Mr Grinch's Garden

Yes, I think the south of the country has had the better deal this year. Perhaps we'll have an Indian summer up here.

 

The worst affected Sorbus was dug up today. Only a few small leaves and stems that were clearly not happy, i decided to chop back one of those main stems to see what was inside. When i did this i looked and half the stem was grey fungal colour and half not, like a kind of rot so i took the decision to take it out. Chopped at the base and the same was in the main trunk. I dont know whether it was the conditions or a fungus problem but it needed to go.
There was hardly do root growth when i pulled it out. Im sure the wet conditions in my garden does not help these tree's. My Silver Birch though is as healthy as can be.

G

 

Sorbus are one of the toughest trees Mr. Grinch so I don't think it's your garden that's been the problem. It was probably Sorbus blight and you couldn't have stopped that. The tree is best gone.

Have you tried Malus, I have a five year old red one in my garden and it's standing up to the difficult conditions here very well. It's growth has been slow but it's healthy and I started feeding it more, three times last year and the same this year because of the lack of nutrients in my sandy soil which has helped it a great deal.

 

Will look into a Malus

 

It says Malus share the same problems as Sorbus Sheal, how have you found them ?

 

I've lost two Sorbus and not bothered with any more. The Malus is doing fine.

 

I've trimmed my big Viburnum into a cube. I usually give it a trim to roughly a square shape this time of year but this year, i've bought the bottom "up" so you can see the trunk. So now i have like a cube on a trunk. I like it, it makes the area look bigger, you can see the earth underneath now and has given more light to the Box. I enriched the base with well rotted manure today but my query is what is the best plant to underplant this ? The area is shaded but gets a wee bit of sun. Any idea's ?

G

 

It depends on what type of plant you are looking for and height available between ground and Viburnam.

 

very low, now more than 30cm. Dry conditions, shady with a little sun bit not much.

G

 

Maybe H.Geraniums ? there's lots to choose from and the conditions are ideal

 

I'd go with Hardy geraniums, or maybe violas? In a shady place, I think white flowers would work well, so even interspersing with snowdrop bulbs, for a late winter pick-me-up?

 

The lower growing Ice plants would put on a lovely display.

https://www.google.com/search?q=ice...FcNvFAodYEcNig&dpr=0.95#imgrc=7azSwzAONbU71M:

 

Rose lovers.

Buy Rosa Jubilee Celebration 'Aushunter'

My god, saw it and smelt it a Wisley today and WOW !!!

G

 

Good year for Buddleia, Roses and Aster this year.

Echinacea also exceptional.

G

 

Boy did I read that wrong!