Amateur Gardening 2014

MYSTERIES of the GNOME RESERVE
5 April 2014 2014

13 December
weekly
How to make... WIN
a maga
subscrip zine
10 easy xmas t
your ch ion of
see p28
oice
decorations
from berries and leaves
SOW BLUEBELLS
Growing native types from seed
HOT plus...
Electric chainsaws tested
TIP!
to keep compost Old-time gardening tips
heaps working
21 jobs to do in winter
PRETTY
PRICKLY Ruth says:
12 great hollies for Grow your own first-aid kit
interest all year plants with healing powers

!

2
2
)++ A/= '+1 :' 6-/? +/15 +? ):6
?A * "5/, :' 5)-*4

!

! #+ - 22 - 13 #!2 8#5 #+ 8#5+ #6
"" ! #! 7 +6 ! #%2#! % ! #+
58 2#8 ! +5+ 5%2- +# %#% #! 2 +#5!
!
!
7#+! 2+--8 2# % -6 2 525 -!#7 #%+(

! !

! ! 2*- #+ 8#5* 6 2 -2-2#! # !#7! 8#5*+
%! 5- 2# 2+! ! )5% #5+#5- !2%#!
8 #%2! -!#7 #%+ 2#8 8#5* % %+#22 2- +!+-( ! 8#5* -#6+ 72 2 2- ! #7 2
!!+ 2 #+ 525+ !+2#!-( - 2# % -6 -%-(

/1: 6-/? +/15 :/A A #++)-& )- :' "/5,
3 3 ! 9;
,/-:'
+/? >)6):)-& ??"6-/?+/152/,
/5 ++)-& B %$ <BB <;
#+#5- ! #%2#! % +5+ 5%2-
55
/-+)- "/5 :'
-!#7 #%+ 2#8 +# 2
0
<1, ,5A

(281;8#)( 8) @);1 (% )1 ;#&#( )#8@ 8) +@ #18 #82.
"/ 5 +)> 5
'5)6:,6
A
1=# 21
;'1 "
&2 #(#8 !)> ';! @); >);& &#% 8) #= ! ')(8!
*.
' ( ;&& +)28& 122 ) @);1 (% )1 ;#&#( )#8@ 1
>);& &#% 8) #= 79 7 73 7*A
) 8! '( 1 )<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (% )1 ;#&#( )#8@
@ !)# 7 ! ')(8! ,'#(. 79- 122<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
# ! <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< )28) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
#8&<<<<<<<<< (#8#&<<<<<<<<< ;1(' <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< :.

',2- ) );(8 !)&1,2-
122<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< )28) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
& () <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 8 ) #18! <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 9. 1(! 2)18 ) " "
'#& <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< . (% )1 ;#&#( )#8@ );(8 (;'1
&2 2;++&@ # @); >);& &#% 8) 1#= '#&2 1)' ,@); ( ;(2;21# 8 (@ 8#'-
. " 1(
;'1 ,# ;2 )(&@-
! ! ! ,# ++&#&-
#% 8!#2 )? # @);1 )+8#)( #2 #8 8!( )'+&8 8! 8#&2 ) 8! 1#+#(8 &)>
#8&<<<<<<<<< (#8#&<<<<<<<<< ;1(' <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 4. (281;8#)(2 8) @);1 (% )1 ;#&#( )#8@
&2 +@ " #18 #82 1)' 8! );(8 8#& )( 8! #(281;8#)( 2;$8 8) 8! 2 ;12
122<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 22;1 @ 8! #18 #8 ;1(8. ;(128( 8!8 8!#2 #(281;8#)( '@ 1'#( >#8! " ( # 2)
8#&2 >#&& +22 &81)(#&&@ 8) '@ (%5;#&#( )#8@. (%2 ( ;#&#( )#8#2 '@ ()8 +8
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< )28) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
#18 #8 (281;8#)( )1 2)' 8@+2 ) );(8.
#8 1#+#(802 8 ) #18! <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
);& @); &#% ;2 8) 2( 8! )+8#)( +% #18&@ 8) 8! 1#+#(8/ 2
) # (8;1,2- 8
0 &#% 8) %+ @); ;+ 8) 8 >#8! );1 +1)$82 ( 8#=#8#2 @ +)28 ( 8&+!)(. @);0 +11 ()8 8) );1 ')(@ >#&& 2;++)18 );1 >)1% 8) !&+ 2= 8! 2()> &)+1
1#= #()1'8#)( #( 8!#2 >@ @); ( '#& ;2 8 2;++)1811>>.)1 .;% )1 && ;2 )( A*9 :4999. 2 >&& 2 )8!1 =#8& )(21=8#)( +1)$82.
+6 5:=5- )- - ->+/1 :/ 51/6: (

(
(
< +)"@ / +*6', 0< 7
+28 +-2+ ! !! !5 + $9$4. ! ! #2! !5 + 93""3 ! # %!8 2 8 5+!2 +-2+ ! !! !5 + 9$/.4( 99$94/
! -8 # $"/( #+ 5! #+ 25+ &#+ +8 #+ 5!' , +-2+ 2+ +(
!5 + .33 ./$4$(
it ors
This week in GET IN TOUCH
01202 440840
Ed etter weekly
EDITORIAL OFFICES:
Westover House,
West Quay Road,
Poole Dorset BH15 1JG
l EXPERTS HELPLINE:
0843 168 0200
(12-1 Monday - Friday)
EMAIL US...
W
HAT VEG have we amateurgardening
got? I asked my 13 DECEMBER 2014 @timeinc.com
wife Kath, one
morning. It was my turn to
cook, and the cupboard looked Cover picture Schizanthus variety Alamy
distinctly old-mother-Hubbard.
Practical
Sorry, darling, she said
defensively, I didnt buy any
P4 6 How to sow seeds of native
this week because you said you bluebells now
had stuff at the allotment.
I grunted. Yes, Id said that a
DIY DECS
10 easy Christmas
decorations to
14 Your gardening questions
answered by our experts
couple of weeks earlier, but as make from garden
any veg grower will tell you, leaves & berries Features
24
crops come in waves it can be Old school advice from
hard to predict exactly whats Tynteseld House gardener
ready for harvest and Id used
a lot of it in the meantime.
She left for work, I followed
28 Christmas gift guide ideas
for stocking llers
soon afterwards. I just had time
to pop into the allotment on
32 The Hollies greatest hits
for gardeners
the way. When you start to look
even at a fairly bare allotment Start your Christmas
in winter it is astonishing how shopping early
much you can nd to pick. A
save up to
good two thirds of my plot is
GNOME SECRETS LAID BARE!
P38
34%
now freshly dug bare earth, but
Revealing pictures from
I picked sprouts (and a sprout the remote Devon
top for greens), parsnips, some Gnome Reserve
carrots (with carrot y maggot
damage, but it cuts out easily), on a subscription to
Cavolo nero and curly kale, Amateur Gardening
leeks, chard, salad onions, red Visit magazinesdirect.com/CBW4
chicory and beetroot. 0844 848 0848
I was emptying my loaded and quote: CBW4
Lines open 7 days a week 8am-9pm
trug at the kitchen sink when (UK time). Overseas +44 (0) 330 3330 233
Kath came through the front
door that evening home
grown veg needs processing Expert advice
11
(washing, picking off hitch- Sue Stickland
hikers etc) before storing or Xmas cropping potatoes
cooking. I was feeling really
chuffed with my haul.
She sounded a bit out of
12 Peter Seabrook
Growing with children
breath: Its alright darling, she
called over the rustle of carrier
P10 15 Christine Walkden
How to organise a shed
bags, I popped into the
supermarket on my way home 16 Anne Swithinbank
Saving fuchsia seeds
35
to pick up some veg Bob Flowerdew
Have a great gardening week. 21 jobs to do in winter
P8 51 Toby Buckland
Skimmias for any garden
THE HEALERS
Regulars
HOT TIP!
Plants that cure ailments Winter compost heap care
30 Six electric chainsaws
tested, we pick the best
TIM Visit our website amateurgardening.com 36 Tea break puzzles with
RUMBALL Use your smart phone to scan the QR symbol (right)

30 cash prize
EDITOR
for instant access to the Amateur Gardening website.
Consult your phone supplier for suitable free apps. 44 We visit a pair of gardens
in Taunton, Somerset
13 DECEMBER 2014 AMATEUR GARDENING 3

Your
Y
gardening
g week With AG experts Graham Clarke and Ruth Hayes
Welcome! TOP TIP

When you have made your
Christmas decorations from
I
TS HARD to believe that in greenery and berries from the
two weeks time, Christmas will garden, dont forget that they
be over and the days will be may be heavier than shop-bought
ones. Use sturdy fastenings
growing longer again, meaning we and hangings to avoid them
can start looking forward to spring. falling down or landing
on someones head!
One of the sweetest sights of the
spring is a carpet of bluebells and
on p6 Graham shows you how to
start native bluebell seeds in your
garden. I have long been fascinated
about plants that can heal, and
on p8-9 I look at the benecial
properties of some garden plants
and also share a recipe for a lotion
for skin prone to break-outs.
And lets not forget our compost
heaps in winter (p10)! Enjoy your
gardening week.
Ruth Hayes
AGS GARDENING WRITER
PRIZE DRAW Mix garden greenery and berries with paint

and glitter for stunning festive decorations
GARDEN BIRDS need
extra energy to survive
TimeInc. unless credited
the winter months, and
Deck the halls!

