Muddy_boots' Blog
Muddy_boots' Blog
6 Apr, 2008
10 comments
A SNOWY SUNDAY?
Well, no snow in Wisbech, so looks like we lost out again. I have this theory, that most of Wisbech is at, or below, sea level, the snow has melted before 4it gets down here.
Anyway, I took a walk into town and had a sudden rush of blood to the head. The plant stalls were so colourful with all sorts of plants and flowers, I just had to get my wallet out. I didn’t go too mad this time, having heard that we were expecting snow today. I just bought some alpines to fill a few bare patches on my rockery and a tray of lollo rosso cut and come again lettuce plants. Not bad – £1.20 for a dozen! Now to get them in, but I think I’ll transplant the leaves in a couple of days. I like the taste of lollo rosso, especially in salad sarnies.
The Rockery
Lollo Rosso
I took advantage of the non-existent snow and damp conditions, by spreading the Nematodes, so hopefully I will not be bothered by vine weevils until the autumn. They say on the label to use a course rose on the watering can. I don’t think mine is course enough as it kept blocking up. That’s the nematodes blocking up the holes, I guess. Anyway, one pack just about covered all my containers. If anyone knows of any other product for removing vine weevils, I’d love to know about it, as they are the bane of container growers.
I have been wondering why my Acers seem to be so far behind others that I have seen locally and read up on the net that they prefer to be in a shady sheltered spot. They are just coming into leaf now, so I have moved the tubs against a north facing fence and see if that does any better. On the reverse side. My magnolia seems to be miles behind. A lady up the road has one in her garden and the flower buds have opened up. Mine is only just in bud, so I have relocated the tub to where the Acers were.
Acer
Patio Magnolia
Ahhhh!!!!! Have just noticed, that some coal tits have taken an interest in one of my bird boxes. Whether they are building a nest in there or just surveying, I’m not sure, but there was a pair of blue tits in there last year. I don’t know how many chicks they had, but I did see three sat on the fence, being fed by the parents. I reckon my robin must have a nest nearby too, because I have had a robin box up for two years and they haven’t used it, and knowing how territorial they are, no others will be using ii. Staying on the birds. I think some must have some chicks around because my feeders seem to need filling more than they have been just lately.
I put my order in yesterday to Jersey Plants Direct for some Bizzy Lizzie plugs and Thomson & Morgan for some new type of trailing plants for my hanging baskets. Just hope they’ll get through this cold snap. Anyone know how long it’ll last. I think this time last year, we were getting the sun blocker out
Comments
6 Apr, 2008
Hi Hel
Well, from what they keep saying on the TV gardening progs, they are the in thing and should be a lot less wasteful, especially if you live on your own. Though I do like ittle Gem, but Asda only sell them in two's, so one usually ends up in the compost bin.
Ken
6 Apr, 2008
Sounds like you have been having a bit of a spending spree Ken! good for you - we had about 6" of snow today - and Brooke had a dress rehersal for her dance show, so not much been going on in my garden today! but moving on to the Acers Ken i really would'nt worry - it very much depends on the variety! i have 7 different varieties and while 2 of them are covered in new leaves already, i have 2 that are just starting to shoot and 3 that are still very much in bud! - and they are all in semi shade and sheltered from strong winds! i think the same is also true of Magnolia, - i don't have one myself but there are several down my road in front gardens - quite a few different ones and some are in full bloom, some have already finished and some are still in bud. i have been feeling the same about my new red Camellia - when i look on here so many of you have them in flower, and there are so many around here that are in flower or have finished, and i seem to still be waiting! i thought that the cold had got the buds and they wern't gonna open, but low and behold over the last few days they have started to show colour, - needless to say i have been out there with a orange recycling bag to protect the flowers from frost damage, would hate to wait so long and then all the flowers end up with brown tips on the petals! anyway getting back to the point - i do love to waffle! i looked them up on google and mine is a late flowering variety. maybe the same is true of your acers and magnolia.
6 Apr, 2008
Thanks Angie. I was wondering why I am so far behind, but your words of encouragement are comforting. It might be my sheltered micro environment I hope
6 Apr, 2008
Hi Muddy Boots re vine weevils try a product called Provado made by babybio people.Widely available at garden centres.Bit cold for nematodes just yet.
7 Apr, 2008
Thanks for the tip, Bonkers. I took a shot at the soil temp and it was just about what it said on the label
7 Apr, 2008
Youre welcome Muddy of course milder for you than edge of moors . Quite deep snow last night now wet and slushy .Pond is filling naturally only problem havent lined it yet.! So think I might end up as Muddy boots junior.
7 Apr, 2008
Hi Ken iv seen some Cut&Come again lettuce on K/L Friday Market & i was going to buy some but thought id ask around b4 i buy it as id like 2 keep mine in a pot will it be ok if grown in apot?
7 Apr, 2008
Hi Jacque
Yes Hun, you can grow them in any container. I will put mine into a trough, but I have seen them, one plant per pot!
They are a bit like your beans, the more you cut them, the more you get. I was over run with them last year. The ones I have sown, are just about an inch long.
I noticed my radishes are up too!
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For The Brave
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Joined 29 Mar, 2008
Yorkshire/Deryshire border
Helofadigger
6 Apr, 2008
Hi Ken I like the sound of them Lollo Rosso cut and come again lettuce plants as I get so fed up having to throw away lettuce after only a day or so. I might give tham a go.Hel.xxx.