Sweet William Plants

I hate to mention autumn, especially as the weather has been like November recently! However, one major part of gardening is planning ahead, so it's worthwhile thinking about late summer colour. Sweet William annuals are a great choice.

Jersey Plants Direct are selling 160 plug plants for just £14.49! Enough to fill your borders with a carpet of pink, white and purple petals. Order HERE

Spectacular Orchid

Sheri Anne a reader of gardenandgreen.co.uk has sent in this pic of an orchid her father in law has grown. It looks like someone has green fingers as this is quite spectacular!

It's always nice to hear from readers. If you have an amazing plant, or have anything else relating to gardening, the countryside, nature, weather etc then please feel free to send us your pics via the upload form here. Copyright remains wth the sender;

http://www.gardenandgreen.co.uk/#/submit-an-article-pic/4532518753

Britan's Biggest Wildflower Meadow

Britain's largest man made meadow, The Field of Dreams', with wildflowers from around the world is now in full bloom. It is free to go and see, but you can offer a donation to one of four charities. The meadow has been created by Brian and Denise Herrick on a two acre site in Somerset.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2166427/So-beautiful-theyve-called-Field-Dreams-Britains-biggest-wildflower-meadow-comes-bloom-burst-colour.html

The Allure of An Allotment

A father and son in Coventry explain what their allotment means to them. VIDEO

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17857858

Largest Wind Farm in UK

A new wind farm is now operating up on the Scottish hills near Glasgow. They might produce clean electricity from a renewable source which is great but they really do have a terrible effect on tranquility and the landscape.

You can see the wind turbines here;

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8060341.stm

Diamond Jubilee Gladioli

It's certainly a summer of red, white and blue with the Diamond Jubilee and British Olympics, so if you want your garden to match your Union flag bunting then how about these Jubilee Gladioli that will flower this year in August if you order them now. As they are bulbs they will then flower year after year during the summer. Height: 45cm (18”). Spread: 10cm (4”).

For just £10.99 you can get a mixed total of 18 Corms so this isn't jsut a feeble little attempt. This will transform your garden into the most patriotic in the street! ;0)

You can order HERE

Solar Farm

Take a look at this solar panel 'farm' down in Oxfordshire. Fields have been covered in swathes of huge panels to create electricity. Something tells me the locals will be mortified at this development as it hardly blends in with the countryside. They look even worse than wind turbines, which although can be seen from further away don't cover green fields in shiny dark glass.

I suppose one good thing is that it's not been concreted over and in theory the land can be returned to it's normal state at some point. I like solar energy but I think the panels should be put on roofs of large factories, office blocks, urban industrial parks etc and not in the middle of the countryside. Farm fields should be kept for growing food.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2151406/Lots-sunshine-just-like-Summer-sun-gives-solar-farm-owner-particular-reason-smile.html

RHS Chelsea Favourite

Just going off photos and video, my favourite garden was the Arthritis Research UK Garden designed by Thomas Hoblyn. There's great plants, the stonework is excellent and he's used water really well. Theres a formal pond then water spouts leaping in arches over the hedging. The Cypress trees are a great backdrop and theres a great old Cork Oak.

The only thing I think is missing is a few white water lillies in the pond.

You can see the garden yourself on BBC Iplayer move the dial to start at 4 minutes, if you want to avoid seeing alan Titchmarsh drooling over Claudia Schieffer HAHA!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01jg8v5/RHS_Chelsea_Flower_Show_2012_Episode_15/

You can also learn more about the garden on the designer's website here;

http://thomashoblyn.com/chelsea

Police Investigate Jeremy Clarkson

Chris Packham was at a farm owned by Jeremy Clarkson for a feature on a nature photography competition the programme is running. He was telling Chris packham how he wanted to attract more birds and butterfly species to the farm. They were approaching a barn, where Clarkson said he had installed an Owl Box and thought there was Barn owls nesting in it, when a Barn owl flew out and off over the fields. PC Marshall a wildlife officer watching the show at home didn't waste anytime and reported them to Thames Valley Police and they are now accused of a 'reckless disturbance of birds', which carries a maximum sentence of 6 months in prison. It is just so ridiculous! Did he think Chris Packham was going to try and pluck them alive?! When you think of all the burgularies, car robberies etc and the police are wasting their time investigating one of the countries most well known naturalists because he approached a bird nest. In fine internet tradition I'll end this post with ROLL EYES.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2149878/Police-probe-BBC-Countryfile-claims-protected-barn-owls-disturbed-filming-Jeremy-Clarksons-Oxfordshire-farm.html

