The very pretty variegated Chilean Guava has yet to provide edible fruits, but I understand it will be worth the wait for the sweet, cross between strawberries and sherbet aroma and flavour. The red fruits, about the size of a blueberry, were imported as a favourite of Queen Victoria. … More Less Is More
Taking stock of winter damage is heart-breaking. My biggest and most expensive loss this year is my lime caviar tree. Although covered with a fleece jacket, it just wasn’t enough. … More The Long Road To Recovery
It will be some time yet before the little tomato seedlings are ready to go out into the greenhouse. Although cold outside, they can be quite comfortable with the heated propagators in the greenhouse but it is a bit easier giving them their bottle in the morning. … More Baby It’s Cold Outside
Don’t worry if you haven’t a greenhouse, there are plenty other options for you to try. If you’re lucky enough to be in a warm region, then planting outdoors shouldn’t be a problem for you but if you are from a colder area, don’t give up, there is always a plan ‘B’, it just takes more imagination. … More A Recycled Gardener
There is never a time when there is nothing to do in a garden, providing of course you plan on growing something. If you sow seeds for vegetables or flowers, you can have a 12 month plan.
The start of the New Year is probably the busiest and if you live in a colder climate, there is something quite cheering in sowing seeds for summer produce whilst the snow is still on the ground. … More Sow What Again?
Who would think that little furballs like fluffy cats, could hide such deadly secrets, but toxoplasmosis is a nasty parasite spread by them. People like having cats as pets because they say they are clean – but are they? … More Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat, Where Have You …
There isn’t much you can do when the ground is frozen except survey the damage it has caused. It’s still amazing to see tough little plants, seemingly unaffected by sub-zero temperatures. Even micro-sized duckweed suspended in ice, seems totally unaffected. Time will stand still for a while, then change again with the thaw. … More Breaking The Ice
Still frost on the ground but for gardeners, there is always something to do, and for me, January starts my preparation for tomato growing. … More Seeds For Thought
Related to deadly nightshade, wonderberries are one of many plants with a hidden, dark side. … More Deadly Intentions
Slow growing and undemanding, the Australian Mint Bush (aka Alpine Mint Bush) can add it’s name to the list of useful plants to have. … More Minted Again
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