Peckish Winter Warmer
mix is just the thing to
see them through.
Designed for bird
feeders and tables, this
seed mix has Calvita Ruth shows you how to create traditional festive
Westland
nutrients to give birds an

extra boost through cold cheer using greenery and berries from the garden
spells. We have five
ECORATING THE home for but stunning centrepiece for the
resealable packs to give away.
To enter the draw, send your name and

address on the back of a postcard to
D Christmas is a highlight of the
season. The tree may be the focal
Christmas table, or have a fun afternoon
with children and grandchildren making
Peckish Winter Warmer Draw, Amateur
point, but garlanding mantelpieces, easy tree decorations?
Gardening, Westover House, West Quay doorframes and staircases with collected On the next page we show you how to
Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1JG. Or email greenery and bright clusters of berries put together some simple but attractive
your details to ag_giveaway@timeinc.com.
Closing date 17 December, 2014.
really conjures up a festive atmosphere. festive decorations using items easily
Why not go all-out and create a simple found in the garden.
4 AMATEUR GARDENING 13 DECEMBER 2014

Your
gardening
Simple festive things to make week
TWIG STAR SWAGS GLITTER CONES

Divide 12
small twigs
into six pairs.
Make two
triangles with
the bundles
of twigs then
bind them
together with
wire to make
a six-point
star. Spray
with gold
paint and,
Use wire to attach greenery and coloured
when dry,
berries or shop-bought accessories to a length A fun craft for children. Make tree decorations by
hang on
of rope or twine green is best and hang it spraying small pinecones with gold or silver paint.
the tree.
where it will get admiring glances. Scatter glitter on the wet paint for extra sparkle.
EDIBLE WREATH BERRY LOOPS CORNER SPRAYS

A prettily Tie a bunch
understated of greenery
alternative to together
a greenery using wire
and berry and over-tie
wreath. Mix Thread berries with a pretty
leaves with onto wire and ribbon. Hang
hedgerow hang them in the a couple of
fruits such as garden, to make Christmas
rosehips and attractive outdoor tree baubles
damsons, and tree decorations from it and
intersperse and provide a attach it to a
them with snack for birds wall or hang
apples. and wildlife. in a corner.
FRUIT GARLAND FAT CAKE ARRANGEMENTS Youll have

enough to do
Once youve without arranging
made your flowers over the
Christmas Christmas holiday.
biscuits, fill the Instead, fill the
cutters with a base of a vase
mix of melted with painted
lard, seeds, pinecones and
oats and use dried seed
berries, let it heads such as
Place orange slices in an oven at 100 degrees for set and hang honesty, pictured,
three hours to dry out. Once they have cooled, the festive fat or teasels,
thread onto wire or ribbon with dried fruit such balls outside to complete
as cranberries and even popcorn! for the birds. the look.
Step by Step MAKE A CHRISTMAS TABLE CENTERPIECE
1 Gather the things you need a

saucer, some oasis, a candle and
a selection of greenery and berries.
2 Place the oasis on the saucer,
cut a hole for the candle so it is
secure and wont fall over when lit.
3 Build up the arrangement by
pushing the greenery stems and
berry branches into the oasis.
4 Complete the centrepiece by
placing coloured and gilt
decorations in among the greenery.
Your
gardening
week
TOP TIP
Step by Step The English bluebell, it is said,
has a slight fragrance but you
need a keen sense of smell to
discern it. The Spanish variety
SOWING ENGLISH is more proliferous, so is slowly

taking over. In a pure gardening
sense, it is probably a
BLUEBELL SEEDS
better plant for
the garden.
1 Bluebell seeds need cold before they

germinate. Sow in pots where the plants
will be planted out. Half ll the pot with
garden soil; top up with John Innes No 2.
GRAHAM SAYS:
Bluebells are most at home in woodland.
They love a shady spot with moist soil.
But theyll also thrive in hedgerows,
clifftops, or even any rough patch of soil!
This cross-bred hybrid bluebell, taken

in my garden in May, displays many
characteristics of the English bluebell
Graham Clarke NP
2 Sprinkle the seeds on the compost
Sowing bluebell seeds

surface. You dont have to worry
about careful spacing in the pot theyll
eventually by separated and planted out.
Now is a good time to sow bluebells, specially as the

English type need a period of cold rst, says Graham
HE BLUEBELL is a beautiful, self- actual species or cross-bred hybrids any
T spreading plant needing little care.
The indigenous English bluebell
bluebell carpet will give you a sense of
spring, with warmer weather on the way.
All TimeInc.
(Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is seen less If you really do want to fly the national
these days because of the introduction flag, the so-called English bluebell has all
of the Spanish form (H. hispanica), its flowers hanging on one side of the stalk,
3 Lightly cover the seeds with more
compost. Leave the pots in place.
Seedlings will germinate in spring, but
which has cross-pollinated with it to
form variable plants with a mish-mash of
with a graceful nodding head. The Spanish
bluebell meanwhile produces flowers all
the rst owers come after four years. heights, shapes and tints of blue. around the stalk.
But whatever you have in your garden Im sowing English bluebell seeds now.
WHY SOW SEEDS? CROSS-POLLINATION

SOWING SEEDS has certain advantages If you particularly want English bluebells, make
over the planting of bulbs. To start with, sure you dont already have any of the Spanish
it is cheaper, giving gives you more kind in the garden as they will cross-pollinate,
plants for your money. Also, with seed, and the resultant plants will be a mish-mash of
colours even turning to pink (right).
the chances of introducing non-native In the garden, a good place to grow them is
Graham Clarke NP
seeds are minimal. Unless you buy bulbs under deciduous hedges or shrubs. Here, they
guaranteed to be English, you may can flower in full glory until the hedge foliage
unwittingly be buying a hybrid variety. returns in late spring to give them some shade.

!%0) -(0) (0- - ( #

- ) )3(%2 /( '*( / *&&3#*(-
& ! " "'$ %( """
$6#: 6&& 0#;
& !
&##*60&:

!( #

/6#30 #( 3!

/03 00*(
( 8#(3/
!/: 3* ",
!
&'
"
!3.0 /# !3 &()

-(
((1)
!#0 +#/ *
, /( (

# *'
'*( 3/0 8#&& /*8 ( /6#3
!-( &%- +/3&: #( 3! ,
% 6&& *
7#3'#( 3!:./ &##*60&: $6#:
( ** */ :*6 3** ( 3!:
0'&& 0#'+&: #7#( 3! 083&:
+/6' 8!#3 *8/0 *(3/03
63#6&&: #(03 3! + /(
#3/60"/ /( *&# , ($*: 6&&
0#; /6#30 /*6( !/#03'0 3#' +/3

" */ !*' ' /6#3 0&0 */ 0 3( :
38#03 #( :*6/
!# %- % 3%0( -() ((1 ) 2!!)-!) -' -!! "-0(

)&"#) # *' !-( &%-)' # - 0)- ,.$'$ %( - &(
-3 (&()#- )0&( 1!0 %( "%#3 "0 &(
-# "%)- (# #-( 1(-) 3%0 -
/4"! %--! % &("0" -(0) -% #)0( 3%0( -()
(%2 #-% !-3 )&"#) # "%)- "&%(-#-!3
( !%-) % 03 (0-
&##*60 6&&"0#; /6#3 /*' 3! /03 00*(
(3& 7&6 6(/ 25< !
*(/6&&:"/ /(3 6''/ &*00*'
6++&# 0 ++/*9, 3 3&& 6&&: '36/ 3/0
8#3! 5<'& * #3/60 8*/3! 24,))
0: 3* /*8 ( &*8 '#(3(( 3**

%! "

" ! $ ( %"
?

@
'+ )8)> 0A7 .60-;@&9
1&
1>2 <:' <) =4$4+ :)'+ ?/4555 -4
5+ , 2(0. F!&& : %:/ %:/

"". &.3 $& #&- 3$ ( (- # $ -&# "$" $+ 3- $39&-! -. #; 8-;+
'+5:+: '*/: + ':44++ )550 4? 5?
:- $4-> + *+$0 -< 5'*/)? >-+3: !+ ::4
4+ E 208> A8).' >( 0A20.

=)< 4-* (<5: 9#0;" /4 :40
0A7 . 0D :?9 >( 7E 0 07+ @: F

- 8 "" 9 " .3&!. ".3+ &6-$ 3 5<'
=/6// @
"
=1:6/!# %FFF!@
&.3 3& 0A7 . 0D :?9 >( 7E 0 07+ @: F $"&. ,60 (;" 3&
&6-$ )$# -.. &$ !* &- 2777777777777777777 ($
- - #; .0
.3--0
.3-& -
)7 0$ 7.' -0. 7 8 ). :6% 0>8 =?/6/!
/<<5' C)>( )>7A8 6
- 6- 3;
&+ &+
/<<'% )>)0., 7.' 7 ). :6% 0> =@/6// .3 4 3. &$ -8-.
/<<5< )>)0., -0. 7 ). :6% 0> =@/6// 3-3 :( -;
.3-&
( 8 '0 2 7$ >,E 3 3 ..6 &+
>,). E27 88 @ 8>,)8( 7 8 ). 1&- 0>8
<<<5 =/6//
-0
-.0
.0
.. -.3 # 6-$#

'<<</ )7 0$ ).> , ,.> 0B 78 16:- D 16@- =!6// -..

0). ( 0A7 . ,A .
5<<<'
=1F6FF &.3&
8 =@F 0C =1F6

A> 1F5 31F2 ). B 7E =14 )$ E0A *0). ( 0A7 . ,A # " "+
)'=4? :-
'+)+ -+)?0 970@@ 5<4%4$ =:6// ". 3 ! - ;&6
>')) //)? :- :% -))->'+$ /-5:- 45 9&6" (-- $&3 3& - 8
&..
;6&;
;@&@ &-. &3- 3$ -&# 6.+
.,&"@ ;.&;" 0 >5': -4 <)) :')50 &6-$ # 3 5<'+
Your
gardening
week
MAKE YOUR OWN TOP TIP

SKIN TONIC
THIS EASY-to-make lemon and
Take great care when using herbal
remedies - try a tiny amount rst to
check for allergic reactions. Consult
a doctor if you have any concerns.
thyme lotion is an excellent toner Several garden herbs are renowned
for their helpful properties. Mint is
for acne-prone skin good for the digestion, camomile
is well known for helping aid
1 All you
need is
the juice of
sleep and feverfew is said
to ease migraines.
half a lemon,
a large sprig
of thyme
and 16 oz
(470ml) of
water
2 Boil the thyme in the water for two

minutes. Then cover the pan and let
it infuse and cool for a further ve
3 Strain the
thyme
water into
a clean jug
and add the
lemon juice A surprisingly wide range of home-grown
herbs can be used to help your skin
Herbs that can help

Natural skin products are hugely popular Ruth takes a
look at the herbal remedies you can nd in the garden
ERBS HAVE always had an used plants to help and heal the local
H important place in gardens through
the centuries. They look attractive
population. Much of this knowledge
has sadly been lost, but many of our
and add wonderful flavours to food. commonly grown plants still have uses
4 Pour
into a
clean jar
Hundreds of years ago they played an beyond the kitchen.
important role in the health of the nation. On these pages we look at those plants
and use
In the days before antibiotics and that can be used to benefit our skin.
twice a day,
morning painkillers, the knowledge of herbs Always seek medical advice before you
and evening and their uses was a vital part of life. try them if you have any concerns about
Most villages had a wise woman who using natural products.

