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February 2020

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If you have an olive tree at home, don’t get overwhelmed at the prospect of pruning. Pruning a large tree is not as difficult as it seems, and in so doing you can help your tree maintain optimum health and aesthetic appeal. Olive trees are pretty slow growers compared to other trees, so if you have a young olive tree, the level of pruning required is next to none. During the early years, you want…

If you have a pear tree, do not be put off by the idea of pruning. Instead, take it a little at a time and you can enjoy a productive and well-shaped tree.  When should you prune your pear tree? The best time to prune a pear tree is during the winter, but only after the leaves have fallen. This is better for the plant and better for you. Trying to assess the quality of…

There are over 80 species of Magnolia trees, some of which are native to areas like Central America, others to the West Indies. They can be deciduous or evergreen and produce stunning flowers in spring or summer. To keep them looking great, you need to ensure you properly prune your tree. How to Prune The first thing to note is that pruning your trees is not a necessity, however, if you have a younger tree…

In a conservatory, you can grow plants in pots and containers all season long. But how do you choose the best shrubs and climbers for your conservatory? There is a collection of plants to which the RHS Award of Garden Merit has been bestowed upon them. They can be kept in your conservatory throughout the seasons, producing optimum levels of growth that don’t outgrow the space in which it is planted. Some of the best…

Hydrangeas come in many varieties and are very easy to grow. You can choose from a big leaf variety or a panicle style depending on what type of display you want. But of course, regardless of the variety, the last thing you want is for your display to be hindered by leaf problems. Common leaf problems can be caused by diseases, environmental problems, and even pests. Environmental Problems Environmental problems typically relate to issues of…

When you have put in a lot of effort to keep your Hydrangeas healthy and happy, it can be upsetting to see the leaves curling, especially if you don’t know what the cause is or how to fix it. When your Hydrangea leaves are curling, it can be a handful of things. Transplantation Issues If you have recently transplanted your Hydrangea, the leaves could be showing signs of inadequate watering. This can be particularly problematic…

Hydrangeas are a pretty flexible shrub in that they will tolerate most soils, as long as it is well-draining and rich in nutrients. But there are times when ericaceous soil is best.  But what is it? Ericaceous Compost Ericaceous compost is a type of acidic compost that is lime-free. It is not suitable for all plants, only those which prefer highly acidic soil such as Hydrangeas, Pieris, Rhododendrons and Azaleas. You can also find ericaceous…

Hanging baskets are a wonderful way to keep plants growing off the ground, adding texture and height to your garden. Hanging baskets are quite eye-catching and with them, you can dot them around a seating area with beautiful, drooping flowers and a heavy, pleasant scent.  There are many benefits you gain with hanging baskets, one of which is having plants off the ground and away from pests. The problem though is that these plants dry…

Hanging baskets are a wonderful way to take advantage of a small space. They work well for people who only have small porches or balconies without a large garden, people who live on a sloped hill and have uneven terrain in which to garden, or people who simply want to make the most out of all the available space in their garden. Benefits of growing in hanging baskets The first benefit to growing in a…

If you have a space for hanging baskets, you have the opportunity to grow a great many things, including trailing fruits and vegetables. Strawberry plants are one of the most popular choices for hanging baskets because their runners can trail over the edges and offer bountiful fruit. Once they are established, you can grow multiple plants in a small amount of space year after year. But how do you take care of them? You can…