Plantpassion

Wisteria Pruning

This week, - as well as creating a cut flower farm, i've had 2 projects, one to plant a Rose garden (which I will show you photos of in June) and one to tame a rather large Wisteria.

Wisteria is an amazing, and rather large plant, as can be seen from this giant specimen I snapped with my phone in France last Easter.

The wall is about 6 ft high and each of the flower racaemes are over 30cm long.

To be able to produce flower like this, it needs to be encouraged to grow by regular twice a year pruning.

The trouble is, that if you miss pruning for a year or 2, the growth becomes rampant, and it can twist itself around pipes, into guttering, and around itself. - Within a year this can become impossible to unentangle.

My project earlier in the week, was one of those Wisteria. A lovely old specimen, but one which probably hadn't had detailed attention for a few years shown by the twirly stems that needed to be removed.

(Did you know, you can tell the variety of Wisteria by the way the stem spirals. Japanese (floribunda) and American (frutescens) Wisteria - spiral clockwise, and Chinese (Sinensis) Wisteria goes anti clockwise)

January is the key time of year for retraining your Wisteria, and like most pruning projects, you need to look for Dead and Dying wood to remove, then crossing branches that can rub and damage each other, then look to open out the structure, and last shortening flowering shoots.

This was the results of my pruning session earlier in the week, - Before and after shots

Don's be afraid to take away plenty of plant material. This plant will actually thank me for taking out a huge pile of wood, especially as a lot of it was starting to rot. The windows won't be covered with tendrils this year, and the gutters won't get clogged with leaves. Plus it makes it easier for me to prune next year.

Tomorrow's job is to help prune a standard Wisteria, - Can't wait until May to see the flowers.

 

Breaking the ground - full day as a flower farmer

So, - i've got my field, and this summer, I want to be bringing you photos of beds and bunches of flowers, but where to begin?

In my own garden, I'm organic, and I really want this flower farm to be Chemical free. - That means that I won't be Glyphostating all the grass and weeds off.  So this weekend, the physical task of taking off the turf and adding lots of organic matter has started.

First thing this morning, there were 2 delivery drivers at the gate, - one with this load of 15 cubic metres of organic compost, and the other with our friend the turf cutter.

Yesterday, -we'd done a soil test, from 3 different parts of the field, - the pH is very neutral, an average of 7.1. This will be fantastic for most cut flowers, but won't let me grow ericaceous plants like Azaleas and Rhododendrons. We also orientated were we were going to have the first set of beds, - taking into account the slope of the land, - where the sun rises and sets, and the drainage and shadow.

The idea for the first of the beds (that are going to be for my over wintered hardy annuals) , is to take off the turf and then spread a good 10cm layer of the organic compost on top that i'll plant into.

We'd dug the first metre of this bed by hand yesterday, to get an idea of the soil depth, structure and density. We were delighted with what we found.

Because we are really lucky to have a crumbly well drained soil, there is no clay pan, which would stop plant roots going down into the top soil, so i'm not even going to bother rotavating these beds.

By the end of the day, we'd managed 6, 10 metre by 1.2 metre beds, this picture was taken in the gloaming this afternoon. I'm hoping i'll have some cornflowers planted in these by the end of the weekend (suitably protected from Rabbits , pigeons, deer , slugs etc!)

now i'm off to put my feet up, - as we hope to do another 6 tomorrow.

My Plantpassion year in review

It's the last day of the year, - The rain is falling (again) and the boys are doing their own things (fishing and watching Horrible Histories!) so i've been tidying my desk and reviewing what i've been up to this year.

It hasn't seemed like a hugely busy year in 2012 (although the figure say i've been bucking the recessional trend)- I've managed to do plenty of Mum things as well as running a business, but looking back over the year, i've covered a lot of ground.

I've talked to 14 groups in 2012, Wi's, Gardening Societies and the National Vegetable Society. My most requested talk, was Designing for colour in the garden all year round. Followed by - Herbs for the kitchen from your garden, and Gardening for wildlife.

I was warmly welcomed by all, and it was wonderful to see the interest in my topics, even if i've yet to find a group that have gardeners that know what their soil pH is!

I did 7 consultations for clients this year. Walking them round their gardens, telling them about the plants health and positioning, plus giving them design advice and suggestions of plants and products that will save them time and money. - This is fewer than in previous years, but as I did 9 Planting projects, some of them with 2 or 3 borders, it balanced itself out.

You can see some of the projects that I did, like Mediterranean borders, or a Garden next to a main road, or a Raised bed border on the border planting catergory of the blog, - and i'll be going back to them next year to get more photos to update you. I also got a Christmas card saying that I should go and look at a landscaping projects that's been completed for a design that I did, - something for the new year when it's drier.

