Nature has a terrific way of getting through periods like this though, without too much of a problem. Admittedly, the weak plants don't make it and are eventually pulled or dug out and dispatched to the compost heap - or onto the garden bonfire to light up the night sky on 5 November. This summer saw some exotic new varieties of plants make their way to the large garden centres giving we gardeners even more choice. Some were smaller and more compact than their cousins; others were disease resistant and drought tolerant; and many new plants were shown for the first time at two of the best garden shows seen during 2007. Both The Chelsea Flower Show and The Hampton Court Flower Show were even better this year and I was lucky enough to attend both. Press days at the shows are very special and I broadcast live from each of the events, and had a fantastic time too. Chelsea Show was in May and the weather then was very changeable, but at The Hampton Court Show I nearly melted as the temperatures were in the high eighties. So, as I sit in the warmth of a glowing fire contemplating what to do in the garden next year, I will think of those hot and balmy evenings - the air filled with the fragrance of summer flowers - and remind myself that Spring, in all its glory, is not far around the corner.
Rosemary 'Rosemarinus Officianalis' is a hardy evergreen shrub growing to about 1m (3ft) if not trimmed. It has attractive, aromatic foliage and mauve or blue flowers. Rosemary will grow well in full sun in a well drained soil. After flowering the stems should be cut back, but not into the older wood as they fail to grow out from old stems. The new shoots can be cut off and stored and dried to add flavour to many meat dishes, especially lamb. Prune both Apple and Pears during December or through January and February. Most varieties will need some pruning as the trees will get out of shape and too big to maintain, as well as diseased, and the quality of fruit poor if some wood is not removed.
 | | "Rosemarinus Officianalis" |
If a tree has not been attended to for many years - and you don't want to be too hard on it - then only remove a little this year and maybe give the tree a go over in the summer to reduce some of the new growth. The general rule of thumb is: the harder the tree is cut back, the more vigorously it will grow next year, so be careful. To keep the job as simple as possible three golden rules have to be applied: - Remove all dead, diseased and decomposing material. That must be done.
- Open the centre of the tree, that is, remove all branches that are crossing and are in each other's way.
- Reduce all remaining wood by about a third.
Finally, if in doubt, cut it out. Pots must be protected from the frost and I always use either bubble wrap or newspaper. Terra Cotta and stone pots are affected by the frost most so get them covered before the hard frosts arrive by wrapping the covering around the pots and either sticking tape or tying with string to hold in position. Make sure all pots have holes in the bottom to allow the water to flow through them and not water log the plants. Raise each pot up from the ground to prevent the worms from making their way in and disturbing the compost. If the plants in the pots are of the tender types then wrap them lightly in Horticultural Fleece to protect them from the cold.
 | | Slugs: still a problem |
Slugs and snails can still be a problem even at this time of the year especially if you have Brassicas growing in the garden. Slugs and snails like to use the large leaves as cover and will feed on the new growth during the warmer days so either remove these slimy pests manually or apply one of the pelleted means of control. These are safe to use and will get rid of these garden pests before they decimate your cabbages. Alpine plants in pots or in the ground should be checked over for derbies. The flowers and old leaves must be removed to avoid infection by fungal diseases. Alpines by their very nature hate the wet so put gravel on the pots or around plants to make rainwater run off and not water-log the plants. Happy Gardening. | 
