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PLANT BREEDER SERVICE

VERBENA bonariensis ‘Lollipop’

VERBENA bonariensis ‘Lollipop’

This shorter form of the well-known species bonariensis is compact growing to around 60cm against the species height of up to 150cm.

Ideal as a front of border plant also known as pots.

Good for pollinators.

It was found as a chance seedling growing in a Must Have Perennials Trial Garden in the USA.

After trials, it was found to be consistently shorter but as free-flowering as its parent.

So it is important to look out for chance seedlings and mutations in the garden and in the nursery and during visits to garden centres.

If you do find something you will need to grow it on to see if it stays true to type.

But remember if it’s a mutation from a plant that has Plant Breeders Rights the rights to the plant are with the breeder of the protected plant.

When selecting subjects for plant breeding it’s important to select for colour and height and take into account today’s market trends in plants.

Having a series that has variations in colour, flowering either singles and doubles is good and makes it easier to get a take-up commercially if there are more to follow.

So now is the time to be busy looking at your flowering plants and those that are flowering from your selections and breeding work and making further crosses and selections.

As you can see from the picture above that the new cultivars can be found as well as created from plant breeding and crossing. It’s a long process, it is good to look at plants in your own garden, looking for improvements that may be possible.

Mutations though are spontaneous and may or may not stay true to type.

You see with the Verbena, a shorter flowering plant is more fitting for today’s market and for growers more plants can be transported on a lorry in flower as its shorter so it’s a good grower’s plant.

But we still need taller plants!

As it happens the Verbena has also proven to be a good garden plant.

Keep records of any crossings you make and keep records of location and original plant of any mutations that you find.

Be critical when making a selection and be prepared to be strict when discarding plants.

Pictures are important so get the camera ready to take photos to record your work.

For developing your new plant breeding selection or new plant discovery I can offer full trialling and new plant development service. More details available on my website.

Also, pictures can be taken and stored if needed.

After Britain leaves the European Union, I will still be able to represent breeders in the EU having a connection with a company whose head office is based in the Netherlands.

SEPTEMBER GARDENING

Well here in the East of England autumn shows no sign of coming, the weather is now dry and warm with no rain on the horizon for my area. We are now in a drought with trees dropping leaves likes its autumn.

At night temperatures have been quite low down to around 6°centigrade in this area and lower in some places here in the UK.

Plants to look for in September

  • Anemone (Japanese)
  • Aster
  • Buddleja – all gardens should have one
  • Crocosmia
  • Dahlia
  • Geranium Rozanne®
  • Heliopsis
  • Helenium
  • Penstemon
  • Phlox paniculata
  • Rudbeckia
  • Salvia
  • Sedum
  • Verbena
  • Caryopteris
  • Hibiscus
  • Hydrangea arborescens
  • Roses

You will still need to keep all baskets and tubs watered and checked each day.

Start thinking about autumn bedding

Apply liquid feed regularly once a week is ideal

Look out daily for slugs and snails.  Check your local garden centre for the best controls. An idea I have seen is to place an old roof tile on the ground, snails go under here during daytime just turn over and pick them off each day.

Deadheading plants like Dahlia will prolong flowering.

Good time to plant new perennials. They will establish before the winter and get a good start in the spring and be ready to have some resistance to drier conditions as they will be more established.

Perennials dying down or fading can be trimmed back to encourage growth before the winter.

Regular weeding and hoeing, whenever you can, will keep weeds under control. If time is short pull off seed heads this will help to reduce seeded weeds.

Continue to take semi-ripe cuttings now.

It’s a good time now for seed collection, storage is important. Remember cultivars will not come true to type.

You can continue to trim evergreen hedges now.

Look out for Aphids and other pests, black spot on Roses, check with the local garden centre for best controls.

Look out for Vine Weevil damage. Damage shows when plants start to wilt. On inspection, roots will have been badly eaten.

You may also see white c shaped larvae, apply a biological control, plants in containers are unlikely to recover.

Sedums and Geraniums can be badly affected.

Prune climbing roses once flowering is finished.

Continue to mow the lawn regularly, keep edges neat. Still, time to apply weed killer for perennial weeds, use a selective weed killer here.

However, during the dry period, it is better to leave the lawn or at least do not mow too short as it will have a shorter time to recover before autumn sets in.

Seeding and repairing of dead patches can continue now through the month, but you will need to water as weather can still be quite dry.

Apply a fertilizer but do not use summer feeds as these are too high in nitrogen. slow release is best. Do not apply in drought conditions, if using feed and weed avoid getting onto ornamental plantings as it will cause damage.

If you have wildflowers in lawn and want to keep them then do not use feed and weed.

During the dry period if you are watering the lawn do this at night when evaporation is low.

If you have a pond then keep water circulating, using waterfalls and pumps, fountains etc.

Clean filters as needed, remove blanket weed and skim off floating weeds such as duckweed, feed fish as needed.

Remove any debris leaves etc reducing toxin build-up.

In the Greenhouse, open greenhouse and increase ventilation on sunny days, extra shading like shade paint applied to outside may be needed during hot periods, don’t let greenhouse get too hot.

Damp down the floor of the greenhouse on hot days this will control Red Spider mite.

You should be having some good tomatoes and cucumbers now.

Keep greenhouse clean and as crops come to an end remove and clean up,

Citrox is a good cleaning product.

Check for pests like Aphids, red spider mite, whitefly, regularly, biological controls are available to look online.

For vegetables, there is still time to plant leeks from leek plants and onions from sets.

Time to plant broad beans, Garlic,  and spring cabbage plants if you can find them, look in the local garden centre.

You can also set up new Asparagus beds,

Time to paint fences and sheds. Carry out any repairs, in the greenhouse replace any broken glass needed before winter, take advantage of the evenings while they are still light.

Take time to relax in the garden at some time each day while it’s still light evenings for barbecues and generally enjoying the fruits of your hard work.

The garden should be an extension of your house, an extra room if you like and it will be looking good.

plant breeder

GERANIUM ‘Azure Rush’

GERANIUM Azure Rush

This Geranium is a mutation from Geranium Rozanne found by Jan Schuiver at Jeddeloh Nurseries in Germany because Geranium Rozanne has EU PBR. Azure Rush is considered an EDV of Rozanne.

Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ has a lighter flower colour compared to Rozanne and is more of a compact plant, it retains though, the same flowering period as Rozanne.

Azure Rush is good in borders and patio pots so are just as versatile as Rozanne.

I trialled the plant in the trial garden and my own patio area prior to it being introduced.

So now is the time to be busy looking at your flowering plants and those that are flowering from your selections and breeding work and making further crosses and selections.

As you can see from the picture above that new cultivars can also be found in the garden and growing areas. You need to check though if you find one if it is from a protected plant the rights to the new cultivar may belong to the breeder of the original plant.

Trialling plants can be a long process but its all part of the new plant development and plant breeding process.

