Image: Hampton Court Flower Festival. Credit: RHS
09.06.2024 - 04:27 / irishtimes.com / Fionnuala Fallon
Q: I recently repotted my acer into a bigger pot, however it now is looking dead. Can you offer any advice? WT, England
A: The trick to successfully repotting any established tree or shrub is to do it as quickly as possible, ideally in either autumn or early spring to minimise root disturbance, using a larger pot or tub and a good quality potting compost to replant the root ball to the original planting depth. A generous watering immediately after repotting will also help to get rid of any air pockets in the compost, encouraging good contact between it and the plant’s root system.
Given that you’re growing your acer in a pot, I’m assuming that it’s probably what’s known as a Japanese maple (acer palmatum or acer japonicum), two relatively slow-growing species known for their ornamental leaves, beautiful autumn colour and elegant growth habit. These trees need a sheltered, lightly shaded spot with protection from cold winds. When grown in a pot, their delicate root systems can also be vulnerable to harsh winter frosts unless protected with bubble wrap or hessian.
Japanese acers also really dislike poorly drained growing conditions, which is why it’s often recommended to raise the pot or tub slightly off the ground using what are known as pot feet. Finally, they also are sensitive to any changes of soil level. In fact the RHS recommends planting to a depth where no more than an inch/2.5cm depth of compost covers the tree’s main root system.
It may be the case that you’ve replanted your acer too deeply, in which case you’ll need to gently lift the root ball to return it to its original planting depth. Another possible reason for it looking so unhappy is that you’ve neglected to water it sufficiently or have overwatered it.
Image: Hampton Court Flower Festival. Credit: RHS
This year Chelsea Flower Show was full of interesting trees and shrubs with lots of dreamy woodland-edge planting in dappled light underneath leafy canopies. Native trees such as hawthorns, hazels and silver birch were the favoured choices in many of the show gardens, with a mixture of native and non-native ornamental plants selected for resilience and sustainability. In Ula Maria’s Forest Bathing Garden, white foxgloves, cow parsley and other umbellifers like Baltic parsley (Cenolophium denudatum) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) were mixed with the simple shade-loving grass Melica altissima ‘Alba’ while Tom Stuart-Smith showcased intricate tapestries of interesting foliage in different shapes and textures. In other gardens, orange was a popular colour in many shades, from deep rusty orange irises to pale orange geums, especially in Ann Marie-Powell’s exuberant Octavia Hill Garden. As always, the Grand Pavilion is the ideal place to discover new and interesting plants showcased by some of the country’s leading nurseries.
To kids, dandelions provide endless hours of seed-blowing entertainment. To adults, they represent endless hours of weeding. To get ahead of these stubborn weeds, take a cue from the kid inside of you and focus on the seeds. Dandelions have a deep tap root and can live for many years, making them challenging to control once established. The most effective management strategies focus on prevention and removal of young plants. Here’s how to get rid of dandelions and get back to enjoying the landscape.
Spring has officially sprung, which means one thing: Pool season is so close, we can practically smell the chlorine. But before you slather on the SPF and do your inaugural cannonball, why not turn your watering hole into a well-designed outdoor destination? Chic umbrellas and cozy chaise lounges might be two easy ways to dress up your backyard, but if you want to take your setup to the next level, some people are using bright tiles and paints to transform their pool floors into maximalist moments.
Whether you want to set up a springtime garden or explore edible plants—or even just test the waters with houseplants—the prospect of becoming a plant parent can be intimidating. Luckily, there are countless handy apps that hold the answers. Getting started doesn’t have to be so daunting. With just a few taps on your phone, you’ll be one step closer to growing the greenery you’ve always dreamed of.
Q: Our 25-year-old Aloha rose has failed to bloom again this season. It used to be in full bloom throughout the month of June. Can you recommend any treatment to restore it to its former glory? A Forsyth
Petunias have long captured gardeners’ hearts with their stunning colors and bold blooms. Get the most out of these beloved annuals by learning how to deadhead petunias to promote new growth and continuous flowering. Deadheading is a simple pruning method used to remove flowers after they die back, which encourages plants to produce more blooms by preventing seed formation. Taking the time to deadhead petunias will keep your plants blooming all summer long.
Powdery mildew is among the most widespread plant diseases and is easily recognized by its white growth that covers foliage like a dusting of flour. This group of fungal pathogens affects hundreds of plants, from important food crops to trees, shrubs, and flowers. Even some turf grasses are susceptible to powdery mildew. Gardeners find infected plants unsightly, and severe infections can cause foliage to turn yellow and drop prematurely. Heavily infected plants experience reduced growth, flower production, and fruiting, which is particularly problematic for food crops.
Smitten by the lacy fronds of ferns and the clever runoff of vines? Our selection of vines with bright green, fern-like foliage offer graceful alternatives to the ferns and come with their own set of unique perks! Read on to find out.
You walk through the produce section of your supermarket and everything looks so familiar. But the fruits and vegetables you see bear no resemblance to their ancestors from thousands of years ago. Most of them don't taste the same either.
You don't need to be a novice gardener to have a hard time taking care of orchids. Maybe you’ve been watering yours with ice or you’re just not sure how to get your orchid the best care it needs to thrive. Most grocery store or gifted orchids die soon after they bloom—they’re just difficult to care for.
The weather in the U.S. intensifies every year. Right now, a heat wave has sent temperatures soaring across the country while Florida is experiencing a rare flash flood emergency. And it is likely to continue being extreme: according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there is an 85 percent chance that this hurricane season will have more storms than average and, with that, more rainfall.