In the ever-evolving world of gardening trends, simplicity and style are two elements that never go out of fashion. One way to achieve this timeless appeal is by using a single plant as the centerpiece of a container display. Carex ‘Ribbon Falls’: For those desiring to add texture and movement to their container displays, Carex ‘Ribbon Falls’ is the answer. With its cascading foliage resembling ribbons gently swaying in the breeze, this carex brings a sense of grace and fluidity to any setting. Its narrow, arching leaves create a beautiful contrast against other plants, while its vibrant green color adds freshness and vitality. Planted as a single specimen, Carex ‘Ribbon Falls’ brings simplicity and elegance to any container. I decided to use this brilliant and tough ornamental grass, strictly speaking it is a sedge, when I noticed the leaves of a Heuchera drooping in a pot, yes, it had succumbed to the dastardly vine weevil. The Carex looks elegant yet informal, it is hardy and will do brilliantly in a shaded aspect. The fact that it requires minimal maintenance is a bonus.
Lomandra ‘White Sands’
Another favourite of mine that is a solo star in a container is Lomandra ‘White Sands’. If you’re seeking a plant that combines both beauty and resilience, look no further than Lomandra ‘White Sands.’ With its lush, strappy leaves in stunning shades of green and white, this evergreen perennial is a versatile choice for container displays. Its compact size and architectural form make it an excellent option for minimalistic and contemporary designs. Planted as a solitary plant, it exudes sophistication, while its ability to tolerate a variety of growing conditions ensures it thrives with minimal maintenance. Over the last few Helleborus niger ‘Christmas Carol’ on it’s own in a black ceramic pot has been a winter star.
Helleborus niger ‘Christmas Carol’
Known for its winter charm and delicate blooms, Helleborus niger ‘Christmas Carol’ is a true showstopper. The crisp white flowers, tinged with hints of pink or green, grace its evergreen foliage, providing a stunning contrast. Planted as a single specimen in a container, this hellebore becomes the focal point of any space, adding sophistication and a touch of magic. Its long-lasting blooms make it an excellent choice for adding interest during the colder months.
When it comes to creating a simple yet stylish container display, sometimes, all it takes is just the one. The use of a single plant as the focal point allows it to shine, highlighting its unique characteristics and creating a sense of harmony and balance. Whether you opt for Helleborus niger ‘Christmas Carol,’ Carex ‘Ribbon Falls,’ or Lomandra ‘White Sands,’ the result is sure to be a stunning masterpiece. So embrace simplicity and style by incorporating a solo specimen in your next container planting, and watch as your space transforms into an oasis of elegance
Effective Treatment for Adult and Larva Stage Vine Weevils in Pot Cultivation and Gardens
Last weekend I got around to removing a tuber of Begonia bertinii from a pot, as you can see in the video below, the tuber is huge, I have grown it for three years. It was quite a struggle to remove it from the pot.
I like to remove the tuber from the compost, mainly because of the risk of vine weevils larvae attacking it and eating into the flesh of the tuber.
Luckily I got to it in time, as there were many larvae in the compost, but only a few holes in the tuber. I removed it and washed off all the compost, and I think that I got all the larvae, the larvae I left on the ground and the robin ate them!
The tuber
Vine weevils (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) are a common and persistent garden pest that can wreak havoc on pot cultivation and gardens. Both the adult weevils who feed on foliage during summer, and their voracious larvae that feed on the roots of a wide range of plants, causing significant damage. In this blog, we will discuss effective treatment methods for controlling both the adult and larva stage vine weevils in pot cultivation and gardens.
Vine weevil larvae
Identifying Vine Weevil Infestation: Before proceeding with any treatment, it is crucial to accurately identify vine weevil infestations. Adult vine weevils are nocturnal and are typically dark-colored beetles, about 8-15mm in length, with a distinct “snout” shape. The larvae are creamy-white, C-shaped grubs with brown heads, and are typically found near the roots of affected plants.