Olympic Torch - Eden Project

The Olympic flame passes through the Eden Project Biome in Cornwall during the first stretch of its long journey across the British Isles.

RHS Chelsea Show Gardens

You have to take a look at these pics of the show gardens at this years Chelsea. A mix of shock and awe. Here are some that stood out for me. To see pics of the gardens you will have to click the link at the bottom.

DMZ Forbidden Garden - Looks a bit like an overgrown disused concentration camp. Mmm interesting....

Trailfinders Australian Garden - Fair dinkum, but its not exactly the garden of paradise more like Madge off neighbours back garden.

Magical Tower Garden - looking at this 8 storey scaffold tower laden with Silver birch trees and other greenery, it makes you wonder what plants are on the top floor. Far out maaaan! I like it!

The Telegraph Garden - Another garden with Silver Birchs. Look lovely though don't they. It seems like a nice airy and spacious garden with water, attractive natural materials and plenty of plants. A light subtle touch. The designer, doesn't seem to have over egged the pudding.

Rooftop Workplace of Tomorrow Garden - I like parts of this garden. The glass fronted office looks great with the foliage wall, but I don't think much of the great big square raised planting area for a tree with all those big grey pebbles, far too drab and not enough colour.

The World Vision Garden - A really great modern garden with nothing to gimmicky. The water feature looks good and the Tree Ferns look super. I bet this garden is one a lot people say they would like to have as their back garden.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/chelseaflowershow/9274727/Chelsea-Flower-Show-2012-The-16-show-gardens.html#?frame=2223182

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

2012 marks the 99th anniversary of the start of the world famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

RHS Chelsea, the world's most renowned garden show begins next week. Here is a few historical facts about the show;

Did you know?

• RHS Chelsea Flower Show was originally called the RHS Great Spring Show, and that name has never officially been changed.

• Despite the First World War, the show was held in 1914 – 1916, but cancelled in 1917.

• In 1926 the show was held a week late due to the General Strike.

• Japanese dwarf trees, now known as bonsai, were first seen at the first show in 1913.

• The show was cancelled during the Second World War, when the land was requisitioned by the War Office for an anti-aircraft site.

• In 1937, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth celebrated their Coronation year, and an ‘Empire Exhibition’ was staged. It featured wattles from Australia, pines from Canada, gladioli from East Africa and even a prickly pear from Palestine.

How to Create a Wild Flower Garden

Here is a great advice vid, from Landscape Designer Sarah Price. She gives a few tips and suggestions on how to create a wild flower garden.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningvideo/9265583/Chelsea-Flower-Show-2012-How-to-create-a-wild-flower-garden.html

Dog Poo Bombs

Could all dog owners please stop putting their dog crap in plastic bags then sealing them, then very neatly putting them in places where you think know one will notice. I walked past one today that had carefully been placed in a small gap between the lamp post and wall. It's almost funny really that so many people do it so tidily. How considerate for the people that have to pick it up, or if it is left there being in plastic it doesnt decompose in a hurry.

In some ways getting everyone to wrap dog poo in un-biodegradable plastic really isn't a good idea. You see them in the verges, in the hedgerows, and yes even on your driveway as the dog walkers get sick of carrying their poo bombs so when they think no one is looking they throw it away.

I read Kirstie Allsop who is now a patron I think of Keep Britain Tidy has a passionate hatred of these gross additions to our parks and countryside and who can blame her.

Perhaps they should change the law so people are expected to cover their dog poop in sawdust rather than create plastic wrapped stink bombs!

