Alison MurrayFeb 27, 20211 minTime to give perennials a haircutCutting back old growth on perennials in the the spring
Alison MurrayJun 30, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 100: be mindful of the pollinators100 days of lockdown: time for mindful reflection, with pollinators
Alison MurrayJun 29, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 97: go wild for poppiesYou can't beat a good corn field full of poppies. It is also amazing to see interlopers in the countryside seeded from cultivated plants.
Alison MurrayJun 28, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 96: pick the redcurrantsIt's best to pick currants after the rain so the fruit is plump and juicy
Alison MurrayJun 27, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 95: hunt for chicken of the woodsHot and humid weather is fab for fungus like chicken of the woods
Alison MurrayJun 26, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 94: get the box back in shapeMid summer is an ideal time to trim box bushes.
Alison MurrayJun 25, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 93: cut back perennials to encourage more flowersCutting back perennials as their flowers fade encourages more and keep the plant blooming all summer.
Alison MurrayJun 24, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 92: scout out the hollyhocksHollyhocks are cottage garden stalwarts and at their best in June.
Alison MurrayJun 23, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 91: prune the apples Summer pruning apples will improve next years harvest and the quality of this years crop.
Alison MurrayJun 22, 20202 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 90: see how hot your hot lips areSalvia 'Hot Lips' varies the degree of red on its lips, but how? And why?
Alison MurrayJun 21, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 89: go peacock caterpillar spotting Peacock caterpillars are almost as spectacular as the butterflies. Going peacock caterpillar spotting is easy - just look on the nettles.
Alison MurrayJun 20, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 88: enjoy the garden of someone you loveBeing able to pod with someone we love has the extra bonus of being able to share their garden, or go to a green space and enjoy the plants
Alison MurrayJun 19, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 87: spot the shield bugsShield bugs are sap suckers, but only the European interlopers do damage.
Alison MurrayJun 18, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 86: pop that colour in damp shadeSmatterings of colour can really brighten a shady corner.
Alison MurrayJun 17, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 85: pick pak choiPak choi is a cool vegetable and needs picking before the dry summer weather really kicks in and it bolts.
Alison MurrayJun 16, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 84: deadhead the rosesSnipping off the spent blooms throughout the summer will encourage the rose to produce more.
Alison MurrayJun 15, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 83: eat strawberriesEating home grown strawberries is one of the highlights of June.
Alison MurrayJun 14, 20202 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 82: remember black agricultural pioneersGeorge Washington Carver, pioneered crop rotation.
Alison MurrayJun 13, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 81: sow foxglovesFoxgloves seeds are minuscule, planting direct and thinning later on is definitely the best option.
Alison MurrayJun 12, 20201 minThings to do in the garden during lockdown day 80: prune spring flowering shrubsCutting back spring flowering shrubs will encourage new growth and pave the way for another great display next year.