Prevention: Preventing vine weevil infestations should be the first line of defense. Some effective prevention measures include:
Inspect plants for adult weevils and larvae before purchasing or bringing them into your garden.
Avoid using infested compost or soil in pot cultivation.
Implement good garden hygiene practices, such as cleaning tools and pots after use to minimize the risk of infestation.
Biological Control: Biological control methods utilize natural enemies of vine weevils to manage their populations effectively. Nematodes (Heterorhabditis and Steinernema spp.) are microscopic roundworms that target vine weevil larvae. These nematodes are available as commercial products, such as Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer, and can be watered into the soil to target the larvae.
Chemical Control: In situations where the infestation is severe or other methods have failed, chemical control can be considered. It is essential to use products that are licensed for use in Ireland and the UK. Always follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Some commonly used chemical treatments for adult and larva stage vine weevils include:
Spraying adult weevils with insecticides like BugClear Ultra Vine Weevil Killer or Provado Ultimate Bug Killer.
Applying systemic insecticides like Scotts Bug Clear Ultra Vine Weevil Killer to the soil for targeting larvae.
Organic/Natural Remedies: For those who prefer organic or natural remedies, there are options available. One such product is Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer, which utilizes nematodes as a biological control method. Additionally, sticky traps and physical removal of adult weevils can be effective, although these methods primarily help monitor and reduce the adult population rather than completely eradicating the infestation.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Incorporating an Integrated Pest Management approach can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your vine weevil control efforts. This approach combines various methods, such as prevention, biological control, and targeted chemical treatments, to achieve long-term management with minimal environmental impact.
Controlling vine weevil infestations in pot cultivation and gardens requires a multi-faceted approach. By combining preventive measures, biological control methods, and judicious use of licensed chemical treatments, garden enthusiasts can effectively manage adult and larva stage vine weevils. Remember to always consult the product labels and adhere to proper application techniques to maximize control and minimize environmental impact. A healthy and thriving garden is within your reach with targeted treatment strategies.
Adult Vine Weevil
Note: The information provided in this blog is based on general knowledge and products licensed for use in Ireland and the UK. Always refer to the product labels and guidelines for specific instructions and suitability for your situation.
As the calendar flips to another year and we prepare to embrace the wonders of 2023, let me begin by wishing each one of you a sprouting, blooming, and delightful Happy New Year! May it be a year where your gardens radiate vibrancy and your love for gardening proliferates to newer dimensions. With the break of the new dawn, we feel excited to bring before you a platter of unique content, gardening tips, and the sharing of our unending love for all things green.
The secret to a healthy garden lies in its diversity – the assortment of plants which infuse colors across the spectrum, and the sweet harmony of flora that can brighten any gloomy day. In all honesty, picking a favorite plant can be as taxing as picking a favorite child, and yet, as we dive into this New Year, I have taken up the challenge to showcase one of my favorite plants for each month of 2023, hoping to inspire and impart more knowledge to the beautiful community we have built together.
January
Daphne ‘Spring Herald’
January is dark, cold, wet, and there is usually a feeling of mild despair. The days have not lengthened enough to notice a brightening in the evening. Despite all this there are plants that will brighten our days and lighten our moods, snowdrops, witch hazel, hellebores and Daphne.
There are a number of excellent Daphne shrubs that will bloom with fragrant flowers in the depth of winter, and I love the pale pink, fading to white blooms of Daphne ‘Spring Herald’. An evergreen shrub that starts to bloom in December and continues until March, the scent on mild days is intoxicating.
February
As we notice a lengthening of the days, we are filled with positivity. Hamamelis is a genius that provides us with a great choice of flowering shrubs, many of which have sweet spicy fragrant blooms.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Aphrodite”
The variety I chose for our garden is Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Aphrodite’, I love the rich colour, the spicy scent, the plant has a more ascending habit than some others, and the foliage turns a nice golden yellow before falling in Autumn. The flowers start to open in January and last through February.
Hamamelis are lime tolerant, slow growing, and easy to look after.
