Dulwich Gardening

Well thre are a number of options you could try to keep the pigeons/birds off. You can put up bird nets or try hanging old CD's up in the tree or anywhere high. Birds generally don't like sprakly moving items. I've also use pieces of PVC glass which also are great for bouncing of the light. Happy Gardening Dulwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

Hi GinaG3 You can plant winter cabbages, purple sprouting, brussel sprouts as small plants - I've also sown some seed as back-up in the hope its not too late- carrots such as 'Autumn king', celeriac plants (these are really tasty and expensive to buy in supermarket), perpetual spinach (very hardy). As for the rest you could have a go, but most need protecting as the weather gets colder so I don't really bother. With regards the green toms, dont worry I have the same story in by small back garden. But they are slowly turning red and ready for picking. And PeckhamRose with you on the flavour things, absolutely mouth watering - nearly as good as chocolate. Happy Gardening Dulwich Gardening Company

As the latest edition of the Gardener's World has just dropped through the letter box I thought I'd share what I feel is a handy hint. Over sow your bare patches. Mow your lawn Water the bare spots Break up the surface with a fork or rake Scatter seed thingly over the bare area Sprinkle a little soil of the seed Water again with a fine rose or sprinkler. Presto - the grass will be up within a fortnight. Happy Gardening Dulwich Gardening Company

Don't forget it's time to start thinking about bulbs for spring and summer next year (sorry to be rushing what summer we have had). Look out for the catalogues and online promotions and if you go to the large growers you'll get more bulb for your pound. Think big when ordering as it's all about quantity when planting bulbs either directly into your boarders or those patio/deck containers. You're aiming for a sea of colour (but not to many colours) to jump start us out of Winter. .ps - just whipped up a batch or caramelised red onion chutney (from my crop of 9 onions) which is now maturing in the fridge - wll let you know how it tastes! Happy Gardening Dulwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

Thanks for the recipe I'll give it a go once the 'harvest' is in.

Well many thanks for all the feedback. Remember, happy to answer any gardening questions you may have as and when they arise. With regards the toms, in a similiar position myself. Have grown 3 varities in containers and as I have a relatively small garden they have created a mini 'woodland' at the bottom of the garden. However, toms aplenty and picking as and when they ripen. So, if anyone has got a good recipe for tomato sauce/passata, please let me know. Happy Gardening Dulwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

The list of jobs to do in the garden for August is shorter than other months but as the first flush of summer is over the garden may be starting to look a little exhausted. The continued hot temperatures may make it hard to spend much time working in the garden, so use your energy and resources wisely..... The Garden ? Watering could be the biggest task this month particularity if the weather stays hot. Vegetable gardens, most flowering plants and the lawn all need about one inch of water every week to keep them green and fresh ? The best way to tell if your plants are receiving enough water is to take a trowel or shovel and dig down a few inches. The soil should be moist at least 3 or 4 inches deep to insure that the water is reaching the root zone of the plants ? Deadhead flowers on your annuals, as well as the spent flowers on perennial plants this will help them to continue to flower longer into the season ? Summer blooming shrubs should be pruned for shape after they have finished flowering ? Prune your hybrid roses in late August. Remove about a third of the vigorous growth, any stems that cross each other, as well as those that are in the centre of the plant. ? Continue to watch for insects, slugs and snails, or disease damage throughout the garden and take the necessary steps to control the problem. ? Keep on top of the weeding. Weeds in the garden are harmful because they rob your plants of water, nutrients and harbour insects and diseases. ? The spring and summer bulb catalogues will be dropping thorough the letter boxes, so order and in volume for a good display after a long winter ? A fortnightly feed of pot-grown plants will keep them looking good now until the end of the summer ? Don?t neglect hanging baskets - deadheading, watering and feeding will help them last through until autumn. The Lawn ? Contrary to popular belief, a brown lawn isn't necessarily a dead lawn. Grasses go dormant in times of drought, but will quickly return to life with the fall rains. ? Raise the cutting height of the mower as taller grass cools the roots and helps to keep the moisture in the soil longer Fruit & Vegetables ? Now is the time to start your fall and winter vegetables. Plant starters or seeds of green onions, carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and winter cauliflower directly into the garden early this month ? Lettuces may have failed to germinate in the hot weather, as they need cool night temperatures for germination so look at hardier alternatives such as mustards and chicory ? Harvesting also encourages plants to keep producing, so pick beans and courgettes regularly while they are still young and fresh ? Lift onions, shallots and garlic when ready. Plants should be harvested when the necks start to turn brown and papery and bend over naturally. Happy Gardening Duwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

