Julia Buckley MP has presented Parliament with a petition to save the newly famous Darwin Oak from being removed for Shrewsbury’s new North West Relief Road. Good for Julia Buckley MP helping a 500-year-old tree who doesn’t even vote. Our interests here are horticultural, not political, but perhaps they overlap when we point out that… Continue reading Save the Darwin Oak: Free Oak Trees for All
Category: Trees
Ash Tree Dieback Disease Hits Somerset
It Doesn’t Seem Real Until it Happens to You Yes, folks, it finally happened to us. We had a good run, but the dieback got us, right in the Bridgwater Road, which will be closed for five days this October to take down infected Ash trees. Ash saplings infected by the Chalara fraxinea fungus were… Continue reading Ash Tree Dieback Disease Hits Somerset
Did You Hear About the Coronation Living Heritage Fund?
The Coronation Living Heritage Fund is a £2.5 million kitty for local authorities to plant more trees in honour of King Charles III’s coronation; applications closed last September. And we completely missed it. In our defence, we have absolutely no excuse. Sure, our failure to inform you in time probably won’t make any difference, because… Continue reading Did You Hear About the Coronation Living Heritage Fund?
How to Prune Trees VS Clipping Hedges
Pruning woody plants is a big part of a gardener’s life, and winter is when a lot of it gets done – especially after windy weather leaves some rough edges to tidy up. When we examine a typical branch, we can see that there are basically three ways one could cut it: So, a hedge… Continue reading How to Prune Trees VS Clipping Hedges
6 Common Bay Tree Problems & Solutions
Broadly speaking, bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is an easygoing, low maintenance evergreen tree that should give many years of pleasure in your garden. No garden plant is entirely maintenance free, and it’s worth knowing about the handful or so of common problems that can affect bay trees. Spotting issues before they escalate is the best… Continue reading 6 Common Bay Tree Problems & Solutions
15 Ideal Trees for Growing in Pots
According to the proverb, ‘To be happy for a year, get married; to be happy for life, plant a garden.’A well-chosen tree makes the perfect finishing flourish, and by planting trees in a pot, it’s perfectly possible for even a balcony-sized garden to enjoy their many benefits. Container grown trees make an attractive focal point… Continue reading 15 Ideal Trees for Growing in Pots
62% of Brits enjoy gardening – here’s their favourite flower
With the first day of spring fast approaching, we asked 1,000 UK-based adults to choose their favourite flowers and trees, as well as answer a few key questions about their interest in gardening as a hobby or pastime. Across this blog post, we’ll look at a range of gardening statistics, uncovering how the nation feels… Continue reading 62% of Brits enjoy gardening – here’s their favourite flower
Your Guide to Oak Trees: Facts, Types & Essential Information
It’s no exaggeration to describe oak trees as the national tree of Great Britain. They have been integral to our countryside for centuries, so naturally, many people are interested in growing oak trees for themselves. Planting an oak tree is one of the most altruistic things a gardener can do. These slow-growing giants take a… Continue reading Your Guide to Oak Trees: Facts, Types & Essential Information
The best of bareroot trees
We’re slap-bang in the middle of bareroot planting season. And that’s something worth celebrating when you love trees and shrubs but are on a budget. If you’re new to the joys of bareroot, the bottom line is that these are brilliantly healthy – but dormant – specimens. All trees and shrubs enter a period of… Continue reading The best of bareroot trees
Pruning Jobs to do now: Coppicing
Requiring only a sharp saw or secateurs and the courage of your convictions, coppicing is a straightforward and satisfying winter job. This short burst of activity will both warm the body and enhance the garden, with the added benefit of perhaps providing a fresh crop of bean poles or even some of next year’s firewood.… Continue reading Pruning Jobs to do now: Coppicing