March
Now the days are stretching as we hurtle towards the Spring equinox, and the garden is exploding into life, there are bulbs bursting out in bloom, shrubs starting to flower and the growth is breaking from the dark soil and reaching into the brighter days.
Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’
A plant that has flowers on it in every month of the year is always welcome, Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’ is one such flower, it is an everlasting wallflower, that is at its best in Spring. Covered in rich red flowers and scented too.
It lives a short glorious life, ours in The Fire Pit Garden, has got woody and leggy, a pruning last summer did not do enough to revive it’s bushy habit, so I will replace it this Spring as new plants come available from the nurseries.
April
As the Spring advances, there is so much to choose from, one of my favourite plants at any time of year is Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’.
Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’
In April the bright yellow flowers emerge hiding the colourful foliage that has been admired throughout the winter. After flowering has finished in mid-summer, I will cut away the flowered stems to the base to allow the new growth to re-emerge and give us that lovely round mounded shape of Variegated leaves for autumn and winter.
May
Allium giganteum and A. ‘Ostara’
It is getting harder to pick just one plant from the multitude of great plants that bloom in May, but last May for me, it was the Alliums. Allium giganteum is great, as are most of the Allium varieties, but I am going to pick A. ‘Ostara’, it is not too big, but big enough, and I love the dark colour of the burgundy blooms.
Alliums are more than just their colourful clooms, it is the impact they make with their shape, I plant different varieties amongst herbaceous plants, there repetition of their string shaped makes a brilliant display I May, the flowers lasting well into June, for the rest of the summer we are graced with their seedheads.
June
Delphinium Highlander ‘Sweet Sensation’
Delphiniums, I never thought that I would be such a convert to these outstanding plants, I have often admired them in other gardens, but thought that they were too much trouble: needing staking, being eaten by slugs. Then I tried out D. Highlander ‘Cha-Cha’ and loved it, so I planted a few more varieties from the Highlander Series. All are well performing plants, requiring no staking, or minimal, and untroubled by slugs. D. Highlander ‘Sweet Sensation’ was a favourite of mine this summer past, when the flowers finish in July, I cut them back and fed them so that a second flush of blooms were produced in late August and September.
July
Begonia bertinii
There was a time when I did not like Begonias, but this particular one started me down a path of Begonia worship. I originally planted this tuber in a pot in Spring 2021, now it is the size of a dinner plate and I can’t get it out of the pot! It is a super plant, I just love it, it grows big and flowers until first frosts. The colour is dazzling, and you can even eat the flower petals, they look nice in a summer salad. All begonia petals are edible and have a delicious sour flavour, a bit like sorrel.
August
Selinum wallichianum
August is brimming with favourite plants, lots of big bright colours, flowers and bold foliage abound. Then in the middle of the month The Patio Garden is graced by the lacy white blooms of understated elegance of Selinum wallichianum. this cow parsley relative has a natural understated beauty, a calming presence that is beguiling.
September
As the days shorten, and students return to school, we are often treated to some nice weather, and after this past wet summer we had our fingers crossed. We got a few days of heat but otherwise it was much of the same wet weather as the previous months. September sees a cooling off, and the garden enters an autumnal phase.
My favourite pick from this September past is Actaea simplex ‘Brunette’, the tall white stems of fuzzy white flowers are deliciously scented, they stand 1.8 tall and require no staking. This was the first year they reached their true potential having disappointed the previous couple of years. Their dark foliage is something to admire through the summer as we wait for the September show.
October
Nipponanthemum nipponicum
For those who have been following me.on my social channels, you know that I love the Nippon Daisy (Montauk Daisy) or Nipponanthemum nipponicum. Just when you think the garden is nodding off into a winter slumber along comes the Nippon Daisy and BOOM!!! These big dome shaped mounds of fresh green leaves burst into bloom with their great big white daisy-like blooms. They are amazing.
