It does seem to be all doom and gloom when it comes to the natural world these days, so it makes a refreshing change to read something positive. Heres a small article about Marsh Fritillaries. Not really 'headline news' but it all helps. we are members of the Devon Wildlife Trust and through joining, we have found many new places to visit on our doorstep. I think all counties have a Wildlife Trust so get in there and discover your local nature reserves :)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-29075113
Sunday, 7 September 2014
Thursday, 14 August 2014
End Of Summer?
Anyone else getting that Autumnal feel?
I know, its the middle of August, but its tipping down with rain and its cold enough at night for me to look at the woodburner and think of the lovely warmth it offers. Much as I do love Autumn, I hope the weather picks up again, just give us another month!
There's a great little place near me that sells plants, mainly bedding, with an honesty box to take the money. Passed it the other day and he is already selling Autumn bedding, Cyclamen, brightly leaved Heathers and Ivy. Time to think about changing my hanging basket...but no, not yet, still got flowers on my Diascias.
Still plenty of jobs to do this month, one of them being Summer pruning if Wisteria. I have a client whos very vigorous Wisteria has reached the roof of her 3 storey house, now I am OK with ladders, but on this occasion I think I need a volunteer! Apart from the stems you want to train, cut back the whippy current growth to 5 or 6 leaves. This will stop it growing into the guttering, windows or getting too high! Also encourages flower buds to form.
Got Raspberries? Keep cutting back the canes of your summer fruiting raspberries. You can also lift and pot up strawberry runners. I need to do this, my plants need replacing, as they have lost their vigour. It is recommended to replace strawbarry plants every 3 or so years.
Keep deadheading your roses. If you have a rambler, give them a prune now, if they have gotten out of hand and need more drastic work then wait until late Autumn or Winter. Also, give your summer flowering shrubs a prune, such as Hebes and Lavender.
It is time to be cutting grass on a higher setting now that growth is slowing down. If your mower mulches, then do so as the clippings will help with moistre retention.There will be plenty to do for the lawn this Autumn.
Lets hope we get a dry spell to get these jobs done :)
I know, its the middle of August, but its tipping down with rain and its cold enough at night for me to look at the woodburner and think of the lovely warmth it offers. Much as I do love Autumn, I hope the weather picks up again, just give us another month!
There's a great little place near me that sells plants, mainly bedding, with an honesty box to take the money. Passed it the other day and he is already selling Autumn bedding, Cyclamen, brightly leaved Heathers and Ivy. Time to think about changing my hanging basket...but no, not yet, still got flowers on my Diascias.
Still plenty of jobs to do this month, one of them being Summer pruning if Wisteria. I have a client whos very vigorous Wisteria has reached the roof of her 3 storey house, now I am OK with ladders, but on this occasion I think I need a volunteer! Apart from the stems you want to train, cut back the whippy current growth to 5 or 6 leaves. This will stop it growing into the guttering, windows or getting too high! Also encourages flower buds to form.
Got Raspberries? Keep cutting back the canes of your summer fruiting raspberries. You can also lift and pot up strawberry runners. I need to do this, my plants need replacing, as they have lost their vigour. It is recommended to replace strawbarry plants every 3 or so years.
Keep deadheading your roses. If you have a rambler, give them a prune now, if they have gotten out of hand and need more drastic work then wait until late Autumn or Winter. Also, give your summer flowering shrubs a prune, such as Hebes and Lavender.
It is time to be cutting grass on a higher setting now that growth is slowing down. If your mower mulches, then do so as the clippings will help with moistre retention.There will be plenty to do for the lawn this Autumn.
Lets hope we get a dry spell to get these jobs done :)
Wednesday, 23 July 2014
Better Late Than Never!
I know, its been a while since my last blog, am afraid its been bottom of my list for a while. Have you missed me??!
Have been really busy with work which, of course is a good thing, though it is partly due to lack of manpower. You wouldn't think it was difficult to find someone who can garden, but trust me, it is! People assume that anyone can be a gardener, and I suppose thats true, but not anyone can be a good gardener! You don't need lots of knowledge to get into gardening, enthusiasm is a great thing as you will learn as you go on.
Though I studied horticulture at college, most of my knowledge has been gained from practical experience, and a love of plants! I did learn a lot at college but, to be honest, I was more interested in the social side - I did love a party! Good old days :)
It wasn't until I left college that I realised I did actually enjoy gardening and 18 years after leaving am still a gardener, and still enjoy it (unless its raining heavily!). Oh dear, 18 years :( so thats 21 years I've been in the industry. Its my birthday today so years are on my mind!
If you are thinking about taking up gardening as a new career, give it some serious thought before you get started. A want to learn is key, if the enthusiasm isn't there you will not last long! Its a tough job, I have numerous ailments - am having my knee x-rayed in a couple of weeks as its causing me grief. Remember the weather here in the UK is pretty unpredictable, get yourself some quality waterproofs, and plenty of suncream (its really hot here at the mo). If you're not keen on working in the rain, don't be a gardener! It can also be incredibly rewarding, especially if you have been working in a garden for years, seeing it develop, being part of its improvements and knowing that tree or shrub you planted could be there long after you've 'left the building'.
