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Post by spiderpuss on Apr 15, 2021 13:22:19 GMT
We’ve got a small olive tree too. It has produced a couple of olives in the past few years, although they were only tiny things – about the size of a small pea. I made the mistake of tasting one once – will never do it again though. It was probably the bitterest thing ever experienced – If you can imagine a gaggle of Momo, Huddy, Essex, Bayern and Bath sitting together discussing the December 2019 election result, it was even bitterer than that! Take a bow, Yoky! If that last bit isn't the QUOTE OF THE YEAR on this MB I don't know what is! Olive's like tough ground, so, they are probably small due to the fact they can get lots of water and therefore don't bother fruiting (that's my guess anyways).
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2021 16:44:45 GMT
Yes it's a lovely morning but it was a little chilly earlier on. The cherry blossom in our garden hasn't opened yet, but the new crab apple that I planted a few weeks ago is on the cusp of opening. Our magnolias have been flowering for a couple of weeks, but the star so far this year has been our camellia, it's been covered in beautiful red blooms, a really bright highlight even on dreary days. I've spent the morning in my greenhouse - sowing some seeds and potting on some seedlings that I'd planted a few weeks ago. I've also become more and more interested in growing my own plants from cuttings from plants in my garden, and also from neighbours etc. Last year I took lots of different things, and most rooted well, but I'm most pleased that 4 of my rose cuttings have all rooted nicely and I've now separated them into individual pots - only problem is I can't remember which one is which type (until they flower !). Are you stalking me 😁 my Camellia Dr King ( new this year) has amazing red blooms my Magnolia Stellata( new in Jan) has yet to bloom but has buds and my Crab apple is bursting with red buds ready to open anytime now. We seem to have similar taste in what we plant. Oh my Cherry is a Stella on dwarf rootstock. Ha ha, You're right, we do seem to have similar taste by the sounds of it - spooky isn't it ! We have a large purple flowering magnolia which is covered in buds and looks set to be fabulous this year. We planted a creamy pink flowering one which has blossomed already and the flowers are about the size of my hand. We also have a stellata (which we bought for just £12.99 from Jackson's Nursery at Bagnall 2 years ago - Bridgemere had one about the same size for £62.99 !), and it is still flowering profusely. The red camellia has been magnificent though (we've recently bought a pink one for another part of the garden). We do also have a (dwarf) Stella cherry which is now about 5 years old and looks set for a bumper crop this year, and our new crab apple (Evereste) we planted about 4 weeks ago, is covered in red buds. We planted a red rhododendron for a shady part of the garden so we've yet to see how that performs.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2021 16:48:46 GMT
The thread should probably be renamed "Tales From The Potting Shed" or something similar as we seem to be covering a wide range of things rather than just fruit trees. Edit: Or how about "Compost Corner" ?
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Post by franklin on Apr 15, 2021 16:51:51 GMT
Are you stalking me 😁 my Camellia Dr King ( new this year) has amazing red blooms my Magnolia Stellata( new in Jan) has yet to bloom but has buds and my Crab apple is bursting with red buds ready to open anytime now. We seem to have similar taste in what we plant. Oh my Cherry is a Stella on dwarf rootstock. Ha ha, You're right, we do seem to have similar taste by the sounds of it - spooky isn't it ! We have a large purple flowering magnolia which is covered in buds and looks set to be fabulous this year. We planted a creamy pink flowering one which has blossomed already and the flowers are about the size of my hand. We also have a stellata (which we bought for just £12.99 from Jackson's Nursery at Bagnall 2 years ago - Bridgemere had one about the same size for £62.99 !), and it is still flowering profusely. The red camellia has been magnificent though (we've recently bought a pink one for another part of the garden). We do also have a (dwarf) Stella cherry which is now about 5 years old and looks set for a bumper crop this year, and our new crab apple (Evereste) we planted about 4 weeks ago, is covered in red buds. We planted a red rhododendron for a shady part of the garden so we've yet to see how that performs. We had a few rhododendron but I had weevils and they decimated them so I replaced them with Hydrangea and they are brilliant in there place.
