Echiums are related to borage and share similar characteristics, such as hairy stems and leaves, and nectar-rich flowers that are loved by pollinating insects. There are around 40 species of echium that grow across Europe and Asia. These range from the common Echium vulgare, also known as viper’s bugloss (the seed looks a little like a snake’s head) to the gigantic Echium pininana or tree echium, which can grow to around 5m. The taller varieties originate from the Canary Islands, so will only grow in similar conditions and need protecting from frost in the UK. However, they will usually self-seed prolifically, so will colonise your garden if allowed to. Be careful when handling them as the sap can irritate the skin and all parts of an echium plant are toxic if eaten.
Growing, Caring for and Pruning Peach Trees
02.11.2023 - 18:51 / gardenersworld.com
Home-grown peaches are well worth the extra effort involved in growing them, as their fuzzy, juicy fruits taste better than any peach you can buy in the shops.
There’s a wide variety of peaches to choose from, with fruits either rounded or slightly flattened, ripening to shades of red, orange and yellow, with yellowish, red or even white flesh. Peaches can be either cling-stone’ where the pit is firmly attached to the flesh, or ‘free-stone’, where the pit comes away cleanly from the flesh, therefore making the peach easier to eat. The flavour and sweetness of the fruits varies as well.
Depending on the variety, peaches ripen from July to September, and some are hardier and more reliable in the UK climate.
Peaches vs nectarinesPeaches and nectarines are genetically almost identical, indeed nectarines are really just smooth-skinned peaches. Both peaches and nectarines have similar nutrient values and identical growing needs, but peaches are slightly hardier than nectarines, and therefore better suited to the UK climate.
How to grow peachesGrow peaches in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered sunny spot, preferably against a south- or west-facing wall. Mulch annually to feed the soil and suppress weeds, and prune in late summer, after fruiting.
Where to grow peach treesPeach trees are hardy in the UK (apart from the far north) but they blossom early in the year and are therefore vulnerable to frost. For the best chances of success you should therefore grow your peach tree against a south- or west-facing wall and fan-train it so its branches extend out to absorb as much of the wall’s heat as possible.
Alternatively, buy a dwarf peach tree and grow it in a large pot, so you can move it under cover for winter.
How to Grow Cape Primrose (Streptocarpus)
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Handcrafted pots and outdoor furniture
Torc sculpt everything by hand from their studio in the British Isles creating beautiful pots and planters. Their one-off designs are beautifully crafted and made by hand to last a lifetime. They make unique distinctive statements for both home and commercial settings. New Torc offerings are their waterbowls and firetables which can be made to any design required.
How to Grow and Care for Linden Trees
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7 Evergreen Climbers for Shade - Fantastic Gardeners Blog UK
Evergreen climbers can add beauty and value to your garden, providing vivid colours all year round and enhancing privacy. By taking up minimal soil space and thriving in shady areas, they help you get the most out of your garden area. Not only do they look good all year round, but they can also attract beneficial wildlife into your outdoor space
How to Care for a Rosemary Christmas Tree
How to Care for a Rosemary Christmas Tree
How to Grow Parsley
Native to the Mediterranean, parsley (Petrosilenum crispum) is a rich source of vitamin C and iron, and is said to cure bad breath and cleanse the skin. Parsley is a biennial, meaning it lives for two years, growing leaves in the first year, then flowering in the second, before setting seed. For this reason parsley is treated as an annual and it’s best to sow seed each year.
11 Vines that Kill Trees | Killer Vines
As these seemingly harmless plants weave their way up tree trunks, they may slowly strangle and suffocate them, leading to a slow, unnoticed demise. This comprehensive guide will uncover the truth about the treacherous Vines that Kill Trees.
Zucchini in Different Languages + Where Did Zucchini Originate
If you have always wanted to know about the names of Zucchini in Different Languages, then this informative list has all the details!
The perfect Christmas gardening present for the gardener in your life
A GardenAdvice gardening course takes place in your own garden throughout the UK on a date to suit you and makes the perfect Christmas gift. We send one of our gardening experts to you.
Euonymus: fantastic shrubs for autumn
Autumn is often the most colourful season in the garden, and one of the longest as foliage tints and fruits develop over the course of many weeks. There are many trees and shrubs that are renowned for their autumn displays but it’s euonymus that really catch the eye, both for their unusual leaf colour and for their fascinating fruits.
How to Grow a Hazel Tree
Hazel trees are native to Britain and also grow in Europe and some areas of Western Asia. In the UK, you’ll often see hazel growing in hedgerows or woodland. A hazel tree is a good choice for the garden, especially with the wide range of cultivars available, as it can be used for hedging, as a tree in a mixed border or as a shrub. It’s a valuable plant for wildlife and can provide a delicious crop of hazelnuts.