Well Im off to enjoy the day and hopefully get some birthday cake :)
Have been really busy with work which, of course is a good thing, though it is partly due to lack of manpower. You wouldn't think it was difficult to find someone who can garden, but trust me, it is! People assume that anyone can be a gardener, and I suppose thats true, but not anyone can be a good gardener! You don't need lots of knowledge to get into gardening, enthusiasm is a great thing as you will learn as you go on.
Though I studied horticulture at college, most of my knowledge has been gained from practical experience, and a love of plants! I did learn a lot at college but, to be honest, I was more interested in the social side - I did love a party! Good old days :)
It wasn't until I left college that I realised I did actually enjoy gardening and 18 years after leaving am still a gardener, and still enjoy it (unless its raining heavily!). Oh dear, 18 years :( so thats 21 years I've been in the industry. Its my birthday today so years are on my mind!
If you are thinking about taking up gardening as a new career, give it some serious thought before you get started. A want to learn is key, if the enthusiasm isn't there you will not last long! Its a tough job, I have numerous ailments - am having my knee x-rayed in a couple of weeks as its causing me grief. Remember the weather here in the UK is pretty unpredictable, get yourself some quality waterproofs, and plenty of suncream (its really hot here at the mo). If you're not keen on working in the rain, don't be a gardener! It can also be incredibly rewarding, especially if you have been working in a garden for years, seeing it develop, being part of its improvements and knowing that tree or shrub you planted could be there long after you've 'left the building'.
Well Im off to enjoy the day and hopefully get some birthday cake :)
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Weekend Events
I'm going to be at the following events this weekend, showing off my other hobby of crochet - and trying to sell it! Come along if you live in the area
The first one is on Saturday in the pretty village of Lustleigh (where I also work :)), celebrating traditional Devon dance and music
http://www.dartmoor.co.uk/events/moor-merriment-a-dartmoor-weekend-2014-p883303
On Sunday I will be selling my wares at the Dowland Country Fair, near Winkleigh, a great family day out
http://www.dowlandcountryfair.org.uk/
Weather is going to be dry too!!
The first one is on Saturday in the pretty village of Lustleigh (where I also work :)), celebrating traditional Devon dance and music
http://www.dartmoor.co.uk/events/moor-merriment-a-dartmoor-weekend-2014-p883303
On Sunday I will be selling my wares at the Dowland Country Fair, near Winkleigh, a great family day out
http://www.dowlandcountryfair.org.uk/
Weather is going to be dry too!!
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
Happy First Birthday!
Yes, The Dartmoor Gardener is one year old today! How time flies.
I think that deserves a slice of cake :)
I think that deserves a slice of cake :)
Tuesday, 15 April 2014
Bird Spotting
Just been for a stroll with the dog through the fields at the back of my house and spotted my first Swallows of the year. What do they look like? Have a look at the link here http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/swallow/
Every year I forget what the difference between Swallows and House Martin, well the main one is the tail. Swallows have long tail 'streamers', House Martins have much shorter forked tails. Its hard to spot the other differences as they are so fast!
Won't be to long before the Swifts arrive. We are lucky to have an untouched patch of land right in front of our house which is an ideal place for insects to breed, a 'fly thru' diner for Swifts! I spend many summer evenings just watching them screech by.
If only I was quick enough to take some pics!
Every year I forget what the difference between Swallows and House Martin, well the main one is the tail. Swallows have long tail 'streamers', House Martins have much shorter forked tails. Its hard to spot the other differences as they are so fast!
Won't be to long before the Swifts arrive. We are lucky to have an untouched patch of land right in front of our house which is an ideal place for insects to breed, a 'fly thru' diner for Swifts! I spend many summer evenings just watching them screech by.
If only I was quick enough to take some pics!
Sunday, 13 April 2014
Colourful Spring
Wow! Everything has burst into life after a long wet Winter. Its great to see so much colour and some sunshine at last. I have found it difficult to blog these last few months, lost a bit of interest but I feel much more enthusiastic now. Work is very hectic, it being our busiest time and not having the manpower we need, so I won't have the time to blog like last year, will do my best though. My other interest - crochet - has taken over a bit. I am booked in to sell at a few local craft shows and need to get on and make much more so I have enough stock (check out my facebook page www.facebook/loopylou72 )
So, back to the plants...the Magnolias are looking particularly fine at the moment and there are plenty of specimens down here in Devon. Here is a Magnolia stellata in Simmons Park, Okehampton...
So, back to the plants...the Magnolias are looking particularly fine at the moment and there are plenty of specimens down here in Devon. Here is a Magnolia stellata in Simmons Park, Okehampton...
Back in my own garden...
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| Self seeded Forget-Me-Not |
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| Anemone St Brigid - accidentally red, white and blue! |
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| Primula auricula - I love these |
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| Erythronium Pagoda (Dog Tooth Violet or Trout Lily) |
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| Anemone blanda |
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| Bedding violets for a splash of colour in my pots |
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