Seed Sale

Thompson Morgan have started their annual Veg seed sale and it runs until midnight 16th May. Packets available for just 34p. If you have a greenhouse or sunny window sill there might still just be enough time to get things growing for this year, or you could always put them somewhere safe and dry for next year.

View sale HERE

Cheap Greenhouse

If money is tight and you're yearning for a greenhouse you might think you'll have to do without. The good news is there is portable plastic greenhouses that can easily be put up on a spare patch of grass or patio paving. This one is a perfect example.

It has a roll down entrance and inside there is enough space to grow seedlings, a few tomato plants etc. It is 6ft x 6ft in size. Another good thing about having a small greenhouse is they are handy for when its a bit nippy outside or raining and make for a nice warm and dry shelter. £49.99

Buy from Thompson & Morgan HERE

Keep Britain Tidy Leaflets & Posters

If you work in a community centre, church, doctors surgery, school or other place whether people gather, you might be interested in ordering a FREE poster or leaflets from Keep Britain Tidy. They have specific posters aimed at various types of litter problems and audiences.

There is also a poster to advertise any litter picking event you might want to organise in your area.

You can order them here if you live in the UK.

http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/OrderMaterials/Default.aspx

Aralia cordata 'Sun King' - Glow in the Dark Plant!

Van Meuwen has a new plant for sale that has a glow in the dark effect during dusk. If you click on the link below you can watch a short video which gives you an idea what it looks like. Perhaps it's because I used to love wearing Luminous yellow socks as a boy in the 80's but this certainly got my interest! It has white flowers then later in the season purple berries. Height and spread: 1m (39”).

1 plant in a 9cm pot - £9.99


Order from Van Meuwen HERE

Super Moon

5th May 2012 there was a 'Super Moon' about 14% bigger and 30% brighter than a normal full moon. What's even more miraculous is that Newcastle managed to shut up for 1 minute 30 seconds on a Saturday night while I filmed it!

Mini Polytunnels

It's the first week of May and it is chilly! After a deceptive taste of summer in March the weather did a huge U turn and it has been either cold or wet ever since. This is playing havoc with gardens, and no doubt there will be many who have been caught out by plating early in the nice weather and regretting now there has been some very cold weather for this time of year. One way to protect plants and veg such as lettuce is to use mini polytunnels that will protect them from the cold weather and also give some extra warmth so they can get established. Here is an example. The polythene is on a concertina frame and can be stretched out for 3m. Standard and Giant are both the same length, but Giant is wider. Standard: Dimensions 3m long x 45cm wide x 30cm highGiant:Dimensions 3m long x 60cm wide x 45cm high. Standard £23.99 Giant £29.99

Click here to order on Thompson & Morgan

Think Before You Flush

Think Before You Flush (TBYF) is an award-winning initiative from Surfers Against Sewage which raises public awareness about the problem that sanitary products (known in the business as Sewage Related Debris or SRD) cause in the sewage system and subsequently the marine environment when flushed down the toilet. They have been running a campaign in the Cornish town of Porthleven and are aiming to replicate the campaign nationwide. If you would like to help them in their mission to keep our coastal waters clean then get in touch via their website http://www.sas.org.uk

Butterfly Numbers

          A Duke of Burgundy butterfly /  image copyright: Keith Warmington

Last year’s record-breaking spring helped some of the UK’s rarest butterflies recover following years of decline, a scientific study today revealed.

The hot, dry weather provided perfect conditions for early spring specialists enabling them to benefit from extended flight periods as they emerged weeks earlier than usual.

The threatened Duke of Burgundy bucked a trend of recent declines as its population rose by 65% between 2010 and 2011.

Other rare spring butterflies prospered – the Grizzled Skipper recorded a rise of 96% and the scarce Pearl-bordered Fritillary saw numbers jump by 103%.

But despite last year’s much-needed respite, many of our most threatened butterflies remain in a state of long-term decline and need further targeted conservation work to turn their fortunes around permanently.

Common garden species such as the Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Common Blue all recorded major population falls as the dry spring gave way to the coldest summer for 18 years.