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Post by franklin on May 6, 2021 12:56:45 GMT
Well I have my first flower on my Magnolia and my lemon is having a second flowering I just hope the lemons set this time I have one large one ripening anytime in the next few months. My crab apple is straining under the masses of blossom and I have cherries 🍒 beginning to grow ready for eating 😋
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Post by raythesailor on May 6, 2021 13:25:48 GMT
My Dandelions are doing well !!!😀
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2021 19:44:35 GMT
Our magnolias are all flowering really well.
All our cherry and apple trees have had terrific blossom this year but it's all being blown away by these winds and rain. Still it was beautiful while it lasted.
I'm having a problem with my peppers this year (sweet peppers not chilis) - they're in the greenhouse and they've all grown well from seed, but they've just stopped growing and I haven't yet transplanted them to bigger pots, maybe it's the cold weather that has stunted their growth. I put my tomatoes into grow bags in the same greenhouse as the peppers last weekend and they're growing really well.
I'm trying parsnips from seed this year and they're all growing well in spite of the cold. Parsnips are apparently difficult to grow from seed but thankfully no problems (so far anyway). I'm also growing carrots (traditional and heritage varieties), lettuce (Little Gem and Lollo Rossa), beetroot, pak choi, butternut squash, courgettes, peas, and they're all doing well. As an experiment I even planted a plum stone after I'd eaten the fruit, and it's growing away quite happily in the greenhouse. I don't know how big it will grow and as I haven't got space for another tree in my garden I'll probably end up giving it away.
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Post by franklin on May 6, 2021 19:53:27 GMT
My Dandelions are doing well !!!😀 I've sown some wild flower seeds this year, I had my beds all prim and proper and then threw the mix all over and they include dandelion they're great for insects. So I have all of my trees, shrubs and flowers then dotted about "weeds" and im looking forward to see how they go.
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Post by jeycov on May 7, 2021 8:21:11 GMT
For anyone interested I've also just purchased a solid oak Kentucky bourbon barrel and a half barrel. Given them a short refurbishment, planted the half up with numerous plants and made a cracking drinks table out of the full one varnished complete with the original stamp. Total cost £40 for the two items way cheaper and better quality than a garden centre. Where did you get them from?
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Post by franklin on May 7, 2021 8:38:36 GMT
For anyone interested I've also just purchased a solid oak Kentucky bourbon barrel and a half barrel. Given them a short refurbishment, planted the half up with numerous plants and made a cracking drinks table out of the full one varnished complete with the original stamp. Total cost £40 for the two items way cheaper and better quality than a garden centre. Where did you get them from? They are on Facebook market place and it was les Oakes place Cheadle that had loads of full and half barrels. They are in really good condition and it literally only took me an hour or so to wash them varnish and plant the half up. The hardest part was lifting them into my Focus boot 💪 The full was £25 half was £15. Got them on some terracotta plant pot feet on my decking and they look brilliant if I do say so myself 😊 Just had a look and its a chap called Mills and he's still advertising the half for £15 but the full appears to be £30 now, id just mention you thought they were £25 before 😉
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Post by crowey on May 7, 2021 9:44:01 GMT
.... maar missus just got the trees cut back away from around the house. Decided at the last minute to get our beautiful 30yo mango tree “pruned” as well. Now it has about three leaves and I am sure won’t recover. I will never forgive her for this
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Post by franklin on May 7, 2021 11:45:28 GMT
My chores done for the day been down to my local steel merchant and got 30mts of 6mm round to make my garden plant supports all done with a few spares as and when I need them. Again so easy to make and a fraction of the cost of ready made ones from the garden centre.
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2021 11:51:49 GMT
My chores done for the day been down to my local steel merchant and got 30mts of 6mm round to make my garden plant supports all done with a few spares as and when I need them. Again so easy to make and a fraction of the cost of ready made ones from the garden centre. I've been looking to do this as well, the cost of ready made ones are crazy. How much did you pay for the steel ? Where did you get it from if you don't mind me asking ?