SOME HERBS TO HELP YOUR SKIN COMFREY
ALOE VERA Q Comfrey is something
of a miracle plant it is
Q Aloe vera, good for the garden and
goodbye will mend your wounds. It
stinging burns. contains a property called
These tender allantoin that speeds
perennials are cell renewal and helps
available in many wounds to heal its folk
garden centres. names include knitbone
The plants sap and knitback.
soothes burns, The leaves can be used
scalds and acne in summer and fresh
as well as itchy roots dug up in autumn
dermatitis and and winter. Both can be
eczema. Just made into a poultice and
break off a leaf applied to cuts, bruises
and rub the and sprains.
clear sap on the
problem area.
GARLIC
Q Not just a deterrent
for vampires, garlic
is also reputed to
cleanse the blood
and combat skin
complaints (if you
can put up with the
pong). Rub a sliced
clove of garlic on
spots and acne
DANDELIONS and the plants
antioxidants will
Q Gardeners may curse dandelions, but they are a welcome addition to
the herbalists cabinet. The milky sap can be applied to acne to inhibit help it clear. Crushed
infection and also helps eczema, warts, athletes foot and ringworm. garlic can be applied
The pith inside ower stems can help ease plant and insect stings. to coldsores, or mixed
with warm water to
help athletes foot.
LEMON
Q Not just packed with
Vitamin C to ward off
winter snufes, lemon can
also work wonders for your
heath and complexion. A
slice of lemon in a mug
LAVENDER of hot water rst thing
Q For centuries the leaves and seeds of cleanses your system,
TimeInc unless credited
lavender have been tied in muslin bags which reects on your skin.
and slipped under pillows as the soothing Mix lemon juice with honey,
fragrance of the oils they contain can help or add it to a facemask,
people to sleep. Lavender oil can be used to for a deep cleanse and to
help eczema and skin that is pimple-prone. lighten facial scars. Lemon
juice can also be applied to
lighten facial hair.
PANSIES
Q Not just a pretty face, pansies contain
Vitamin C and have anti-bacterial and
anti-microbial properties. They are
ROSEMARY
used in creams and ointments to help a Q As well as being
range of conditions including eczema, a delicious kitchen
psoriasis, acne and irritated skin. herb, rosemary also
has antibacterial and
antioxidant properties.
Its diluted oil is used
to help minor wounds
and burns and to
ease symptoms of
eczema and psoriasis.
When added to
shampoo, rosemary
Shutterstock
oil can also help

combat dandruff.

Your
gardening
week
TOP TIP
During summer, just add a mix of
ingredients to a compost heap.
BOOST EXTERNAL But in winter, add layers of

green (nitrogen-rich)
ingredients to brown (carbon-
rich) ones; these layers help
WARMTH
While your heap is nicely cooking on
insulate the heap, trapping
heat and gases inside.
the inside, you can boost its outside

temperature, too.
Dave Bevan
CARPETING: Covering your heap

with a piece of old carpet (above),
canvas or tarpaulin, to prevent heat
and moisture loss. Just remember to
add water to the heap after a month
or so, as rain will be kept out.
THE SUN: It is always best to site

your compost heap in full sun, to
I have three compost
gather what warmth it can.
bins, and I add to
All Time Inc. unless credited
them all-year-round
SNOW COVER: If we should get
a cold, snowy winter, a blanket of
snow will insulate compost from deep
freezes. Leave it on piles to which
you are not adding new material, but
scrape it off when you want to put on
a fresh layer.
Compost in winter
Should you stop adding to heaps in the cold? Are they
best covered, or left open? Graham has the answers
OMPOSTING IS a job gardeners process, so you should try to maintain a
C can do all-year-round. Even
through winter you should be
hot core in the heap. If you think about
it, the outside layers of the heap will be
adding suitable materials from the garden the same temperature as the surrounding
Dave Bevan
or kitchen as and when they become air and soil but, if things are right, the
available. But this is the time of year when inside will be hot. This is where the crucial
you need to pay a little bit more attention microbial activity is occurring.
STRAW BALES: If you have access
to your composting techniques. Heres how to keep your compost
to a few of these, pack them around
your heap (above) for another layer Cold weather slows the decomposition cooking during winter:
of protection from cold wind.
CHOP THE COMPOSTING MATERIAL FINELY

MICROBES (BACTERIA and fungi that nitrogen add veg
DONT TURN IN WINTER! undertake the decomposition process for
us) slow down as the temperature drops
and fruit peelings,
leafy weeds, coffee
DURING SUMMER, frequent turning in autumn; this is why food keeps better grounds, houseplant
is the best way to keep microbes well in a fridge or freezer! Help them in winter trimmings and
supplied with oxygen. But in winter, by chopping or shredding the material manure from chickens
turning will expose the warm core to 2in (5cm) or less before adding it to or rabbits.
to the outside cold, undoing all the the heap. A layer of this across the top of For carbon add shredded
good you are doing. So aim to cause the heap will help to heat it up uniformly, newspaper, leaves, straw, eggshells, sawdust
as little disturbance as possible to the forming a kind of insulation cover. and small amounts of wood ash from a re
layers. Wait until spring before your The microbes need a good balance of (to add to the calcium, phosphorus and
turn the heap. nitrogen- and carbon-rich materials. For potassium content of the compost).

Your
gardening
week
HndOW TO GROW
2 CROP SPUDS
Q Order cold-stored tubers for
July delivery or buy extra seed
tubers of your normal earlies
and keep them in the fridge.
Alamy
Q Plant chilled tubers in early

August (no need to chit). I put
one tuber per 10-12in (25-30cm)
(10litre) pot, lled with a 50:50
mix of soil and garden compost.
Q Bring pots into a greenhouse
or porch to avoid frost and keep
the plants growing. Cover
outdoor crops with eece.
Q The crop should be ready after
about 11 weeks (pictured). If you
TimeInc. unless credited
Harvesting fresh new potatoes for

Christmas is a treat. Bring pots into dont need them straight away,
the greenhouse (inset) to protect let the foliage has die down and
them from frost, or wrap with eece leave them in their pot until
required. Lift outdoor tubers
before hard frosts, and rebury in
boxes of damp sand/leafmould.
Spuds for Christmas MAKE YOUR OWN

Fresh new potatoes on Xmas day is a treat, says Sue Stickland
ALWAYS look forward to summer, mail-order or from have chance to form. This is SEED TUBERS
I harvesting my second-
cropping or Christmas
some garden centres. They
are simply spring seed tubers
why I grow my second
cropping potatoes in pots,
A CHEAP option for
growing this second crop is
potatoes. These are potatoes which have been stored cold which can easily be brought to buy extra seed potatoes
planted in August to give a so they dont sprout usually into a greenhouse or other in spring and store them
crop in late autumn just early or second early varieties light, dry, frost-free place. In cold for August planting. I
when youve forgotten such as Charlotte and Maris warm, wet weather this helps keep mine in a paper bag in
the delicious earthy smell Peer, which grow vigorously. avoid blight, and later it will the fridge not always
and buttery taste of fresh Two problems beset August keep off light frosts. Pot popular with rest of house,
new potatoes. plantings blight disease and grown tubers are also less but handy for 2 3 tubers.
Seed tubers for growing early frosts. Both can kill the susceptible to slug damage, An alternative is to leave
these spuds are sold in late foliage before new tubers and are easy to harvest. them chitting (growing
By mid November, the sprouts) in a light cool place,
foliage has usually yellowed, although I find these quickly
Plant tubers in a rich
compost/soil mix but the tubers can be left in run out steam when theyre
their pots of moist compost planted if I havent kept
for a few weeks they will still them cool enough.
keep their new potato texture
and taste. I prefer crisp
roasties for Christmas dinner, SUE STICKLAND
but a potato salad of freshly is a qualied gardener
Top growth may and widely published
need supporting dug new spuds is perfect for gardening writer
parties on Boxing Day. Q

Your
gardening
week
Children love
to grow things
Teaching gardening to youngsters is
demanding, but worth it, says Peter
VISIT three school that treading on plants
I gardening clubs a week,
on average, and at each
doesnt do them much good!
Two plots are needed
one there is so much to do in a perfect teaching
and learn it is frustrating to environment, one for the
have to leave. demonstration and another
Teaching is so demanding for the students to try things
you can never give each child for themselves.
the time they need. Growing crops for the
Where you have a group schools kitchen is another
of youngsters of different complication, and you need
ages and abilities, pre-class to nd which fruits and SEE OUR
preparation is everything. vegetables they will use. PETER EVERY
Pots, compost, seeds, bulbs Just one grafted cucumber Teaching children about gardening SATURDAY IN
all need to be ready to plant in a polytunnel or can be a lively experience!
THE SUN
PJS
demonstrate what is to be greenhouse proved sufcient

done, before letting every at two schools, with two
child do it for themselves. full-size cucumbers cut per into the school building and pests can be a real difculty,
week. When it comes to provide cut owers for sale to and wherever possible a
crops such as garden peas raise funds. frame, covered in eece or
Letting children and raspberries, then you
can never have enough, and
Salad leaf sowings are an
absolute banker. They can
ne netting is a great asset
to help keep off cats, foxes,
loose on a f lower without tight control they do
not even reach the kitchen!
be grown in containers of
compost pretty well year-
pigeons and squirrels not
to mention balls!
bed is chaotic The very best planting
material should be used. For
round, so soil is not essential,
and all the children can handle
Slugs have been a real
problem this wet year, and
example, good primocane the seeds and see seedlings strict hygiene, clearing away
Usually there are three raspberry cultivars such as germinate in days. fallen leaves and plant debris,
objectives: showing scholars Autumn Treasure will crop Harvested leaves can be is important. Q
how things grow, letting heavily in June/July before tasted when they are cut and
them cultivate things for the term ends, and then the the school canteen always PETER SEABROOK is a
themselves, and harvesting new canes will be fruiting nds them useful. gardening expert and former
crops for the school kitchen. again on return in September. Out in the open ground presenter of Gardeners World
Letting 10 or so children Sweet peas are a good crop
lose on a bed of soil can be a to sow in October. The mass
bit chaotic, but you have to of owers cut from late May
let them learn, for example, to July bring fragrant blooms
PETERS SCHOOL TIPS

