To say its wet around the
nursery would be an understatement and we have more forecast in the
form of weather fronts approaching from the Atlantic. Because plants
in pots are more prone to staying too wet we have been taking some
into tunnels with net sides with plenty of ventilation things like
lavender, agapanthus (which also get root damage in pots from hard
frosts) some of the Salvia's we grow also have to be taken in for the
winter. If they were planted in a well drained sunny site in the
garden they would be fine and shot away in spring but being in a
small cold pot on a windy exposed nursery bed is quite different. So
we put Salvia Phylis's Fancy and Wendy's Wish inside and some of the
shrubby ones like Pink Blush and Christine Yeo if we have room, as
they get so battered on the outside beds, if we don't have room we
prune them down when they make new growth and they quickly
regenerate. Last winter I lost my Salvia Wendys wish, it was shooting
out from near the base in spring and then was killed by late very
cold weather. This time I shall try and remember to protect it with
fleece or mulch over the shoots.
The gales of late have
unfortunately broken some plants down that would have normally given
many more weeks of interest in the garden. Herbaceous and grasses
might look better if damaged and askew to be cut back now. Any shrubs
that have had damage should definitely have broken shoots/branches
removed cleanly. Trees might require professional attention
especially if any danger of damage to property.
Ensure planted up tubs have
a space between ground level to allow water to drain away. Buy
pottery feet from garden centres or improvise with stones or pebbles
or half bricks for large containers.
Apart from it being a bit
wet and windy now is an excellent time for planting as the ground is
warm. Use boards to avoid compacting soil if working on the borders.
The plants will develop a root system over the autumn and winter and
grow away quickly next year.
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