Category: Horticulture

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The saying “weeds are just plants in the wrong place” is broad in its definition. There are plants that self seed but do have a purpose although they interfere with the health of their neighbours. (Bamboo) Phyllostachys the tall to the very small Pleioblastus can often get out of hand. Crocosmia can equally be a pain.

Some growth, however, has no place in our open spaces. They usually have persistent tap roots, show invasive growth and generally have few true qualities.  Stellaraia media (Chickweed) seems to self seed from nowhere and others accept Aquelegia that appears without warning. Often the Trèfle (Clover) and Taraxacum (Dandelions) in lawns is left as a means to make it more durable and hide a multitude of sins.

At times these invaders can be dug out. They can be prevented from spreading any further by dividing and reducing the growth habit. Other plants possess prehistoric qualities that aid them in surviving their elimination. Equisetum (Horsetail a good example), by its makeup/DNA. The plants hosts a waxy membrane that is non-penetrable. If you’re spraying the plant it must be bruised or cracked. Even doing this is not full proof. Its structure is made up of angled segments each detachable which often means that only a fragment is needed to stay in situ and the plant will recover.

Glyphosate had always been regarded as quite an “ethical” weed killer. Each year chemicals with harmful components were taken off the shelves, discontinued or banned. (Paraquat a pesticide and Diquat a herbicide, despite having a crushing effect on production in certain industries) These were two prominent chemicals criticised at the turn of our environmental awareness. Diquat will be withdrawn for growers May 2019. The final date for diquat usage will be February 2020. Other combinations like Roundup, Path Clear became a bone of contention because of the composites they included. On its own, Glyphosate is said to be safe or at least for the present moment. However, trace elements of unpopular chemicals are still found in pre-manufactured treatments. Gases like methyl bromide an odourless gas used in the cultivation of crops is still permittable despite being under scrutiny. It is arguable how the Diquat ban will be enforced.

For Glyphosate, the purpose? A contact weed killer absorbed by the leaves.  This method used remotely or via an applicator either hand held or on a larger scale. Glyphosate seemed a perfect solution to be used by local authorities and contractors to keep weeds in abeyance on pathways and paving in urban areas. It was said to become harmless when dry and effective even after rainfall as long as it had been applied an hour earlier.  As it was deemed a lesser of two evils it has been used widely in the control of weeds throughout the EU maybe requiring more than one application per year due to its strength? It is highly toxic though. The period of time it is active and what it kills determines how often it needs to be applied. Weeds can become more resilient to the chemical and develop an immunity, because it is a contact weed killer it does exactly that. It doesn’t differentiate plants like a selective would.

Despite this, closer examination has uncovered it is extremely harmful and speculation of it being banned very likely. It is said to have  “carcinogenic” qualities and has proven to be actually quite damaging not only with us but to beneficial insects and the very biodiversity of flora that we are so desperately trying to protect. It has also been criticised for polluting waterways and damaging aquatic life. In tests it has been traced in samples of urine which indicates it remains active after ingestion. As a worry, in windy conditions and incorrectly use it is potentially air bourne.

It is not so problematic when it is used on gravel or self contained areas. It becomes a risk when used for agricultural purposes, it can affect the crop growing environment and pollute harvested produce which we eat. This can occur by mistake and be a result of soil run off or unsuitable spraying conditions. In perfect conditions your spraying drift using a calibrated hand-held sprayer is a metre so magnify this is a buggy with a larger nozzle applying the chemical or a plane.

The European Commission has massively reduced the licence while studies are being undertaken but clearly producers are trying to overturn this and re-instate the full term of 15 years. It has at this time a licence until 2022. Can enough proceedings and reports linked Glyphosate bring its wide usage into disrepute? What are the alternatives other than a fork?   Well, on a smaller scale this is feasible although more labour intensive. Crop rotation or regular rotavating. Another option might be to experiment with more organic solutions that repel invasive insects/pests although this requires research time and cost. Something that would dehydrate the weeds and weaken them, or to incorporate more ground cover plants like Vinca major and minor/Pachysandra or Cotoneaster. A more biodiverse, natural, less uniformed approach to Horticulture seems the “lesser of two evils” opposed to corrupt produce, burnt grass, afflicted insects/animals and polluted waterways.

