We say 3 things about Yew – quick growing when young, likes clay on the dry side & is very durable.
Growing Fruit Trees at High Altitude
We get lots of enquiries about growing fruit trees in the UK at altitude, often from people who have seen Sepp Holzer at over 3600ft in Austria. We would love to sell as many orchards as we can, but for most honest gardeners in the UK, it will be very difficult to copy high altitude… Continue reading Growing Fruit Trees at High Altitude
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Homemade Elderberry Syrup The Recipe: This is our family recipe, and we think it makes the best elderberry syrup we have ever tasted. Pick the berries on a dry day, (I added pieces of ginger before simmering) You will need: * Loads of elderberries – get a couple of kilos to begin with (take whole… Continue reading Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Photinia Leaf Spot – Don’t Panic!
Photinia Red Robin makes a really photogenic hedge plant, with blazing red young leaves that can be persuaded to reappear all summer with regular trimming and simple but lovely white flowers. However, just as the most handsome face can be marred by acne, the prettiest Photinia bush can be disfigured by an unpleasant looking dose… Continue reading Photinia Leaf Spot – Don’t Panic!
Lavender Pests and Diseases Exist!
I read an article the other day that claimed that lavender is immune to disease, a quality linked to its healing properties I almost choked on my caviar and crisps at such dangerous misinformation. As the most famous musical plagiarist of my youth said: In the everyday running of our nursery, we are always on the… Continue reading Lavender Pests and Diseases Exist!
How Not to Plant a Beech Hedge… But Did It Matter?
My friend Rachel is a passionate if impatient gardener. Vegetables are really her thing, probably because they germinate and grow before she gets bored Rachel planted a beech hedge five years ago with great enthusiasm, so much so that she put a lot of effort into doing the wrong things, leaving her too knackered to do… Continue reading How Not to Plant a Beech Hedge… But Did It Matter?
How to prune Cordon Fruit Trees
This is just about pruning cordons – there is a much longer piece on growing cordon fruit trees if you would like to know more. Cordons should be pruned every year around mid-August (i.e. about now). Your cordon is ready for pruning when the new side shoots from the main stem(s) become woody at their… Continue reading How to prune Cordon Fruit Trees
Saving a Tree that is Falling Over
It crossed my mind this morning that we are in August. September is the other month of the equinox (exactly half a year away from Shakespeare’s “Beware the Ides of March”). March and September are the months when the Earth tilts just more than halfway to or from the Sun. So September and March are… Continue reading Saving a Tree that is Falling Over
Dying Yew Hedges and Trees
Yew has a reputation for being indestructible, and given fair treatment, it almost is! At the same time, Taxus baccata, like any living organism and can die prematurely. Because it is so tough, you may be able to save your tree or hedge with swift action. Here are a few reasons why yew dies when… Continue reading Dying Yew Hedges and Trees
Elderflower Champagne Recipe
When you have enough Elderflower Cordial you might like to think about Elderflower Champagne. By the way, it is a good excuse to plant a few more Elder (Sambucus nigra) bushes – as you will find you have friends calling round in June and July almost daily and for the oddest reasons….. This is a… Continue reading Elderflower Champagne Recipe
Elderflower Cordial Recipe
Homemade Elderflower Cordial Recipe Late May – June is Elderflower time! Elderflower cordial in the shops is expensive and can be a bit sickly sweet. This homemade recipe makes great cordial and, with the use of Camden tablets your cordial will stay fresh for a long time. We also have a recipe for Elderflower Champagne (we… Continue reading Elderflower Cordial Recipe