My Garden Progress

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Kevin Cowans, Jul 19, 2018.

  1. Kevin Cowans

    Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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    Hello @Sheal

    Thanks for the reply.

    Regarding the Plasterer, he was an independent so the reviews had to be for him, of course the reviews could of been fabricated, that is always a possibility.

    He was found through 'MyBuilder', the new one I have been in contact with was found on 'CheckaTrade' so at least their work is guaranteed.

    Thanks for the advice regarding the Pruning, it looks as though February is the time to start.

    I have no roses or vegetables but I do have climbers, specifically, Clematis 'Nelly Moser', Clematis 'Rouge Cardinal', Clematis ' Daniel Deronda', Clematis 'Mayleen', Honeysuckle 'Gold Flame', Ceanothus 'Concha' and Winter Jasmine.

    I did have an issue with the two young trees, a Rowan 'Joseph Rock' and a Malus 'Rudolph' where the squirrels decided to clamber all over them breaking some of the younger branches in the process.

    I did have to cut the damaged branches off so there was a clean cut rather than a tear, hopefully no permanent damage was done, I guess I will find out come the Spring when they flower.

    Thanks

    Kevin
     
  2. Kevin Cowans

    Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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    Hello @Nikolaos

    Thanks for the comments and the kind words, I am looking forward to seeing how the garden develops, next year will only be the gardens second year so there is a way to go yet :)

    I have always had difficulty seeing the big picture in anything and always see the details, I guess my Autism has a hand in that.

    However, I agree that keeping a record of the garden progress helps and looking back through my own progress, i.e. this thread, there is a definite improvement in the garden from when I started this journey.

    Thanks

    Kevin
     
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    • john558

      john558 Total Gardener

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      I always take pics of my garden progress.
      I've been in lockdown since March, so I decided to prune a Holly Tree and cut down all the brambles.
      The first pic is after these had been cleared
      The second is where I am now. P1010085.JPG
       

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      • Sheal

        Sheal Total Gardener

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        Hi Kevin,

        It's a shame you had bad luck with the plasterer. As you say the reviews could have been false. I hope you have better luck with the next one.

        @ARMANDII has a lot of Clematis and I'm sure he will be kind enough to give you advice on pruning. :)

        The trees will recover without showing signs of the damage done and pruning will have helped to tidy them up. Being young trees they will eventually fill out and you won't be able to see what has been done.
         
      • ARMANDII

        ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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        It would, as a general rule, Kevin, be best to prune most Clematis at the end of February and cut them down to about 18 inches from the ground leaving 4 or 5 shoots on the stems......

         
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        • Kevin Cowans

          Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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          Hello @Sheal

          Thanks for the reply.

          It just seems that I am always fixing the work of others at the moment which has disrupted my schedule and plans for this year.

          I tend to rely on routine and planning, heavily, as it helps me cope, this year has been difficult as my plans have gone out the window, following the money I have had to spend to put things right.

          I am not going to be able to get the plastering addressed now until the New Year as funds are tied up addressing the next items on the list.

          Hopefully things go better next time.

          As for the trees, hopefully you are right and no permanent damage has been done.

          Thanks

          Kevin
           
        • Kevin Cowans

          Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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          Hello @ARMANDII

          Thanks for visiting :)

          The only Clematis that has had any significant growth this year is the 'Montana Mayleen' which is currently spreading over four fence panels.

          The others, 'Nelly Moser', 'Daniel Deronda' and 'Rouge Cardinal' are still only approximately 18" tall and I do not really know why.

          Also, the Clematis in the front garden, which I am not sure what cultivar it is, it may be 'Nelly Moser' but not sure, disappeared in late 2019. If it does not show any signs of recovery next Spring should I replace it?

          Also, thanks for the video.