Cutting a narcissus bulb in half
1 ower and leaves within, interest
to show the embryo
s the children.
Sweet peas
Windowsill-cultivated garden
are a popular
plant for kids
2 are always popular.
peas for salad shoots
to grow at
school
3 Children love water, so get them
wet days when there is less to
washing pots on
do.
Let children clean garden tools.
4 tools life and keeps them in top
This extends the
condition.
Both TimeInc.
Close up showing embryo

owers in centre of the bulb Throw out old seed, as there is
5 discouraging than a failure of
nothing more
seeds to germinate.
$
"$
:KDWHYHU 7KH :HDWKHU )ULHQGO\

)URP

t
t

t
t

: KH Q < RX %X\ 3D LUV

"
#

"#
$ )
" #
)
(* +!!

! $ '
%%''

$ (% -( (-0"" $ ( $ %/ %%# +/ %"

$%%(( % -( " +( ($ ( - % - %$#
) OLS 'RZQ
""$
% $+$# , +%. %0% ) ( !!# ,FH 7UHDG
$ #
% ! !%
% $ ( !1" "$ +( "+% (- $ .($%#
### $" !
$$ * +$% / & /% $ $(
% " " /% " % %( "( $$ $ , $%%

*- &-&
.( ,$( %), ! $ ( $".) $).($ %/( $ $0 "%)) %( # ,% 0%.( %%) $ ,($) ,'
(!2 !/' /(,!' (,( ' !' ,! '/2 (' !"( 1!( "'!/,( !' ('0( 2 ! ,'(,% !/ ,( ( !, '&/' "( 0( /(% !!, '2 (1!',
! ' .

#$' $' # ---- )$ ---- ,# ---------------------------------

#$$ ----------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------
!( 2 &/) !' + % "" # "2 ,!
$
------------------------------------ $) --------------------
!
"-----------------------------------------------------
, 2 (,'') ()(,'! '
) #) -- '-- '--- #
" --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
#$$-----------------------------------------------------
)#) ) --- --- ' --- --- ) --- --- ' --- --- $$,
" --- ---

/ / /!
3HQQLQH # ,#)/

--- --- --- $) * )$
),# )#!
. ##$ /
3HQQLQH ),# ----------------------------------------------------

( +-% ! !/' '' $). $$)$

" &%+

Ask the
ANNA TOEMAN JOHN NEGUS DR JANE BINGHAM
e has 20 years
experience working
in historic gardens
trained at the RHS
and is a specialist
garden writer
has a plant science
PhD and a MSc in
plant ecology
experts Ques tions answered!

Q I bought some busy lizzie plants and they
have two stems: a green one onto the
roots and a red one hanging from the bottom
of the flower heads. What are they?
AE Green, Peterborough
A The red stem is actually a sepal or

modified petal. Many species of
busy lizzie have these spurs as they
are called and they are filled with
nectar to attract insects.
Busy lizzies are zygomorphic and
resipinate. This means that if the
flower were cut up like a pie, no two Busy lizzies are
fascinating plants
pieces would be the same or equal,
c
In
e
m
whereas if you took a composite-like
Ti
flower and cut it up, you would get an equal
number of same-sized pieces.
Resupinate or resupination is the twisting of the flower as it
emerges. In impatiens this is at 180 degrees, so what looks like
the upper petal is actually the lower one.
ANNA TOEMAN
AG Expert hotline
Call weekdays from 12-1pm
This clivia and Christmas cactus are
0843 168 0200*
making a gorgeous display together
Janet Lilly was concerned
that the leaves and fruit on her
50-year-old Williams pear were
Q I was given this clivia with the words

it flowers whenever it wants. Last
year it flowered in spring and this year it
covered in black spots. We
think it is an infestation of
pear leaf blister mite. They
do not impair the trees
had two flower spikes by 12 October. At the fruiting ability and sadly
there is no remedy except
same time, my Christmas cactus was in bud picking off and binning or LET US
and they are now giving a beautiful display. burning the leaves HELP
Whats going on? YOU!
G Overeld, Malton, North Yorkshire *Calls cost 5p per minute
from a BT landline, call costs from
other networks may be high
er.
A Although clivias normally flower in spring, and

Christmas cacti from December to January, it is not
uncommon for both to flower out of season.
Liquid-feed both with a high-potash tomato fertiliser can solve your
when flower buds are forming, and rest them in summer
keep the compost moist, not soggy. They will perform problems!
beautifully. Clivias bloom better in spring if kept in a coldish
room for six weeks from October to mid-November. Email us: amateurgardening@timeinc.com Follow us on Twitter,
Christmas cacti benefit from being outdoors in a cool, Call us: &0843 168 0200 (12 to 1pm weekdays) go to @TheAGTeam
shady spot in summer. Calls cost 5p per minute from a BT landline, call costs from other networks may be higher.
JOHN NEGUS Write to us: AG Helpline, Westover House, AG on

West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1JG

Ask the
e
experts
Chriine Walkdens
Problem
Problem solver solver
Make gardening life
SEE OUR
easier by giving your CHRISTINE
shed a good tidy
ON THE ONE
TimeInc.
SHOW, BBC 1
Q I am trying to make my garden into a

wildlife habitat, but a cat keeps coming
in, using it as a toilet, and chasing the birds.
How can I stop it?
Margaret Burgess, Exeter, Devon
A There are many cat deterrents available, but if you

plant a patch of catnip (nepeta) in a part of the garden
Time Inc
away from the bird table, the cats will go there rather than
into the wildlife areas. Cats love to roll on catnip.
Alternatively, create a defensive barrier by tying several
lengths of taut cord 2in (5cm) above each other on top of
your boundary wall or fence. Secure them tightly to wooden
Q It is a year since its last tidy, and my
shed is a complete mess. Is there a right
and wrong way to organise the interior?
supports at either end. The total height should be 8-10in Ideally, what should go where?
(20-25cm). When cats attempt to scale the boundary, the Julie Barber, Carshalton
cord will deter them from going any further.
JOHN NEGUS
A I find that the best way
to organise a shed is
with tool racks on one side,
bagged items. In the roof
space I have two long poles
running from one end to the
Q This rather
unusual plant is
growing in a pot in my
so you can hang such things
as forks, rakes and spades
on them, and on the other
other. I tie things to them
such as watering cans in the
winter when not in use, as
side have floor-to-roof well as dried flowers and
garden. I didnt plant it shelving for stacking pots, herbs. I also bundle up canes
where did it come trays, fertilisers etc. and tie them along the poles
from and what is it? On the back wall I have a so they are out of the way.
Ms J Hodson, Folkestone shelf on top of bricks, on I dont think there is a right
which I keep my large bags or wrong way to arrange your
A It is a caper spurge,
Euphorbia lathyrus. It is a
biennial variety of euphorbia
of potting compost, tubs of
fertilisers and other large
shed. It all depends on what
works well for you.
This self-seeded caper
that grows between 12-47in spurge is a biennial
(30-120cm) and has a
distinctive arrangement of waxy,
AG on Go to facebook.com, create a
free account if needs be, search
for Amateur Gardening and
blue-green leaves in four vertical rows. It is a native plant but youre ready to join in the chat!
rarely found in the wild except as a garden escapee. Your
plant most probably grew from a seed dropped by a passing DIANA HUDSON I planted some anemone bulbs in a pot.
They are not meant to show until February but are already
bird or another creature. showing. The pot also has tulips, hyacinths, narcissi and alliums.
The plant in your photo has flowered and started to set seed. Ive made a fleece wigwam for them can I do anything else? I
Being biennial, the seeds germinate one year and the plant could put them in my conservatory.
reaches flowering size the next. The seeds are prolific and JOHN NEGUS Anemone coronaria is a tough perennial and
germinate readily, so seedlings will be appearing forever in will be happy under the fleece. The tulips, narcissi,and alliums
your garden from now on! However, this does make it easier to wont mind the cold. You could put them in your conservatory
transplant specimens to more suitable places! where they will flower earlier, and possibly better, than outdoors.
ANNA TOEMAN
Sponsored by
Frostline Boots from GRUBS 70
RRP
The Frostline boots are perfect for keeping your feet warm and dry in the
garden. With excellent grip and superior comfort, they are also extremely
practical with their insulating and waterproof properties. Available in
Mossy Green, Black, Fuchsia, Violet and Camouage. Sizes 4-13.
For more information contact Grubs on 01279 418052 or visit www.work-lite.com.
Like GRUBS on Facebook www.facebook.com/grubsboots
LISTEN TO R
AGs Family Gardener ANNE ON RAODUIO
Anne
nne
4'S GARDENERS'
QUESTION TIME
Swithinbank
ithinbank
Watching
your step
Therell be no trampling of buds in the
border Annes got them covered
I
N MY imagination, the several camouflaged plants.
borders around the Dormant clematis are
front of our house are particularly vulnerable
transformed into a because they are often
woodland glade dominated anchored to the ground by
by 5ft (1.5m) high shrubby one or two slender stems and
Paeonia ostii, their large I always wrap them in fleece,
white blooms fluttering and so I know where they are.
shimmering in the dusk of a On our recent nursery-
spring evening. In reality, I visiting trip to Cornwall, we
can only find two sticks of bought Escallonia Pink Elle
peony, where Im sure I for its compact habit to 5ft
planted three and theres a (1.5m) glossy foliage and pink
fair bit of weeding to do. summer flowers. Im planting
it in Johns border, where it
should be able to withstand
Dormant the salt-laden gales.
Photography by John Swithinbank
clematis are AUTUMN TINTS