Summer-flying woodland specialists also struggled. The White Admiral recorded a 51% fall and the threatened Black Hairstreak, which recorded a substantial increase between 2009 and 2010, declined last year.

If you would like to get involved in helping Britain's butterflies and moths visit;

butterfly-conservation.org

Fracking for Gas

I don't know much about fracking for gas, but it sounds like trying to get the last bit of shampoo out the bottle or scraping the tub for the last bits of butter. It is a controversial process where I think they pump water into rocks to extract gas, but this pressure can create the odd earthquake or two. They had to stop 'fracking' off the coast of Blackpool in North West England after it resulted in two mini earth tremors. So at this point all I can suggest if you don't know much about this subject, like me, is to start at the beginning... the Wiki page.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_fracturing

Alpine Plants in a Raised Border

These spreading Alpines are already in full flower and it's just mid April. This garden has a great stone wall perimeter that has been built to there is space for a raised border in the middle, resulting in a garden wall being a riot of colour. It's a good idea for people with mobility problems. It also means plants are not so hidden. If these were planted in a garden border behind a single wall, they would get less sun, and the wall would be so much duller. Also it means border plants can give a bit more privacy, as if you planted, for example, red hot pokers in the raised border, it would give the house some added privacy rather than them being on ground level behind a single wall.
Buy Alpine plants here

Tulips

Tulips are great at this time of year. They are at their peak, but unfortunately don't last long. Their effect is multiplied when they are planted in colour blocs of the same type of bulb, like these below.

Buy Tulips here

Bluebells

Bluebells are all over the place at the moment!

How to Keep a Cactus Happy!

Tom Hart Dyke runs the World Map Garden at his family home, Lullingstone Castle. They have a great Cactus house with some fine Cacti, that are found in nature across the world's desert regions. They all are in great hands, and look in very good condition. If you have a few cacti on your windowsill, conservatory or greenhouse Tom has some great advice to keep them healthy, especially if you live in hard water regions. Video below and if you are looking for a great day out why not plan a visit to the garden in Kent. It's a horticultural feast for any gardening fan. www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

440 new Homes per Village Required

As you might have read recently, the government is going to try and build an unprecedented 2 million homes to cope with the out of control population boom, mostly due to mass immigration and subsequent extra births. Just this weekend the newspapers were reporting they want to build a new town in the already overcrowded Midlands of 100,000 people.

So, I was wondering what if instead of building large towns on greenbelts they instead allowed a few extra houses to be built in every village in the UK, would this solve the problem and how many houses would each village have to build to make up the 2 million new homes.

After a bit of digging around there is according to the Rural Communities department, 4,520 villages of fewer than 20,000 residents in the UK. Before knowing the number I thought perhaps 10 houses per village might be enough. However, this is not the case. To build 2 million new homes by just adding the houses to villages rather than towns and cities would require every village in the UK to build 440 new homes!

I don't think many villagers would be happy at all to see this number of houses built. It would mean many would double in size and 440 homes takes up quite a large area, not just an extra few homes at the top and bottom of a village entrance. Of course building solely onto villages will not happen, but it does give a very good indication of the scale of new housing that is about to take place. However, as I have wrote before and will no doubt write again, this is what the people of the UK have voted for. They voted over and over again for poltiical parties that allowed mass immigration on an unprecedented scale. Just last year net migration was 250,000 people, a city the size of Nottingham.

Having said that, the system whereby people only get to vote once every 5 years in a 'catch all' voting system so people are also thinking about the NHS, education, etc doesn't mean that they were voting in favour of huge immigration. In fact all polls for decades have showed a majority against allowing mass immigration (the politicians were well aware of this but ignored the will of the people). If a referendum had of taken place in the 1970s on the issue this country would now have a steady population of about 55 million, not 62 million heading fast towards and past 70 million.

Horse Chestnut Leaves Unfurling

I love seeing leaves and shoots on the trees at this time of year beginning to emerge. Here is a Horse Chestnut tree coming to life, no doubt in a weeks time the tree will be a blaze of fresh green.

