Gardening tips weather warning!!

[Gardenman]

If the weather forecast is to be believed, which judging by the amount of thermal underwear I'm having to wear, must be correct, it's time to protect your precious plants from the freezing temperatures coming our way. So with larger plants & shrubs, they will need a fleece. Bubble wrap or sacking will do, or try your local Homebase or the awful B & Q if you must. Not sure if the little nursery in Croxted Rd & the one behind the shops further up, also the one alongside West Dulwich station.

Smaller plants can be moved into the greenhouse or home. If not possible, then move them into a sheltered position close up to the side of the house. Raise all pots & containers off the ground.

This is due to last for around 3 weeks, so needs to be done now. Ask your well recommended gardeners off the forum to do it for you if you haven't got the time. Mind you, you will have to then look after your gardeners with a warm cup of tea or soup, or something stronger, but only when they've finished the job!!!

Happy gardening :-))

Nigel

[taper]

Thanks Gardenman

Apologies for seeking free advice, but I have a privet problem. About six weeks ago we gave our large privet hedge a winter haircut. I can't recall any frost shortly after that, but the leaves on the top of the privet and the external (south) facing side have turned a dark green/black, while the protected side (the one facing the house) has remained as it was. It's a variegated privet. And it looks very healthy and not at all stressed, despite the change in colour. I noticed a hedge across the road is in a similar state

Should I be worried!?

[Gardenman]

No apology needed. We should all pass on our knowledge if asked for.

I sounds as if you have mites in your privet. Check the leaves closely, if you can see any of these, for me the best option is simply spraying the whole hedge very hard with your hose pipe or power washer, then water the roots for a considerable time. I am not keen on chemical sprays, but ask one of the local nurseries for a low impact spray. I'm happy to pop by & take a look if that would help.

Nigel

[taper]

Many thanks. I have (I'm afraid!) sprayed it against mites a week ago. I'll hose down as you suggest. And I might give you a shout if this doesn't have a result (although it is perking up a bit to my untrained eye).