The water in a newly created pool will quickly turn green with algae and become like pea soup. To many people this is, of course, devastating. But people familiar with pools will not worry about it, for they know that the water will gradually become clear of its own accord, provided the pool has been well planted with submerged oxygenating plants and other aquatics.

On no account change the water when it becomes green, otherwise the problem will never solve itself. The fresh water will simply become green again. Just leave the pool alone to settle down and remember that once the plants are established the water will gradually clear up. As water evaporates the pool should be replenished with fresh water. Apart from this a pool will need very little attention for a few years. Read the rest of this entry »

For best results fruit trees need plenty of sun and shelter from winds. The soil should never be allowed to dry out, otherwise this will adversely affect development of the fruits.

Fruit trees respond to generous feeding, and throughout spring and summer they should be fed weekly with a liquid fertilizer containing a high proportion of potash, the element that plays a major role in fruit development and ripening. Read the rest of this entry »

One must be extremely careful when choosing marginal aquatics for a tub because some are very vigorous and tall. The following small-growing kinds, of restrained habit, can be recommended with confidence for the mini-pool.

ACORUS GRAMINEUS VARIEGATUS’ - A cultivarof the sweet flag, this plant has grassy foliage which is variegated cream and deep green. The flowers are insignificant. Unfortunately this is not one of the hardiest marginal aquatics; indeed, it is not completely frost hardy.

DOUBLE MARSH MARIGOLD (Caithapalustris `Fiore Pleno’) — This is one of the favourite marginals. It is a dwarf, compact plant with fully double, bright golden yellow flowers over a long period in spring and early summer. The bright green, shiny foliage makes an excellent background for the blooms. Read the rest of this entry »

Strawberries take up a large amount of ground if planted in rows or beds in the traditional way. To economize on space and create a striking addition to the patio, balcony or roof garden, grow them in a strawberry barrel. The best time to plant strawberries is late summer, when they will start cropping the following year. Read the rest of this entry »