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Category: General gardening topics

Many people ask why are my sunflowers not flowering so I have listed common reasons and how to fix them from not getting enough sun, overfeeding and more
Why Are My Sunflowers Not Flowering – 6 Reasons & how to fix

Why Are My Sunflowers Not Flowering – 6 Reasons & how to fix

Sunflowers are cultivated for their large blooms and abundant seeds but what happens if your sunflowers don’t bloom? The good news is that it’s usually something that can be resolved once you identify the issue. In this article, you will discover some of the reasons why your sunflowers are not flowering and what to do about them. Without wasting any more time, let us dive in: Do your sunflowers get enough sun? Sunflowers as denoted by their name. They really,…

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Learn about growing Pieris Forest Flame from the perfect growing condition, propagation and pests and diseases to look out for.
Growing Pieris ‘Forest Flame’ General care, planting and propagation

Growing Pieris ‘Forest Flame’ General care, planting and propagation

Add a splash of colour to your garden by growing the ever-popular evergreen Pieris shrub. In this guide, I am going to mainly refer to the ‘Forest Flame’ variety, but this information is also suitable for all other Pieris varieties as well. These evergreen plants present dramatic bright red foliage and small clusters of white flowers in the spring for an amazing display. You can find a wide range of cultivars to grow depending on your aesthetic preferences, so some…

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Growing magnolias in pots is a good way to grow some of the smaller magnolia varieties such as Stellata. Learn how to grow them in pots here
Growing Magnolias In Pots and Containers – The Complete Guide

Growing Magnolias In Pots and Containers – The Complete Guide

Magnolias are one of my favourite shrubs and I have several varieties in my own garden, from the smaller growing Stellata and Susan that flower in spring, to the summer flowering Magnolia Yellow River which is a really impressive tree. These small trees present abundant blossoms of various colours, from white to purple, to pink and even yellow. Many people are usually surprised that Magnolias can grow in large pots because these plants possess a wide root system, but there…

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Growing clematis against a fence or wall
How to plant clematis against a fence using trellis, wire or plastic netting

How to plant clematis against a fence using trellis, wire or plastic netting

Clematis are one of my favourite climbers, some of my favourites include the Clematis ‘Multi Blue’ and the Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ as well as the evergreen (yes that’s right, evergreen!) Clematis armandii. I am also a huge fan of the Montana varieties because of their low maintenance, the minimal pruning that is required and how fast-growing they are. All are excellent for growing up and along a fence to provide a stunning show of colour and create privacy in your…

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Clematis problems including pests and diseases
Clematis problems – Pest, diseases and other problems to look out for

Clematis problems – Pest, diseases and other problems to look out for

The Clematis is by far the most popular climbing plant and anyone who has grown clematis appreciates the spectacular beauty of their display when in full bloom. These low maintenance plants just need fertile, well-drained soil and plenty of sun to thrive. For the most part, clematis can grow without any issues, but problems arise due to environmental factors, pests and diseases that attack the plant. However, most can be treated and sometimes even prevented. Understanding some of the problems…

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In this guide, I talk about how to grow Photinia 'red robin' from choosing the right position, pruning, propagation and common problems.
Growing Photinia ‘Red Robin’ – Planting, pruning and common problems

Growing Photinia ‘Red Robin’ – Planting, pruning and common problems

The Photinia Red Robin is a recognisable variety from a distance thanks to its vibrant bright red foliage in spring and clusters of beautiful small blooms around May-June. Photina is a fairly quick growing evergreen shrub that is perfect for any garden as they are easy to grow and do not require much maintenance, and respond well to pruning that will help to keep them under control size-wise. They do grow around 1ft a year and the eventual height can…

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Deadheading and pruning Geraniums
How to Prune and Deadhead Geraniums

How to Prune and Deadhead Geraniums

Did you know that Geranium leaves of some types can be used in the kitchen? These bright bloomed and aromatic foliage plants have several uses apart from being ornamental. Both the flowers and the leaves are edible and they are used in the production of geranium oil, which is said to have medical benefits like reducing inflammation. You can reap the benefits of geraniums by planting them in your garden or pots but they also make an excellent house plant….

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Most people grow delphiniums in flower beds but you can also grow delphiniums just as well in pots and containers.
Growing Delphiniums in Pots – Choosing a Container, Feeding and Winter Protection

Growing Delphiniums in Pots – Choosing a Container, Feeding and Winter Protection

Offering towering flowers and vivid colours, Delphiniums command their space in the garden with ease. These plants grow in beds and borders but can also be grown successfully in large pots. They may look like a lot of work, but they are quite easy to grow, as I will show in this guide. These perennial plants come in a wide range of varieties with differently coloured blooms as we as different eventual heights so sometimes choosing slightly smaller cultivars for…

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I discuss how and when to prune acer trees several techniques. ideally you need to prune when its dormant.
Pruning Acer Trees and Shrubs – When and how to prune Japanese Maples

Pruning Acer Trees and Shrubs – When and how to prune Japanese Maples

Worth the centrepiece position in any garden and one of my personal favourites, Acer trees, also known as Japanese maples possess an understated elegance throughout the seasons. Their colourful foliage in spring together with bare branches in winter always offers visual interest to many. Regardless of whether you have a smaller variety like Acer palmatum or Acer platanoides, which is a larger variety; occasional pruning is essential in maintaining the shape and size of many varieties and most respond very…

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I talk about how to prune buxus and when to prune them to avoid burning the leaves or spreading diseases
When and How to Prune Buxus Topiary and Hedging

When and How to Prune Buxus Topiary and Hedging

Buxus, otherwise known as box plants can be trimmed into different captivating shapes to add some visual spice to your garden and these evergreen shrubs have dense foliage that is perfect for forming hedges around your property. To maintain the shape, regardless if you use them for hedging or topiary, requires pruning at least once a year but the key is to prune at the right time to encourage new growth, avoid burning the foliage and reduce the risk of…

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