How do I encourage insects into my garden? Flying insects such as bees and hoverflies which visit flowers for their nectar and pollen perform a vitally important pollination service. Pollination is where the pollen from one flower is transferred to another flower, bringing about fertilisation. Some flowering plants are pollinated by the wind but the […]
Monthly Archives: January 2018
Slugs in the garden and how to control them. Recently we have had a lot of people asking how they can control the damage caused by slugs in the garden so we have put together a list of suggestions to help you put a stop to any slug-related trouble. Slugs can cause a lot of […]
When does Edgeworthia Red Dragon flower? The much sought after Edgeworthia Red Dragon is a winter flowering deciduous Chinese shrub with cinnamon coloured young bark and dense nodding terminal clusters of fragrant orange to red flowers which open in late winter. The branches are so flexible that when young they can be tied in knots. […]
WHAT IS ROOTSTOCK AND WHY DOES IT MATTER? The rootstock onto which your tree is grafted will determine the ultimate height of the tree when it is mature. If you are planting on open ground and have lots of room then this is not so relevant but for those with smaller gardens or who wish […]
When is the best time to plant fruit trees? The best time to plant a container grown tree is from mid august to the end of May It is possible to plant in the summer – June and July, but watering is essential – at least a bucket a week. Bare root trees should be […]
Roses make a great addition to any garden and with the different varieties available there is no excuse for not finding one to fit your plot. Below is a brief explantation of the varieties that we have available here at Larch Cottage. If you need any further advise please don’t hesitate to contact us and […]
PREPARING THE GROUND FOR YOUR NEW ROSE: How do I plant roses? Dig the planting hole to approx (18inches)/ 45 cms, and mix the soil you have removed with approximately 5 litres of well rotted farmyard manure, or compost, and a handful of bone meal. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the roots […]
Can I plant a new rose in the same place and soil as one I have just taken out? What is replant disease and how does it affect roses? Replant disease or disorder happens when a plant is replaced with the same type and then does not thrive or put on good growth. It is […]
Forsythia, planting and propagation Expert tips from Larch Cottage Nursery Manager, Joanne McCullock Forsythia are fairly easy plants to grow. There is no pest that seems to trouble them and if the plants are growing in good, well-drained soil they shouldn’t need any feeding.’Goldrausch’ is a variety I’d recommend for its prolific flowering, with the same […]
FEED Hellebores are hungry plants! Use compost or well rooted manure when planting and as a mulch when the plants are established. The main growing periods are during the spring and autumn so mulching then is very beneficial. A general purpose fertiliser can also be applied in late winter. Liquid feed is very acceptable as […]