Spring Bedding Plants

Primulas and Pansies are both great bedding plant options for early spring colour. Ideal for pots and containers. These varied coloured Primulas look great in a container.

Daffodil Pics

Spring is springing and one sure fire way of knowing it's here is seeing Daffodils all over the place. So here is some of the evidence taken from a walk this afternoon. As you can see there is a variety of colours and sizes and if you're thinking of planting some bulbs later this year you will find there is loads to choose from.













A variety of Daffodil bulbs can be ordered via Thompson & Morgan
Click here

Cucumber 'Green Fingers' F1 Hybrid

These nifty little numbers are new from Thomson & Morgan. They do well growing outdoors with support. Keep picking them when they are snack ready size for a bountiful crop throughout the summer. 4 Seeds £3.99 (that's not a typo, yes just four seeds. Perhaps as it is new variety there isn't many seeds about. Just make sure you don't sneeze and blow them down a crack in the decking.)

CLICK HERE to order

Onion ‘Doux des Cevennes’

New from Thomson & Morgan. Onion ‘Doux des Cevennes’ is a popular variety in France (If the French like these onions who are we to argue?!). A heritage variety that has a mild, delicate flavour. 200 seeds just £1.99


CLICK HERE to order.

Water - Greece v UK

I didn't catch the person's name being interviewed, or what organisation he was representing, today on BBC Radio 5 Live, but it sounded like he was from either the govt, or a charity. The fact that he quoted, which I thought was very astounding, was that per head of population hot and dusty Greece has more fresh water available than the UK!

So although their climate is a lot drier, the Greek population is one that is sustainable when compared with the amount of water they have available... whereas of course ours is not.

It was no surprise that this spokesman was saying the usual about using a thimble full of water to solve the problem and stayed well clear from the massive elephant in the front room guzzling up the water with its trunk.

I have not had a single answer to my questions to the organised monopoly currently making hundreds of millions of £££ from our water. Well, I'll give them a few days but don't hold your breath. I don't think they know the answers and if they do, they don't want to tell the public as it certainly won't look good.

Since I sent the questions I have also mused over the possibility that our water has been made into an increasingly expensive commodity. High population and demand with everyone on meters is surely a much more lucrative proposition for big multi national corporations than owning a plentiful supply and just getting a low subscription from customers every year.

Green - Death of a Forest

Green: Death of the Forests is a new film by filmmaker Patrick Rouxel. It explores the impact of deforestation and the exploitation of natural resources in Indonesia from the point of view of a dying orangutan. It's tragic what we are doing to the planet.



Watch the full film online here;

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/witness/2012/03/20123131323627439.html

You can also buy a DVD on Patrick Rouxel's website and he is happy for it to be shown at public screenings. So perhaps it would be ideal for a showing at your local gardening club, church, WI etc.

http://www.greenthefilm.com/?cat=7

Soil Moisture Levels - UK & Europe

This fascinating map (click for larger image)from an EU department give a snapshot of soil moisture levels throughout the UK and Europe. The orange indicates where soild is drier than average for the time of year and the darker the green the more above average soil moisure is in an area. It seems the South East of England was in the green, except for parts around London. However as you can see North East England and East Scotland are in the orange, indicating the ground is much drier than usual. As I'm from the North East I can say it's a bit of a myth about the north always being wet. The East is in a rain shadow and doesn't get that much rain. However, as I went to university in Manchester, the west is a different matter! ;0)

Spain looks like it is in big trouble with almost the whole country showing their soil is drier than average for this time of year.

See 5 Planets in one Night

Tonight and the next couple of nights it's possible to see 5 planets in the sky with the naked eye. Even better if you have a pair of binoculars or telescope.

Here is a vid from the BBC with instructions about what to look out for.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17324826

Dolphin Rescue in Brazil

Well done to these Brazilians who came to the rescue of a pod of beached dolphins.

Amaryllis

You might have seen Amaryllis bulbs, in the shops, in the run up to Christmas. They have become a popular Christmas gift. They originate from South Africa and are bulbous plants that have long flower spikes.

