Tejvan

Dandelion – Weed or Plant of beauty?

A sea of Dandelions

The above Acer is actually dwarfed by Nigella, which will soon be taken up as they have finished flowering. The split leaves look like a spread hand hence the name palmatum.

Tomatoes are great fun to grow. They can also be very rewarding; to get a bigger crop follow these simple but effective tips.

Here in the UK it feels very much like the depth of a wet winter. It is gwetting a bit lighter in the morning and there is little colour in the garden. It’s hard to imagine in a few more weeks, the garden will spring to life. I hope the gardener springs into life too!

This is labelled as Iris Cyclogossa, but, I believe it is actually Iris Aucheri. – a dwarf form of the Juno Iris. See: Growing Iris Aucheri

These photos are from Magdalen College Oxford University.

1. Sunflowers. One of the most rewarding plants to grow from seed is the sunflower. You can sow seed in March – May. April is a great time. For best results. Try sowing seed in 3 inch pots. Protect from slugs and keep well watered. After a few weeks the seedlings can be planted out. Sunflowers will need staking. But part of the fun is seeing them grow so rapidly. – Growing Sunflowers

Sometimes we don’t see the pest, but we definitely see their work.

Here in Oxford, we tried sowing some Kale in the middle of August.

The colour of green.

Tulips protected by a windbreak.

I am not anti ant but aren’t you glad ants are only small or with their organisation and strength they could rule our gardens.

Economists agree this could be a good year for growth

A common site in many town gardens are trees that have outgrown their space. Large native trees like Oaks, Copper Beach, Planes, Weeping Willow and horse chestnuts are wonderful, but to be really enjoyed they need suitable space, like in a park. If they are planted in the garden they will

Fritilliary in damp shade

Specimen tree sheltered by High Hedge