July 2009

Get growing

Recent surveys have found that more 20-somethings than ever are taking up gardening, but they are less interested in the hard work than the aesthetic result. They want the attractive and productive garden without going to the trouble of learning how to do it, so are buying ready-made kits. Hopefully, the gardening bug will bite and the actual learning bit will come next, because it’s much more fun to do it yourself.

Show off

This is the height of the shows season and there are lots of lovely new plants around. One of the best we’ve seen so far is Trachelospermum ‘Ogon Nishiki’, a variegated form of this attractive evergreen climber/trailer with copper-coloured young foliage. We’ve had T. asiaticum growing against a south-facing wall for several years and the scent of the flowers is fantastic.

* If you want to find the nearest show to you, check out our Calendar of Events page.

Better by design

The downturn in the jobs market means that people are turning to practical courses like garden design to increase their earning potential. However, a short course doesn’t necessarily mean that you know what you’re doing and several court cases are pending where mistakes have been made and the customer has turned round and sued. So, if you are considering employing a garden designer, ask to see their qualifications and also find out what other work they have undertaken (remember that references from satisfied customers aren’t always genuine).

Top of the charts

Despite a short gap while we worked our collective socks off at Hampton Court, yes, Gardman Post Lights are still at the top of the sales charts this week. They are closely followed by Scotts Tomorite and Bayer Provado Ultimate Bug Killer.

The Bug Killer may start to become less important now the ladybird population appears to be on the increase at last, to sort out the aphids that have had the plants to themselves for far too long this year.

Plan ahead

Over the next few weeks, the bulb season will get into full swing for autumn planting. This is a great way to have a wonderful display at any time from November (indoors) until next summer (outdoors) so make the most of them. Most should be planted as soon as you get them, the exception being Tulips, which shouldn’t be planted until November or the growth will start too soon and risk being frosted off.

Correction

We’d just like to draw your attention to a previous news item about seed company open days and say that, unfortunately, Mr Fothergill’s don’t open their trials to the public at present.

Pick your own

If you’re a fan of blueberries and find yourself in the region of Trehane Nursery next month, then you can indulge yourself when they open for pick-your-own. What a combination of health benefits! Fresh air, exercise and delicious fruit to take home into the bargain.

The pyramids of … Wisley

The RHS garden at Wisley, Surrey is getting its very own pyramids this summer. The two 6m-high towers are planted with Sakata Sunpatiens and will be on display for 4 months. They should be well worth a look if you’re passing or visiting the garden.

Happy birthday, Bramley

The Bramley apple, surely our favourite cooking apple, is 200 years old this year. There are lots of events on to celebrate and you should be able to find a good deal on a new tree if you have the space for one.

Best sellers

Top of the sales charts this week are (yet again) solar post lights from Gardman, their 13^th week at the top. They are closely followed by Levington Tomorite and Bayer Provado Ultimate Bug Killer.

Comment

Sales of growing media are down by 12% year-on-year and, here at the Gardening Channel, we are wondering if that’s because the new insistence on replacing peat is causing poor performance. For the second year, our tomatoes in pots and growbags have yellowed leaves, thanks to the unrotted wood content of the compost causing a nitrogen deficiency.

If you are disappointed with the performance of your bagged compost, we suggest you contact the manufacturer and let them know exactly what’s wrong. They won’t know if no-one tells them.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

The Gardening Channel team will be at the Show in force this week, so do come and say hello. We’re on stands 105 and 121 in the Floral Marquee, selling plants and generally answering questions. We’ve been at the Show for the last few days, setting up our stands, and it’s taking shape nicely. The new layout works well and, with the recent spell of good weather, it looks set to be a really good show.