It is good to look at plants in your own garden, looking for improvements that may be possible.

You see with the Geranium, by getting a compact flowering plant it makes the plant more fitting for today’s market and for growers more plants can be transported on a lorry in flower as its shorter so it’s a good grower’s plant. Sometimes as with Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ it’s a lucky find!

You need to keep records of any crossings you make and any different plants that you find.

Get the camera ready to take photos to record your work.

For developing your new plant breeding selection or new plant discovery I can offer full trialling and a new plant development service. More details are available on my website.

AUGUST GARDENING

Well as we go into August the weather after a very hot July is now variable with some strong winds and rain forecast in a few days, in my area at my garden we have had some rain but also some very hot days during July so pots have needed water every day whether its rain or shine.

Plants to look for in August

  • Anthemis
  • Buddleja – all gardens should have one
  • Dahlia
  • Geraniums – Patricia, Rozanne, Azure Rush
  • Heliopsis
  • Helenium
  • Helianthus – Sunflowers
  • Penstemon
  • Salvia
  • Rudbeckia
  • Caryopteris
  • Hibiscus
  • Roses

You will need to keep all baskets and tubs watered and checked each day.

Apply liquid feed regularly once a week is ideal this will keep your containers looking fresh, deadheading also helps to prolong flowering.

Look out daily for slugs and snails check your local garden centre for best controls, an idea I have seen is to place an old roof tile on the ground, snails go under here during daytime just turn over and pick them off each day.

Coleus plants make ideal patio plants. There are many new varieties with many different leaf colour combinations.

Combination planting in containers is becoming popular lookout for them in your local garden centre, look for some last-minute bargains to fill up spaces in the garden and rejuvenate tubs and baskets.

Ideal plant for container planting is Geranium ‘Azure Rush’.

When planting containers use a gel in the compost. This will help retain and save water, always water in the late evening even better is to use trickle/drip irrigation on a timer.

Regular weeding and hoeing, whenever you can, will keep weeds under control.

Deadheading will help to prolong flowering, and for some plants like Aquilegia cut back after flowering to prevent seeding in the garden, otherwise, they tend to take over.

Deadheading Roses will extend the flowering period and will encourage re-flowering to continue.

Cut back Digitalis and Verbascum, can encourage some re-flowering.

Take semi-ripe cuttings now.

Fill any gaps in borders with last-minute bedding plant offers from the garden centre or online.

You can trim evergreen hedges now but avoid during very hot weather and drought conditions.

Look out for Aphids and other pests, black spot on Roses, check with the local garden centre for best controls.

If you grow Lilies pick off any Lilly beetle seen.

Look out for Vine Weevil damage, the damage shows when plants start to wilt, on inspection roots will have been badly eaten

You may also see white c shaped larvae, apply a biological control, plants in containers are unlikely to recover.

Sedums and Geraniums can be badly affected.

Mow the lawn regularly, mulch clippings or recycle, keep edges neat, don’t mow too short during dry periods, don’t worry to much about brown lawns they will soon come back at the first rain.

If your lawn is very dry at the moment, don’t cut it, leave until there has been a good rain the grass will come back.

Apply summer fertilizer, follow instructions, slow-release is best, do not apply in drought conditions, if using feed and weed avoid getting onto ornamental plantings as it will cause damage.

Use a selective weed killer to kill weeds, not the grass, better than using feed and weed most professionals do it this way.

If you have wildflowers in lawn and want to keep them then do not use feed and weed.

During a dry period if you are watering the lawn do this at night when evaporation is low, better still don’t, the lawn will come back use water wisely.

If you have a pond then keep water circulating, if you have a fountain or waterfall keep running during the night during hot periods to keep oxygen levels up. Clean filters as needed, remove blanket weed and skim off floating weeds such as duckweed, feed fish as needed.

Remove any debris leaves etc, this reduces toxin build-up.

Open greenhouse and increase ventilation on sunny days, extra shading like shade paint applied to outside may be needed during hot periods, don’t let greenhouse get too hot.

Damp down the floor of the greenhouse on hot days, this will control Red Spider mite.

Tomatoes will need tying in as they grow and remove the side shoots that grow from leaf joints when flowering you may need to give plants a little shake to help will pollination.

Give plants space as they grow.

You should be starting to see fruit forming now, important to ventilate well during hot sunny days.

Feed tomatoes with Tomorite as the fruit starts to form. Apply feed with a watering can at the base of the plant, once a week is ideal.

Tie in roses and other climbers.

Check for pests like Aphids, red spider mite, whitefly regularly. Biological controls are available, look online.

Pick off any dead leaves, keep floor and pathways free of plant debris this will assist with pest and disease control.

In the vegetable garden, continue weekly sowings of lettuce, radish, peas etc to get a continuity of crops.

Potatoes should be well underway, continue to harvest as needed.

Support peas as needed.

Harvest Rhubarb, but leave 2 thirds to grow on.

You may need to cover some plants to protect against bird damage, fleece is ideal.

Cover carrots to control carrot fly.

Plant out leeks and cabbages.

Take time to relax in the garden at some time each daytime for barbecues and enjoying the fruits of your hard work.

The garden should be an extension of your house, an extra room if you like and now with a little work each day you can keep it looking at its best.

PLANT BREEDER SERVICE

GERANIUM ‘ROZANNE’ ( GERWAT)

GERANIUM ‘ROZANNE’ ( GERWAT)

This hardy perennial Geranium is bred by Donald Waterer, and named for his wife Rozanne Waterer, Geranium Rozanne has won many awards including the RHS Plant of the Centenary award in 2013. Since its introduction in 2000, more than 10 million have been sold. Rozanne is protected by Plant Patents, Plant Breeders Rights and trademarks in many countries across the world. Today you find her all across the UK and from Europe to Australia the United States and many other locations.

Rozanne has her own personality on social media like facebook, twitter, etc. You can find out more at Rozanne’s Story.

One of the most versatile Geraniums, Rozanne will flower from late May/early June until the first frost. You can use her in containers, borders, and baskets wherever you need foliage and colour.

Rozanne grows to 50cm high and can grow up to 70cm  wide in any well-drained soil, full sun and also partial shade. It is fully hardy and can be enjoyed year after year.

For the breeder and his family, this had been a great success.

It shows what can be created by plant breeding and making selections from planned crosses.

I trialed Rozanne prior to her being introduced and had the privilege of carrying out the first propagation by division, cuttings are not possible, Rozanne is produced exclusively by tissue culture.

So now is the time to be busy looking at your flowering plants and those that are flowering from your selections and breeding work and making further crosses and selections.

As you can see from the picture and information above, new cultivars can be created from plant breeding and crossing.

Try though to have a plan of what you are looking for, color, height maybe the length of flowering.

With Geraniums some crosses will not work, some will be sterile and some will be fertile so it is worth doing some research before working on any plant breeding.

Keep records of any crossings you make.

