NEW Gardeners !

Thank you for your help. I wanted an evergreen Magnolia which is why I bought this one. On balance I think I will try Mister Q advice and leave it for a while to see how it grows. I have put the most upright branches on a stake so fingers crossed it trains it a bit. Thanks again guys.

The system I have is really simple, just a reservoir at the bottom with a wick, the plants draw up water as they need so there isn't a mechanism to go wrong. It would only suit plants that like being kept on the wet side. So slower growing plants could well suffer with root problems.What plant...

Well, I've tried a different approach this year - which has so far been quite successful.Every morning I look at the surface of the compost - if it is dry - which is usually is - I use a sprayer on the surface of the compost - to avoid disturbing the seedlings. Not much water, just enough to...

Thanks Pete, I'll clear the ground around the bottom, its at the road end of our garden so historifcally Ive always just left whatever leaves fell in place and this is a second refence Ive hadabout old leaves (I read that I shoudl burn them but that wont go down well with anyone I dont think!)...

its the worse on line UK company I am not surprised now you have told us ...

Ok thank you for your replys

Hello! Perhaps the leaves mixed in with the bluebells is grass? You'll know if and when it 'flowers'. I'd guess that the tree is an old, badly-pruned apple.

Your situation and vision sound amazing. The upright plants in the photo seem to be bamboo. I have no experience with them at all. The search function on the site will probably bring up useful topics regarding suitable bamboos for containers. There are so many people with hands-on experience...

Thank you @Purple Streaks

Feeding time is best in very late Summer, when buds are forming... EPSOM SALTS in a weak solution is very effective and economical.

How about a four o'clock flower? They are bushy, fast growing and really nice to look at.Mirabilis jalapa - WikipediaOnly downside is, you need to dig them up for winter because they are not completely resistant to cold weather.

I think you will find @learningardener is in Malta.

Thanks i loved them It`s always nice to hear about other options Many many thanks

Hi,Looks a very neat and tidy garden, but do wait at least until late May before changing anything to give those bushes chance to come out in new growth and for other plants emerge from the ground.

Search online for hugelkultur raised bed. This will show you the principle. As misterQ said I would put a good layer of cardboard as the first layer. You will probably need to top up after the first year as the materials decompose as the level will drop. Also give it a good soak before adding...

When I had th eroses in my old house I just gave them a dose of chicken manure pellets and a compost mulch and they seemed happy enough.Rusty

Thanks have updated

Just seen the temperatures are going to plunge from weekend. Does anyone think it would be a good idea to bring my sutton drawf broadbeans ondoors inside my front porch overnight and back out in the day. Until this cold front passes?

This looks better than any part of my garden.... I think its perfect and i dont see any need to dig it through, although it wouldnt do any harm if you did. Maybe you could find a few earthworms and relocate them to the raised beds. They will then help you with your work

Thank you all so much for your help. I'm learning so much from this forum. After only 4 days with light (set just above!) all 400 seedlings are looking heaps better and all are starting to get new leaves.... it's dead exciting..... I'm like a mother hen with her babies!