November
Miscanthus ‘Serengetti’
The first touch of frost and the garden is taking on autumnal tints and murky moods. The grasses come to the fore and this Miscanthus ‘Serengetti’ charmed.me with it’s red flowers and soft textural charm. This new hybrid stands apart from othe Miscanthus
in that the foliage is mostly evergreen.
December
Correa ‘Marion’s Marvel’
I have a couple of species of Correa growing in the garden, all are doing well. I value them for their long flowering season, September to May, providing blooms from autumn non-stop through the winter until late spring. C. ‘Marion’s Marvel’ is my favourite, it is a shrub of goog vigour, every and quite upright in growth and graced with the bell shaped flowers of soft yellow and warm pink.
January – December
Anisondontea capensis
A shrub for all seasons, Anisondontea capensis is rarely without some flower. At any time during the year it has the pink cup shaped flowers. A strong grower, evergreen foliage and perfectly happy on a big pot. This plant could be a favourite any month of the year.
Delving into the Details of Crambe maritima: A Unique Addition to Your Garden
Sea Kale
Hello gardeners, I’m thrilled to bring another engaging plant highlight from the garden here at The Paddock. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating details of the Crambe maritima, commonly known as Sea Kale. Not only does this little-known plant exude charm and quirkiness, but it also packs a punch when it comes to resilience and adaptability, making it a perfect component in many garden landscapes.
Plant Profile: Crambe maritima (Sea Kale)
Hardiness: Rated for RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) hardiness zones H7—meaning it can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F)— Sea Kale is a robust vegetable that can handle fairly harsh winter climates.
Size: On maturity, Sea Kale typically reaches a height of about 75cm (approx. 30 inches) with a similar spread, or more . A well-grown plant makes an impressive spectacle with its hefty flower stems rising above the broad, wavy-edged leaves, the flowers are also sweetly scented.
Blooming Season: The plant flower spikes shoot up around May and June a standing high above the foliage and covered in an array of honey-scented, white blossoms, adding an ethereal charm to your garden.
In June, it was the standout plant in The Pylon Garden.
Edible: the new shoots are edible, traditionally in coastal areas where it grows naturally, people would mound stone around the emerging shoots to exclude light, forcing the stems to elongated and remain tender. The flower buds can also be eaten and taste very similar to broccoli.
Growth & Maintenance Tips
Sea Kale, although it can be robust and hardy, still requires a touch of tender care to ensure its optimal growth. Below are some tips to help you on your Sea Kale nurturing journey:
1. Soil Conditions: This plant prefers a well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a slightly alkaline pH for optimal growth. Consider testing your soil’s pH balance and amend it accordingly to suit the plant’s needs.
2. Watering: Sea Kale can be somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Still, it’s important during the plant’s formative years to maintain consistent watering, being careful not to overwater and risk root rot.
3. Fertilizing: To assist with robust growth, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the early spring. This will provide your Sea Kale with all the essential nutrients it needs to bloom.
4. Pruning: It’s good practice to cut back flower stems after blooming to prevent self-seeding, unless you wish for it to proliferate. Additionally, remove any dead, diseased, or broken leaves to maintain overall plant health. See the video below👇
5. Wintering: Sea Kale is known for its hardiness, it will over winter easily in Irish gardens
With these exciting details at heart, it’s time to take action and bring this unique, charming vegetable to your garden!
Stay connected with us for more handy tips, plant profiles, and the joy of gardening. If you have any queries or gardening anecdotes to share, don’t think twice—I’m here to learn and assist, taking the richness of the garden escapade to new heights.
Delving into the Details of Crambe maritima: A Unique Addition to Your Garden
Sea Kale
Hello gardeners, I’m thrilled to bring another engaging plant highlight from the garden here at The Paddock. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating details of the Crambe maritima, commonly known as Sea Kale. Not only does this little-known plant exude charm and quirkiness, but it also packs a punch when it comes to resilience and adaptability, making it a perfect component in many garden landscapes.