Often more than not your choice of shrubs will be performing as you expected them to but from time to time your garden may experience bouts of illness. A result of a Parasite, a Fungal Infection or a Virus.  It can often is exarcerbated by humidity and wet weather.

Rot can set in if roots sit in saturated soil and grass can appear matted, soaked and flat. A lawn can generally speaking is kept in good order if following steps are considered. Most of us have a typical utility lawn which can become compacted as a result of constant traffic, neglect and adverse weather.

By aerating the lawn simply with the tines of a fork air can circulate under the surface and improve the drainage of the area. On a larger scale land drains can be installed by way of a trench, corrugated plastic piping and gravel in the trench.

Making sure the grass is not cut too short. If it is an amenity area the seed is fit for purpose (it will contain premium seed: Festcues and Bents). A typical lawn contains Ryegrass and Annual meadow grass and although more robust and resilient can only be mowed to a certain height. It has not been designed for a very short habit and only cut with a rotary mower.

If you weed and feed each year, only use moss killer and fertiliser moderately. Excessive application will be indicative by black marks. If you’re not fussy it will grow back and knit together or can be patched up by removing the affected area.

Regular inspection of your plants will often raise an alert if necessary. If there are notches missing off the leaves, if they are unexpectedly wilting or lost their colour and vigour. If a pattern is emerging throughout the bed, it may be a sign of a cross infection. To identify what it is, it is half the battle! There are organic (non biological and non chemical) and biological and chemical forms of treatment. For a bout of aphids on Roses, Soapy water can often work since the insects cannot stay on the leaves thereby minimising the damage. By growing resistant crops like carrots or beans can minimise the likelihood of verticullum wilt attacking a bed.

Leather Jackets/Chafer Grubs are a problem for lawn and young shrubs or vegetables. They attack the root system and although live under the surface are close to soil level and can be identified just short of the roots.

Vine Weevils are one the most common culprits, a black beetle which has yellow speckles and can be identified as the problem when the leaves show notches eaten. The seem to host themselves in the ground and prowl about causing destruction at night-time. Pesticides can be used or now there are “nematodes” available these predators will eat the problem away. It is worth noting that the majority of the time they invade on Shrubs in containers.  

Verticullum Wilt can also be identified by a sudden setback of growth and appearance of dieback. It harbours itself in infected soil and penetrates through minor wounds or fine roots where their is weakness. It will last one year hosting on tissue so older plants usually recover. Younger ones, however, do not. If you experience a spate of this it is probably not worth putting a replacement in the same location since the fungus will remain in the soil. If you can cut into the tissue you will see a clear discolouration of an infected side and a healthy side.

Camellia’s suffer a mottle virus which produces yellow patches randomly on leaves. Research has shown it is not an insect but has evolved as a result of an infected knife/dirty secateurs. A lot of the time you can minimise these ailments but not eliminate them entirely. The list is extensive and sometimes linked to one particular Shrub. Good Practice should include clean tools, regular spraying if clearly susceptible to a particular condition, removing dead or diseased growth, regular feed and perhaps mulching in the colder months will all help.

Rust and Black spot can be particularly frustrating since it can inflict itself significantly quickly with Roses and on the undersides of the leaves you’ll notice orange spots. They will appear black in Autumn, reproduce and worsen the infection. By adding mulch around the crown in Winter and adopting a spraying programme you can keep these symptoms in abeyance.

Black spot does tend to affect Roses although it is known to attack other shrubs. A yellow -tinged black spot surrounded by a yellow lip. The leaves suffer chlorosis (discolouration) and die. This is usually in high humid, wet weather. Cutting out the diseased growth is the 1st step to its containment. Good housekeeping can help enormously, the debris being removed from the area and preventative spraying before the outbreak.

