Pests, Diseases and Cures

Thank you. We are in a very wet, clay area. From what you are saying it looks as if it is here to stay and I’ll have to learn to live with it. I’ll keep trying to scoop it up off the most obvious areas. It just seems odd that it hasn’t been a problem till this year. Presumably the...

I appreciate that the OP wasn’t necessarily seeking advice on neem oil but as several posters mention it, I would point out that it is not approved for use as a pesticide in the UK. A recent technical report by the HSE noted that it had negative impacts on both humans and nature. The active...

Thanks @pete . It seems to be spreading at a heck of a rate. Due to life getting in the way, (and even if I had the inclination to try and fight it), I will be pulling them out next week when the weather cools down. At least they put in a fantastic show for many weeks and the neighbours...

That’s interesting @fairygirl, I’ll have a look and see which ones my alleged perennials were. I’ve fallen in love with the Gloriosa Daisy ones, after getting some free with a magazine. Our second year growing them this year. We lost a few to slugs but not too many.

My attempt at growing water melons has been slow going due to the cold spring and indifferent June and July, but the last couple of warm spells seemed to give them a spurt in growth and they have been setting fruit in the last week. Just as that has happened I've noticed some wilted leaves in...

Hi Carl, sorry to hear about the black tips on your variegated laurel hedge. I agree with fairygirl that airflow might be an issue, but it's also worth checking for root damage, overwatering, or pests like aphids or spider mites. Try reducing watering and inspecting the roots.

Cryptolaemus IMHO seem not to be that good. When I worked at the botanic gardens, one of my tasks was to distribute the regular supply of them amongst the plants. They look VERY like mealy but they move quite fast. However they didn't seem to get rid of enough mealy, and need warmth.

Thought I would bring this old thread back with my sprawling beauty.In June where it is situated in The Sand Garden ...July ... .. with the Tecomaria ...Today from the house side ...

More on climate change, the RHS invites gardeners to send them their observations about changes in their gardens.Help the RHS understand how climate change is affecting UK gardens

You could try to revive it by reducing the trunks by half or more. New shoots will emerge as buds below the cuts and then grow to create another multi-headed plant, assuming the root ball is alive. It will also be far happier in the ground as Cordylines produce large tap roots which need soil depth.

It does look awful, but I think if you cut it down now you may not get any flowers next year.

Blackbirds and thrushes eat slugs. But not 200 at a sitting.

Kinda more free fall. No bungee involved.

That's very interesting. Thank you

I love a challenge

I'd also add as a candidate some white flowering rugosa roses, they don't mind salty environments and are tough as anything and create nice hedges that can be trimmed if needed, after flowering

But if we ever need to park a car on the lawn, we’re ready.

Excellent, Thanks for the link.

If its spider mite they will be visible on the underside of the leaves, but unless you have very good eyesight they can be difficult to see. Use a hand lens if you have one.It doesn't look too bad to me.Try to keep a humid atmosphere.

Actually the Fatsias look a bit yellow. I think you just have too much in too smaller place. Are they in Multipurpose compost?If you want to keep them in there just for this year I'd feed at least once a week and use something like miracle grow or a high nitrogen fertiliser.Long term I dont...