Hi bonniebird, Before you think about reseeding again, I'd do some investigation as to the type of soil you have. Most of us have clay at varing amounts and as you lawn seems to be wet and dry thoughout the year it's worthing looking into as you may need some soak aways to deal with the wet areas. Also, if the dogs urine on the lawn this will obviously have an impact. From what you have said it seems to be it a pretty bad shape so it really might need some major repair work but I'd leave it till after the summer and aim to do it by the end of October at the latest. You may also need to buy a variety of lawn seeds depending on the areas your are trying to improve. If you reallty want to get on top of it I'd put down a weed and feed fertiliser, then scarify it, aerate it, reseed and top dress. I hope this helps. Dulwich Gardening

I have a small veg area 3ft by 3ft and have been 'testing' various crops over the last two years. At the moment, I'm doing well on courgettes, runner beans, peas and lettuce. Am also using pots for tomatoes (3 large plants thriving) spinach and swiss chard. Had a few strawberry plants but only got 7 strawberries this year, hoping for more next Wont be self sufficient but really into going out and picking produce fresh from the vine as it were. With regards to the herbs, I have found it better to buy them as plants rather than trying to grow from seeds.

Well many thanks for the feedback. We've never actually laid any and dont provide it as a service. However, good to get different points of views as and when people ask us about it as an alternative. Happy Gardening Dulwich Gardening Co.

So as a lover of nature and all things green in and around the garden (well when I get time to enjoy it) I'm looking for feeback and experience of 'Artifical Lawns'. Now, I'm not easily converted but recently saw it in action - artifical lawn that is and was amazed. The pros, it's low maintenance, doesn't need mowing, doesn't get muddy, wont die, wont go brown or yellow, wont be uneven, full of weeds, ant hills, worm holes or mole hills, it comes in a range of textures and colours, is difficult to distinguish between real turf, is soft and shock-absorbent and ideal for kids of all ages. The cons, may need sweeping occasionally, ranges in prices from about ?7.00 - ?35.00 per sq meter and does not smell or feel like grass!! So what does everyone think??? Happy Gardening Dulwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

So as a lover of nature and all things green in and around the garden (well when I get time to enjoy it) I'm looking for feeback and experience of 'Artifical Lawns'. Now, I'm not easily converted but recently saw it in action - artifical lawn that is and was amazed. The pros, it's low maintenance, doesn't need mowing, doesn't get muddy, wont die, wont go brown or yellow, wont be uneven, full of weeds, ant hills, worm holes or mole hills, it comes in a range of textures and colours, is difficult to distinguish between real turf, is soft and shock-absorbent and ideal for kids of all ages. The cons, may need sweeping occasionally, ranges in prices from about ?7.00 - ?35.00 per sq meter and does not smell or feel like grass!! So what does everyone thing??? Happy Gardening Dulwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

Steve T, With fruit trees generally, you could be facing a range of problems. Does the tree get much blossom as this equates to a good crop of fruit? It could be a problem with fertilisation due to a lack of bees. It may also be a probelm with spring frosts or cold weather conditions, poor pruning, pruning at the wrong time etc etc - and so the list could continue. If you've had it a long time, been looking after it, then as you say it could simply be a lost cause but you could also try a soil test around the base to see what the soil conditions are. A good variety is Prunus domestica 'Jefferson' its got a heavy and reliable cropping habit of golden yellow plums. Excellent dessert variety of good juicy flavour. However, you'll need to do more research on site, size, soil type etc as there may be some work to be done before you replace the existing tree. Happy Gardening Dulwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

