sometimes have an orchid that is struggling or appears to be on the verge of decline. The good news is that with the right knowledge and attention, it’s often very possible to … Read more
Courgettes (Zucchini) are a satisfying crop to grow and are technically a fruit. They are the same family as squashes, melons, pumpkins and cucumbers. Unfortunately they can sometimes wither and die on the vine, which can be very disheartening. Here we aim to answer the question – Why are my courgettes dying? Your courgettes could … Read more
Cosmos flowers, with their vibrant colours and delicate petals, are a firm favourite with gardeners. These annual plants are very easy to grow and will thrive in most soil types, even poor soil. They flower long into the autumn, so are great for colour and coverage after summer. A common issue however, can be overly … Read more
Cauliflower, with its tasty and nutritious florets, is a favorite vegetable in many households. Usually creamy white in colour there are also colourful varieties that come in shades of orange, purple, and green. Gardeners, however, may encounter a common issue: cauliflower heads that are smaller than expected. If you have ever wondered “Why are my … Read more
Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a versatile root vegetable that is often used in cooking for its distinct taste and texture. However, it can sometimes present challenges when it comes to growing it to a good size. There are several factors that could contribute to the small size of your celeriac, ranging from … Read more
The growing season is upon us and courgettes, or zucchini as they are also known, are a firm favourite with gardeners. They are easy to grow, nutritious, and produce a good yield. While courgettes are typically known for their elongated shape, the appearance of round courgettes can leave gardeners both puzzled and fascinated. Other shapes … Read more
Poplar trees are common in the UK and there are several different species and hybrids here and worldwide. Examples of species are Grey Poplar, White/Silver Poplar and the related Aspen, while examples of hybrids are Black Poplar and Lombardy Poplar. The Lombardy Poplar is a variety that is tall, straight and elegant, and is common … Read more
Hawthorn is a classic deciduous tree and hedge in the UK. We are lucky to have a large Hawthorn tree in our back garden, and as I write this the white flowers are amazing. They will soon turn to pink. The whole tree buzzes with bees and other pollinators. Hawthorn is quite thorny which makes … Read more
Elaeagnus, also commonly called Oleaster or Russian Olive, is a woody shrub that can be both evergreen and deciduous. They are related to the olive, with some having similar fruit and leaves. The new growth can have a silvery sheen which is why it is also known as Silverberry or Silverthorn. Elaeagnus can be cultivated … Read more
Potentilla, also known as Cinquefoil or Mock Strawberry, is a delicate looking but actually very hardy shrub. It is part of the rose family and closely related to strawberries, in fact the fruit bears a strong resemblance although they are inedible. In this article we look at the common causes of poor health in Potentilla, … Read more