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POND CARE
Monty’s new pond, like many a pond in high summer, is suffering from algal bloom. It can manifest itself as a ‘pea soup’, floating green scum, or threads of silk and blanket weed. As algae grows it draws oxygen from the water, so it is important to remove it. Monty introduces oxygenating plants; as they grow they will draw nutrients out of the water, hopefully out-competing the algae, and most importantly they will add vital oxygen. This will benefit both the plants and creatures living in the water.
More on pond algae and blanket weed -
SLUG AND SNAIL RESISTANT PLANTS
Carol’s planting choices of slug resistant plants –
More about slugs and snails
False goatsbeard (Astilbe × arendsii)
Foothill penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus 'Heavenly Blue')
Giant hyssop (Agastache 'Blackadder')
Ice plant (Sedum 'José Aubergine')
Lenten rose (Helleborus × hybridus)
Macedonian scabious (Knautia macedonica 'Red Knight')
Prairie mallow (Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh')
Other slug and snail resistant plants -
Astrantias
Begonias
Bleeding heart
Euphorbias
Forget-me-nots
Ferns
Fuchsias
Grasses
Hydrangeas
Japanese anemones
Lavenders
Nasturtium
Phlox
Pelargoniums
Roses
Yarrow -
GARDEN VISIT – GWEL YR YNYS GARDEN
Dafydd’s garden is open by appointment. It is also open to the public under the NGS open garden scheme. For visitor information and opening times click on the link below
Contact Gwel Yr Ynys Garden
Gwel Yr Ynys Garden
Parc Moel Lus
Penmaenmawr
LL34 6DN -
CUTTING MEADOW GRASS
A wildflower rich meadow is a joy many of us would like to possess. Acres of land are not needed to achieve such a delight. By simply leaving an area of lawn un-mown, wildflowers, like clovers, buttercups, and vetches will colonize if left alone. If patience is lacking the process can be speeded up by planting wildflowers as plugs. Knowing when to cut is crucial in maintaining the cycle. Monty leaves his wildflower rich grass until late summer when the flowers have gone to seed. After he takes his first cut he rakes off all the grass and adds it to his compost heap. That way the nutrients within the cut grass are not returned to the ground. Wildflowers thrive in impoverished soils.
More on growing a wildflower meadow -
JOBS FOR THE WEEKEND: COLLECT SEED
Collecting seed from your garden is a cost effective way of increasing stock of favourite blooms. Paper bags or envelopes are best for storage; they allow the seeds to breathe, keeping it viable for months. If you spot a flower that is unusual, different from the rest, it is worth marking it with a thread or ribbon; it can be identified later when the seed is ready for collection. Remember not all seed comes true.
More on seed collecting -
JOBS FOR THE WEEKEND: TURN COMPOST
Many of us start our compost making with enthusiasm, with a will to get the mix right, to turn it regularly, and do the right thing. We flag and the compost heap becomes a dumping ground, thick sludgy layers of grass clippings interspersed with weeds and hedge clippings. Turning it is the best thing to do; it will mix the layers and add lots of air. This will allow the micro-organisms to work quickly and efficiently and come the season's end you will have rich, pong free, compost gold.
More on making compost -
JOBS FOR THE WEEKEND: SUPPORT AUTUMN FRUITING RASPBERRIES
Summer fruiting raspberries have now finished cropping. The canes of Monty’s autumn raspberries are vigorous and showing autumn promise. Monty likes to support his canes, making picking easier, nothing fancy, just posts and string. Once fruiting is finished, all can be easily removed and the canes cut back.
More on growing raspberries
Credits
- Series Producer
- Liz Rumbold
- Presenter
- Monty Don
- Presenter
- Carol Klein
- Presenter
- Joe Swift
- Producer
- Louise Hampden
More expert gardening advice
Find out more about the gardens featured in the show and get some topical tips.