Well everyone, It's amazing to read and take onboard all the fabulous tips and advice. With regards any climber in a pot (regardless of the size) you will eventually have some problems. The pots reduce root development and therefore the plants become more prone to pests and diseases. I have a couple of bay trees in containers that are going through similiar withdrawal symptoms. You could repot the plant/shrub into something larger, but this is not always practical. So, try digging out as much soil as possible from the container (watch out for the root ball) and replace it with some new compost. Whilst you have the old soil out, really soak the root ball before back filling with the new compost. Also, buy some slow release fertilizer capsules and put them in the pot/container. Hopefully, this will help to give the root system a new lease of life. But, remember that plants/shrubs do have a life span. With regards the "insects and furry cotton wool" they sound like Blackfly and either Powdery Mildew or Sotty Mould.(no I don't make these up!!) So, I'd get down to the local garden centre for a selection of sprays and fungicides. Also, if the "furry cotton wool" infection is really bad you'd be advised to remove the infected branches. Happy Gardening Dulwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

July is the season of high summer when the garden really comes alive, so you?re either going to have weeks of enjoyment over the coming months or weeks of back breaking work trying to tame and control it. The Garden ? Be water-wise, water your plants only and during the cooler parts of the day to avoid absorption and possible scorching. In this warm time of year, regular watering or spraying is essential for abundant flowers and growth so never let the soil dry out too much. ? Flowering shrubs can be pruned as soon as they have flowered. Cut back branches that have flowered to a new shoot. If there is no new shoot, cut them back to the ground. ? All potted plants need watering daily and in very warm weather, perhaps even twice a day. Don?t forget your hanging baskets, as evaporation is much greater and they will dry out faster than any other planters ? Hanging baskets need soluble plant food each week. Annuals, in particular, need a lot of nutrients whether in baskets, tubs or pots. ? Deadhead plants after flowering as this will encourage them to flower again later in the season. ? Hoe borders regularly to keep down weeds and if there are getting out of control you could put down a mulch to help. ? Shade greenhouses to keep them cool. ? Keep an eye out for blackspot and mildew especially on roses. However, if you are going to spray them, try to spray during the evening, when most insect activity has stopped ? This is the time to shorten the new shoots of Wisteria that are not required for the framework, to about six inches in length. ? If you haven't added any fertilizer to your borders, it is not too late to do so. ? Don't wait to support and tie-up tall growing plant as an unexpected downpour can easily flatten them. ? Provide supports for any tall plants/shrubs such as Dahlias, Gladioli The Lawn ? The lawn needs regular mowing this month. During long sunny spells the grass should not be cut too short otherwise it is in danger of scorching (turning yellow). ? For the best result, give your lawn some fertilizer every month. Choose an overcast day for this, again to prevent yellow patches. ? In long dry spells, your lawn will need regular spraying. Give it a good soak (a few hours) once a week. This is much more effective than 15 minutes every day. Fruit and Veg ? If you have pruned your fruit trees during the winter, by May and June lots of suckers (small twigs that grow straight up) will have appeared. Indeed, where you have pruned particularly hard, entire brooms can spring up. These shoots take up a lot of water and nutrients that could be used better elsewhere. July is good time to remove these suckers. ? Treat your fruit trees to some extra trace elements and minerals this month such as seaweed extract. ? Thin out fruits from Apple, Pear and Plum. By removing the smaller ones the remaining fruits get a better chance to develop. ? Start sowing summer vegetables fennel and, looking ahead to winter, different kinds of cabbage ? Gives strawberries a weekly dose of soluble fertilizer high in potassium. When picking ripe strawberries pick the crown attached as the fruits will keep longer and the plants are less prone to fungal infections. ? Herbs like dill, parsley and thyme can be picked and dried or frozen into ice cubes. Happy Gardening! Dulwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

Well Steve T, funny you should mention this but yes I have read that you can use them. Not done it personally myself as I'm not sure what they would smell like in the long term especially in this hot weather. But, they are ready availalbe (if you have a lawn) and will eventually breakdown into the soil. I hope this helps. Dulwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

Although the weather keeps changing with the odd day of showers now and again, it's probably a good time to start thinking about your 'watering techniques' as the environment agency and local councils are already talking about water shortages. If you are on a water meter, then a hosepipe that uses approx 800- 1,000 litres per hour will have it spinning, so here are a few useful tips to help conserve water and the bank balance; Put down a mulch either across the garden or around specific plants - not only does it help with water evaporation, it will also help to keep the weeds under control. If you have easy access to a downpipe from the roof, why not install a water butt? There's a huge range available and costs start at about ?25. Grey water - yes from the sink, shower and bath is OK (once it's cooled) for your plants providing it doesn't have high levels of detergents/chemicals. Do not use it on veg or fruit crops though. I hope this helps. Dulwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