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Post by franklin on May 7, 2021 11:55:16 GMT
My chores done for the day been down to my local steel merchant and got 30mts of 6mm round to make my garden plant supports all done with a few spares as and when I need them. Again so easy to make and a fraction of the cost of ready made ones from the garden centre. I've been looking to do this as well, the cost of ready made ones are crazy. How much did you pay for the steel ? Where did you get it from if you don't mind me asking ? A D Hall on Chemical Lane and it was £10 for 30 meters of 6mm round, they cut it into 3mtr length for me i just use various size items to bend the round top circumference. www.adhall.co.uk/
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Post by marylandstoke on May 7, 2021 12:01:37 GMT
.... maar missus just got the trees cut back away from around the house. Decided at the last minute to get our beautiful 30yo mango tree “pruned” as well. Now it has about three leaves and I am sure won’t recover. I will never forgive her for this Really? That’s terrible news Crowey.
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2021 12:02:12 GMT
I've been looking to do this as well, the cost of ready made ones are crazy. How much did you pay for the steel ? Where did you get it from if you don't mind me asking ? A D Hall on Chemical Lane and it was £10 for 30 meters of 6mm round, they cut it into 3mtr length for me i just use various size items to bend the round top circumference. www.adhall.co.uk/Thanks !
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Post by murphthesurf on May 8, 2021 21:33:23 GMT
My Dandelions are doing well !!!😀 Raymondo, please leave them if you can! They are a vital food for wildlife, especially bees. I've just posted this on the 'Wild Birds' thread: If anyone has enough space to plant a few teasels, they have thistle-like heads which are full of seeds and are marvellous to just leave as they are so that the birds can help themselves and enjoy them.
Speaking of dandelions, it's best to leave them if poss rather than being a neat gardener and pulling them all up because bees love them - and bees also need all the help they can get these days in view of so many wild flowers and meadows sadly being wiped out by pesticides.Northy had earlier posted that he's left a few dandelions on purpose in a wild patch of lawn and that birds love to eat the dandelion seedheads.
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2021 22:35:42 GMT
My Dandelions are doing well !!!😀 Raymondo, please leave them if you can! They are a vital food for wildlife, especially bees. I've just posted this on the 'Wild Birds' thread: If anyone has enough space to plant a few teasels, they have thistle-like heads which are full of seeds and are marvellous to just leave as they are so that the birds can help themselves and enjoy them.
Speaking of dandelions, it's best to leave them if poss rather than being a neat gardener and pulling them all up because bees love them - and bees also need all the help they can get these days in view of so many wild flowers and meadows sadly being wiped out by pesticides.Northy had earlier posted that he's left a few dandelions on purpose in a wild patch of lawn and that birds love to eat the dandelion seedheads. I've actually been reading about this in the last couple of weeks Murph. Since the 1930 it's estimated that 97% of wildflower meadows have been lost, that's 7.5 million acres or 3 million hectares ! Of the remaining areas of meadows around 75% are in small fragmented areas and are themselves vulnerable to destruction. Species rich grassland now only covers a mere 1% if the U.K. land area. One indication I hadn't thought of is that there are numerous roads throughout the country incorporating the word Meadow, Meadow Lane for example, and in most cases these refer to the previous usage of the land before being built on. There is a scheme in place to replant 6,000 hectares with wildflower meadows but in comparison to what has been lost, it's hardly scratching the surface. With our increasing population, and the subsequent increasing need for food and housing, the pressure on the survival of the remaining wildflower meadow is increasing.
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Post by raythesailor on May 9, 2021 7:36:10 GMT
My Dandelions are doing well !!!😀 Raymondo, please leave them if you can! They are a vital food for wildlife, especially bees. I've just posted this on the 'Wild Birds' thread: If anyone has enough space to plant a few teasels, they have thistle-like heads which are full of seeds and are marvellous to just leave as they are so that the birds can help themselves and enjoy them.
