My Garden Progress

Hello @Sheal

Thanks for the Reply.

The only Woody Plant in the Photo is the Weigela, behind that are Phlox, Rosemary, Lavender and the Phormium.

Thanks

Kevin

 

Okay Kevin,

Can you tell me approximately how tall the longest and shortest stems are please?

 

Hello @Sheal

Going by Memory as it is Dark out, I think the longest Stems are approximately 5' and the newer ones are approximately 18".

Thanks

Kevin

 

Hi Kevin,

I'd be inclined to bring the taller stems down to 2ft after flowering. It will look more even against the shorter stems and encourage the plant to fill out.

 

Hello @Sheal

Thanks for the Reply.

I will Prune as suggested, after Flowering.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

Kevin

 

You're welcome, I'm glad to be of help.

 

Hello all

I was cultivating the Soil in the Back Garden Today and noticed that there are Roots very close to the Soil surface.

This makes cultivating the Soil more difficult as the Roots keep getting snagged.

Firstly, is it normal for, what I assume are Feeder Roots, to be so close to, or on, the surface of the Soil?

And secondly, can the Feeder Roots be cut off safely, without damage to the Plants?

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

Hi Kevin,

What do you mean by cultivating the soil? Do you mean using a garden fork to turn the soil?

Feeder roots are an essential part of all plants as they are exactly that - roots close to the surface to take in any nutrients/fertiliser and water. These roots can differ in soil depth depending on the type of plant.

You could cut some of the feeder roots but you must leave most of them as the plant will deteriorate and probably die without them.

 

Hello @Sheal

Thanks for the Reply.

Sorry, I realise that 'Cultivating' was a bit vague.

I use a 3 Prong Cultivator as it breaks up compacted Soil better than a Hoe.

I am not going to intentionally remove the Feeder Roots as I know their importance, it was more of a worry that I would damage the Plant whilst working around the Plants.

The Question was not worded well, sorry about that.

So, the Feeder Roots growing on the surface of the Soil is not an issue?

Thanks

Kevin

 

That's fine. I've never owned a hoe, I've found it an unnecessary tool and use a border fork instead. Years ago it used to be known as a ladies fork being smaller than others.

Unless you intend using a spade it's unlikely you will damage the roots. Even so, any damage that did occur would be minimal and it shouldn't bother the plant.

No. The plant has found it's own natural settlement in the soil, if it wanted it's roots any deeper they would grow down into the soil. An example of this is with Iris rhizomes. They grow partially exposed at the surface and if replanted deeper they will make their way back to the surface.

 

Hello @Sheal

Thanks for the Reply.

It is good to know that the Surface Roots are not an issue.

Kevin

 

You're welcome Kevin.

 

Hello all

I hope you are well.

I have an Acer Negundo Flamingo in the Back Garden which was Planted in 2019 along with the rest of the Garden.

It was originally left to grow as a Shrub but it quickly outgrew the space and smothered the surrounding Plants.

Apparently, the Acer Negundo Flamingo can be trained as a Tree which is what I am hoping to do.

I have chosen the best, upright Stem and have removed the rest, from what I have Read, that is the first step.

Has anyone had any experience of Training a Large Shrub into a Tree?

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

Hello all

I hope you are well.

I am trying to decide what to do to obscure the edge of the Water Feature as, at the moment, it looks as though it has just landed.

The area is shown here:



On the Far Side there are Candelabra Primula, on the Left are Irises and Arum Lily and in the Foreground are Lobelia Cardinalis and Drumstick Primula.

I want to Plant close to the edge of the Water Feature so that the Foliage covers the edge.

Considering what is currently Planted in the area, do you think that Primulas would be the best choice?

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

Hi Kevin

Sorry, I can't help you with the Acer.

How about Anemone Blanda around your water feature? Being woodland plants they won't mind the dampness and are happy in most soils. They are also low growing but will cover the edges of the feature. Colours are blue, white or pink.