          Kevin
           
        • ARMANDII

          ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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          Hi Kevin,

          Well, for the moment, as long as they're alive I wouldn't worry too much as some Clematis will just sit there in the soil establishing themselves for the first year:dunno:. If they're only 18 inches tall now, but did have leaves on them, then I would leave them and not prune them in the coming Spring. I would get some Tomato Feed, if you haven't got some already and, in the Spring, when they start to put out fresh growth give them a weekly feed.

          I think it might be wise to replace it, Kevin. But first, what is the planting site like?, is it in the open?, against a wall?, in the Sun or the shade? Also, it's a good idea when planting Clematis to (a) plant the Clematis deeper by around 4 inches than the pot compost level, (b) make sure, if you are planting against a wall, not to plant it right against it but around 12-18 inches away from it where it won't be too dry, (c) Ensure you water the Clematis for the first couple of weeks keeping the soil damp but not soaked and, of course, when it starts to put out that new growth give it a weekly high Potash feed with Tomato Feed.

          You're more than welcome.:love30::thumbsup:
           
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          • Sheal

            Sheal Total Gardener

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            Hi Kevin. I can understand your frustration with unreliable tradesman. It's very difficult to find someone these days that is reliable and willing to do the job needed. I am lucky that I have found a local man that can lay his hands to most things concerning diy and he does a good job too. Let's hope you find someone like him in the future.

            Pat yourself on the back, you have coped very well with the disruption of your plans and routine this year, even though it makes you feel uneasy. Covid hasn't helped your situation either so let's hope 2021 is a much better year.
             
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            • Kevin Cowans

              Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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              Hello @ARMANDII

              Thanks for the reply.

              The planting site for the Clematis in the front garden is in front of a 3' fence which faces South East.

              Sun Exposure is Partial Shade and I believe it is the other Clematis 'Nelly Moser'.

              The plants in the front garden will also be served by the Drip Irrigation once I get the Drippers installed, the main supply hose is already in place.

              I have a photo, taken on 22 September 2019, a week after the planting was completed, however, please bear in mind that it is no longer indicative of the borders which are now much wider and are also edged with Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone Setts.

              22-09-2019_08-23-53_0002.jpg

              Thanks in advance

              Kevin
               
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              • Kevin Cowans

                Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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                Hello @Sheal

                Thanks for the reply and the kind words, it is appreciated.

                Kevin
                 
              • Sheal

                Sheal Total Gardener

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                You're welcome Kevin. :)
                 
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                • Kevin Cowans

                  Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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                  Hello all

                  I have just been out in the garden, before it rains, and noticed multiple, small, Buddleia plants dotted around the garden.

                  I think it is the 'île de France' but am not 100% sure.

                  When I had the garden planted in 2019 I did say that I did not want any Buddleia in the garden due to past issues, however, I was assured that it would be fine.

                  I have removed 8 small plants currently and have removed the Buddleia which, thankfully, was easy to dig up.

                  I am now looking for a replacement shrub that will attract Pollinators, Butterflies etc., without the issues associated with Buddleia.

                  Does anyone have any suggestions for a Shrub that fits the bill?

                  It will be planted in a small bed next to the Main Drain cover so non invasive roots would be preferred and it will need to cover an approximately 1m x 1m area.

                  The area is shown below:

                  20201124_144002.jpg

                  Thanks in advance

                  Kevin
                   
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                    Last edited: Nov 24, 2020
                  • jimcubs

                    jimcubs Gardener

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                    We used two plasters one was a stock controller from Argos and the latest was one of my Cubs ( grown up now ), so it’s who you know and recommended I have found to be best.
                    Yes both jobs were done to a very good standard, pay rates were wonderful as well.
                     
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                    • Sheal

                      Sheal Total Gardener

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                      Hi Kevin. :)

                      Two plants that come immediately to mind are these below. Bees and butterflies love Sedums. Bees also like Geraniums. Both plants are herbaceous perennials

                      Sedum Spectabile (Ice plant) tends to bloom from late summer. The flower heads get quite heavy so it may need some support.
                      Sedum (1).JPG


                      Geranium flowers throughout summer.
                      Geranium (1).JPG
                       
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