Get the camera ready to take photos to record your work.

For developing your new plant breeding selection or new plant discovery I can offer full trialing and new plant development service. More details are available on my website.

JULY GARDENING

Well, the weather has now turned very warm again and dry although we have just had some rain which has been very welcome. Here at home today it is cloudy with showers. In the last two days, it has been clear blue sky and sun.

Plants to look for in July

Anthemis

Dahlia

Delphinium

Geranium

Lavandula

Lupins

Helianthus

Papaver

Buddleja

Cotinus

Hebe

Hydrangea

Philadelphus

Roses

Weigela

 

All bedding should be planted out now and you will need to keep all baskets and tubs watered and checked each day even if it rains.

Apply liquid feed regularly. Once a week is ideal. This will keep flowers and foliage looking good.

Look out daily for slugs and snails, check at your local garden center for best controls, an idea I have seen is to place an old roof tile on the ground, snails go under here during daytime just turn over and pick them off each day.

Pot up any plug plants, that have come in or still left, water in well. We will need regular checking for water each day.

Coleus plants make ideal patio plants. There are many new varieties with many different leaf colour combinations.

Combination planting in containers is becoming popular to look out for them in your local garden center. Create some of your own Geranium Rozanne. Make a good starter and will match with many different plants.

When planting containers use a gel in the compost. This will help retain and save water. Always water in the late evening, even better is to use trickle/drip irrigation on a timer run from water butt or tap. A few of these systems can still be used during hosepipe bans, but always check this first with your water supply company.

Regular weeding and hoeing, whenever you can, will keep weeds under control.

Deadheading will help to prolong flowering, and for some plants like Aquilegia, Linaria cut these back after flowering to prevent seeding in the garden, otherwise, they tend to take over.

You can still take softwood cuttings.

Fill any gaps in borders with summer bedding like Pelargonium.

Cut back spring-flowering plants like Helleborus, Pulmonaria. This encourages fresh foliage.

You can trim evergreen hedges now, but beware of birds nesting you must not disturb these by law.

Look out for Aphids and other pests, black spot on Roses. Check with the local garden center for best controls.

Try making up your own garlic spray. This can also work with keeping Pigeons off your favourite plants.

If you grow Lilies pick off any Lilly beetles seen.

Look out for Vine Weevil damage. Damage shows when plants start to wilt. On inspection roots will have been badly eaten you may also see white C shaped larvae. Apply a biological control, plants in containers are unlikely to recover.

Sedums and Geraniums can be badly affected.

On some plants like Bergenia, you will see notching on edge of leaves, these are caused by the Adults. Another control is to look for the adults, they come out at night so you will need a torch to look for them. Look online for pictures of Adult vine weevil so you know what you are looking for.

Mow the lawn regularly, mulch clippings or recycle. Keep edges neat, don’t mow too short during dry periods, as the grass will die back easier, don’t worry too much though about brown lawns they will soon come back at the first rain as long as you do not continue to mow. Some bare patches though are inevitable, these can be repaired later in the year.

Apply summer fertilizer, follow instructions. Slow-release is best. Do not apply in drought conditions, if using feed and weed avoid getting onto ornamental plantings as it will cause damage.

Use a selective weed killer to kill weeds, not grass, better than using feed and weed most professionals do it this way.

If you have wildflowers in lawn and want to keep them then do not use feed and weed.

During dry periods if you are watering the lawn does this at night when evaporation is low. Better still don’t, the lawn will come back, use water wisely.

If you have a pond then keep water circulating. If you have a fountain or waterfall keep running during the night. Especially during hot periods to keep oxygen levels up, clean filters as needed. Remove blanket weed and skim off floating weeds such as duckweed, feed fish as needed.

Remove any debris leaves etc. This reduces toxins levels build up.

Open greenhouse and increase ventilation on sunny days. Extra shading like shade paint applied to outside may be needed during hot periods. Don’t let greenhouse get too hot.

Damp down the floor of the greenhouse on hot days. This will control Red Spider mite.

Tomatoes will need tying in as they grow and remove the side shoots that grow from leaf joints. When flowering you may need to give plants a little shake to help will pollination.

Give plants space as they grow.

Tie in roses and other climbers.

Remove large clumps of forget me note as they can get out of hand and take over large areas.

Check for pests like Aphids, red spider mite, whitefly regularly. Biological controls are available, look online. Garlic spray will also give some control.

Pick off any dead leaves. Keep floor and pathways free of plant debris, this will assist with pest and disease control.

In the vegetable garden, continue weekly sowings of lettuce, radish, peas, etc. To get continuity of crops, plant out runner beans and French beans from earlier sowings.

First potatoes will be starting to be harvested, garlic will be ready.

You should now have Raspberries, Strawberries, Currents red and Black.

Support peas as needed.

You may need to cover some plants to protect against bird damage, fleece is ideal.

Cover carrots to control carrot fly

Plant out leeks and cabbages.

Take time to relax in the garden at some time each day. Its time for those barbecues and enjoying the fruits of your hard work.

The garden should be an extension of your house an extra room if you like and now it will be looking at its best.

PLANT BREEDER SERVICE

ANTHEMIS ‘Susanna Michell’

ANTHEMIS ‘Susanna Michell’

ANTHEMIS ‘Susanna Michell’

This Anthemis was bred by Susanna Michell of the UK, it is a cross between Anthemis cupaniana and Anthemis tinctorial.

It has the silver-grey foliage of Anthemis cupaniana and the flowering habit of Anthemis tinctorial.

It makes a good compact plant, ideal in borders and patio planters. It flowers all summer.

Large creamy yellow daisies above silver gey fern like foliage.

Height 50cm Spread 90cm

This plant is also good for dry areas of the garden, it likes full sun.

This shows what can be created by plant breeding and simple selection and trialing.

I trialled the plant prior to it being introduced and it impressed during the trials.

So now is the time to be busy looking at your flowering plants and those that are flowering from your selections and breeding work and making further crosses and selections.

As you can see from the picture above new cultivars can be from plant breeding and crossing.

Keep records of any crossings you make.

Get the camera ready to take photos to record your work.

For developing your new plant breeding selection or new plant discovery I can offer full trialling and new plant development service more details available on my website.

JUNE GARDENING

Well the weather for June has Started dry and warm, it has just turned to a wet period in my area at my garden we need some rain May having been quite dry.

Plants to look for in June.

Anthemis

Astrantia

Delphinium

Geranium

Lupin

Papaver

Saxifraga x urbium

Verbascum

Viola

Deutzia

Hebe

Philadelphus

Roses

All bedding should be planted out and you will need to keep all baskets and tubs watered and checked each day.

Apply liquid feed regularly once a week is ideal

Look out daily for slugs and snails check your local garden centre for best controls, an idea I have seen is to place an old roof tile on ground, snails go under here during daytime just turn over and pick them off each day.