I also did lots of maintenance with the help of Helen and Paula, of projects that we've completed over the last few years. - Going back to them on a regular or even occasional basis is great to see how they are growing into their spaces. Keeping weeds under control and propagting plants to fully fill borders is something that is very rewarding, but pretty hard work, - so i'm grateful of the company while I weed.

As well as weeding for clients this year, i've had an allotment to keep under control. - I'm guessing that 2012 has been a pretty steep learning curve for lots of gardeners weather wise, - but after the comparitive ease of growing in raised beds in my back garden, we've had to contend with mice, slugs, rabbits, deer, slugs, blight, flood, parakeets and slugs (did I mention them?) at our plot, so we were pretty pleased to get any harvests. and I have to admit that it wasn't a solo effort, I got lots of help from my boys. (yes in all weathers, aren't they great!)

So 2012 has been a really good year for me. I spent 2 weeks cheering and crying at the Olympics, I've eaten fresh food from my garden and allotment every week this year (it got a bit close in early June, - but herbs and salads covered the gap!). I've had great support for my business from my family, friends and clients, (thanks all) and i've built a network of fantastic local and social media business friends that help when I come up with interesting, mad and new ideas for next year, - and i'll tell you more about that in 2013.

Happy New Year to you.

 

RHS Shades of Autumn Show

Today I found myself, in the first week of halfterm, with an unexpected morning of childcare, and a few hours not assigned to a client garden.

So I jumped on a train up to London and took myself off to the Horticultural halls to the RHS's Shades of Autumn Show.

The hall was very colourful, with not only Autumnal shades of flowers and Foliage, but hangings decorating the hall.

I wrote about my visit to the February show with my son in tow, which I really enjoyed, but without him being there this morning, I could ask questions about the things that have been puzzling me this season.

I managed to talk to stall holders about Chrysanthemums (should have cut mine back in July, that's why they are long and leggy). Chillis, - apparently my fave Cherry Bomb isn't available any more as its been bought by monsato, - and I should leave the rest of them on the plant to ripen as they won't do as my tomatoes have done and go red on the window sill.

I also introduced myself to the Plantagogo Heuchera gang, who I know through Twitter, and discussed Vine weevil and how to get them to reroot if the little blighters have eaten the root ball off. Plus I had a lovely chat about Dahlias, which I think are my new favourite plant, and I think will definately be, if the advice I've been given gets my plants through the winter and flowering again next year.

A very successful morning and worth the hours spent playing Monopoly yesterday to get a while to myself.

The show is still on tomorrow (Wednesday) so if you're near Victoria or can spare a couple of hours to get there, it is well worth a visit

Allotment progress 8 months on, - and special visitors

Last September, - you might remember that my family were allocated a rather special allotment. I havn't written about it much, - but that doesn't mean that we havn't been (regularly) working it, and harvesting our crops, - particularly to go with our Sunday Roasts.

It's been a real family affair. - I've been down there on my own only a handful of time, - mostly it's all 3 of us.

This is our plot in all it's glory yesterday, - when we were visited by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, and lots of other important local people including our Mayoress. We were asked lots of questions and William proudly showed them round, - including pointing out the eaten pea plants (rabbits or deer we're not sure what's evading the perimeter fence)

The rest of the volunteers at the Grace and Flavour garden (over the wall in the photo) also got to show off their acheivements and then in the best of british traditions, there was lots of tea and cake.

Well done to Su and Bob for organising the day, and all the G & F community gardeners and allotmenteers for being there to show off what we've acheived in the last couple of years.

What do you do? - A week in the life of Plantpassion

I'm going to admit to shamelessly pinching the idea for this post from Rona at Flowerona, who posts an update of her (always very exciting) week each Saturday.

As i've been asked several times just this week, - what is it that you do?, - I thought i'd give you the behind the scenes look at the glamourous ! life of an expert gardener.

Saturday

During the winter, I get weekends with my family, - but as soon as spring appears, Saturdays are for seeing new customers and doing consultations in their gardens.

The morning started with my 6 weekly Chiropractor appointment, with Alain at Guildford Chiropractic Centre

Then I went off to see Mrs W, who i'd done a consultation and planting plan for last year, but life got in the way of completing the plant move.

This is the border last year, - the aim is to add more height and interest later in the year, in a traditional cottage border style (without quite as much work) in pinks and purples.

We reviewed the border in it's 2012 state, - we also talked through redesigning the herb bed on the other side of the garden.

I then went to do a new Consultation for a couple very locally to me (I walked, that's the 2nd customer in the last 3 months that are soo close) They've recently had a deck built so that they can sit outside and enjoy entertaining friends. However at the moment the rest of the garden isn't much to look at, so we talked through the plants they have, what we can improve and move around, and i'm doing a planting plan for them to give the colour and effect they want at the edge of the decking.

