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I have the same issue as the OP, wouldn't spraying the buddleias with horticultural soap deter the aphids? Predators don't seem to be sufficient prevention, I've not sprayed any chemicals in my garden for 6 years!

The elephant in the room (pun intended )is the failure to recycle human waste in a positively ecological way. Of course one will need to change perceptions, presumptions of big pharma and big farmers, and generally get the act together. The production of clean foodstuffs, avoiding chemical; and...

I'd cut those back to make it easier for establishing. In wetter, cooler areas, you can easily move shrubs at this time of year, but at that size, it isn't easy because the top can't be properly supported by the root system. Anything that takes a good pruning is more straightforward though,...

Alchemilla Mollis is the perfect foil for all posies, Jenny namaste

If you don't like the effect of the berberis and euonymus @latimer, or you trim them and they don't come back well, it's a case of remove and replace with something else. What that would be will depend on whether you want something evergreen and lower maintenance, or something you spend more...

Glad it's all going well @latimer . Just watch the standing water in the saucer! I sowed some more trays of salad bowl lettuce recently, and it's outside, but under basic cover. It's germinated and doing fine. Now just hoping the slugs stay away from it...May have to do a moat for them, or...

We have one of these in a pot in the shade of a bay. Just been out to have a look and there is one leaf with a little brown (I think, my eyes are not so good), it sticks out where the sun would kiss it! It's one the watering system, but that's on manual at the moment, although I am remembering...

I think the plan is going to be cut it right back, propagate the cuttings and add them in to give a fuller look and see how that goes

Very nice indeed.. and can only get better with time.I also have a new 'Kew Gardens'..

Thanks for the reply. The seeds/bulblets theory could potentially be the case -- we've had the azalea for maybe 7 or 8 years, so around 3 years before the lilies started to appear.

I would just have taller plants (in bigger pots), perhaps even a couple of small trees.

Mine are grown on in pots, and they have to be put in 'moats' most of the time to keep slugs off them, until they're big enough to cope. That's been a real nuisance, but it's the only way I can get growth. Some are more able than others, but it's hard to know which ones until they get...

Thank you @Grannybee that is reassuring Despite completing the RHS Level 2 Diploma, I did the practical Course at Hever Castle, so only had practice at pruning roses and buddleji, so everything else is a bit scary, as I can be a bit heavy handed!Thanks for the responses, really helpful

Ah thanks. I had watered quite a bit prior. Maybe not soaking but it was pretty wet. Thanks, Ed

The problem with heights and spreads is - they're variable because your conditions will dictate how much or how little something grows, and therefore everything is approximate. It can take a few years for any perennial to reach it's full size too. A hotter, drier site with sandier soil is very...

If you can lift the entire carrot, with tap root ,intact then you may succeed. If you have a coarse, sandy soil, then form a deep* hole with a pencil type dibber, suspend the carrot seedling in the hole while watering to fill the hole. Do not compress. *just deeper than the length of the...

Yes - the soil will be fine unless it's light and sandy. Ideally, for using pots - a good base of old turf or garden soil, with some rotted manure and decent quality compost as the mix, is ideal for s. peas, with some added slow release food. That give them a good start, and keeps them happy...

Budget always comes into it @latimer . It's still a great pond with lots of interest and use for wildlife, so give it some time to settle and for the plants to get going. It'll look very different in another year. I've never used a pump in any wildlife pond though, but there's no reason why you...

Thank you for your reply. And for your advice regarding bulbs. Also for identifying the flowers. I did try doing it through an id app but it was as confused as me!it’s definitely dry in our garden, even when it’s wet everywhere else! I’ll try the Iris idea for next year. I’ve found a website...

Slugs do like them a lot @latimer so just be prepared! The ensatas like moist conditions - they can grow in pond shallows, so make sure they don't dry out.