Speaking of dandelions, it's best to leave them if poss rather than being a neat gardener and pulling them all up because bees love them - and bees also need all the help they can get these days in view of so many wild flowers and meadows sadly being wiped out by pesticides.Northy had earlier posted that he's left a few dandelions on purpose in a wild patch of lawn and that birds love to eat the dandelion seedheads. I hear and understand what you say. There is a profusion of them in the area where I live and walk around almost daily. They are everywhere. The problem I had is that I had several growing out of block paved drive. I have now pressure washed it. They are very resilient and deep rooted so I am sure they will return. I have numerous shrubs and bushes to the rear and so lots of Bees and Butterflies every year. 😀
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Post by franklin on May 10, 2021 20:59:33 GMT
My missus birthday today so I've bought her (me 😁) some mains powered coloured spot lights they have a rainbow effect and change. They have numerous settings and illuminate my trees and larger shrubs and they look mystical and beautiful she's (I'm) delighted.
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Post by raythesailor on May 17, 2021 17:42:53 GMT
Raymondo, please leave them if you can! They are a vital food for wildlife, especially bees. I've just posted this on the 'Wild Birds' thread: If anyone has enough space to plant a few teasels, they have thistle-like heads which are full of seeds and are marvellous to just leave as they are so that the birds can help themselves and enjoy them.
Speaking of dandelions, it's best to leave them if poss rather than being a neat gardener and pulling them all up because bees love them - and bees also need all the help they can get these days in view of so many wild flowers and meadows sadly being wiped out by pesticides.Northy had earlier posted that he's left a few dandelions on purpose in a wild patch of lawn and that birds love to eat the dandelion seedheads. I've actually been reading about this in the last couple of weeks Murph. Since the 1930 it's estimated that 97% of wildflower meadows have been lost, that's 7.5 million acres or 3 million hectares ! Of the remaining areas of meadows around 75% are in small fragmented areas and are themselves vulnerable to destruction. Species rich grassland now only covers a mere 1% if the U.K. land area. One indication I hadn't thought of is that there are numerous roads throughout the country incorporating the word Meadow, Meadow Lane for example, and in most cases these refer to the previous usage of the land before being built on. There is a scheme in place to replant 6,000 hectares with wildflower meadows but in comparison to what has been lost, it's hardly scratching the surface. With our increasing population, and the subsequent increasing need for food and housing, the pressure on the survival of the remaining wildflower meadow is increasing. Well the Birds and Beas are in for a good summer around here. This evening I have a BLIZZARD of Dandelion seeds flying horizontally past my house ! Really interesting to watch nature let loose. 😀
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Post by franklin on Jun 4, 2021 8:18:57 GMT
I need help im very quickly getting out of control I've purchased another tree a Red Lime tree absolutely rammed with fruit and ive now started to hang pots on the house because I've run out of garden space. I now have a herb wall and a strawberry wall, I've got 34 pots ranging from a half whiskey barrel to small herb pots are there helplines out there to help me through this fragrant period in my life 🤪
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2021 8:46:09 GMT
I need help im very quickly getting out of control I've purchased another tree a Red Lime tree absolutely rammed with fruit and ive now started to hang pots on the house because I've run out of garden space. I now have a herb wall and a strawberry wall, I've got 34 pots ranging from a half whiskey barrel to small herb pots are there helplines out there to help me through this fragrant period in my life 🤪 It's addictive isn't it (I'm the same as it happens). Just think how much watering you're going to have to do in dry weather though.
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Post by franklin on Jun 4, 2021 9:02:38 GMT
I need help im very quickly getting out of control I've purchased another tree a Red Lime tree absolutely rammed with fruit and ive now started to hang pots on the house because I've run out of garden space. I now have a herb wall and a strawberry wall, I've got 34 pots ranging from a half whiskey barrel to small herb pots are there helplines out there to help me through this fragrant period in my life 🤪 It's addictive isn't it (I'm the same as it happens). Just think how much watering you're going to have to do in dry weather though. It is i threw some wild seeds about and I have red clover and cornflowers amongst them and they are incredibly beautiful i think that might be the way I may go next year. I have my shrubs, bulbs and fruit trees etc but I'm actually stunned at how good theses seeds have done and how stunning they are.