We also saw the twining
particularly climber Celastrus orbiculatus,
known as bittersweet. These
vulnerable are rarely planted, because
they are large and to be sure
of their ornamental red- place in the cold greenhouse.
The two sticks are seeded, orange fruits you For storage, they need to
decorated by plump, healthy
looking buds but are only
about 6in (15cm) high
roughly the same size as the
really need several, as male
and female flowers are often
found on separate plants.
Theyre worth having for the
dry. We tried kitchen towel,
which was fiddly and I might
also have a go at putting the
fruit pulp and seeds in water
Step by Step
diameters of my imaginary yellow autumn tints alone. for a few days so the pulp
flowers. Fortunately, I have
more peonies to plant,
John collected some
Fuchsia magellanica fruits
ferments, before rinsing it,
then separating the seed by CLEANING
because I was lucky to
receive fresh seed from a
friend several years ago.
from our plants and
wondered how to deal with
them. The best sowing
passing the liquid through a
coffee filter paper.
Down at the compost heap,
AND DRYING
Before weeding, the
peonies must be located and
covered with upturned pots,
method is to squeeze seeds
and pulp straight onto the
compost surface, as with
I spotted a germinated
avocado stone and couldnt
resist potting it up. Im not
FUCHSIA
as it is easy to rotate like an
elephant and annihilate
rowans or lapagerias, then
cover lightly with grit and
expecting fruits, but they
make fun house plants. Q
SEED
Covering the leaess peony stems with
pots means I wont accidentally trample
them. Raised from seed these have settled
well into this woodland style border
The twining climber

Celastrus orbiculatus turns
a fabulous autumn yellow
Avocado stones often germinate

in warm compost heaps, so just Escallonia Pink Elle should be able
pot them up and enjoy them to withstand the sea gales that blow
as foliage pot plants through this windy border
John gathered several fruits from our Slicing fruits open reveals rows of tiny pale I pulled the seed and pulp out onto some
Fuchsia magellanica but some of them seeds within. Squeezing contents straight kitchen paper to dry but the seed will be
were a little overripe onto compost might be the best method ddly to pick up

Anne's
An
Anne
nne
n 's
s
Kitchen Garden
Leek moth attacks
Ive got a plan to deal with the damage
caused by these pests says Anne
A
LTHOUGH THEY chance of breeding up.
went in rather late, In the foreground, you can
my leeks have see a fine globe artichoke
continued to grow plant. This is one of the
and swell in a mild autumn youngsters raised from seed
but I spotted a few last spring and planted out.
imperfections in the leaves. By summer, I had small
On closer inspection, theyve potfuls of attractive young
suffered a mild attack of leek plants and wondered
moth, the caterpillars of whether to pot them on and
which mine between the leaf plant out next spring, or
surfaces, making silver and plant them straight out and
then brown discolourations. risk the youngsters being
This amount of damage is killed off by a cold, wet
bearable and I rotate them winter. In the end I potted
well. If in any year the half on and put the rest out
damage increases, Ill cover and of course, the latter are
the next batch of leeks with now about three times the
enviromesh to stop the egg size of their potted
laying. This tends to be a counterparts. If we have a I have a fair batch of medium sized
worse problem on allotments mild winter, theyll easily win. leeks here and just a little bit of
where the moth has a greater damage from leek moth
NEW BUY
While perusing the plants at
Caterpillars mine between the
leaf surfaces and sometimes Trevena Cross Nursery near fabulous tubers. and some are either left in
burrow into stalks, which can Helston recently, an The yakon is widely grown the ground or, like mine,
destroy crops interesting array of unusual in the Andes and known as potted and kept frost free for
fruit and veg plants caught Peruvian ground apple. planting out in spring. The
my attention. I dont like to However it is closely related stems can reach 6ft 6in (2m)
try too many unknown veg to Jerusalem artichokes and high. I tasted a tuber and it is
all at once, so I chose sun flowers. surprisingly sweet though
carefully a yakon. It had a (because our stomachs dont
tall stalk of foliage looking HOW TO TREAT readily digest the sugar), low
superficially like a hairy, thin- Having read about it, I would in calories. Theres a slightly
leaved kalanchoe sprouting say that for cultivation fruity flavour there and a
from a pot. When I got it purposes, it is best to treat it crispiness reminiscent of
home and knocked the roots like a dahlia. Plants are dug water chestnut. Worth a go,
out, the pot was full of for their tubers in the autumn I think. Q
GETTING
TO KNOW
A YAKON
Stems of foliage can reach 6ft 6in Tapping the plant out of its I pulled one away. The flesh
(2m) high when planted outside pot revealed a good mass of discolours quickly and is crunchy,
after danger of frosts tubers inside with an odd sweetness.

*
Subscribe for just 17.49
Plus enjoy all these fantastic
subscription benets: The perfect
@ An abundance of Inspiration Christmas
@ Guaranteed delivery to your door every week
@ Save an additional 34% off the normal
gift or why
subscription price not treat
@ Go digital; its free Every subscription comes
complete with a free trial digital version for yourself?
iPad and iPhone
PLUS
,]LY
MYLL
` Z\
[YPHS
+PNP[HSV
IZ
K PNP[HS]LY
US`Z\IZ
TLZJVT
JYPW[PV UZ
WSL[L^P[O
JYPW[PVUJV MVYP7HKHUKP7OV
ZPVU
H
UL
SAVE
up to
]HPSHISL"
HYLHSZVH J[JVTMV
Y
]PZP[THN
[OLM\SSYH
HaPULZKPYL
UNL VM[P[SLZHUKVMMLYZ

34%
*Per quarter by Direct Debit
0844 848 0848 Complete the

Lines are open 7 days a week, 8am9pm (UK time).
Please have your bank details ready when you call and quote code CBU4
magazinesdirect.com/CBU4 coupon below
Overseas:+44 (0)330 3330 233
YES I would like to subscribe to Amateur Gardening. Choose from 3 easy ways to pay 3. Pay 17.49 per quarter by Direct Debit
Direct Debit: Pay only 17.49 per quarter (full price 26.88) Saving you 34% Instruction to your bank or building society
1. I enclose a cheque made payable to Time Inc. (UK) Ltd., for ________
2 years (102 issues) Credit Card Pay only 141.49 (full price 215.06) Saving to pay by Direct Debit
2. Please debit my:
34% across the two years Visa Visa Debit MasterCard Amex Maestro For office use only. Originators reference 764 221
1 year (51 issues) Credit Card Pay only 74.99 (full price 107.53) Saving Card No:
30% cross the year Name of bank:
OVERSEAS SUBSCRIBERS save up to 25%. Call +44 330 3330 233
Start Date (Maestro only) Issue No (Maestro only) Expiry Date Address of bank:
Your Details
- -
Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss: Forename:
Surname: Signature:
If you would like to receive emails from Amateur Gardening and Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. containing news, special offers and product (I am over 18)
and service information and take part in our magazine research via email, please include your email below: Postcode:
Date:
Email:
Address: Account name:

Coupon reply address Amateur Gardening Sort code: Account No:
Subscriptions FREEPOST RTKA-YLJG-HAAK, Time
Postcode:
Inc. (UK) Ltd, Rockwood House, 9-16 Perrymount
Home Tel No. (inc. area code): Please pay Time Inc (UK) Ltd. Direct Debits from the account detailed on this
Would you like to receive messages to your mobile from Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. and Amateur Gardening containing news, special Road, HAYWARDSHEATH, RH163DH Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee.
offers, product and service info and take part in our research? If yes, please include your mobile phone number here: (No stamp needed) I understand that this instruction may remain with Time Inc (UK) Ltd. and if so,
details will be passed electronically to my bank or building society.
Mobile No.:
Date of Birth: D D M M Y Y Y Y A Christmas card will be sent with all gift orders received by 12th
December 2014 (either by email or post) so that you can send Signature:
it on to the recipient before Christmas.* *If you supply an email (I am over 18)
I would like to send a gift to: address your order will be acknowledged by email and you will be
given the option to download a gift card or request one by post. If
Please also fill out Your Details above. To give more than one subscription, please supply address details you do not supply an email address you will automatically be sent Date:
on a separate sheet.
a postal gift card. CBU4
Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss: Forename:
Offer open to new subscribers only. Final closing date for all orders is 2nd February 2015. Orders purchased as a gift before the 12th December 2014 will begin with the first available issue
Surname: in January. All gift orders purchased after this date will begin with the first available issue. Orders purchased for yourself will start with the next available issue please allow up to 6 weeks
for delivery, 8 weeks for overseas orders. The free digital version can be withdrawn at any time during the subscription period. Direct Debit offer is available to UK subscribers only. The full
Email: subscription rate is for (1 year) (51issues) and includes postage and packaging. If the magazine ordered changes frequency per annum, we will honour the number of issues paid for, not the
term of the subscription. Credit/debit card charges will be taken in sterling. For enquiries and overseas rates contact magazinesdirect@quadrantsubs.com or call +44 330 333 0233.
Address: Amateur Gardening published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. will collect your personal information to process your order. Amateur Gardening and Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. would like to contact you by post or
telephone to promote and ask your opinion on our magazines and services. Please tick here if you prefer not to hear from Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. . Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. may occasionally pass your
details to carefully selected organisations so that they can contact you by telephone or post with regards to promoting and researching their products and services. Please tick here if you prefer
Postcode: not to be contacted . Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. who publish Amateur Gardening would like to send messages to your mobile with offers from carefully selected organisations and brands, promoting
and researching their products and services. If you want to receive messages please tick here . Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. would like to email you with offers from carefully selected organisations and
Year of Birth: Y Y Y Y brands, promoting and researching their products and services. If you want to receive these messages please tick here .
THE DIRECT DEBIT GUARANTEE This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit Time Inc. (UK) Ltd will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as
otherwise agreed. If you request Time Inc. (UK) Ltd to collect a payment, conrmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd or your bank or building society you are entitled to a full and immediate refund
of the amount paid from your bank or building society If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Time Inc. (UK) Ltd asks you to You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written conrmation may be required. Please also notify us.
Award winning
News Got a story? call 01202 440848

or email marc.rosenberg@timeinc.com
Toby to launch summer show

TV STAR PLANS GLORIOUS SUMMER FESTIVAL
A
MATEUR Historic Houses Association/
GARDENING Christies Garden of the Year
columnist Toby 2014 title. It features a lake,
Buckland is to pinetum, cascade, four-acre
launch a new summer walled garden and two levels
gardening show set in the of Italianate terraces.
grounds of a historic house.
Toby Bucklands Garden PARTY MOOD
Festival will take place at Toby said: The festival will
Bowood House in Wiltshire on have the same party mood as
5-6 June 2015. Powderham. Because many
The former Gardeners nursery exhibitors and
World presenter decided to speakers are friends thats
launch a second event after what creates the magic itll
the success of his spring have a friendly atmosphere.
gardening show at Devons Gardening is at the core of
Powderham Castle. everything and so is quality. Show-time: Toby will run two
Bowood is owned by the 9th That applies to the plants, gardening events in 2015
Time Inc
Marquis and Marchioness of food and music. Having a big

