Gardener's DiaryFebruary 2012An introduction from Rosemary Martin...
This column adds a new dimension to my interest in all aspects of horticulture and will hopefully help others find pleasure in this healthy and therapeutic pastime ... Please e-mail me with your garden problems, comments, or ideas for this section of laterlife, remembering to tell me which country you are from.. Click here for previous editions of Gardener's Diary..
* Don't expect too much from Busy Lizzies this year because:- "Impatiens downy mildew, a disease caused by the fungus-like organism Plasmopara obducens is causing great problems. In 2011 control failed, probably due to resistance to the commercial fungicides used. Infected plants were inadvertently sold widely. This led to the the most widespread outbreak of the disease so far, with many gardens, nurseries and local authority displays affected. " From the RHS website. My local garden centres are not selling Busy Lizzies this year and say that seed will also be affected..
Jobs for the month - February Lawns My lawn has benefitted over winter from it's autumn repair consisting of of aerating, top dressing and an application of extra lawn seed, and is looking great despite the attentions of two young puppies tearing around on it! There is nothing much to be done to the lawns yet, apart from keeping them free of debris such as leaves and twigs. Try not to walk on grass if there is a heavy frost. Herbaceous and shrub borders
Trees and shrubs In favourable conditions you can plant ornamental trees and shrubs that have been container grown. As a general rule most shrubs and trees can be pruned now, but not Spring flowering varieties, which are pruned immediately after flowering. When pruning any tree or shrub, be sure to use the correct tool for the job, leaving no jagged wounds that will allow disease to penetrate the cut. If you are unsure what to do, refer to your gardening book for when and how to prune different types of trees etc. Paths, walls and fencing The winter can make paths and walls very green and slippery with algae, rendering them very slippery and dangerous. A pressure washer used together with a stiff broom will remove most of this, or there are chemicals for this purpose available from DIY stores. Towards the end of February is usually the time to apply a weedkiller such as Pathclear on paths, driveways and any awkward areas of hard surfacing that may be prone to weeds. Wildlife
Perennials This is the time of year that I sow seeds of perennials, which gives them a good start and allows them to grow into healthy strong plants by the autumn. Many of them will even flower in their first year.
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