Growing and Caring for Delphiniums

These beautiful perennial plants require cool growing conditions if first-class specimens are to be produced, and are well suited to the North West, although it is possible to obtain reasonable plants in other areas by raising them from seed at frequent intervals. They are used most frequently in herbaceous borders, mixed borders, and in front of shrubs. Few flowers are […]

Gooseberry – Growing and Harvesting

Gooseberries The gooseberry, Ribes grossularia, is native to Britain where it has been cultivated since the thirteenth century at least. Being self-fertile and productive, it is ideal for the small garden. Gooseberries excel in the cooler areas of the Midlands and North.They are tolerant of most soils but not of waterlogging. Growth may be weak on poor gravel soils or […]

Growing Delphiniums

The modern delphinium is one of the most spectacular and popular garden flowers. There are wide ranges of colors, several flower forms, and varieties of different heights. Hobby growers strive to produce the largest individual flowering spikes possible. PLANT RIGHT: Select a sunny location and a soil as deep which is rich as possible. In early Spring,  set plants into well-prepared […]

Picking the correct Apple Tree

Apples Some varieties set no fruit at all when self-pollinated, while others under favorable conditions set a fair crop. Yields are better when there are enough varieties for cross-pollination. There are a number of popular varieties which are poor pollinators (triploid varieties) but most are diploid, which pollinate each other very well. It is important to have at least two […]

4 things you didn’t know were killing your houseplants

Houseplants have many benefits, from reducing depression and anxiety to purifying the air… provided that you don’t kill them. Here are some of the top mystery causes of houseplant death. Overwatering By far the most common cause of death in houseplants is simple overwatering. Stick to the instructions given when you buy a plant to avoid drowning it. Most plants […]

Delphinium Society

The Delphinium Society was founded in June 1928. These were the days of large gardens with the staff to maintain them and many nurseries specializing in delphiniums. The first show was truly spectacular with literally hundreds of delphiniums being exhibited. There were 13 trade stands and the classes called for large numbers of spikes, 50 in one, 42 in another. […]