Plant Profile: Crambe maritima (Sea Kale)
Hardiness: Rated for RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) hardiness zones H7—meaning it can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F)— Sea Kale is a robust vegetable that can handle fairly harsh winter climates.
Size: On maturity, Sea Kale typically reaches a height of about 75cm (approx. 30 inches) with a similar spread, or more . A well-grown plant makes an impressive spectacle with its hefty flower stems rising above the broad, wavy-edged leaves, the flowers are also sweetly scented.
Blooming Season: The plant flower spikes shoot up around May and June a standing high above the foliage and covered in an array of honey-scented, white blossoms, adding an ethereal charm to your garden.
In June, it was the standout plant in The Pylon Garden.
Edible: the new shoots are edible, traditionally in coastal areas where it grows naturally, people would mound stone around the emerging shoots to exclude light, forcing the stems to elongated and remain tender. The flower buds can also be eaten and taste very similar to broccoli.
Growth & Maintenance Tips
Sea Kale, although it can be robust and hardy, still requires a touch of tender care to ensure its optimal growth. Below are some tips to help you on your Sea Kale nurturing journey:
1. Soil Conditions: This plant prefers a well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a slightly alkaline pH for optimal growth. Consider testing your soil’s pH balance and amend it accordingly to suit the plant’s needs.
2. Watering: Sea Kale can be somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Still, it’s important during the plant’s formative years to maintain consistent watering, being careful not to overwater and risk root rot.
3. Fertilizing: To assist with robust growth, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the early spring. This will provide your Sea Kale with all the essential nutrients it needs to bloom.
4. Pruning: It’s good practice to cut back flower stems after blooming to prevent self-seeding, unless you wish for it to proliferate. Additionally, remove any dead, diseased, or broken leaves to maintain overall plant health. See the video below👇
5. Wintering: Sea Kale is known for its hardiness, it will over winter easily in Irish gardens
With these exciting details at heart, it’s time to take action and bring this unique, charming vegetable to your garden!
Stay connected with us for more handy tips, plant profiles, and the joy of gardening. If you have any queries or gardening anecdotes to share, don’t think twice—I’m here to learn and assist, taking the richness of the garden escapade to new heights.
Delving into the Details of Crambe maritima: A Unique Addition to Your Garden
Sea Kale
Hello gardeners, I’m thrilled to bring another engaging plant highlight from the garden here at The Paddock. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating details of the Crambe maritima, commonly known as Sea Kale. Not only does this little-known plant exude charm and quirkiness, but it also packs a punch when it comes to resilience and adaptability, making it a perfect component in many garden landscapes.
Plant Profile: Crambe maritima (Sea Kale)
Hardiness: Rated for RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) hardiness zones H7—meaning it can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F)— Sea Kale is a robust vegetable that can handle fairly harsh winter climates.
Size: On maturity, Sea Kale typically reaches a height of about 75cm (approx. 30 inches) with a similar spread, or more . A well-grown plant makes an impressive spectacle with its hefty flower stems rising above the broad, wavy-edged leaves, the flowers are also sweetly scented.
Blooming Season: The plant flower spikes shoot up around May and June a standing high above the foliage and covered in an array of honey-scented, white blossoms, adding an ethereal charm to your garden.
In June, it was the standout plant in The Pylon Garden.
Edible: the new shoots are edible, traditionally in coastal areas where it grows naturally, people would mound stone around the emerging shoots to exclude light, forcing the stems to elongated and remain tender. The flower buds can also be eaten and taste very similar to broccoli.
Growth & Maintenance Tips
Sea Kale, although it can be robust and hardy, still requires a touch of tender care to ensure its optimal growth. Below are some tips to help you on your Sea Kale nurturing journey:
1. Soil Conditions: This plant prefers a well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a slightly alkaline pH for optimal growth. Consider testing your soil’s pH balance and amend it accordingly to suit the plant’s needs.
2. Watering: Sea Kale can be somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Still, it’s important during the plant’s formative years to maintain consistent watering, being careful not to overwater and risk root rot.