Sunday

The key project for today was to take down our old greenhouse, to make way for our new one. As I wasn't quite tall enough to help without getting directed (shouted at) We called in help from our friends Dana Leigh and David, So while the guys did the greenhouse, we went and pruned some apple trees at Grace and Flavour - (yes in the rain, and I did moan incessantly, but we didn't stop until we'd finished) We then had a lovely lunch in front of the fire to defrost and dry out.

Monday

Monday morning is almost always admin for me. I hate paperwork, so try to get it out of the way early in the week. Invoices, emails, phonecalls updating my website and blog are all monday morning jobs. Then I also found time to visit a couple of local nurseries for bits and pieces needed for clients this week, before pick up and my Son's swimming lesson.

The evening was a meeting for the organic team of Grace and Flavour. - Really for me, this is a chat in the pub about plant varieties. I unwisely took my ipad with me to look up details, and by the time I got home i'd ordered several books -  for research obviously

Tuesday

A regular gardening session today, - one of the 5 gardens I go to every month. This town garden has a very sunny side and a very shady side, and this was the first time since November the shady border had been defrosted, so I had a great session cutting back, weeding and pruning everything into shape. This was the garden I keep the ivy trimmed to its junvenile form.

After finishing there, I had to dash across Guildford to take photos of a project that I gave advice for last year, where the hardscaping has now been completed. I took lots of pics so that I can plan the plants and trees for the borders, and the transformation that has taken place is amazing.

Wednesday

Another regular client, and one where i've now developed 4 borders over the last 6 years. There are now plans to move the garden on even further, so a garden designer has been called in to give a big picture of how to change things. I was introduced to her today, and she seemed very nervous to meet me, saying she didn't want to take over, but i'm far too close to this garden, having been in it monthly for the last 6 years to come up with something completly different in a concept design.  I'll get the pleasure of moving the current plants around into the new borders that will be created.

Most of the session was made up of weeding, but I pruned roses, moved around some seedlings, and dug up some Asters that were creeping too close to the lawn. These will be potted up and sold at the plant fairs i'm taking part in May.

I also planted up a container with some spring colour, using the fantastic homemade compost that's been brewing at the bottom of the garden.

Luckily there was football on TV this evening, so there were no complaints when I spent the evening doing planting lists

Thursday

The start of today was totally non garden related, - A coffee morning for School mums, - although it was held at Squires, and gardening did come up in conversation. (so actually can't get away from the garden stuff can I)

I then headed off to my local nursery to pick up an order - and off to my client for planting 2 woodland edge borders with Hellebores and Sarcococcas. Plus 2 trees to add to a border I planted there last spring. The 2nd tree took longer to plant than I thought (serves me right for getting a good deal on a multistemmed birch and upping the spec) but luckily Hubby was working from home, so did the school run.

I got home just in time to gather up all my bits together for this evening's talk.  - To the Southern Branch of the National Vegetable Society, about Herbs. It was just down the road in East Horsley Village Hall, so not far to go, and they were a very appreciative audience who also totally destroyed my preconceptions of Vegetable Society members being older gents with caps who grow Vegetables far too big to be edible.

Friday

Friday is my gardening club day. I try and get in some exercise after school drop off, - but as i'm walking or swimming, i'm planning at least 3 activities of 10-15 minutes for each of the 3 age groups of children that I take. The first group at lunchtime is the reception children, - who are all very enthusiastic, but not terribly skilled at their hoeing, hole digging and seed sowing. The next group are the year 3's - 7 & 8 yr olds, who are by now worldly wise and think after 2 years they know all about gardening. I then get a break for a sandwich, and have an hour to weed, replant and harvest crops ready to sell to parents before group 3 (yr 1 & 2) after school.

By 4.10pm when i'm finishing clearing up after 3 lots of activites i'm a lot more tired than when i've done a full day of gardening, - or is that just that it's the end of the week?

Goodbye old friend, Hello new gardening opportunities

This weekend, I said goodbye to an old friend. For the last 15 years, i've spent most Sundays, and quite a few evenings in their company, in the warm, enjoying my gardening.

But now it's time to say goodbye to make room for a bigger more grown up friendship.

For the last 15 years, my Alton Cedar Greenhouse has been my partner in gardening. It was presented to me with a big bow around it for Christmas the year we moved into our first house, we'd asked all our friends and family for money towards it, and still it bust our budget, but it was soooo worth it, and over the years it has produced plants worth many many times it's value.

So at a time of year when most people have greenhouses full to the rafters, - i've had to clear mine out.

My windowsills are full, - and i'm delaying sowing a lot of things as the new one should be arriving in 2 weeks.