When you buy them as a gift, they typically come with an attractive plant pot. However, as they are just bulbs when you buy them it is not quite as instant as a bouquet of flowers or a Poinsettia with its deep red or white leaves.

You might be visiting the person for Christmas and not see them for a few months or longer, so it's possible you never get to see what the Amaryllis turns out like, other than an illustration on the box. So here one is, two months after Christmas Day....

50ft Sperm Whale Washes Up Onto Beach

Heres a video of a report on a Sperm Whale 50 ft / 15 metres in length and weighing approximately 30 tonnes that has sadly washed up dead onto a beach in Skegness, Lincolnshire on the east coast of England. The report says it had a large gash on it's side. I wonder what happened to it?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-17260850

Mike de Gruy - Wildlife Cameraman 1951 - 2012

A BAFTA winning BBC wildlife cameraman has died whilst filming for National Geographic in Australia. He was in a helicopter that crashed in New South Wales.

He had filmed underwater footage for BBC Natural History blockbusters; Life in the Freezer, The Trials of Life and Blue Planet. In the 70's he was nearly killed in the Pacific after being attacked by sharks and he got into freezing waters with sea lions so he could better film them being attacked by a pod of orca whales.

The film he captured of a shark leaping from the sea to grab a low-flying albatross is seen as one of the most amazing pieces of wildlife footage ever filmed.

Here is his personal website with more info about him and his work.

http://mikedegruy.com

Foxtail Lilly

I was just skimming through a plant catalogue in a newspaper and WOW, did these foxy numbers stand out. Foxtail Lillies Eremurus robustus will add real height and colour to a border!

Flowering Period:June, July
Position:full sun
15 bare roots, 5 of each colour £14.97

Buy from Van Meuwen CLICK HERE

Can UK wildlife cope with drought?

The BBC website have produced a good article about the possible impact on wildlife if there is drought conditions this year. Already the water levels are below that of the same time in 1976, which was one of the hottest years ever in the UK. To this day my parents and their friends are convinced that the heat frazzled my 6 month old brain along with my friends, as the class of 76 were renowned for being daft as brushes and mad as march hares, compared to our siblings born in years before and after. Haha ;0)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/17130206

Wildlife that could be affected include newts and the rare Natterjack toad, whereas other species like snakes thrive in the drier conditions.



The film above is a Natterjack toad in Slitere National Park in Latvia, here in the UK they can be found in parts of the South of England and the coastline of Cumbria and Dumfries. http://slitere.lv/

CWGC - Director of Horticulture

A wonderful opportunity for an experienced plantsman/women. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission which looks after war cemetries around the world and has kept them as beautiful oasis' of peace and tranquility for our war dead are on the look out for a Director of Horticulture.

The job is based in Maidenhead, Berkshire, but no doubt there will be travel involved to various sites on different continents. Each cemetery looks similar with the distinct headstones and Lutyen designed architecture, however the plants are chosen for the climate, so a war cemetery in Normandy might have Lavender, roses and Dianthus, etc whereas those in North Africa have palms, olives and cacti.

The Director will be in charge of managing the gardeners throughout the world, training, horticultural plans etc so no doubt the CWGC will be looking for someone with great experience and training. Full details here;

http://www.cwgc.org/about-us/our-organisation/job-vacancies.aspx

Gardens to Visit - Barnsdale Gardens

The latest 'Gardens to Visit' page is about Barnsdale Gardens. They were created by former BBC Gardener's World presenter Geoff Hamilton, who sadly died in the 1990's.

There is loads of different styles of gardens, such as a Japanese garden, cottage garden, allotment garden, and a formal pond and knot garden to name just a few so visitors can get loads of ideas and inspiration for their own gardens.

Here is the link;

http://www.gardenandgreen.co.uk/#/barnsdale-gardens/4561041212

and here is the full list of garden to visit pages;

http://www.gardenandgreen.co.uk/#/gardens-to-visit/4542227103

If you work for, own or volunteer for a garden that is open to the public and would like to be featured just email gardenandgreen@hotmail.co.uk and I will email you the info. As an editorial page it is FREE to set up.