Pot up any plug plants, that have come in or still left, water in well. Will need regular checking for watering each day.

Coleus plants make ideal patio plants there are many new varieties with many different leaf colour combinations.

Combination planting in containers is becoming popular look out for them in your local garden centre

Ideal plant for container planting is Geranium Rozanne.

When planting containers use a gel in the compost this will help retain and save water, always water in late evening even better is to use trickle/drip irrigation on a timer.

Regular weeding and hoeing whenever you can will keep weeds under control.

Dead heading will help to prolong flowering, and for some plants like Aquilegia cut back after flowering to prevent seeding in garden, otherwise they tend to take over.

You can take still take softwood cuttings.

Fill any gaps in borders with summer like Pelagonium.

Cut back spring flowering plants like Helleborus, Pulmonaria encourages fresh foliage.

You can trim evergreen hedges now, but beware of birds nesting you must not disturb.

Look out for Aphids and other pests, black spot on Roses, check with local garden centre for best controls.

If you grow Lilies pick off any Lilly beetle seen.

Look out for Vine Weevil damage, damage shows when plants start to wilt, on inspection roots will have been badly eaten

you may also see white c shaped larvae, apply a biological control, plants in containers are unlikely to recover.

Sedums and Geraniums can be badly affected.

Mow lawn regularly, mulch clippings or recycle, keep edges neat, don’t mow to short as we are now in dry period, don’t worry to much about brown lawns they will soon come back at the first rain.

Apply summer fertilizer, follow instructions, slow release is best, do not apply in drought conditions, if using feed and weed avoid getting onto ornamental plantings as it will cause damage.

Use a selective weed killer to kill weeds not grass, better than using feed and weed most professionals do it this way.

If you have wildflowers in lawn and want to keep them then do not use feed and weed.

During the dry period if you are watering the lawn do this at night when evaporation is low, better still don’t, the lawn will come back use water wisely.

If you have a pond then keep water circulating, if you have a fountain or water fall keep running during night during hot periods to keep oxygen levels up, clean filters as needed, remove blanket weed and skim off floating weeds such as duckweed, feed fish as needed.

Remove any debris leaves etc reduces toxin build up.

Open greenhouse and increase ventilation on sunny days, extra shading like shade paint applied to outside may be needed during hot periods, don’t let greenhouse get to hot.

Damp down the floor of the greenhouse on hot days this will control Red Spider mite.

Tomatoes will need tying in as they grow and remove the side shoots that grow from leaf joints, when flowering you may need to give plants a little shake to help will pollination.

Give plants space as they grow.

Tie in roses and other climbers.

Remove large clumps of forget me nots as they can get out of hand and take over large areas.

Check for pests like Aphids, red spider mite, white fly, regularly, biological controls are available look online.

Pick off any dead leaves, keep floor and pathways free of plant debris this will assist with pest and disease control.

In the vegetable garden continue weekly sowings of lettuce, radish, peas etc to get a continuity of crops

Continue to earth up potatoes as they shoot through soil.

Support peas as needed.

Harvest Rhubarb, but leave 2 thirds to grow on.

You may need to cover some plants to protect against bird damage , fleece is ideal.

Cover carrots to control carrot fly

Plant out leeks and cabbages.

Take time to relax in garden at some time each daytime for barbecues and enjoying the fruits of you hard work.

The garden should be an extension of your house an extra room if you like and now it will be looking at its best.

 

PLANT BREEDER SERVICE

LYCHNIS flos-cuculi ‘Petite Jenny’

LYCHNIS flos-cuculi ‘Petite Jenny’

LYCHNIS flos-cuculi  ‘Petite Jenny’ 

This compact version of the common ragged robin is ideal for today’s small garden and containers.

Produces a stunning display of shaggy soft pink double flowers on slender wiry stems above narrow green clumping foliage.

Very free flowering will attract butterflies from May through to July, it is perfect for adding colour  to the front of a border.

Also good for pots on the patio, try it with other perennials and annuals in a mixed container.

Height 45cm

Spread 30cm

It was selected by Paul Gooderham from plants of Lychnis flos-cuculi ‘Jenny’ which is from UK Plant Breeder – Rainer Kretz.

I trialed the plant prior to it being introduced it and has US Plant Patent.

It shows the importance of looking out for new plants – sports or mutations amongst existing cultivars, you need to check though that its not protected in the EU as it could be an EDV – Essentially Derived Variety.

Now is the time to be busy with seed sowing of seed from your plant breeding projects, and pricking out those seedlings for trials later.

As you can see from the picture above new cultivars can be found from mutations and sports.

Keep records of what you sow and where its from. If you a making a new crossing check to see that there is not a similar one already in cultivation.

Get the camera ready to take photos to record your work.

For developing your new plant breeding selection or new plant discovery I can offer full trialling and new plant development service. You can find more details on my website.

MAY GARDENING

Well the weather has certainly changed as we go into May month with some high daytime temperature and dry weather, although frost is still possible and we have had some cold nights here in Norfolk. Temperatures down to 1°c and below with an air first on one night.

Now we have some much needed rain, we could do without the wind though!

Plants to look for in May

Delphinium

Brunnera

Viburnum

Geranium

Apple Trees

Geranium pheum

Peonies

Convallaria

Anemone

Prunus

Cornus

Forsythia

Hardy annuals can still be sown now, can sow direct into borders to fill gaps.

Prick out those seedlings and pot on those pricked out earlier last month.

Look out  daily for slugs and snails check your local garden centre for best controls, an idea I have seen is to place an old roof tile on ground, snails go under here during daytime just turn over and pick them off each day.

Pot up plug plants, water in well but allow to dry a little between watering. Will need regular checking for watering.

Plant out bedding now, it’s arriving in bulk now at the garden centre. Just be aware that frost is still possible you may need to have some fleece at hand at short notice.

Time to plant up baskets and tubs.

I find that grasses such as Hakonechloa macra Aureola make really spectacular patio plants.

Remove old spring bedding to make way for summer.

Regular watering of containers is needed now, fortnightly feeding will improve flowering and quality.

Regular weeding whenever you can will keep weeds under control.

Plant out or pot up Cannas and Dahlia.

Divide up Primula now flowering is over.

Dead head tulips and Daffodils.

You can take cuttings softwood cuttings now.

Cut back sub-shrubs and tender shrubs such as  Fuchsia, Penstemon and Caryopteris.

You can trim evergreen hedges now, but beware of birds nesting you must not disturb.

Prune Pyrancantha by  shortening new growth.

Any new planting of trees and shrubs should not be allowed to dry out, loosen tree ties if needed.

Look out for Aphids and other pests, black spot on Roses, check with local garden centre for best controls.

If you grow Lilies pick off any Lilly beetle seen.

Look out for Vine Weevil damage, damage shows when plants start to wilt, on inspection roots will have been badly eaten

you may also see white c shaped larvae, apply a biological control, plants in containers are unlikely to recover.