Although the weather keeps changing with the odd day of showers now and again, it's probably a good time to start thinking about your 'watering techniques' as the environment agency and local councils are already talking about water shortages. If you are on a water meter, then a hosepipe that uses approx 800- 1,000 litres per hour will have it spinning, so here are a few useful tips to help conserve water and the bank balance; Put down a mulch either across the garden or around specific plants - not only does it help with water evaporation, it will also help to keep the weeds under control. If you have easy access to a downpipe from the roof, why not install a water butt? There's a huge range available and costs start at about ?25. Grey water - yes from the sink, shower and bath is OK (once it's cooled) for your plants providing it doesn't have high levels of detergents/chemicals. Do not use it on veg or fruit crops though. I hope this helps. Dulwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

Hi Steve T, I wouldn't mind a cutting if there is one going as I have a back wall trellis in need of a vigourous climber. With regards, planting there isn't really an optimum time as we plant and replant gardens throughout Feb-Nov weather permitting and things seem to thrive. If fact have just received some new Chelsea clematis this week and planted out over the weekend. The knack is to plant with plenty of good compost, water regularly and feed once a week for a month to help the plants establish. As and when then start to spread, make sure you tie them in. I hope this helps. Dulwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

Hi ???? Fortunately climbers are very robust and there's a variety or group for every location. One thing to consider is that climbers do better in the ground so if you are using a container it's going to need plenty of quality compost/soil and regular feeding. For the container you should look at Honeysuckle- Lonicera varieties are among the favourites for a sunny wall or trellis . The early flowering Lonicera Belgica is one of the best for fragrance being at its strongest in the evening. The later flowering Lonicera Serotina extends the season with flowers into September. Clematis is a superb climber and come in a range of colours. The Montana varieties give early colour, from May and the large flowered hybrids give Summer colour. For the dark shady corner look at the climbing Hydrangea - Hydrangea Petiolaris is one of the best, it is self clinging with brilliant green leaves in Spring and cream flowers in mid Summer, in Autumn the leaves turn golden yellow. Or you could try Clematis Nelly Moser which has rose pink flowers, each petal striped dark pink. All the Ivies, Hedera Varieties especially the golden leaved kinds will brighten up any dull corner even in Winter. I hope this helps Dulwich Gardening Company in association with David Cheetham Gardens

As the gates close on another outstanding RHS Chelsea Flower Show, so we turn to our own gardens and outdoor spaces. Longer and sunnier days, mixed with warm light evenings make June the month when even the most reluctant gardener will enjoy spending time outside. Everything is filling out and starting to come into full bloom and although it?s really a time to sit back and enjoy all your hard work there are still some essential jobs to do for the month. The Garden ? June is one of the most popular months for buying perennials and shrubs so give them a good start with compost and plenty of water. ? Think about the locations in your garden i.e. full sun, shady, damp etc and buy plants to suit the area rather than what they look like. ? If you are planting Summer bedding then remember that most of the plants only have small root systems so are going to need water and food regularly. ? Hedges and topiary can be clipped and feed ? Prune shrubs that have finished flowering. In mature plants, you can cut out whole branches that have flowered to open up the shrub and promote new growth. ? Spray roses against pests and diseases where necessary and dead-head large-flowered and cluster-flowered roses that have finished flowering- this will promote a second flush of flowers later in the year. ? If you have hanging baskets or containers, try and water these at least once a day preferably early morning or evening when the sun is cooler. ? Many young plants, including fuchsias, benefit from having their shoot tips pinched out to encourage branching. If left, shoots can grow very long while pinching out creates bushier plants with more stems that ultimately carry more blooms The Lawn ? Feed your lawn with a fertilizer or after-cut, if you didn't do it last month. If weeds or moss are still a problem you could tackle them or just try and keep them under control till early autumn and apply a weed and feed. ? Mowing should now be done with the blades set low, unless the weather is very dry - in such conditions a medium setting will be better for the grass Aerating your lawn will enable it to take up moisture as well as improving drainage, so if you didn't do it earlier in the year it's worth doing now. However, don't do it in really dry conditions - best done after rain. Fruit & Vegetable ? You can start planting out young leeks, Brussels sprouts and broccoli this month. ? Earth up potatoes. Drawing the soil up around the stems in this way will prevent tubers that form near the surface from being green and unfit to eat. ? Prune fruit trees and harvest soft fruit ? If you have a lot of herbs, another way of preserving them is by chopping them and freezing into ice cube trays. This is especially good for parsley, basil, mint and whole borage flowers. Add one tablespoon of water to each tablespoon of herbs. Happy Gardening Dulwich Gardening Company In association with David Cheetham Gardens