3. Fertilizing: To assist with robust growth, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the early spring. This will provide your Sea Kale with all the essential nutrients it needs to bloom.
4. Pruning: It’s good practice to cut back flower stems after blooming to prevent self-seeding, unless you wish for it to proliferate. Additionally, remove any dead, diseased, or broken leaves to maintain overall plant health. See the video below👇
5. Wintering: Sea Kale is known for its hardiness, it will over winter easily in Irish gardens
With these exciting details at heart, it’s time to take action and bring this unique, charming vegetable to your garden!
Stay connected with us for more handy tips, plant profiles, and the joy of gardening. If you have any queries or gardening anecdotes to share, don’t think twice—I’m here to learn and assist, taking the richness of the garden escapade to new heights.
Winter, often perceived as a season of slumber and desolation in the garden, need not be drab and unexciting. With the right plants, your garden or pots can come alive with vibrant colours, shapes, and textures. Today, we’ll explore the dazzling beauty of Cordyline ‘Charlie Boy’, Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’, Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’, and Mahonia x media ‘Charity’, illustrating how each can add splendid winter interest to Irish gardens.
Cordyline ‘Charlie Boy’ – A Thrill of Winter Colours
The Cordyline ‘Charlie Boy’ is a remarkable plant, renowned for its spectacular winter foliage. The leaves transition from a ripe summer plum to a rich palette of fiery reds, purples, and pinks as colder weather sets in. This architectural plant grows to around 90cm-1.2m (3-4ft) in height and has a spread of about 45-60cm (1.5-2ft). It has an RHS hardiness rating of H1C, implying it thrives in heated greenhouses where minimum temperatures do not drop below 5°C. Though generally it can be grown outdoors in milder parts of Ireland in sheltered parts of the garden in Ireland, ‘Charlie Boy’ can thrive in pots and conservatories and can bring a stunning burst of winter colour to your patio and outdoor dining spaces.
Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’ – A Spectacle of Stripes
Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’, with its arching yellow-green leaves with bold, creamy yellow stripes, lends a warm wave of colour to winter gardens. This robust New Zealand native can reach a height of about 1.5m (5ft) and a spread of 1m (3.3ft) in ideal conditions, showcasing its bright, striped leaves year-round. It is rated by the RHS as H4, indicating hardiness to temperatures as low as -10°C to -5°C. Well-draining soil, full sun, or partial shade all contribute to the flourishing of Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’, making it an exquisite choice for Irish gardens and patios.
Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’ – Adding Winter Depth with Bark and Stems
Also known as the Coral Bark Maple, Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’ is an exceptional winter plant with its blush coral bark that stands out against the snow. The slender, gracefully arching stems shimmer with a glow enhanced by winter sunlight, reaching a height and spread of around 6m (20ft) respectively. Rated H5 by the RHS, the ‘Sangokaku’ is hardy to temperatures dropping to -15°C. An added advantage is its stunning leaf colour transformation – from yellow-green in spring, to soft green in summer, and fiery gold in autumn. The sharp colours of the Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’ make it an asset to any Irish garden landscape, demanding admiration even in winter.
Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ – Delightfully Scented Winter Blooms
Lastly, the evergreen Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ offers a gorgeously scented display of bright, golden-yellow flowers, forming in erect racemes from late autumn through winter. Growing up to a height of 4m (13ft) and spread of 2.5m (8.2ft), this hardy plant (RHS H5) bears pinnate, glossy, dark green leaves which provide an alluring backdrop to the vibrant flowers. Well-suited to the damp Irish winters, this Mahonia species is perfect for shady spots and looks spectacular when underplanted with spring flowering bulbs.
With considered plant choices, you can embrace the challenge of winter gardening and transform it into an opportunity to showcase dynamic colours and textures. By adding Cordyline ‘Charlie Boy’, Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’, Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’, and Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ to your garden or conservatory, you’ll enjoy a vibrant encore of nature in the midst of winter, even in the Irish chill.
Ciaran The Gardener 