Sedums and Geraniums can be badly affected.

Mow lawn regularly, mulch clippings or recycle, keep edges neat.

Apply summer fertilizer, follow instructions, slow release is best, do not apply in drought conditions, if  using feed and weed avoid getting onto ornamental plantings as it will cause damage.

If you have wild flowers in lawn and want to keep them then do not use feed and weed.

If you have a pond then keep water circulating,  clean filters as needed, you can divide and reduce any plants in pond possible to still plant up new bog gardens.

Iris Ensata is a good plant for bog garden and near ponds.

Remove blanket weed and skim off floating weeds such as duckweed.

Open greenhouse and increase ventilation on sunny days, extra shading like shade paint applied to outside may be needed.

Damp down the floor of the greenhouse on hot days this will control Red Spider mite.

Give plants space as they grow.

Check for pests like red spider mite, white fly, regularly, biological controls are available look online.

Pick off any dead leaves, keep floor and pathways free of plant debris this will assist with  pest and disease control.

In the vegetable garden continue weekly sowings of lettuce, radish, peas etc to get a continuity of crops

Earth up potatoes as they shoot through soil.

If you grow asparagus then you need to harvest at no more than 45cm max.

Harden off plant sowings like Tomatoes ready for planting.

Support peas as needed.

Harvest Rhubarb, but leave 2 thirds to grow on.

You may need to cover some plants to protect against bird damage , fleece is ideal.

Cover carrots to control carrot fly

At the end of the day on fine days get out the barbecue light up the heater and enjoy the garden.

Take time to relax in garden at some time each day.

The garden should be an extension of your house, an extra room if you like.

breeders, PLANT BREEDER SERVICE

PIERIS ‘Forest Flame’ AGM

PIERIS ‘Forest Flame’ AGM

PIERIS ‘Forest Flame, in flower now, with white flowers, the vibrant young red foliage becoming orange then yellow to green later make for striking garden shrub also good in pots. Like acidic moderately fertile soil, may need some protection in winter when young and Evergreen.

Ideal on banks and slopes, borders , containers, focal plant.

Like acidic soil, you will need to use a fertilizer for acidic plants if your soil is alkaline.

HT 250cm SP 250cm

Now is the time to be busy with seed sowing of seed from your plant breeding projects, for developing your new plant breeding selection or new plant discovery I can offer full trialling and new plant development service. More details is available on my website.

We can offer full support for EU Plant Breeders Rights Applications if UK leaves without a deal, we have a company in Europe that can provide the complete assistance to apply and maintain EU rights on your behalf.

Remember you will most likely need to have separate rights in the UK after we have left Europe.

It looks like spring may finally be here with temperature forecast to rise a brief cold snap over the next few days though, could be some frost at night.

Most trees and shrubs are now budding up, although we have had some rain, it is still quite dry.

APRIL GARDENING

Will April be full of April showers or drought!

Hardy annuals can be sown now, can sow direct into borders to fill gaps.

Many hardy perennials can still be sown now, sow into plugs or small pots.

Instant colour can be provided by planting Primula and Viola, look for cornuta types.

Look out for slugs and snails on new Hosta shoots, check your local garden centre for best controls

Pot up plug plants, water in well but allow to dry a little between watering

Put bedding plants outside during daytime on fine days, but bring them in at night this harden them up plants will get a better start.

Regular watering of containers is needed now, feed also will help get things underway.

Too early for summer bedding, but you can plant up tubs and baskets if you have a frost free area.

Regular weeding should be carried out whenever you can, so that it will keep them under control, perennials infested with spear/couch grass can be divided and weeds removed.

Divide those clumps of perennials like Hosta’s, Hemerocallis, this will invigorate and improve plants, every three years or so.

For cut flowers you can plant up Delphiniums and annuals.

Prune Lavenders to new shoots.

Deadhead Pansies, Viola and Primula.

Deadhead Daffodils and Tulips.

Clean up winter bedding that has not survived remove self-seeded forget-me-nots so they do not take over other plants.

Look out for Vine Weevil damage, damage shows when plants start to wilt, on inspection roots will have been badly eaten. You may also see white c shaped larvae, apply a biological control, plants in containers are unlikely to recover.

Sedums and Geraniums can be badly affected.

Look for slugs and snails check online for best control methods or ask at local garden centre

Evergreens in cooler areas you can still move evergreen shrubs but it is getting late now and watering could be difficult as season progresses.

Much roses with organic matter.

Tie in climbing and rambling roses

Cut back Salix and Cornus.

Remove frost damaged shoots from evergreens.

Take cuttings of your favourite conifers.

If you have newly planted trees you will need to put on guards to protect against rabbit damage.

Mow lawn regularly now, keep to an even height throughout season. Better to cut a little higher if in a dry period.

Cut lawn edges.

Apply a spring fertilizer, can include moss killer if needed but care is needed with application as pollution of ground water can occur if used incorrectly.

Alternatively rake or scarify lawn to remove moss.

If you see a lot of starlings on your lawn then you may have leatherjackets – Crane fly larvae, look for controls on line, biological control is the only control available to amateur gardener.

If you have a pond start using water filters now, fish will be starting to be active don’t overfeed.

Continue tidying marginal and bog plants.

In the greenhouse prick out seedlings, space out plants, check watering every few days.

The greenhouse will need venting each day now when weather is warm, you may need light shading on bright days.

Temperatures can drop at night you may still need the greenhouse heater or other protection.

On warm days damp down greenhouse floor helps to control red spider mite.

House plants can begin feeding now, check watering every few days.

Wipe clean shiny leaved plants with damp cloth.

In the veg garden winter sown broad beans and peas will be in active growth now, peas will need support, twiggy sticks are ideal.

Keep on top of weeding whenever conditions allow.

Plant potatoes now.

Continue sowing vegetable seeds now for succession of  crops.

Any seed for March can still be sown in April.

Sow, Beetroot, leaks, carrots, lettuce, cabbage etc.

Under glass sow, cucumbers, pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers.

In sheltered areas make first sowing of French beans.

Sweet corn can be sown now use a peat pot so you can plant direct in garden later.

Strawberries and Raspberries will be starting to grow now, feed with a tomato feed, not a high nitrogen feed.

Time to get out the barbecue and garden furniture ready to enjoy the long summer days.

Remove algae from patio and slabs, repair any fences still to do after the winter and give a fresh coat of paint.

Take time to walk round garden each day  – Enjoy.

breeders, PLANT BREEDER SERVICE

PULMONARIA ‘Opal’ (‘OCUPOL’)

PULMONARIA ‘Opal’

Lungwort

A good compact cultivar, clusters of wide open pale-blue flowers, above small dark green leaves that are variously blotched and spotted silver.

Good for shade and semi shade, front of border plant will flower from late February, March and into April.

You can also use in containers for early interest and the spotted foliage will provide ongoing interest until the next winter.

