Author: Barry Holdsworth
-
Fusarium Patch or Snow Mould – what is is and how to manage it
Fusarium Patch (Snow Mould): A Comprehensive Guide with Scientific Insights and management Fusarium Patch, commonly referred to as Snow Mould, is a turf disease caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale. This pathogen thrives in cold, wet, and humid conditions, making it a significant problem for turfgrass in temperate climates. Originally associated with snow cover, its occurrence has…
-
Sugar as a growth stimulant for trees
Sugar as a Catalyst for Tree Growth: A Scientific Exploration Poor root systems in trees are a significant challenge, often leading to the depletion of storage reserves by up to a third, ultimately starving trees to death. However, recent studies suggest that sugar, a simple and widely available compound, may hold the key to revitalizing…
-
Pumpkins and Squash
Pumpkins and Squash are celebrated for their culinary uses
-
Electrical weed control
A trial at Oxford Botanic Garden using electrical apparatus provided successful for weed control without leaving harmful residue. Engineering consultant Roger Balls and electrical engineer Dr Mike Diprose demonstrated success in initial trials on the rampant onion weed, Nothoscordum. The method is environmentally friendly and leaves no harmful residues. A method using electricity has been…
-
Halloween and pumpkins
Halloween means high demand to buy pumpkins. One of the largest growers in the UK is David Bowman, with a 200ha farm growing three million pumpkins especially for this time of the year. Over 100 staff lift the massive crop into the warehouse to ripen then they are shipped out to the major supermarkets for…
-
Bespoke Garden Steelwork
Bespoke garden steelwork can offer a unique way to personalize your garden, combining functionality with artistic flair. These handcrafted elements allow garden owners to adorn their outdoor spaces with pieces that are not only practical but also visually striking and tailored to their specific preferences. Whether you’re looking to enhance a traditional garden or add…
-
Bespoke Garden Water Features
Bespoke Garden Water Features The Timeless Role of Water in Gardens Water has always been a central feature in gardens, playing an important role since the earliest days of gardening. Across centuries and cultures, water features have evolved to reflect the creativity, beliefs, and aspirations of humanity. In ancient Persia, Greece, and Egypt, water features…
-
RHS to review judging system
The closed world of judging by Royal Horticultural Society is up for review and not before time some would say. To all those designers that have toiled away at the recent Chelsea Flower Show may well wonder why they got the medal they did, not matter what colour. As feedback is all but non-existent and…
-
Plant guarantees may change because of climate change and possible severe winters
by
In the UK we have experienced two very severe winters with many gardeners experiencing at least one loss of a plant and some many from newly planted to established plants. Nursery growers suffered significant losses of stock and with tight margins it has been very hard for them. Now garden centres are wondering if they…