February in our Gardens by Philippa Thomas. Officially, February is the start of Spring with rising temperature and our Dawn Chorus increasing in volume. February often flatters to deceive. There is always the chance of a few warm days that can fool one into thinking Winter has gone and remember March then, ‘can come in [...]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There is a great sense of satisfaction from spending time working in the garden. There are also many benefits for our physical and mental health from being active in the outdoors. For example: Gardening involves many of our critical functions including strength, endurance, dexterity, learning and problem solving, and sensory awareness Some Benefits of Gardening [...]
If you grow lilies or fritiillaries you will have this bright lacquered red beetle pest. I first saw lily beetles in my garden about 2014. They were more a curiosity, and after I found and killed the two of them, there was no sign the rest of the year. From then I would occasionally come across them doing no particular damage and delete them on sight.
The talk on Hellebores and Friends on Tuesday, 23rd October by Dr Julian Sutton was excellent. While there are numerous cultivars of hellebores it was good to learn more about some splendid species and their role in hybridization. I grow a few species and they help me welcome spring with cheerful anticipation. I watch H. x ericsmithii stir into action [...]
The Vine Weevil appears near the top of every list of annoying insects. It is very destructive and immediate action should be taken if you come across it. This article by Club member Peter Lynch tells you all you need to know. Click to download part 1 (pdf) The second article deals with [...]