In the meantime, - the team from Wimbledon Garden services will be making me a new base and building the dwarf wall for my grownup plant house.

i'll keep you updated with the progress.

Winter Inspiration at Painshill Park

As a gardener, i'm used to being outside every day, and despite the protestations of my 7 year old, we made the most of the sunshine and went for another walk today.

We are spoiled by great Scenery and landscapes locally in the Surrey Hills, but today's venue is a little more manufactured than the walks on the North Downs.

Painshill park was created as a romantic landscape by Charles Hamilton in the 18th Century. The trees and shrubs collected from all over the world, frame the wonderful lakes and valleys, and include a vineyard and a NCCPG heritage collection of plants.  It fell into ruin after the 2nd World War, but has been fully renovated in the last 30 years, including the follies and Towers, and is now a fantastic place for a walk, and inspiration.

This water wheel is used to raise water from the nearby river to fill the lakes and cascades, - but with the river in flood today, it was spinning but not raising water.

This Turkish tent which dominates the view down the valley is not actually a temporary structure like it looks, but a solid folly designed to be a place for vistors to have rest and tea, and look back over the valley.

If you'd like to visit Painshill during this month, they have a free entry offer every Wednesday in January

Whatever the weather

My lovely hubby doesn't get a mention very often on this blog, - but in 2011, he's got a lot more interested in gardening, - particularly community gardening with Grace and Flavour. This means that this year for Birthday and Christmas, the gadgets that he's bought can be much more garden related.

He's been eyeing up the weather station that my Mum and Dad have for months, - so we now have one of our own attached to our greenhouse.

The weather is always a topic for conversation amongst gardeners. I know that I don't have to get out of bed in the morning but just have to look at my twitter feed to see what early rising gardeners all over the country are making of the morning conditions and how they relate to what they'll be doing today. - Now we can join in and tell people what the wind speed is, - how much rain has fallen, the humidity and pressure plus what the temperature is. All without leaving the kitchen of course (benefits of wireless technology).

Now this morning for instance the temperature has risen to a balmy 5.9 degrees C, from frozen - so it's time for me to go and do some weeding.

Hampton Court flower show 2011- my show garden highlights

I spent a lovely day at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, with my friend Helen today. As we were unemcumbered by other halves, we were able to focus solely on plants and gardening, with no gadgets or time out for posh lunches needed, - so here are my thoughts about the gardens which we had time to look at in detail.

This is the Tudor Rose winning (best in show) I am, because of who we are, by Caroline Comber with Petra Horackova. I loved the planting, - not least because there would be something there all  year round with the Bergenia and Euphorbia. Not that those Digitalis would have room to seed for next year.

The rusty metal curves were very striking, and that material was used again in the Vesta Wealth's Gary's Garden by Paul Martin

The Blue agapanthus in this garden were stunning and the pathway, really led you round, although I wasn't that keen on the Pavilion.

This clear Blue was used again with a stunning yellow daylily in this small garden, - the name of which I completly missed, - if someone can let me know i'd be grateful. (Update, thanks to Michelle of Vegplotting, I now know that this is the Deptford Project Garden, An Urban Harvest)

I love that thyme path.

There were several more paths that I noticed. - This Hoggin style surface and planting would look great in a communal space, and I wanted to stroke that sculpture.

This path was also impressive, - even more so when you realise that instead of being raked gravel, it is a resin bound surface. I found out as I watched someone walking over the ridges, - and they didn't move. - Low maintenance design at its best, - just blow away any trimmings from the Buxus balls

I've watched Fiona Stephenson's WWF's garden being built, via Blog posts from Lisa Cox, and on Landscape Juice, so it was great to see the finished product with clear chalk stream - a very successful combination of wild without being too messy.

And from very clear water, to very black water

I wasn't the only person thinking "how would you cut that grass" - on the World Vision Garden.

Best bright colour award. Has to go to the Control the Uncontrollable garden.- Designer Jill Foxley - The 2nd time a pink tap has been shown at HC to highlight this cause.

And last but by no means least (although there is no photo for obvious reasons) was the Garden by night, which we walked past 2ce, before seeing the queue to go in. This Cube lighting sponsored display (designed by Kari Beardsell) is a light excluded marquee. It shows how lighting can make a garden usuable at night, and I was suitably impressed by the different styles of eco friendly LED lights highlighting shurbs, trees and scented bedding like Nicotiana. The entrance to this is opposite the Chalk Stream WWF garden, - and I would really advise a visit.

If you're visiting this week, I hope you have a great time, - My normal park and ride carpark (Tiffin's sport field) was closed this year, so I used the Kingston Grammar sports field (£6) and took the ferry across the river (£1.80 each way) - lovely and near to the gate, and we parked in the shade, so highly recommended.