NATURE’S NATURAL HIKERS
Climbers can create a sense of greenery in the smallest of spaces. April is a good month to do everything possible to grow them on a terrace, balcony or in a window box.
If you are using a container, now is the time to make sure it is attached to the wall and that any trellis and wires are attached for the plants to grow. Then you can start planting. Root growth will be restricted, so be sure to choose the right climber for your space.
common ivy (Hedera) will grow almost anywhere and cling to a wall without support but can become a nuisance. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissuspictured) is deciduous, but a prolific grower with attractive glossy red foliage.
Jasmine and honeysuckle grow well in most conditions, but they need support. An alternative is star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasmine), with pure white, richly perfumed flowers and attractive green foliage. It can be slow to get going, but once it does, it provides attractive coverage.
If you have a south- or west-facing sunny wall, try growing passionflowers (Passiflora caerulea) with exotic-looking white and blue flowers, or annuals such as red and yellow Spanish flag (Ipomea lobata), or Morning Glory (Cobaea scan) with purple cup-like flowers.
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus) is deciduous, but a prolific grower with attractive glossy red foliage
PLANT OF THE WEEK
Dutch iris (Iris x Hollandica)
These regal-looking blooms are taking center stage in my garden this week, with large trifoliate purplish-blue petals and bright yellow cascades. This hybrid was created in the 19th century from Spanish, Portuguese and North African irises by the Dutch firm of Van Tubergen. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil in a south or west facing location. Although they do better in neutral or acidic soil, they seem to grow perfectly in our calcareous soil. With slender, erect green leaves, they grow to about 60 cm in height. Plant and divide the bulbs in the autumn.
Dutch iris (Iris x hollandica) prefers full sun and well-drained soil in a south- or west-facing position
ALLOW DANDELIONS TO HELP INSECTS
Join actress Alison Steadman in supporting the new Wild About Lawns campaign. The Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society have joined forces to ask people to let their lawns grow longer. Dandelions are essential to garden ecosystems, supporting more than 50 different insect species, including bees, moths, flies and wasps. Their seed heads, or dandelion bells, provide food for sparrows and goldfinches. Alison says: ‘Longer lawns provide birds with perfect foraging areas, especially when there are lots of wildflowers in the grass. “I hope you’ll join me in clearing your lawn and making golden dandelions bloom this year.”
Dandelions are essential to garden ecosystems, supporting over 50 different species of insects, including bees, moths, flies and wasps
PLAN DAHLIAS DIRECTLY WITH TLC
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of potting up dahlia tubers, you can plant them directly in the ground right now. Dig a hole to the recommended depth and add a handful of blood, fish and bone fertilizer before planting and water well. Remove any dead bits from your corms and if you have a large clump you can divide it by gently but firmly pulling it apart to create new plants. Then place the tubers in the hole, cover with soil and mulch with a layer of organic matter. By the time the first shoots appear above ground in a few weeks, the risk of frost should have passed.
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of potting up dahlia tubers, you can plant them right in the ground right now
READER QUESTION
How do I brighten up a weathered wooden garden table?
Mrs E. Laing, Dunstable.
It is wonderful to be able to sit outside in our gardens again. First you need to clean your table with warm soapy water or a hardwood cleaner. This may be enough to make it look good, but if it doesn’t, you can lightly sand it and make sure you wipe off all the dust. Then apply one or two coats of hardwood oil with a brush, allowing it to dry between coats. Or for a completely different look, choose an outdoor paint on wood in your favorite shade.