Ice Age Flower Blooms Again!!

WOW! This story is sensational. A team of Russian scientists have used plant matter from a squirrels burrow frozen since the Ice Age to grow a new plant. It is the first time it has grown since the last ice age over 30,000 years ago!!!!!!, and has flowered and produced seeds.

What an amazing achievement, next stop Jurrasic Park! You can see a picture of the plant in flower via the link below;

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46456116

Bumblebee Conservation Trust

Speaking of bees, here is an interesting interview with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust;

http://www.gardenandgreen.co.uk/#/bumblebee-conservation-trust/4550045559

Also here is a video about a project they have been working on in Scotland to improve Bumblebee habitat.

Puffins

Here is the latest British birds fact page. The Puffin resides on the grassy cliffs of the British Isles during the spring and summer months.

http://www.gardenandgreen.co.uk/#/puffin/4557890846

Sarah Raven's Bees, Butterflies and Blooms

Heres a good BBC programme about wildlife friendly gardening and how to attract bees and butterlfies to your garden. It's fascinating to see how just changing the types of flowers used in borders can attract so many more butterflies, bees, and hoverflies.

Sarah Raven visits Harrogate, who always do well in Britain and Bloom and arranges for the gardening teams to trial some beds using nectar rich plants rather than the standard bedding plants such as Begonias. When the Britain in Bloom judges are visiting they are in a park with various beds, and the one which has been planted with the nectar rich plants such as single head Dahlias is buzzing with activity, whereas just a few metres away beds planted with the usual displays are bee free zones.

It all comes down to nectar and by the time you have finished watching, I'm sure you'll be inspired to think about adding a few nectar rich plants to your garden this coming season.

WATCH ON BBC IPLAYER VIA LINK BELOW

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01c89vp/Bees_Butterflies_and_Blooms_Towns_Gardens_and_Britain_in_Bloom/

Sperm Whale Plastic Bag Poisoning

Tragic story about the effects plastic bags are having on Sperm whales. What a beautiful photo.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2096142/Sperm-whales-How-plastic-bags-poisoning-planets-greatest-predators.html

Ten Gardening Tips for February

The gang at the Eden project have made a nice vid about what to do in your garden during February. It's all about getting prepared for the gardening season ahead.

So here it is, and don't forget to visit their website to find out more about their work and plan a visit.

http://www.edenproject.com/

Buddleja 'Flower Power'

A new variety of Buddleja. These hardy plants are renowned for their ability to attract butterflies to your garden. In fact they are often called butterfly bushes. This 'Flower Power' newby goes according to T&M "deepest violet to rich butterscotch yellow for an enchanting kaleidoscope of colour." The plants grow to 2 metres tall. Easy to maintain just prune back in spring, then dead head flowers to prolong flowering throughout the growing season. Two plants for £10, saving a fiver!

Click here to order via Thompson & Morgan

Clematis x aromatica

Another new Clematis for 2012 is Clematis x aromatica Old Man's Beard. As you can see the unique feature of this Clematis is the long strands known as stamens in the centre of the flower. So exotic looking. Imagine having this climbing plant covering the side of a boring old garage or shed!

3 plants just £11.99

Click here to order via Thompson & Morgan

Clematis 'Saphyra Indigo'

Another plant that comes near the top of my favourite list is Clematis. The variety of colours, the shape of the flowers, the way they turn boring walls and fences into a blaze of colour. Here is Thompson and Morgan's latest Clematis, very nice. Love the blueness, however, if you go to the website via the link below and watch the short video clip you will see the flowers seem more purplely than the photo indicates.

Hardy perennial.

1 Clematis plant is £10.99, you can also get 3 plants for £18.99.

(They're such a good company for giving good discounts for multiple purchases! ;0)

Click to order via Thompson & Morgan

Dahlia XXXL

Look at these HUGE Dahlias new for 2012. Blooms are 12 inches in size, and just look at those fiery colours! Seriously, get these and put them in some containers on your decking or patio. They will look superb and are easy to care for. Also, they flower from July onwards which is early for Dahlias traditionally assosciated with late summer.