Lansdowne. Its set in 2,000 family myself, I know a day
acres of Grade I-listed out can be expensive so English experience.
Capability Brown parkland. children under 16 go free. My aim is to support and In addition, Toby Bucklands
The country pile won The My aim is to support and Garden Festival will return to
showcase small nurseries who showcase small nurseries Powderham Castle in Devon
form the backbone of UK on 1-2 May. The launch event
horticulture, and spread the a most betting highlight last year attracted around
love of gardening, he added. within Bowoods 2015 8,000 visitors and was widely
Adult tickets will cost 12.50 calendar of events. applauded for the quality of
on the gate or 10 in advance. The festival will be a must nurseries exhibiting.
Lord Lansdowne said not just for garden and The Powderham event will
Bowood would celebrate the countryside lovers living feature special appearances
40th anniversary of opening locally, but will also encourage by celebrity gardeners
its house and gardens to the others from across the Christine Walkden and Bob
Summer splendour: Bowood public next year. He said: country and abroad to head Flowerdew. Go to toby
Bowood
Junes Garden Festival will be to Wiltshire for a special gardenfest.co.uk for details.
Urgent appeal to save Victorian glasshouses

AN HISTORIC garden has launched a Wain said of the dismantled
fund-raising appeal in a bid to restore greenhouse: Historically, it was the
its Victorian glasshouses. oral house where potted owering
West Dean Gardens in West Sussex plants were grown on, to take to the
has 13 glasshouses, but the appeal will big house to display on a weekly/
focus on two that need urgent repairs. twice-weekly cycle. I used it to grow
One Victorian glasshouse, which has displays of veg and herbs in pots.
had to be taken down, will cost over This was followed by pelargoniums
30,000 to restore to its former glory. and fuchsias (mostly 19th Century
Built between 1891 and 1900, the cultivars) plus foliage plants and
glasshouses are described as part of owering begonias.
West Dean Gardens
Britains horticultural heritage. An appeal fund-raising page is

The appeal needs to raise 60,000 now live on the internet. Go to Restoration: West Dean
this winter. Gardens supervisor Sarah west dean.org.uk/appeal to donate.

News
GET YOUR SHOW TICKETS SECRETS OF GREAT DIXTER
Public tickets to RHS Flower Shows, Great Dixter in Sussex, home of late
which include Chelsea, Hampton plantsman Christopher Lloyd, will run
Time Inc
RHS/NP
Court and Tatton Park, went on sale courses sharing the gardens secrets.
on 1 December. Go to rhs.org.uk. greatdixter.co.uk/workshops.
Make gardening available on NHS GARDENERS QUESTION TIME

BOB FLOWERDEW, Bunny
Guinness and Matthew Wilson join
GARDENING SHOULD be Eric Robson in Glasgow. Tune in to
made available on the Gardening can improve BBC Radio 4 at 3pm on Friday 12
National Health Service health and help patients December (repeated at 2pm on
recover from illness Sunday 14 December).
(NHS), a leading doctor and
scientist have said.
Dr William Bird, a GP of 30
years experience, made his
comments at the Royal
Horticultural Societys John
A BLOOMIN
MacLeod Lecture in London GOOD WEEK
in November.
He was supported by Dr van
den Bosch a doctor and
researcher at the Swedish
Contact with plants

is critical for mental
Twycross Zoo
wellbeing
Shutterstock
University of Agriculture, and Hungry elephants
a consultant for the World Speakers argued that spent on long-term health Elephants at Twycross Zoo in
Health Organisation (WHO). access to gardens and green conditions, 80 per cent of Warwickshire were treated to
2,000 lettuces, grown to full
Dr van den Bosch said: spaces promote physical which could be prevented by size in half the normal time
Apart from preventing activity, and that when people a healthier lifestyle, there is a using a vertical hydroponics
diseases, horticulture and take part in such activities signicant incentive to (water and nutrient solution)
horticulture therapy are used outdoors, they are more likely develop a programme that system. HydroGarden aims to
produce high yields using
to beat conditions of ill health. to stick with it. includes horticulture, Dr
vertical systems in regions
These include cancer Dr William Bird argued that Bird added. where its hard to grow food.
rehabilitation, depression, the NHS could make nancial Speakers at the RHS
post-traumatic stress savings if horticultural therapy conference also claimed that
disorders and behavioural was used to improve health. contact with plants provides a
disturbances. There is now He said: We could see sense of place, which helps
enough evidence to include benets of at least 5 health humans connect to their
gardening and nature in the benet for every 1 spent. environment, which is critical
health care agenda. Since about 60billion is for mental wellbeing.
ORCHIDS DISPLAY incredible

colours to tempt pollinators,
THE BIG and Kew Gardens hopes that

a spectacular display will
Time Inc
tempt visitors in their droves.

PICTURE Kews Alluring Orchids
event, runs from 7 February to
Peace and quiet
Broadcaster John Humphrys
8 March in the Princess of has lashed out at the din made
Wales Conservatory. by leaf blowers. Writing in the
Itll examine how these Daily Mail, he suggested an
alternative: A few centuries
popular plants have evolved
ago, someone invented a
to look vibrant and beautiful. brilliant device: a long pole
Ultra-violet lighting in the with bristles attached to one
Princess of Wales Film Room end. They called it a broom.
will reveal hidden marks on
some species that trick A BLOOMIN
insects into thinking they are
BAD WEEK
Kew Gardens
encountering a different
plant. kew.org for details.

Award winning
News RHS MEMBERSHIP ON THE UP

Royal Horticultural Society
membership has risen to 424,000,
Time Inc
but director-general Sue Biggs said
the RSPBs 1.2million is feasible.
Grow-your-own pub grub!

TOP NOSH INCREASINGLY GROWN ON-SITE
B
RITAINS CHEFS specialities on the menu.
and pub landlords Chefs and pub-owners are
are beginning to not only embracing this idea
pay as much but some are taking it a stage
attention to the garden fork further by growing their own
as they do the knife and fork, fruit, vegetables and herbs,
a good food guide claims. and by keeping chickens and
The new Michelin Eating Out rearing pigs, Rebecca added.
In Pubs Guide 2015 Chef Tim Bilton, of the
recommends 590 pubs from Spiced Pear Restaurant in
Great Britain and Ireland. Hudderseld, Yorkshire, is
All have been selected, rst converting a once weed-
and foremost, for the infested hillside into a
quality of their food. three-acre kitchen
Tom Montgomery (circled) Shutterstock

But an increasing garden.
amount of fruit He aims for his
and veg on the restaurant to be
menu is being 75 per cent
home-grown, sustainable in Cutting food miles:
according to the fruit and veg chef Tim Bilton
guides editor, from the plot.
Rebecca Burr. Tim, who trained
Pubs are a under the renowned group of seven pubs.
quintessential part of chef Raymond Blanc, I want to celebrate grow Elizabeth said: It is
British life and the standard of employs a full-time gardener your own and promote gathering momentum. There
food being served in them at the pub. are several other pubs that do
continues to reach new I want to celebrate and the allotment agenda the same. It makes a huge
heights, she said. promote the joys of growing amount of sense and is a
Customers are now your own and spread the John Estate near Thirsk, growing trend.
demanding that chefs use allotment agenda, he said. North Yorkshire, runs a They want heritage
more local produce and want Elizabeth Balmforth, head walled kitchen garden that varieties of produce as well as
to see local recipes and gardener at the Mount St supplies Provenance Inns, a modern ones, she added.
You could choose the nations top wallf lower

AMATEUR GARDENERS will cultivars which ower in the Other cultivars on trial
be called on to choose which autumn as well as spring and (below) include Tozers
varieties of wallowers are the also erysimums that ower Sunset series and Floranovas
nations favourite. earlier in the spring after Treasure line-up, as well as
Over 300 varieties of planting out in autumn. others from Moles Seeds,
wallowers (erysimum) were In spring 2015, when the Kernock Plants and Syngenta.
planted out at RHS Garden erysimums start to bloom,
Wisley in Surrey last month. visitors will be encouraged to
Visitors will be asked to vote vote for their favourite.
for their favourite by May One of the varieties on trial
2015, with the RHS Peoples is Ball Colegraves Sugar
Choice Award set to be Rush series (pictured, left).
announced in the spring. This hardy, scented
RHS trials development wallower is a dual-purpose
manager Mark Heath said: type: as well as traditional
Ball Colegrave
Ball Colegraves
Sugar Rush series Wallower breeders have spring blooms, it owers in
RHS/NP
been active in breeding new the autumn, too.