As the gates close on another outstanding RHS Chelsea Flower Show, so we turn to our own gardens and outdoor spaces. Longer and sunnier days, mixed with warm light evenings make June the month when even the most reluctant gardener will enjoy spending time outside. Everything is filling out and starting to come into full bloom and although it?s really a time to sit back and enjoy all your hard work there are still some essential jobs to do for the month. The Garden ? June is one of the most popular months for buying perennials and shrubs so give them a good start with compost and plenty of water. ? Think about the locations in your garden i.e. full sun, shady, damp etc and buy plants to suit the area rather than what they look like. ? If you are planting Summer bedding then remember that most of the plants only have small root systems so are going to need water and food regularly. ? Hedges and topiary can be clipped and feed ? Prune shrubs that have finished flowering. In mature plants, you can cut out whole branches that have flowered to open up the shrub and promote new growth. ? Spray roses against pests and diseases where necessary and dead-head large-flowered and cluster-flowered roses that have finished flowering- this will promote a second flush of flowers later in the year. ? If you have hanging baskets or containers, try and water these at least once a day preferably early morning or evening when the sun is cooler. ? Many young plants, including fuchsias, benefit from having their shoot tips pinched out to encourage branching. If left, shoots can grow very long while pinching out creates bushier plants with more stems that ultimately carry more blooms The Lawn ? Feed your lawn with a fertilizer or after-cut, if you didn't do it last month. If weeds or moss are still a problem you could tackle them or just try and keep them under control till early autumn and apply a weed and feed. ? Mowing should now be done with the blades set low, unless the weather is very dry - in such conditions a medium setting will be better for the grass Aerating your lawn will enable it to take up moisture as well as improving drainage, so if you didn't do it earlier in the year it's worth doing now. However, don't do it in really dry conditions - best done after rain. Fruit & Vegetable ? You can start planting out young leeks, Brussels sprouts and broccoli this month. ? Earth up potatoes. Drawing the soil up around the stems in this way will prevent tubers that form near the surface from being green and unfit to eat. ? Prune fruit trees and harvest soft fruit ? If you have a lot of herbs, another way of preserving them is by chopping them and freezing into ice cube trays. This is especially good for parsley, basil, mint and whole borage flowers. Add one tablespoon of water to each tablespoon of herbs. Happy Gardening Dulwich Gardening Company In association with David Cheetham Gardens

Hi So giggirl are you going to share with us what this amazing tool fomr QVC is? Very intrigued this end. Shane Hickey Dulwich Gardening Company

Hi Everyone, I'm afraid it's very hit and miss at the moment with regards your containers in or out. To be honest I've had all my veg out for the last few weeks including tomatoe plants and salad crops. Also, picked up some more strawberry plants and potted them out. However, I had some veg seeds out in small pots which don't seem to be doing much so have bought them back in for a 'warm up' so hopefully that will help. If you have a very large veg area which you are worried about, you could always cover it in gardening fleece. But, as I'm typing this and looking out the window, my neighbour who has turned his entire garden over to veg, just seems to be letting nature get on with it. Happy Gardening Shane Hickey Dulwich Gardening Company

Hi, On my return flight from Finca Lucia in Andalucia, with the Gardener's World magazine in toe I came across a great article about "10 ways to use nettles", and was amazed to find out that they are not necessarily the baddies of the garden but the, and I quote "unsung heroes". So, here it is in a nutshell. At number 10, a composter booster, 9 quality soil, 8 ladybird heaven, 7 aphid trap, 6, liquid feed, 5 a tasty nettle brew, 4, butterfly target, 3, a nettle tea, 2, spring greens and at number 1 a hearty soup. Now, I'm not saying that I've been totally converted but definitely going to give some of them a try. Happy gardening! Shane Hickey Dulwich Gardening Company