Hucclecote: Gardens and Plants

18/12/2021

13/12/2021

There's always one....
A blue cornflower sneaked into the Bay pot and has only recently flowered!
I'm really proud of my little trees that started as a bunch of twigs three years ago. I plaited three growing twigs together and they're creating a good strong plant. Considering the Bay can grow to be a big tree I'll have to keep them trimmed!

29/11/2021

I'm sure you've noticed them... those irritating little black flies....
Get rid of them!

Thank you Gardener's World

We show you how to tackle house plant flies, also known as fungus gnats or sciarid flies.

23/11/2021

2 pots of Kale ready to plant still available.
These are an overwintering variety and ready to plant.

"Water well the day before moving, lift them carefully, then set them in their new planting hole deep enough so their lowest leaves are at ground level. Seedlings should be planted firmly into moist but well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. Space plants 45cm (18in) apart. Plants will benefit from adding well-composted manure to the soil before planting. A good mulch is also helpful to keep plants moist and w**d free."

22/11/2021

Oh noooo!!!!
There was a frost last night...
Did it catch you out too?

18/11/2021

Curiouser and Curiouser...
Found a Foxglove flowering and my Echinacea sown this year are determined to be in on the act too!

16/11/2021

🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂 Loads of leaves... yeah!!!
Our neighbour sweeps them up... and we put them in our compost bin ... even better 🍂🍂

If you have lots of leaves you can just leave them in plastic bags to rot down over the year. They make a tremendous mulch and the plants will love you 💚

14/11/2021

Last year (left) we bought a Christmas Tree.... it has survived wind, rain and hot sun and is preparing for this year's stint inside!

I love real trees and in the past they have lasted a few years until they got too big and were planted in nearby forests. Since moving to Gloucester the trees haven't lasted more than a couple of years ... but here's hoping!
How many years have you used the same growing tree?

12/11/2021

I've been really busy this week tidying up the hanging baskets and putting everything in its place. Some plants have gone into the shed to dry out - begonias and dahlias, and a few have just gone in the bin. This year they're growing for far longer than usual and I'm loathe to just chuck them away. I've put a few pansies in the old baskets to see if I can add a bit of winter colour. I haven't tried to get the geraniums out - they're still flowering!!
Next it's cutting back and seed collecting. I've got a LOT of seeds this year. The foxgloves have germinated and there's a few plants growing in the greenhouse ready for next year. We've also dug and replanted a couple of planters. Leeks last week, kale today. Got Cavolo Nero still to do....
Will add pictures tomorrow.

11/11/2021

Mahonia taken on my walk today.

The RHS page describes it like this-
"With shiny leaves, these boldly upright, squat or spreading shrubs have impressive clusters or spikes of fragrant, bright yellow flowers in winter to early spring, followed by juicy-looking purple to black berries in autumn.
It likes moist soils that drain well are suitable, preferably in light shade, though full sun and deep shade are tolerated."
They can be cut back to about 15 cm in late winter to early spring and will regrow tall and healthy.

My memories are of my little sister being accused of eating the berries and being made to drink salty water. Only when she was sick was it realised she'd been telling the truth! Poor child. (Don't try this please!!)

11/11/2021

For all those who have served, who have died and who are serving...
"We will remember them..."

Picture from Rococo Garden page.

10/11/2021

It's time to tidy up...
~The wildflower area has been trimmed and a heron(!) has made it's appearance.
~The dahlas in pots are going to be put to bed, I've just cut back the others.
~And I've got a load of plants to deadhead and cut back.

It's been a long season!