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Post by murphthesurf on Jun 4, 2021 13:45:41 GMT
It's addictive isn't it (I'm the same as it happens). Just think how much watering you're going to have to do in dry weather though. It is i threw some wild seeds about and I have red clover and cornflowers amongst them and they are incredibly beautiful i think that might be the way I may go next year. I have my shrubs, bulbs and fruit trees etc but I'm actually stunned at how good theses seeds have done and how stunning they are. Wonderful, François - the bees will love you for providing such a great larder for them. Your garden and Dees's both sound very picturesque. Pop some Pot Marjoram seeds or plants in there too, if you haven't already done so - it's hardy, will self-seed and the bees will love the flowers + you can enjoy eating the herbs. Also, glad you've revived this Gardening thread - I was going to do this today for Bisp, as it's right up his street and I'm sure he'll love it.
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Post by franklin on Jun 4, 2021 14:03:39 GMT
It is i threw some wild seeds about and I have red clover and cornflowers amongst them and they are incredibly beautiful i think that might be the way I may go next year. I have my shrubs, bulbs and fruit trees etc but I'm actually stunned at how good theses seeds have done and how stunning they are. Wonderful, François - the bees will love you for providing such a great larder for them. Your garden and Dees's both sound very picturesque. Pop some Pot Marjoram seeds or plants in there too, if you haven't already done so - it's hardy, will self-seed and the bees will love the flowers + you can enjoy eating the herbs. Also, glad you've revived this Gardening thread - I was going to do this today for Bisp, as it's right up his street and I'm sure he'll love it. I'm not sure i can fit anything else in my small garden if im honest im already planting up the walls to fit more in 😅 I've got a herb wall with chives, borage, chervil,sorrel, parsley,lemon balm, salad burnet and dill all in pots mounted on my back kitchen wall outside.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2021 14:12:48 GMT
I got hold of a few old pallets during lockdown and made a raised trough for some carrots, parsnips, and some lettuce. It all seems to be growing well, and the wife has already been picking some of the lettuce for lunch. I've also got a couple of raised beds - one with more lettuce, beetroot, and carrots, and the other with some peas, pak choi, and a later crop of beetroot. Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2021 14:20:07 GMT
I also made a couple of cold frames from old pallets to sit just outside my greenhouse to harden off seedlings and plants that had overwintered in the greenhouse. I lined them with polystyrene sheets that came in something that we'd had delivered, and topped them off with a couple of polycarbonate sheets. In the shops they're about £50-ish each and I managed to make them for next to nothing plus the price of a box of screws. I'll post a picture when I get chance. Edit Here's the photo of the cold frames. Emptied now that almost everything has been planted.
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Post by murphthesurf on Jun 4, 2021 14:45:06 GMT
I got hold of a few old pallets during lockdown and made a raised trough for some carrots, parsnips, and some lettuce. It all seems to be growing well, and the wife has already been picking some of the lettuce for lunch. I've also got a couple of raised beds - one with more lettuce, beetroot, and carrots, and the other with some peas, pak choi, and a later crop of beetroot. I CAN'T BLUDDY STAND PEOPLE WHO CAN DO CLEVER STUFF IN THE GARDEN. THE B*ST*RDS - I'M GREEN WITH ENVY. Hi, Dees (Oh, sorry... for an awkward moment there I thought I'd left my microphone on - what a silly billy if I had, but in fact I hadn't.) Anyway, just wanted to say what a brilliant photo of your creation, which you built with your own fair hands, and how clever you are to grow all those lovely things. Applause, applause! Lots of love, Murph xxx
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Post by franklin on Jun 5, 2021 7:32:16 GMT
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