Viruses seem more difficult to diagnose and can only be sourced by poor management of tools, these should be cleaned regularly and thoroughly to avoid cross infection.
Viruses are usually carried by sucking insects like Aphids, leafhoppers and whitefly. Often agricultural crops will be chosen on their resistance merit as it is not uncommon for whole crops to be decimated.

Deciding on a more Ornate Hedge, there’s never been so much choice. The days of an archetypal Privet around your property or Hawthorn are long gone. There is an increase in unconventional hedging using Laurel (green and spotted), Photinia, Eunonymus and Elaeagnus. However, if you have inherited a bit of a dull canvas you can easily add zing and intense colour with climbing annuals.

They can weave through the dense growth and provide an abundance of colour to perk up what essentially is a boundary line. There may be a redundant post, washing line, bland structure which will welcome a bit of casual growth and can almost train itself – it will find its way. Those who prefer a more structured approach can easily obtain canes, netting and even netlon to facilitate its development. Netlon can be bought in different lengths and widths and can adapt to several gardens of different styles and sizes since it can be cut to the dimensions that you want. One point to consider if you are using netlon or a similar product try and install in the early stages so it doesn’t be a problem when you’re cutting the hedge and keeping its shape. If you are filling a gap where growth has dies off. The climber should be able to train itself from its neighbouring partners. You can create a wigwam effect structure using three long canes and fasten tightly using twine, garden wire. There’s no method and it doesn’t matter what it looks like since you won’t see it.

The best thing about this type of project is that it can be done now in preparation to plant outside.

Sweet Pea’s, Lathyrus odoratus has a wonderful show of flowers and can be prolonged in flower production from dead-heading and cutting back. In full sun with well-drained soil, scent and colour can be enjoyed throughout summer. The plant is hardy and will come back each year.

Ipomea (Morning Glory) unlike its feral counterpart Bindweed (white flower that is hugely invasive) can be sown and provide wonderful shades of purple, pink, blue. The plant, although related to convolvulus, is quite tender so care needs to be taken to protect it from the mildest of frosts. It doesn’t tolerate exposure so a sheltered spot in a warm environment is essential for its success.

Tropaeolum Nasturtiums usually adorn an orange or red flower, this annual is edible and effective in gaps. Easy to grow it needs to be in good fertile soil but not over rich. If it is too bulky you will get lots of leaves but no flowers. In addition, the annual doesn’t like too much moisture so in well-drained soil. It will brighten up any crisp morning against deep green hedging.

Solanum (Potato family) particular cultivars Solanum crispin ‘Glasnevin’ a deep purple or blue and Solanum jasminoides which is white and a has a faint scent. These are very hardy once they are established and resilient to most conditions.

Thunbergia alata ‘Black eyed Susan’ Length of flowering based on position of the plant, normally will flower all the way through until the frost. It is a tender annual. The plant most commonly is yellow but there are Blue and Purple varieties. It will need full sun and enrich soil. If protected or shielded from elements can continue flowering through the season as a conservatory plant.

These instructions are really for the purposes of a novice propagator so it’s not patronise. It is really to illustrate how straightforward propagation is. Take the seed tray and fill with soil (be mindful not to use from the garden for reasons of pests, diseases and cross infection) any soil-based compost, level out to lip. Grow bags will work but bear in mind nutrients will have gone the following year so use only new and just distribute outdoors any previous years). Buy choice of seeds and usually of whatever packet states keep indoors depending on instructions or find alternative accommodation for them like a cloche. Dib a hole with an instrument or simply use your thumb to gently push the seed to the top surface just under the level or sprinkle a thin layer on the top. Lots of light and warmth are key factors. It does sound like an obvious task but spray lightly with a fine spray to irrigate and this will produce a degree of humidity. In a matter of weeks the seeds should germinate under these conditions; with a little attention to encourage their growth. There is a method that sometimes can help of soaking seeds and does encourage the seeds to crack.  Leave the seedlings in the tray until they are independent and can stand alone. This foliage will be upright growth, evidence of a root system. Care needs to be taken to “prick” the seedlings out protecting the fiborous roots. The seedlings are potted on in small pots to develop their vigour and strength and the when the time is right, the ground is warm, the root system is established and foliage is mature they can be moved outside.

