To examine the rings of a tree without felling it, cores can be taken by boring into the wood with a hollow cylinder. By counting them inwards each ring can be accurately dated, the age of the tree can be determined and past climatic conditions can be inferred. For accuracy a number of trees is sampled and the ring widths compared. If they coincide, as they normally do, then narrow rings will indicate a poor growing season, probably one with a spring and early summer drought, Read the rest of this entry »

Thirteen subjects to prune in late winter or spring

These are popular deciduous shrubs, climbers and roses, all of which flower even better if regularly pruned.

• Butterfly bush(Buddleia davidii) Group 2. Allow a framework of woody branches to required height.

• Californian lilac(Ceanothus) Group 2 (deciduous ceanothus only). Allow a framework of woody branches to form, and cut back to keep it at the required height.

• Clematis Pruning technique for these climbers varies according to type. Read the rest of this entry »

A shroud of confusion which few gardening books and journals succeed in penetrating. As a result, many gardeners prune incorrectly or indiscriminately. It is wrong to think that all shrubs need a “good haircut” every year. The truth is, most shrubs do not need any pruning; all you need to do is look over them occasionally and if necessary cut out any dead or dying shoots or branches. Conifers need pruning only when grown as ornamental hedges; ornamental trees do not need pruning at all; most climbers are happier if left alone, and so are most roses — although some, such as bush roses, need severe pruning every year. Read the rest of this entry »

Many shrubs and trees are not much troubled by pests and diseases, although there are a few to watch out for. Roses have the most problems, especially the bush roses.

Four pests which make holes in leaves

These pests feed on the leaves, causing holes of various shapes and sizes. Caterpillars are the ones that usually cause most trouble.

• Caterpillars Caterpillars of various moths can cause a lot of damage to trees and shrubs — almost defoliating them in severe attacks. As soon as you see them, pick off by hand. In severe cases spray with fenitrothion, gamma-BHC or pirimiphosmethyl insecticides. The biological control Bacillus thuringiensis is also useful. Read the rest of this entry »

It probably comes as a surprise to learn that window boxes have been used for growing plants since Roman times. These were undoubtedly earthenware containers, but since then many other materials have been used for making them. In Medieval Europe, for instance, window boxes were made from wattle or strips of wood woven together, as well as from metal, and again clay, especially terracotta.

Choosing Boxes

Today it is possible to buy window boxes in various materials. Terracotta is still used, and these boxes look very nice, too, especially on older-style properties, including country houses. They often have ornate relief designs. But there is one drawback with terracotta window boxes. Being porous, the soil is inclined to dry out rapidly during warm weather. Read the rest of this entry »

The majority of permanent ornamental plants like shrubs and climbers do not need any pruning apart from the removal of dead and dying wood. However, there are some that need regular attention, as detailed below.

HEATHS AND HEATHERS, SANTOLINA (COTTON LAVENDER), SENECIOS AND LAVENDERS

These small shrubs need to have their dead flowers removed. This is quite a simple and quick operation. Trim off the dead flowers immediately after blooms have faded with a pair of sharp garden shears, but do not cut into the wood. Read the rest of this entry »

Description: A small to medium-high, evergreen tropical tree which lives as a semi-parasite on the roots of other plants, especially some bamboos and palms. It grows very slowly and has oval leaves covered with a whitish bloom, and small flowers in numerous clusters.

Origin and Distribution: Sandalwood comes from southwestern India (Mysore), from where it spread to the dry, high regions of the tropical zone (700-1,000 m above see level) with gravelly or rocky soils. Read the rest of this entry »