These Cardoons have grown a lot since being planted last summer, particularly in B1, so I lifted one and put it in a pot in the front.
5 Apr 19: It took a bit of a hit, but is looking fine in the pot. I’ll think about planting it out somewhere at the front.
The two yellow brugmansias I have in 35cm diameter by 27cm (26 litre) plastic pots are just beginning to flower, but are very pot-bound. They need watering at least once a day, and up to three times a day in hot weather. I rang the RHS advice service to ask about root pruning. The advisor recommended sawing off a couple of inches of roots from around the side and the bottom of the plants when they are coming into growth in the spring. If I am feeling cautious, I could do half the plant one year and the other half the next. This root pruning should be done every two or three years, but some growers do it every year. The plants will still need frequent watering.
I would like something in a pot here:
How about Chamaerops humilis?
The width of the wall is 100cm between the edge of the door and the corner. The tap is 70cm above the gravel. The wall faces E, and the spot gets the sun for 3-4 hours a day in summer. The wind whistles down the gap between the fence and the house, but this spot is quite sheltered. I think a sphere of leaves 30-50cm in diameter in a pot 25-30cm tall would be a good start.
Also here, to replace the yucca which is hopelessly potbound:
How about Trachycarpus fortunei?
This is the NW corner of the back garden. It’s very sheltered, and gets the sun for 3-4 hours a day in summer. The remaining yucca leaves are 140cm above the gravel. The rosa ‘Albertine’ and clematis montana are being trained up and on to the E wall of the house, so should be out of the way. A pot here could be partially buried. Access is only to the compost bins, so not critical. I think a plant 50-70cm tall from soil level to the top of the leaves might be appropriate.
The three pots of tulips planted last autumn have done very well.
But so have the three planted 18 months ago. They’ve certainly done much better than those planted in the beds.
The new bamboo in front of the garage seems to have survived the wind, snow and cold, to the extent that it’s thrown up new shoots which are growing a couple of inches a day.
One of the new pots of tulips. Very successful. The arabis is nice too.
Several small terracotta pots have had their rims shattered by the recent frosts. Some big pots have been cracked. The only solution is probably either glazed pots, and I haven’t seen glazed pans, or expensive frost-proof terracotta from Whichford Pottery
Today Hazel gave me this potted conifer that I was admiring in the yard. What is it?
12 Apr
RHS Gardening Advice identified it as Thujopsis dolabrata. Thanks to them.
RHS website
Wikipedia article
Rendered by aarchive.php