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With plants that bear fruit, some 19 and 20th century specimens seem to have folded in popularity. Their flora underappreciated and fruit not harvested. It can only be a good thing if these are encouraged more into open spaces and marketed to make a comeback along with the currant and berries that most of us consume.

Pyrus communis (Wild Pear) Native to the UK but seems to have fallen out of fashion. No special treatment for this plant. It is largely independent of care. It is reliable for fruiting and flowers between April and May. The only condition it will ask of you is that it goes in full sun.

Emperium nigrum (Crowberry) It is evergreen providing winter interest as a food source and for the look. In autumn it bears berries which are edible, a little acidic though. It is well suited to moist, shaded areas and used as effective ground cover or in a rock garden. It is native to moorlands so these conditions are ideal.

Rubus caesius (Dewberries) Black berries are borne. Robust and good in adapting to poor soil. It prefers rocky terrain with little or no nutrients. What goodness it needs it will draw itself.

Chaenomeles japonica (Quince) A summer fruit. The flowers will come in mid spring and are usually appreciated more than the fruit. An underrated shrub now and adorns very delicate flowers. They do have very thorny stems though which makes many just leave it alone when they inherit it through outdoor space. Their use was maximised in the 19th and 20th Century but seems now to have been forgotten as a staple for puddings and jams. A quince has more vitamin C than a lemon yet not used in the main. Quinces do not welcome a shaded or secluded spot or wet conditions. A free draining environment is preferred. In addition, a full sun aspect is better with warmth and not exposed to frost or wind. it is a good idea to thin the plant after it’s fruit yield and removed dead, diseased branches. Since it likes to retain the moisture it needs less sandy or chalky soils with organic matter added if necessary.

Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) The berries are borne mid – late summer and in spring offers an abundance of white flowers. It is of benefit to both insects and birds too. The berries are edible although a touch on the sour side.

Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn – Sloes) The flowers will appear in early spring March onwards, the fruit is borne in early autumn that being August – September. Their main characteristic are very large spines off the branch. It can be used as hedging because of their thorny exterior. They do benefit from being left to their own devices – pollination by insects. They bear white, creamy flowers and adorned with fruit in autumn and so do have a dual purpose. They are larger specimens (more trees) and generally are found in woodland areas so container planting is obviously not an option!

Vaccinum oxycoccos (Cranberries) A pink berry climbing vine, it can be planted in containers and trained. It can also be used ground cover, these autumn fruits are known to most (Ocean Spray) but to grow they are relatively straightforward. The only downside is they take a little time to establish themselves usually after two years start to do anything. These tend to be less spiky and have more hairy stems. Pruning is minimal and in spring all that is required is to remove straggly off shoots and thin a little. They have pink flowers and a purple spike protruding from the mainstem. The fruit usually by September- October. It is an evergreen so once the flowers have spent, the fruit is borne, the leaves have yet to still go a reddish colour and provide winter interest. The growing conditions are similar to Rhododendrons so they prefer ericaceous (acidic) soil. The soil needs to be sandy more than anything else. Irrigation needs to be consistent but able to free drain.

Ribes grossularia (Gooseberries) They have been cultivated for example, ‘invictus’ AGM but known more in their wild state. Because of its growth habit they are found as overgrowth and missed on inspection. Very easy to encourage and generally most soils will please the plant. Gooseberries do prefer direct sun or they will not bear fruit. The stems do tend to be thicker but unfortunately no less spikey. The gooseberry is ideal for smaller gardens since they can be grown as a shrub, trained up a wall and even cultivated in a container. They do like some moisture and although tolerate dry spells if container bound irrigation is needed. The fruit is born mid- summer and can be used for a variety of culinary purposes.