General Gardening Discussion

Both these are hardy fuschias so it depends on the position of your window box and the severity of the winter. The ivy will be OK!

Welcome Chellee. When I started I looked through lots of pictures of gardens in books. You have to ask yourself which ones you like and then try and work out why. And which ones you did not like and why. That way I got some idea of what sort of style of garden I wanted, formal or informal...

Thanks all, Will try and post some pics and then you can see my humble beginnings. I now have big plans for the rest of my plot, so hopefully it won't be long before it's looking loads better. Cheers :D

Just love ants Hornbeam. Such fascinating societies and what amazing power to weight ratios."Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest" (Proverbs 6:6-8).

Magnolias are nice trees to have by decking. I have a magnoilia called susan. Also standard catalpas are good. There is a list of trees here that I would recommed from my own garden.http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=21;t=000192Magnoilia 'Susan'Magnolia...

Wow, nice looking tree! I can wait till mine gets that big!

Sawfly larvae like small caterpillars. They will have gone by now so don't spray. The bush will soon recover and put out new leaves. My spindle is similarly eaten, but new leaves are coming out already and those are untouched. It will be ok - honest! :D

I tend to grow the smaller flowered fuchsias too. This years cuttings i multi plant so i can get a decent display. Just got HAWKSHEAD this year,looking for Countess of aberdeen at the moment

The poppy flanders that had drooping heads seem to have straightened up somewhat and just started flowering, I have cut a few off and put the seeds in an envelope when i get a few more flowers opening will do the same. I think it has been the dreadful wind we have been having as i noticed them...

Being a novice at gardening I have no idea what is a pest and what is not. I noticed tonight that there seemed to be quite a lot of small black midgets things flying around my broad beans is this good or bad??? If bad what should I do about it. Thanks in advance for any advice. I am quite...

I have some funny loose type alliums, a funny little one that is green with dark purple bits hanging off???Like those Palustris, make a change from tight globe things - but I like them too - appart from christophii - just a bit too big for me.I did grow Schubertii, it was huge, but it just...

Time charger, try this web site, very helpfull. I purchsed 12 grapevines this year to grow on my allotment (Regent) I'm growing for wine making, as per the previous reply you will not have any usefull grapes for three years.http://www.winegrowers.info/index.htmGood luck David

Why not have a go at tropical looking plants that are actually hardy, you may not be as dissapointed then, and remember it takes a long time to develop a garden, have patience, keep at it!

Iv'e always wondered that pete, lots of them here at Southend Airport area, look like snakes but pink underside and only about 12 inches long. They like being under the shed in hot weather.

I quite agree Dave.... trouble is as I'm out to work, I rely on the neighbour to keep tabs... anyhow, he's got a surprise comming as Mr HB is working from home on Friday!!!!

Thanks, Wildflower. I haven't seen valerian here. I'm buying the Rooibos at Lidl. I got my info off the net and if I remember right (hmmm, is it good for memory lapses? :D ) it did mention the digestion, allergy and skin conditions as well. Supposedly kids drink it cold there instead of...

Wow Nathan - gives me hope!!!! Everything is looking sooooooo green and healthy!!!! Lots of hard work put in for sure!! And I agree also the conifers should be trimmed, giving you privacy!!!

I don't normally go for garden ornaments, but I wouldn't mind him in my garden!

Agree with Frogesque and Jay. I sowed some sunflower seeds recently in the greenhouse, they germinated within 2 days and are now 3" high: I am just hoping for seedheads for the birds before winter. Attack on both fronts!

Caught this Leaf Cutter Bee taking a quick rest. In flight it looked like weird moth! Really they do little overall damage and are great pollinators.More info on bees here: InsectPix: Solitary Bees