Gardeners!

[PeteXXX]

@PaulSB Thanks for that. The largest one is a cutting taken from my dad's hydrangea over 35 years ago!
I've grown several, from cuttings, off that over the years. I need to re-pot a couple now so I'll go ericaceous on those ones. The main one might have to be either left pink, or attempt to alter the pH.

👍🏼

 

[tom73]

On the subject of ericaceous compost please remember to use a peat free ericaceous one. We need all the Peat bogs we can not just for wildlife but they have a massive about of co2 locked in them. Which once it erodes it all ends up adding to rising global co2 levels.

 

[furball]

Blueness is enhanced by aluminium uptake. Usually added to soil in the form of aluminium sulphate.

 

[PaulSB]

On the subject of ericaceous compost please remember to use a peat free ericaceous one. We need all the Peat bogs we can not just for wildlife but they have a massive about of co2 locked in them. Which once it erodes it all ends up adding to rising global co2 levels.

Applies to all composts not just ericaceous.

 

[tom73]

Applies to all composts not just ericaceous.

Totally I’ve not touched the stuff for many years I’ve seen mass peat extraction in action it’s horrific.
Just thought it worth pointing out you can get ericaceous that‘s peat free. All you hear is ‘’you need a peat based compost“. General peat free compose is common talk ericaceous ones less so.

 

[Hicky]

I've been having issues with weeds in our garden as everyone does...there's quite a few mature shrubs so putting down a weed membrane down is a bit of a mare to say the least. Would a thick layer of chippings do the job or am i just putting off the inevitable?

 

[tom73]

No not not at all by "thick layer of chippings" you are thinking bark not slate or similar ?
Good thick layer is ideal 3 to 4 in is what you should aim for now is in fact a good time to do it anyway.
You will need to keep topping it up and some my still come throw or seed into the mulch.
The latter are easy to pull out they tend to be only rooted into the mulch.

 

[Dave 123]

I've been having issues with weeds in our garden as everyone does...there's quite a few mature shrubs so putting down a weed membrane down is a bit of a mare to say the least. Would a thick layer of chippings do the job or am i just putting off the inevitable?

The hoe is your friend if you have time to whizz round your garden once a week.
In my 35 year horticulture career I’ve learned that this is the best labour saving tool.

 

[JhnBssll]

One of my friends is a hoe. I've still got weeds in my garden though.

 

[Hicky]

The hoe is your friend if you have time to whizz round your garden once a week.
In my 35 year horticulture career I’ve learned that this is the best labour saving tool.

I was taking the tops off everything then giving it a light turning over, I almost felt like I was reseeding them as the bugger kept multiplying!!!

 

[Hicky]

We have an Acer tree in the garden and must say its our favourite tree/shrub, it was already in the garden and is in a spot which had both sun and shade.
How easy are they to grow on and do they live in pots well...?
I've had huge success growing on Alder trees this year to plant out.

 

[Tail End Charlie]

The hoe is your friend if you have time to whizz round your garden once a week.
In my 35 year horticulture career I’ve learned that this is the best labour saving tool.

Totally agree, the hoe is invaluable. Most people use it like a spade, whereas it should be thought of as a knife on a stick (and sharpened regularly accordingly).

 

[mudsticks]

Totally agree, the hoe is invaluable. Most people use it like a spade, whereas it should be thought of as a knife on a stick (and sharpened regularly accordingly).

Yup you're only looking to slice just under the surface.

And get yourself a nice long handled one, no point doing your back in.

Wolf garten push n pull is my favoured sort.

 

[Dave 123]

View attachment 554953
Yup you're only looking to slice just under the surface.

And get yourself a nice long handled one, no point doing your back in.

Wolf garten push n pull is my favoured sort.

Wolf tools on the whole are pretty damn good. With a lifetime guarantee too.

 

[Dave 123]

I was taking the tops off everything then giving it a light turning over, I almost felt like I was reseeding them as the bugger kept multiplying!!!

you need to mutter curses under your breath too......