Climbing Plants – Clematis Early And Late

hughe — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:50:31 +0000

Clematis Montana

Clematis Alpina Constance

Clematis Sunset

Clematis Montana is known as a vigorous climber and this one in my garden has lived up to its name. This is now the third season since this was planted and it has now completely covered the tree stump. While montana can be a nuisance in the wrong place, where there is room for it to sprawl it makes a fine show.

The montana was the second clematis to bloom in my garden this year. It was preceded by clematis Alpina Constance which put on its display in April and is now over. Next I am looking forward to Ice Blue and Sunset which are growing together in a container. The Large white flowers of rather oddly named Ice Blue are complemented by the reddish purple of Sunset.

The oldest clematis I have was planted soon after I moved to this house some six years ago. Clematis Jackmanii Superba has puple flowers and blooms profusely on a north facing fence. Each year I prune it back to eighteen inches from the ground, but last autumn I decided to leave the main branches in place. Unfortunately when I checked earlier this spring I found that the main stem had been broken almost at ground level and it is only now slowly beginning to grow back. Slugs are a problem and nibble the emerging shoots, but clematis are tough and always recover after a slow start.

Slugs And Snails And How To Save Your Plants

Roses, Radishes and Squared Recipes

hughe — Tue, 04 May 2010 11:17:30 +0000

Following the revival of interest in his space saving “square foot gardening” technique Mel Brooks has recently published the natural sequel the “All New Square Foot Gardening Cookbook“. The book covers fruits and vegetables from A to T, Asparagus to Tomatoes with Melons and Berries for the fruit. Unlike the average cookbook this one starts with advice on when to harvest, how to know that it’s ready and even when it’s too late. Then there are tips on storage and even companion planting receives a mention. Finally we come to the recipes which include Roasted Asparagus With Cherry Tomatoes and Asparagus Wild Rice Salad.

Source(which includes recipes for Squash and Crab Soup and Cool Cucumber Ginger Limeade).

Krystle Vermes writes a regular Plant of the Week column in the Boston Green Community Examiner and her piece on radishes caught my eye. Radishes are ideal crops for kids because they are easy to grow and take only a few weeks from planting the seeds to harvest. With their bright pink skin and peppery taste radishes make a coloful addition to any salad. Read more..

A recent subject in the Plant of the Week series covered a flower that has been flourishing for over 35 million years. Certainly the rose has been prized throughout history and remains a firm favorite today. The article by Krystle Vermes includes advice on planting and varieties as well as the best time to pick them for use in flower arrangements. And it gives me an excuse to include some of photos of a few of my favorites. Read more..

The strongly scented GertrudeJekyl

St Swithun climbing rose

Rose border at RHS Wisley

Garden Supplies News » flowers

Climbing Plants – Clematis Early And Late

Roses, Radishes and Squared Recipes