Likes rich fertile soil that does not dry out.

HT 30cm SP 45cm

March is well here now, and officially spring has started, its started very windy and wet, with storm force winds and then some frost at night, some of us have even had snow.

I see many plants starting to shoot, front of my house Roses are budding up and producing leaves, Geraniums are just starting to appear.

One early flowering group of plants  that will be coming into bud and flower now are the Pulmonarias.

There are quite a few different forms of Pulmonaria with varying degrees of silver spotting on leaves, some are almost completely silver or grey in colour.

So they are ideal subjects for a plant breeding project, plant a group of different varieties together, with different flower colours and foliage, from the seed collected you may get some interesting hybrids.

Of course you can actually make some crossings yourself, keeping notes and photos of your plant breeding.

Pulmonaria Opal is such a plant that was selected out and protected, the name OCUPOL is the protected name, it has a USA Plant Patent.

So it if you have a plant breeding project underway and are looking for advice, assistance in developing your new plant commercially then I can be of service, more information is available on my website.

When the UK leaves the European Union then for Plant Breeders Rights most likely we will need to protect plants in UK and also EU, I can prepare documentation for either territory and for the EU you will need a procedural representative, I have a contact in the Netherlands who can assist me with that, so I’m able to offer UK Plant Breeders and ongoing services for trials and Plant Protection in the UK and also the EU.

Its a good time to visit the first plant fairs of the season looking for new, unusual and interesting plants, can also find items that you can use for plant breeding.

They are also good for plants generally items that you will not find at the larger garden centre. 

MARCH GARDENING 

Will March be full of spring cheer of will winter return for another bite!!

Well it looks like its come in like a lion, with strong winds most days although we have had some night frosts.

Finish clearing the last of leaves and winter debris.

Still time to finish cutting back and trimming grasses.

If you have overwinter Fuchsia, prune back to one or two buds on each shoot.

Pruning early flowering Clematis once their flowers have finished and summer flowering Clematis before growth starts.

Prune bush and climbing roses, add some fertilizer to base, look for specialist rose fertilizer.

Plant new roses either bare-root or container, do not though plant where you have had roses before.

Trips to your local retail nursery or garden centre will find many plants starting to arrive for planting, still too early for spring bedding though, don’t be tempted to plant outside yet!

You can sow and plant hardy annuals.

Good time to plant snowdrops in the green brighten up garden next year.

You can start planning the new beds you prepared last month.

Time to revitalise established plants in containers, remove top 5cm of compost and replace with new add some all season slow release fertiliser.

Containers will need regular watering now.

If you have Dahlia tubers you can start them now,  place in pots or trays and cover only the tubers with compost, water, keep frost free, you can take cuttings from the new shoots if you need more plants.

Spring flowered bedding you can give regular feeding now, this will help to produce a good display during the season,

For a good display of spring bulbs next year you can remove spent flowers and seed heads, leave leaves for now.

Keep an eye now for slugs and snails use your usual method.

Lift and divide and perennials that you want to revitalise, move or create more plants.

You can take basal cuttings of perennials that are showing new growth.

Seed sowing is well underway now, look for some new varieties to try.

Cut back Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) grown for coloured stems in winter.

Don’t prune spring flowering shrubs yet wait until flowering is finished other wise you will lose flowers.

Deciduous climbers will be budding up and starting into growth, so you can prune out dead stems and generally tidy up.

Where possible start regular hoeing of weed seedling as you see them it will help later in the season to keep on top of them now.

Now is a good time to lay new turf, work from planks, do not walk over it for several weeks, you will need to water it during dry periods, first cut should be on the highest setting.

Established lawns can be cut now if needed and weather allows, don’t mow if frosty or if frost is forecast. The first cut of the season should be light, keep blades 1cm above usual height.

Good time to get blades sharpened and mower serviced if you did not get it done last month.

Later in the month you can apply a spring fertilizer that is high in nitrogen this will help the lawn recover from winter.

Any bare patches, fork over and loosen soil then apply some fresh grass seed, keep watered, may have to protect from birds.

Neaten edges with a turf iron, it  will make lawn borders look a lot better. Work from a board if it’s wet.

You can still scarify where needed, good to get the moss and other debris out of the thatch of the lawn.

Herbicides can be applied to get control of perennial weeds.

For ponds you can start feeding fish now, give a little but often.

Check, repair or replace pumps and filters.

Clean any waterfalls any gulley’s or streams.

Tidy up plants in bog garden add new plants if required.

Remove any leaves and other debris that has collected over the winter.

In the veg garden you can start chitting early potatoes for planting later in month, plant shallots, onions and garlic.

Dig in some green manure or compost to improve soil.

Prepare seed beds for planting and you can start sowing , carrots, radishes and lettuce under cloches for early crops.

Continue to plant fruit trees and raspberry canes, autumn fruiting canes should be cut back to ground to encourage new canes to develop. Summer fruiting cut back to top of supports to a bud.

In the greenhouse you can start sowing winter greens.

Sow tomatoes in a heated greenhouse.

Start sowing bedding plants ready planting after the last frost.

Repot house plants and orchids before they start active growth.

Carry out repairs to pathways.

Carry out repairs to fencing, paint and treat where needed.

Clean algae and slime from patio and fences several products are available that will assist with this, just ensure that it is safe for plants and pets.

When planting in garden consider using a mycorrhizal fungi product like Rootgrow™ it helps with plant establishing.

Take time to walk round garden each day, as plants will be starting into growth and new things will be appearing every few days.

Good time to look at the garden furniture and clean where needed.

Get out the patio heaters and chimineas you might be able to sit out on some days, I know locally we have had a weekend where temperatures were above 20°c and in the evening you can light up the chiminea and dream of the longer days to come.

British Summer time starts on Sunday 31st 01.00AM. –  Hurray!

breeders, PLANT BREEDER SERVICE

DAPHNE bholua ‘JAQUELINE POSTILL’

gooderham image_new

 

February is here and already the days are noticeably longer, and until this week colder, now it looks like windy and wet weather are on the way.

In my garden this delightful shrubs is in full Bloom. It is fragrant and mine planted in a sheltered patio area gives off a nice fragrance as you walk past.

This is a delightful upright evergreen shrub, providing colour at what can be a dull time of the year.

Easy to grow really in any fertile soil, sheltered area is best, does not like to be transplanted so give careful thought to where you plant it.

Can be grown in containers.

Good for borders

Slow growing very little pruning is required.

HT 200cm Spread 150cm

Hardy throughout UK – RHS H4.

During this month check through all the seed you have collected for any Plant Breeding Projects you are working on or have planned.

During bad weather check through catalogues and online to see what new plants are being introduced this year.

Helps when making comparisons with plant breeding plans you may have.

For developing your new plant breeding selection or new plant discovery I can offer full trialling and new plant development service more details available on my website.

Also pictures can be taken, recorded and stored if needed.

