Will campanulas like a mix of acidic compost and topsoil?
A reader has asked if campanulas can grow in an old half-barrel that already contains a mix of ericaceous soil and topsoil. Many campanula varieties are surprisingly adaptable and aren’t as particular about soil pH as some other plants. While…
Why is my star magnolia looking a little anaemic?
Your beautiful Magnolia stellata, with its delicate star-shaped blossoms, is a true sign of spring. But what if those lovely green leaves are starting to look a bit, well, anaemic? If you notice a pale green or yellowish discolouration between…
What are these red beetles on my lilies?
The lily beetle (Lilioceris lilii) is a notoriously invasive non-native pest for UK gardeners who love lilies (Lilium), fritillaries (Fritillaria), and giant lilies (Cardiocrinum). Both the adult beetles, with their striking bright red bodies and black heads, and their unpleasant-looking…
Why is my container grown heuchera wilting?
Sudden wilting is almost certainly due to the vine weevil larvae (grubs) actively feeding on and destroying the plant’s root system. While adult vine weevils cause minor, notched damage to the leaves, it’s the C-shaped, creamy-white grubs with brown heads…
Defying the Common Consensus: My ‘Jack Frost’ Brunnera Thriving in Dry Shade
Every gardener knows the struggle of finding the perfect plant for the perfect spot. And when it comes to Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’, the widely accepted wisdom is clear: this stunning perennial, with its luminous silver-veined leaves and delicate blue…
Get Ready to Grow: Last chance to sow Your Nasturtiums this month!
This June, I’m seizing my last chance of the season to sow nasturtium seeds, and I’m doing it in an eco-friendly way! My biodegradable, peat-free wood pulp pots are perfect for the planet and minimise root disturbance when I plant…
Bring the Drama (and Pink!) with Flamingo Willow
There’s nothing quite like a plant that delivers year-round interest, and if you’re looking to add a burst of colour and a touch of elegance to your garden, look no further than the stunning Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’, often called the…
Illuminating Your Garden: Growing Choisya Sundance
For a shrub that shines beautifully, even on the dullest days, you need look no further than Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’, affectionately known as Mexican Orange Blossom. This vibrant evergreen is a star in its own right. It is celebrated for…
Emerald n Gold
Euonymus fortunei Emerald n Gold, also known as winter creeper, is a popular evergreen shrub that adds year-round colour to the garden, especially during winter. Its variegated green and gold leaves provide a bright and cheerful contrast to the typically…