A number of members gathered at the February meeting of Clays Horticultural Society to hear Steve Lovell answer their gardening problems and queries. Here are some of the questions posed, and the answers Steve gave.
How can I make my wisteria flower?
Face southwest and prune twice yearly in January and July, administer bone meal and keep well watered! Protect from frost if possible.
How can I get rid of pernicious weeds such as ground elder?
It is very difficult! Dig it up as far as possible then cover tightly with black plastic to starve of light.
When should we cut back perennials?
Leave until spring; good for wildlife in winter and goodness returns to soil.
When should I prune Winter Jasmine?
The rule is that any flower that blooms before midsummer, prune sparingly after flowering, feed in autumn and spring. No flowers? Try a different variety!
How can I get rid of moss on the drive?
Jeyes fluid, diluted, and leave!
Why do my figs drop off before ripe?
Prune twice yearly, treat with phosphate rather than nitrogen and keep very well watered.
Any recommendations for evergreen plants?
Arbutus; Cuba Japonica; Cornus; Fatsia; Cotoneaster; Viburnum; Phormium.
How about for ground cover for under roses?
Nepeta, Anthemis, Aubretia, Campanula, Candtuft, Dwarf flocks, Veronica.
Why do we get brown rust in leeks?
Spores can persist in soil; soil too rich in nitrogen; too much moisture. Good variety is Parbella.
Steve was thanked for a most informative session! March saw advice on training and pruning fruit trees and on Monday 17th April the group will cover growing and caring for orchids.
On 4th June Clays is having an Open Gardens Day. They are looking for anyone (non-members welcome) at Wheatley or Sturton to open their gardens; any size, not necessarily pristine). It is a fun day augmented by a village scarecrow competition!