Full Plant Protection applications processed in UK, EU, and other world territories.

Mother stock build up, Plant propagation and virus testing available.

With UK leaving the EU, a Procedural Representative will be needed for making PBR Applications in Europe, I have access to a company in Europe so can easily assist in making those PBR Applications, including sending plants to testing stations which going forward will not be in the UK.

‘GOODY’S GARDENING’ – MONTHLY GARDENING ADVICE

FEBRUARY GARDENING 

February fill dyke black or white!

February can be a month of heavy rain and some winters snow, the phrase refers to ditches being filled with water or snow!

Plants to look for in February

Galanthus

Daphne

Camellia Elegans

Prunus x subhirtella Autumnalis Rosea – Rosebud Cherry

Crocus sieberi Violet Queen

Jasminum nudiflorum – Winter Jasmine

Snowdrops and Crocus will be up now and most likely in flower.

Carry on clearing branches and twigs from any recent storms, good idea to check fences and property borders for damage.

Trimming and tidying of perennials and grasses can continue while weather allows, trim dead leaves off Hellebores shows up flowers better.

Trim shrubs that have finished flowering.

Towards the end of the month ideal time to prune hybrid Tea roses and floribunda, cut away any dead or diseased stems. Make cuts at 45° angle.

If you have winter bedding, deadheading and removing dead leaves will prolong flowering and keep plants looking good.

You can divide perennials now those that have overgrown their allotted space and those you want to move, such as Geraniums.

Prepare beds for new planting such as roses, but remember do not plant Roses in the same area as previously planted.

Improve beds where you have poor drainage by digging in gravel and organic material now is the time for soil improvement when weather conditions allow.

Weeding of borders can also be carried out as these will continue to grow.

Plant Lilly bulbs in pots for summer flowers.

Plant bareroot hedges, like Beech, blackthorn, hazel etc. Soak roots for at least an hour before planting.

Can also plant container grown.

February is also the month to prune buddleia, Spiraea japonica, tamarisk and hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata).

If you have plants in containers then these will need still to be checked for watering, keep them raised to aid drainage.

Dahlias and Cannas stored check for drying out and any disease, remove those that have rotted.

Good time to look through catalogues and order seed.

Last chance to take hardwood cuttings of ornamental shrubs like Cornus, Ribes, Salix.

Cut back ornamental vines.

For lawns you can lay turf and repair lawn where required but avoid wet or freezing weather.

Remove any twigs and branches.

If the lawn needs mowing cut to maximum height to give a tidy up, edging the lawn will give a nice neat finish.

Good time to get mower serviced, check tools and sharpen where needed.

Late summer and autumn flowering Clematis can be cut back to lowest pair of strong buds.

You can trim winter flowering Heathers as flowers fade to keep bushy habit.

Last chance this month for pruning apple and pear trees.

Time to cut back autumn flowering Raspberries and black currents to encourage new canes.

Not a lot to do with the pond if you have one keep from freezing completely.

Clean out waterfalls streams, remove any branches and debris.

For veg garden finish any deep digging.

You can cover some of garden with polythene or cloches to warm up soil for early sowings.

Early sowings under cloches can be made of Carrots, Lettuce, Radishes, Salad Onions and Summer Cabbages.

Plant shallots now, plant quite deep to prevent birds pulling out them out.

Start chitting seed potatoes if you did not do last month.

Jerusalem Artichokes can be planted now, relative of sunflower, very tough will survive in the poorest of soils.

If growing peppers and tomatoes from seed you can start these now in a heated greenhouse, take about 3 weeks to germinate.

Look at storing more water for watering your plants during dry months by installing more water butts.

Mulching is also worth considering best for next month.

If you have alpine plants then some gravel round crown helps with drainage.

Enjoy the Garden, get out there as much as you can during this month, spring is well underway.

breeders, PLANT BREEDER SERVICE

SARCOCOCCA hookeriana Var Humilis

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SARCOCOCCA hookeriana Var Humilis
Sweet Box
Highly scented flowers from December onwards, ideal to plant near front or back door, I used to have a group near my front door, from December until February it was a scent you could smell as soon as you walked up the path or opened the door.
Evergreen winter flowering shrub, quite slow growing, tough plants, dark green leathery leaves, small highly scented white flowers, followed by black or red berries (not edible) in the summer, they quite often persist until the winter, prefers full to partial shade, good humus moderately fertile moist soil that does not dry out in summer. Needs little pruning, if any needed prune lightly after flowering. Fertilize early spring.
Height 100cm Spread 100cm. Fully hardy in the UK.

It would be slow to hybridise varieties of Sarcococca!
January is an ideal time to look through seed catalogues looking at what new plants are available before you plan on any crossing or plant breeding programmes.
Check through the seed you have collected, see if any plant breeding projects spring to mind.
For developing your new plant breeding selection or new plant discovery I can offer full trialling and new plant development service more details available on my website.
Also pictures can be taken, recorded and stored if needed.
Full Plant Protection applications processed in UK, EU, and other world territories.
Mother stock build up, Plant propagation and virus testing available.

‘GOODY’S GARDENING’ – MONTHLY GARDENING ADVICE
JANUARY GARDENING

So we start the new year with periods of cold then mild weather. Although we have had some rain it’s quite dry here in Norfolk as I write, the forecast is for windy and cooler conditions, then relatively mild again with cloud but not a lot of rain. Towards the end of the month it may turn colder..
There is still work to be carried out in the garden when conditions allow.

Plants to look for in January

Chimonanthus praecox ‘Wintersweet’
Eranthus hyemalis ‘Winter Aconite’
Helleborus in variety, orientalis types give a good range of colours and give good opportunities for hybridising.
Heathers
Iris unguicularis
Mahonia X media ‘Winter Sun’
Ophiopogon planiscapus – good foliage colour