News
SEE WELSH BOTANIC FOR LESS FESTIVE GIFTS FOR GARDENERS
The Welsh Botanic is offering coach Celebrity gardener Pippa Greenwood
companies, tour firms and groups a has launched gift collections for
Wikimedia
Time Inc
discount group rate of 5 per person gardeners on her website. Go to
(usually 7.50) in April and May 2015. pippagreenwood.com/products.
Youngsters turning to gardening, says RHS

LATEST RESEARCH from the Royal Survey respondees said they liked
Horticultural Society (RHS) has claimed buying bedding (61 per cent), bulbs
that gardening is as popular among young (55 per cent), grow-your-own (41 per
people as it is with adults. cent), shrubs (39 per cent), house plants
The poll showed that 93 per (33 per cent) and perennials
cent of 2,000 adults had a garden (30 per cent).
or grow plants. And 89 per cent Young people Some 71 per cent said they
of 16-24 year-olds have access to
a garden or grow plants.
care about the gardened for pleasure. And 92
per cent said gardening helped
More than half said gardening environment them relax, while 95 per cent
was important. Some 42 per
cent of 16-24 year-olds garden for
far more than said it lifted their mood.
In other RHS news, National
the environment, but only 32 per over 55s Gardening Week (13-19 April)
cent of over 55s do. will include a national open
RHS director-general Sue Biggs gardens day on 17 April, when
said: The message comes through that many UK gardens will open for free.
young people care about their environment Events for 2015 include a European
far more than the 55+ age group. Well have orchid conference on 9-12 April and a
Shutterstock
to work on that age group and make sure new London rose show on 29-30 May
everyone cares about the environment. at the Horticultural Halls.
Beauty of Islam garden

coming to Chelsea 2015
RHS CHIEF Sue Biggs said a
garden called The Beauty of
Islam, at Chelsea 2015, will
send out a positive message
about the religion at a time
when a few extremists are
damaging its reputation.
When asked if Kamelia bin
Sentebale
Zaals Al Barari Firm
Management garden is
intended to address negative
perceptions of Islam created
by terror group ISIS, Sue said:
Garden is f it for royalty
Were not a political CHELSEA FLOWER Show Feedback has been good
organisation so its not for us designer Matt Keightley said and to date it has been fairly
RHS/NP
to say. Theres no link. working with clients Prince straight-forward. Ive got on
Islam is an amazing Charles and Prince Harry on with the design without too
religion. The fact that there instance the FERA garden 2015s highest prole many conicts.
are a few extremists doesnt about ash dieback last year. garden has been a doddle. The garden will feature a
change that. The garden These stories challenge Matt will design the mix of South African and UK
references Islam in a beautiful peoples perceptions. Sentebale garden for plants, with a rocky waterfall
way. It has a positive message There is a tiny minority who Chelsea in May. Sentebale, and wildower meadow.
about the religion and are causing problems to the Prince Harrys charity,
everything related to it. reputation of Islam, but that supports orphans and
Sue (pictured) spent 30 doesnt change Islam as one vulnerable kids in Africa.
years in the travel industry of the worlds great religions Designer Matt said:
before taking charge of the that has inspired beautiful Prince Charles and Prince
RHS, and travelled to many culture over the centuries. Harry were involved with
Islamic countries. And gardens are a major feedback from the word go,
Sentebale
She added: Theres always channel for that, with amazing making sure the design ts
topical interest at Chelsea: for beauty and symmetry. the ethos of Sentebale.

Tried
and trusted
W
HEN PHIL Since 2002 the estate has been
Rumble applied looked after by the National
At Tyntesfield near Bristol, National for a job as a Trust, but back then it still
Trust gardeners still practise some of the gardener at belonged to the Gibbs family,
Tynteseld House near Bristol who made their fortune trading
techniques used by the generations that in the late 1980s he was in fertiliser made from bird
went before them, as Sue Bradley finds prompted by a desire to learn
how to do things properly.
droppings in South America.
After buying Tynteseld in the
out when she meets veteran Phil Rumble And while plenty has changed 1840s, they created a gothic
in the 25 years since, he says mansion and transformed the
that much of what he was grounds and gardens.
taught there continues to Phils rst boss was Richard
inform his gardening today. Gibbs, the 2nd Lord Wraxall,

Head gardener Paul Evans
and members of his team
plant up the terrace at
Tynteseld. Each of the
10 beds is lled with some
1,000 tender annuals, just
as they would have been
in Victorian times
Phil with the grape vine he planted in

1989, the year after his arrival at
Tynteseld. He says the secret of good
grapes is thinning fruits so the plants
energy goes in to the best specimens
Photos by Lynn Keddie
Watering is high on the list of

Phils jobs, especially within the
glasshouses in the kitchen garden
who died in 2001 although on The head gardener told me loam, three of peat, two of sand,
a day-to-day basis he reported that if I could keep on top of the along with 4oz of fertiliser, 1oz
to the head gardener. I came weeds then I would have more I did everything, of white lime and 1 of
here as a young father; Im now
an old grandfather, laughs Phil.
time to do the proper work, he
recalls with a smile. He used to
which meant dolomite lime. The result was
compost similar to John Innes
With nine years experience as
a gardener for the council under
say that the best time to hoe was
before I could actually see the
I was able to no. 1, which could be modied
for different purposes.
his belt already, he was keen to
expand his knowledge, and
weeds. We were told to push the
hoe into the ground to a depth
learn on the job It was labour intensive, but if
you buy the raw materials and
Tynteseld seemed the ideal of a couple of inches to create a feeds you get more compost for
place. There were four people dry mulch that would stop the Lord Wraxall could bring his your money, explains Phil.
in the garden when I came here sun from evaporating all the friends around to show them Nowadays we dont use peat;
and they had a lot of experience water around the roots of a where the food had come from, the National Trust has a peat-
between them. We had to keep plant, and also prevent the says Phil. We were taught that free policy across all its gardens
the standards up, especially as weeds from growing. cleaning our tools made them because of the environmental
our head gardener was a judge Ensuring the gardens easier to use the next time. damage caused by harvesting it.
at the local ower show! I remained free from mess was One of his earliest jobs was to Phil enjoys working in all
started off as the pot boy, which another strict requirement. make potting compost, using areas of the garden, but he is
meant I did everything and was We produced fruit and wooden boxes known as bushels particularly known for his
really able to learn on the job. vegetables for the house and to measure out the different skill in Tynteselds large
One of his rst lessons was it was important to keep the components. The basic recipe glasshouses, which date back to
the importance of weed control. place clean and tidy so that was seven bushels of sterilised Victorian times. There he

Age-old advice
helps to look after fruit trees
such as peaches, nectarines
and apricots, grape vines and
We were taught
tomatoes, some of which are
picked to serve in the propertys
that clean tools
restaurant, with the remainder were easier to
going on the sales table for
visitors to take home in return use next time
for a donation.
The glasshouses are also home
to various owering plants, Lord Wraxall used to bring
including jasmine, begonia, his friends to see it; now the
poinsettia and pelargonium. National Trust uses the owers
We still grow poinsettias as cut for arrangements.
owers for the house, just as we The garden at Tynteseld is
did in Lord Wraxalls day, says currently maintained by four
Phil. They reminded him of a full-time gardeners, one
pheasants eye and he used to seasonal worker and 35
have them in vases for the volunteers, all working under
shoots. Every year we cut the the leadership of head gardener
bracts for Christmas and then Paul Evans. But despite the
Pollination power a cut the rest of the plant down changes in personnel a number
squirrels tail brushed up but leave the side shoots to come of traditions are left over from
and down the owers is
used to pollinate grapes. so that they can re-bract. the early days of Phils time
A rabbits tail does the In the greenhouse there is an there. We still use the kitchen
job for nectarines impressive wall of pelargonium garden and its buildings for the
that started life as a cutting from purposes they were designed
Blenheim Palace. They grow for, he reveals. Im proud to be
tall because they are in a heated helping to maintain a sense of
greenhouse and so they keep tradition and continuity within
going over winter, says Phil. this very special garden.
A large hoe keeps runner bean rows Peaches, nectarines and apricots are fan-
weed-free. We were taught to start at trained on a south-facing wall in one of the
the top and push soil backwards so as glasshouses. The extra warmth improves yield
not to get a big pile at the bottom while training makes trees easier to work on

4 TIPS FROM
TYNTESFIELD
After 25 years of gardening at the property, Phil has
learned plenty about how to do things properly, and
he is more than happy to pass on his knowledge to others.
Here are some of his most useful pointers:
FOR TOMATOES
When growing cordon
tomatoes in pairs, train the
young stems to grow up the
cane in the opposite pot.
We cross over tomatoes,
especially earlies, because
the lack of light early on
means that they grow quite
tall before they even put on
their first truss. This way,
Planting marigolds in the terrace beds.
the first truss is closer to
We dont know for certain what the
garden was like in the 19th century, but the soil. And in a small
this is our interpretation, says Phil greenhouse you can get
more trusses per plant.
FOR TULIPS
SEE FOR YOURSELF If you want to ensure your bulbs do
The garden at Tyntesfield is open all year from 10-5 (later in not rot, dig them up and store for
summer). Admission costs from 8.55 (adults) and 4.30 next year. Leave in the ground long
(children) for garden and estate only; from 13.90 (adults) enough for the plants to produce a
and 7 (children) for the entire property. There is also a 20 per bulb for the following year. Once
cent discount for visitors arriving on foot, by bike or public the flowers drop off, cut the stem
transport. For details visit nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield/ down and feed with a high potash
feed such as rose food. Some weeks
later dig them up, lay bulbs in a
warm dry place to let the green go
back into the bulb, then take the
buds off and store in a cool dark
shed until you are ready to plant
them out again in the autumn.
Remember to check regularly
as a bit of rot in one bulb could
spread to the lot.
FOR FLOWERING POT PLANTS