Height: 120cm (48”). Spread: 60cm (24”)

1 Jumbo plug is £8.99, but Thompson and Morgan have an amazing offer, 4 jumbo plug plants for just £9.99 in total. That is one serious horticultural bargain for these tough economic times.

Click here to buy from Thompson & Morgan

Hibiscus 'Hardy Giants Collection'

I'm a big fan of huge plants and flowers, especially types of Sunflowers, Dahlias and Chrysanthenums. These monster dinner plate sized Hibiscus blooms certainly caught my eye! I think they will appeal to many gardeners, they really will be jaw droppers in your front garden and will get plenty of passing admirers.

They are 18.99 for 3 plants of varying colours. They are a hardy shrub and require full sun.

Collection comprises:
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Cranberry Crush' - Huge, crimson red flowers.
Hibiscus 'Kopper King' - Candy cane pink flowers produced against a backdrop of striking copper red foliage.
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Old Yella' - Gently ruffled primrose yellow flowers.

Click here to order via Thomson & Morgan

Thompson and Morgan New for 2012

I was looking at the Thomson & Morgan website yesterday and WOW they have some great new additions for gardeners in 2012. The following posts feature my favourites from their new plants.

BBC Asking 'Where are the garden birds?'

Have you noticed fewer garden birds in your garden this winter?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16743212

Rich Pickings

A Swedish woman has found her wedding ring she lost in 1995. The ring was around one of the carrots she grew in her garden last year. 23 Carat Gold?

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/swedish-couple-find-long-lost-wedding-ring-carrot-garden-article-1.1000639

Panda Cam!

Now heres a fun web page to take a look at when you're on your tea break. Edinburgh Zoo have fitted cameras into their new Panda enclosure, so you can see what they are up to and how they are settling into their new home.... can't see any tartan home furnisings... and where are the Pandas?? Perhaps they are having a snooze.

http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/pandacam.html

4,000 BMW's for London Olympics

The Daily Mail has an interesting article about the Olympics ordering 4,000 BMW's from Germany to ferry Olympic dignataries from their west end hotels to the Olympic sports arenas. They point out that Seb Coe had promised the greenest Olympics.

If that was a serious pledge they would have orderd 4,000 Nissan electric vehicles from the North East, and would also have been supporting BRITISH jobs, but then I suppose this countries politicians could certainly win a gold medal for hot air so its no surprise.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2081005/Olympic-VIPs-whisked-London-4-000-BMWs--green-Games.html

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all readers, so what might 2012 have in store for gardens? Well, after a quick gaze into my crystal ball I can see it being another boom year for all things allotment, veg patches and grow your own. If you search the main site you will come across articles from 2007 about the carrot credit crunch, so this downturn has now been going on for ages. However, I think even if the country was doing well, vegetable gardening would remain very popular. People have got the bug, and even if they had more money in their pockets they would still now want their own home grown lettuces and tomatoes.

Another trend for 2012 could well be drought plants and water saving, this winter has been quite dry and warm so far, and if you remember last spring was very dry and it was on course for a summer hosepipe ban until the summer was quite wet.

Apparently there is going to be the first Chelsea fringe event this year, with a lot of more informal, garden events and 'installations' surrounding the main event.

On a more political note, I think the issue of building on green belt is going to become a very hot topic. Over the last decade net immigration has been vast, just last year over 500,000 people moved here, and taking into account people who moved away from the UK net migration was about 252,000 (a city the size of Nottingham) all this means there is now a huge demand for housing, there is 1.8 million on council housing waiting lists. Many people are going to find out there lovely field they look out onto with deer walking in morning mists has been earmarked to be concreted over.

Plantwise I'm not sure, I'll contact some of the nurseries to see what they are launching in 2012, I remember last year one new plant was a black Petunia, which finally meant that all Newcastle United fans could grow hanging baskets in team colours! ;0)

Happy gardening for 2012!!!!!