If you have planted autumn bedding you will still need to keep all baskets and tubs watered and checked each day but reduce amount of watering keeping them moist and not wet.
Plant lily bulbs.
Continue to trim back and tidy garden, clearing weeds, digging over borders ready for mulching in spring. Add bark and gravel to heavy clay soils to improve drainage.
Regular weeding and hoeing whenever you can will keep weeds under control they will continue to grow during periods of mild weather.
Tidy and remove any fallen leaves from borders add them to your compost heap.
Check tubers and bulbs of plants, such as Dahlia, Canna and bulbs that you have stored for signs of rot and dampness, remove any that are rotting, but also if they are too dry they will not be any good.
Pruning Evergreens are best left now until the spring.
Cut back ornamental vines, Ivy, Virginia creeper.
Prune Wisteria by cutting back side shoots, avoid cutting off flower buds.
Prune Apple and Pear trees – avoid periods of very cold frosty weather. Leave Cherries and Plums until the spring to reduce risk of bacterial diseases.
Its still ok to move/plant deciduous plants unless soil is waterlogged or frozen.
Most likely you will not need to mow lawn but it’s best not to let it get too long. If it needs a cut don’t cut in frosty conditions and not too short.
Don’t walk across the lawn in frosty weather, or you will leave brown marks where you have walked when frost thaws out.
Keep clearing leaves off lawns as they will block light, hold in moisture increasing risk of disease, moss and algae.
If you have a pond, put some net across to stop herons stealing your fish.
Good time to clean filters, skim leaves off pond surface and rake leaves and debris out of pond.
Drain down any pumps.
Break ice on the pond by holding a saucepan of hot water on it until it melts through.
Trim back marginal plants.
Check water levels and top up if needed.
If you need replacement pumps, filters etc now may be a good time to look for sales and discounted stock.
In the Greenhouse, finish cleaning.
Brush any snow off greenhouses and polytunnels.
Hippeastrum bulbs, maybe you had one as a Christmas present, now is the time to start them off.
For vegetables harvest any parsnips and leeks.
If you grow peas, put a cloche over the area you will use to sow in, do this a few weeks before to let soil warm up.
If you grow potatoes you can start growing in containers under cover for a very early crop, you will need to fleece up containers during frosty weather if your greenhouse is unheated.
If you have Brassicas remove any yellow leaves as they harbour pests and diseases.
Rhubarb can be forced, place a bin or bucket over the crown, this will force young tender pink stems in a few weeks.
Repair any fences and sheds if they are damaged during periods of windy weather.
Keep patio areas clean of algae and moss.
Patio heaters and chimineas may still be needed for those bright clear nights! It’s a good idea to get your gas patio heater checked by a registered heating engineer once a year.
Good time for planning any new hard landscape projects to carry out over winter.
Build a compost heap for leaves and grass clippings.
When weather allows, not water logged or frozen, digging over soil will expose pest larvae to birds and improve soil structure, do this for all vacant vegetable garden soil in readiness for next year. Add plenty of organic compost from your own compost if you have it
Put out food and water for birds during cold periods, but keep area clean and clean feeders regularly to reduce risk of spreading virus and diseases amongst birds. Cleaning up feed debris will help keep vermin under control.
If you must have a bonfire remember to check that you do not have a hibernating hedgehog inside! – they need gardeners help right now as populations are decreasing.
Clean tools and drain any petrol out of any power tools you will not use over the winter.
During these dark days, its is a good idea to get out those seed and plant catalogues and start planning for next year.
Check through the seed you have collected, see if any plant breeding projects spring to mind.

Enjoy the garden, Happy New Year to you all.

breeders, fogs and frost, plant breeder, SERVICE

IRIS unguicularis

25

IRIS unguicularis

Algerian Iris

Unusual Iris, as it flowers in winter from December onwards.
It is a rhizomatous or bulbous perennial with narrow leaves to 30 cm in height. It has very fragrant flowers, deep violet marked with white and yellow at the base.
Maybe it’s worth collecting seed from this Iris for plant breeding.
Looking for different colours, flower size etc.
You must keep records of any crossings you make. Be critical when making a selection, be prepared to be strict when discarding plants.
Pictures are important so get the camera ready to take photos to record your work.
For developing your new plant breeding selection or new plant discovery I can offer full training and new plant development service. More details are available on my website.
Also pictures can be taken, recorded and stored if needed.

‘GOODY’S GARDENING’ – MONTHLY GARDENING ADVICE
DECEMBER GARDENING

Now the weather has changed to colder conditions the clocks have changed, we had the first frosts of the season, December has started quite wet and windy, having just gone through storm Dierdie, with strong winds and heavy rain the weather has now turned milder, looks like this will be the pattern over Christmas, with a colder spell for January.

There is still work to be carried out in the garden.

Plants to look for in December

Clematis cirrhosa
Helleborus
Heathers
Hyacinthus
Iris unguicularis
Ophiopogon planiscapus – good foliage colour

If you have planted autumn bedding you will still need to keep all baskets and tubs watered and checked each day but reduce amount of watering keeping them moist and not wet.
Raise these up on pot feet or bricks to improve drainage.
Planting tulip bulbs, Daffodils, try some in tubs and patio plants mixed in with bedding to give early colour, still time to do this.
Look out daily for slugs and snails check your local garden centre for best controls, an idea I have seen is to place an old roof tile on ground, snails go under here during daytime just turn over and pick them off each day.
Continue to trim back and tidy garden, clearing weeds, while weather is open lift, divide and move perennials.
Regular weeding and hoeing whenever you can will keep weeds under control they will continue to grow during periods of mild weather.
Tidy and remove any fallen leaves from borders add them to your compost heap.
Good time still to move shrubs and trees if needed.
Now is a good time to carry out soil improvement works by adding compost , good to add also bark to heavy clay soils to improve drainage, frost will help break down soil.
Bring in any tender plants if not already done so, put in greenhouse or conservatory.
Pruning deciduous trees and shrubs can start during this month. Evergreens are best left now until the spring.
Good time now for seed collection now, storage is important, remember cultivars will not come true to type.
Continue mulching borders when its not frosty or snow on the ground.
Continue to mow lawn when needed, while weather is open and temps are above 5°c grass will keep growing but do not cut as short as you would in summer, keep edges neat,
Keep clearing leaves off lawns as they will block light, hold in moisture increasing risk of disease, moss and algae.
Avoid walking on lawn when frosty.
If you have a pond, put some net across to stop herons stealing your fish.
Good time to clean filters, skim leaves off pond surface and rake out of pond.
Drain down any pumps.
Break ice on the pond by holding a saucepan of hot water on it until it melts through.
Trim back marginal plants.
In the Greenhouse, finish cleaning.
Poinsettia are available now keep in a warm draught free room, don’t buy from outside stalls, keep protected when transporting home.
For vegetables there is still time to plant broad beans, Garlic, and spring cabbage plants if you can find them, look in local garden centre.
You can grow herbs over winter if you dig some up and move indoors, they will need good light, don’t overwater.
Sow peas – Meteor sown outdoors will give an early crop next year.
Time to paint fences and sheds carry out any repairs, in the greenhouse replace any broken glass needed before winter.
Pressure wash decking, put away furniture.
Patio heaters and chimineas may still be needed for those bright clear nights!
Good time for planning any new hard landscape projects to carry out over winter.
Build a compost heap for leaves and grass clippings.
Digging over soil will expose pest larvae to birds and improve soil structure, do this for all vacant vegetable garden soil in readiness for next year. Add plenty of organic compost from your own compost if you have it.
Put out food and water for birds during cold periods.
If you have a bonfire remember to check that you do not have a hedgehog in side! – they need gardeners help right now as populations are decreasing.
Clean tools and drain any petrol out of any power tools you will not use over the winter.
During these dark days, its is a good idea to get out those seed and plant catalogues and start planning for next year.
Check through the seed you have collected, see if any plant breeding projects spring to mind.

Enjoy the garden, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to you all, see you next year.

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