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Category: General gardening topics

Learn how to divide alstroemeria but more importantly when to divide them. In general this would be around April but it depends on when they flower.
How and When to Divide Alstroemeria Plants

How and When to Divide Alstroemeria Plants

With an appearance very much like a lily, Alstroemeria is a favourite of many due to its colourful blossoms but it’s probably one of the favourite perennials.  The plant offers over 150 cultivars and there are hybrids such as the A. ligtu that are often used in intricate flower arrangements but in this article, I’m going to focus on dividing Alstroemeria as is a great way to get more plants. Instead of purchasing more Alstroemeria to add to your garden,…

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In general, pieris don't require yearly pruning but in this guide I talk about how to prune pieris to rejuvenate or trim them to size & when.
How to Prune Pieris – Rejuvenating woody plants and general pruning

How to Prune Pieris – Rejuvenating woody plants and general pruning

If you are one who usually likes to grow low-maintenance plants, Pieris shrubs should probably be top of your list. These evergreen shrubs which come in many varieties with ‘Forest Flame’ probably being the most popular because of the young fiery red foliage are used for ornamental purposes due to their colourful foliage, and small clustered blooms that attract insects like bees early in the season. Although Pieris shrubs are low-maintenance plants, pruning is a task that should be carried…

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Pruning camellias and the best time to prune
Pruning Camellias to maintain the shape, rejuvenate and remove dead, diseased or damaged growth

Pruning Camellias to maintain the shape, rejuvenate and remove dead, diseased or damaged growth

Camellias are known worldwide for their beautiful blooms and are considered to be one of the best early flowering shrubs that produce a mass of stunning flowers in spring. To maintain their beauty and reign in their growth, Camellias can benefit from annual pruning although it’s not essential. These evergreen plants benefit from pruning as it aids them in producing better blooms yearly by encouraging new growth as well as getting rid of dead or diseased branches. So how and…

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Pruning choisya - when and how to prune choisya
Choisya Pruning – How and when to prune to ensure continued flowering

Choisya Pruning – How and when to prune to ensure continued flowering

Aromatic and pleasing to the eye, Choisya plants play an ornamental role in most gardens and there are many varieties to choose from. Choisya ternata with its green leaves and cream-white flowers to Choisya Goldfingers with its slimmer looking golden-yellow foliage. They can grow up to two meters tall, producing large masses of beautiful flowers and foliage. While these plants look good in full bloom and really don’t require pruning, once in a while, it can help (to keep them…

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In this guide, I show you how to divide agapanthus and when to get the most out of them. Divide every few years after flowering.
Dividing Agapanthus – How and When to Divide Them, Step by Step

Dividing Agapanthus – How and When to Divide Them, Step by Step

Why spend money on acquiring more agapanthus plants when you can get them free? If you are wondering how that is possible, let me give you a few tips on how and when I divide my agapanthus. These beautiful flowers offer lush foliage and different coloured blooms depending on the variety you have. They are easy to grow and require low maintenance which means you can multiply them easily in your garden or give some to your friends or family….

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Cordylines are low maintenance in general but they can suffer from a few cordyline problems from pests and diseases.
Dealing With Cordyline Problems – Pests & Diseases

Dealing With Cordyline Problems – Pests & Diseases

Also known as cabbage palm, the Cordyline is a species of plant that looks similar to a palm tree and they can grow up to 20 meters tall. This hardy evergreen plant has over ten varieties, some of which sport different colours and thrive in different climates. To grow a Cordyline successfully, you need to be aware of some of the common problems that can affect it.   While Cordyline varieties such as the Cordyline Australis are typically easy to…

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Lavatera is best pruned back hard every year to encourage new flowering stems. Pruning is best done in spring as stems swell.
How to Prune Lavatera – When and How to Prune (Mallow Bushes)

How to Prune Lavatera – When and How to Prune (Mallow Bushes)

Originally from Mediterranean areas, Lavatera plants produce beautiful funnel-shaped flowers of different colours. These easy to grow plants enjoy well-drained soils but are not too picky about location and will grow well even in poor soils, but to really get the best from them I recommend pruning once a year, or at least every couple of years. To ensure these semi-evergreen plants thrive regardless of the weather, you need to know when, and how to prune Lavatera, also more commonly…

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I often get asked when to pick gooseberries but there are two answers for this as it depends on what here used for, ie cooking or eating fresh
When to pick gooseberries and how to encourage the best crops

When to pick gooseberries and how to encourage the best crops

Gooseberries are not only delicious but, they are good sources of vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B. You can make anything from jams, chutneys, pies and salads if you enjoy being in the kitchen. If you already own a gooseberry bush or intending to own one but are unsure when to pick the fruit, this is the article for you! Do you know the best time to pick gooseberries? In this guide, I will explain when to pick gooseberries…

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There are a few pest that will eat magnolia leaves, burrow into the stems and eat the flowers.
Magnolia pests: What’s Eating the Leaves on Your Magnolia Tree?

Magnolia pests: What’s Eating the Leaves on Your Magnolia Tree?

Magnolias are one of the most stunning types of trees, with the Magnolia ‘Yellow River’ being my ultimate favourite with its yellow tulip-shaped flowers, but I also have Magnolia ‘Stellata’ and Magnolia ‘Susan’ planted in my garden. This charming tree produces large blooms that are both a remarkable sight and some varieties have a lovely scent. While Magnolias look majestic when fully matured, they need some maintenance to promote healthy growth and that includes understanding what is attacking its leaves,…

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Caterpillars on Roses Rose Sawfly
Caterpillars on Roses – Killing Rose Sawfly Larvae

Caterpillars on Roses – Killing Rose Sawfly Larvae

Your beautiful roses have been thriving and then all of a sudden you start noticing that the leaves are curling inwards or outwards, scars on the stems or holes in the leaves. You look for the root of the problem and discover rose sawflies are plaguing your roses. It is actually a fairly common problem, so what do you need to do? How do you deal with rose sawflies without causing further damage to your roses? In this guide, I…

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