In the greenhouse, clay pots of plants like
cineraria and schizanthus were kept on top
of clay balls, which absorbed moisture but
held the pots above water to avoid the
threat of rot. Phil was taught to test for
overwatering using a cane and a cotton
reel. Wed tap the pots. If they had a
ringing sound they needed water. We
were taught to give each pot a drenching,
then let it dry out. With most potted
plants the rule is: 1in of water will travel
9in down the pot. If you just put a splash
of water in the top, the roots will dry out.
FOR MELONS
Growing with a collar around the base
of the plant in this case a flower pot
with its bottom removed will prevent
the necks of your melons getting wet and
going on to rot. This means we
can water the soil around the collar but
not inside it, explains Phil. Any melons
that are showing signs of rot can be
Capiscum annuum Tequila is saved by placing a cut-off plant pot
one of the greenhouse crops over the rotting area and then filling
grown at Tynteseld. A third it with soil to encourage the stem to
of the produce is used in the put out fresh roots.
restaurant while the rest is sold

Christmas inspiration

WATERING CAN CUFFLINKS
Q Rhodium plated and presented in a gift box

0113 345 9395 tiesplanet.com

All and prices and availability correct at time of going to press
Fill their stockings with

gardening-themed little extras
that wont break the bank
9.99
P&P 2.99
CHOCOLATE GARDEN BOX HERB AND SCISSORS GIFT SET

Q Handmade milk white and dark chocolate
squares with gardening-inspired motifs Q Featuring scissors w it ve
blades, pack of chive seeds and
0844 2495 007 metal plant label.
prezzybox.com
0844 415 7863
shop.parkin sons.org.uk
6.95
P&P 3.9
5
9.99 3.95
P&P
HEATHCOTE & IVORY GARDENERS

DINOSAUR WATERING CAN HAND TREATS GIFT SET
Q Available in white or green
01933 278857 gardens2you.co.uk Q Comprises
hand scrub,
hand cream,
plant markers
and crayon
8
8.99
3
P&P
Each
020 7483 8383 heathcote-ivory.com

683(5 )$67683(5 ()),&,(17683(5 6$)(
,,

(
$&
7+$76
[ +($7(56
)25 21/<
( *42--+#442--
- "0-$0- %")- (" 0)- ##'/$+"0(
-" (0!&
$&7 *E&+# 4B$&< $-<5 $<6 -6 B&)) (/ D-? +& + <-7<D ?6&+#
-(!- 2- )- - 0$ - <$ )-+# B&+<6 *-+<$72 7&+# <$ A6D )<7< <$+-)-#D &< )&A67
! (0 !(3 "!)0 $-"! *77&A .!FF B<<7 - $< -6 *-6 *-7< 8!F B<<7 & 63?&6
)-3 $("1 (-3 ! )-3 + +& )&$ 0C<6 7< $<%?/ <&*1 D-?5)) <$ &+ 7+?##)D
"1( "!1!-"! -() 2- "2! B6*<$2 -6 *C&*?* B6*&+# &+D &< -7&))<7 .F #67 6-*
7&%<-%7& <- $< )) -6+67 - 6--*2
!-)
6*& <&+# $+-)-#D /6-A&7 &+6&)D 7 &+< +
-() "0)-3 $("--"! 6)&) /-6<) $<&+# <$< + ?7 +DB$6 &+ <$ $-* -6 - 2
-$ "1( )2- -- )-"$) - -(
!" "1( $0) "1(- $("--"! $<57 *-6 B$+ D-? ?D -+ -6 '?7< ;=,2,, /)?7 //
#4( ")-"! "( $("1 ( " )' %! %)

- (0-"!
0)- ( ")-- 0-" -3
(0-) ("" - $(-0(

"

$&* &#&)# &!
$ &+<#6< $<&+# )*+<7 6 7*)) 6*& 7<-+7
! "!3 0!-"! "( )0 ( ("
B&<$ 7)%)&*&<&+# <*/6<?6 $6<6&7<&72 $D 6/)
"!1!!- ((3 ! '" <$ *<) ?7 &+ 7<+6 $<67 + + +- <$6*-7<<
))-B&+# 6/& $<&+# B&<$ 7<) + 6)&) ?66+<
!-"( - )"2) 2! )( " *C&*&7&+# +6#D + -7< 7A&+#72
- $(-0( ) ! (

0(" "0) ( ()
--!"0(! !- #4 .
$! % #

% # ! ! #! #

)) (*+ /6-?<7 ?6&<D - 0)7< = &#&<7 -+ 7&#+<?6 7<6&/1 @ @ @ C/&6D <

?D + < + 6 <67

;=,2,,

&*

-* B&<$ =F%D
-%&7( //6-A)
6&- 7- D-? + -66
<6< <
*
77? - &#+<?6

<+6 8 -6(&+# D )&A6D ;=2,, ;=2,, B&<$ <-<) -+&+

677
66 -6 >.7< *6 -6 #?6+< $6&7<*7 )&A6D2 ?6 7<+6 )&A6D <-
*&+)+ -7<7 '?7< ;=2,, + <(7 ?/ <- 8 B-6(&+# D72 ?7<-*67 $A =F D7 6-* 6&/< ) *&)
- #--7 <- //6-A /?6$72 + 7&*/)D )) ?7 <- 66+# 6<?6+ - &<* 0?+*# + &+ -6&#&+) /(#&+#1 -6 6/)*+< -6 6?+2 ))7 <- F"" +?*67 6 $6#
< )-) 6< -6 *+D ?7<-*672 (*+ &7 <6&+# 7<D) - &6< 7/-+7 ?) ))*+< 2 #&7<6 ?*6 F=FFF".9 ?6- -?7 6*67 - &<<&+#-?6+
+<2 .F =2 D-? B-?) 6<$6 +-< 6&A /6-*-<&-+) /-7<) -67 6-* 6?))D 7)< <$&6 /6<&7 /)7 <&( $6
T
Tried
Tri
ried
& tested we try before you buy
Electric chainsaws
Looking for a machine that makes light work of sawing?
Consumer editor Julia Heaton looks at six on the market
F
OR ANYONE with little are kept well away from the sharp
experience of using chain. But the downside of any electric
chainsaws, corded types machine is that it needs a power
are a great place to start source, either by plugging into the
often being quieter, lighter and more mains electricity supply or generator.
comfortable to use than their petrol Of course, with the saw chain
counterparts. However, they share whizzing round at fast speeds (as
many of the same features, including much as 13 or 14 metres per second)
a front hand guard, which plays a safety is a priority. So whenever
vital safety role by stopping the handling a chainsaw, or indeed just the
saws chain immediately the guard chain, its important to wear proper
is pushed forward. safety gloves. During use a helmet,
Nowadays most electric chainsaws visor and ear protection should also
also have automatic chain lubrication be worn. Also think about investing in
and the chain tensioning is undertaken chainsaw safety trousers or chaps that
Drury
from the side, using a wheel, so hands will provide leg protection.
14 15 14 15 13 15
STIHL MSE 170 C-BQ 270 MANTIS 119 INC P&P AL-KO EKI 2000/40 149 P&P 5.95
01276 417610 stihl.co.uk for stockists 0800 988 4828 mantis.uk.com 01963 828055 al-ko.com for on-line shop and stockists
Features Features Features

A 1700W model with 14in (35cm) bar 2400W motor and 18in (45cm) Oregon Powerful 2200W motor, tted with a
and 38in low vibration, low kickback, high-torque, high-speed chrome chain 16in (40cm) Original Oregon bar and
narrow chain. QuickStop Super chain and bar of 38in pitch. Good sized ller 38in pitch chain. Oil tank capacity:
brake exclusive to Stihl gives extra hole and 0.2ltr oil tank with indicator 0.2ltrs with indicator window. Cable
chain braking. Overload protection. window. Cable: 19ft 6in (6m). Weight: length: 19ft 8in (6m). Weight: 11lbs 14oz
Cable length: 32ft 9in (10m). Weight: 10lbs 9oz (4.8kg). Two-year warranty. (5.4kg). Two year warranty.
9lbs 14oz (4.5kg). Two year warranty.
Performance Performance
Performance The most powerful saw in the test, yet Second most powerful saw with more
Stihl has clearly worked hard at making surprisingly lightweight and reasonably than enough grunt for logging willow
its chainsaw safe and a pleasure to use. quiet, the Mantis made a tidy job of timber. Although the heaviest, it was
It showed in the test and, although the logging willow branches. Although not comfortable to use the longitudinal
smallest and lightest, this model gave a the fastest saw it was comfortable and positioning of the motor giving excellent
really smooth cut, with the chain brake pleasant to use being well balanced balance and weight distribution. Good
mechanisms working instantly. and having moulded handles. Liked the high-performance. Although a visible
pink cable highly visible. orange the cable was a bit short.
Value
Seems expensive but is a condent Value Value
and able saw that could be used for A useful saw. Suitable for felling as well Solidly built. Useful for felling small trees
carpentry as well as logging. as logging. as well as logging.

Tried
15 15 & tested
WHATS NEW
Gardening gear keeps
evolving. Heres three
MAKITA UC3541A 101 + VAT from dealers 01908 211 678 makitauk.com freshly launched
to the market
Features a punch, cutting faster and more
New this year, the UC3541A is rated
1800W and carries a 14in
smoothly than the others through
willow logs. The soft grip
PLANTING RULER
(35cm) bar with 38in pitch was comfortable and, with 8.95 RRP
chain. Oil tank capacity the front hand guard well
0114 233 8262
is 0.2 litres and there is
an indicator window to
BEST positioned, the chainbrake
was especially responsive
burgonandball.com
centres
check the level. Cable instilling condence Theres more to this
BUY
to press and may vary at garden

length: 31ft 8in (9.7m). while working. Only ruler than meets the
Weight: 10lbs 5oz (4.7kg). downside was the smaller eye. With seed sowing
One-year warranty can be than average ller hole for holes, metric and
increased to three. the oil tank. imperial graduations
and plant spacing guide,
Performance Value its designed to help
All prices correct at time of going

Required assembly but was quick Remarkable for a tool from with plot layout, increase yields
to set up and required no tools. such a well-known brand and and minimize wastage. Part of the
Quieter and lighter than most in it comes with a clear, new problem solving Essential
the test, this chainsaw still packed comprehensive manual. Tools range from Shefeld based
Burgon & Ball.
IMPRESSED SPIDER FREE

12 15 11 15 18.29 P&P 7.49
0800 091 3171
hygienesuppliesdirect.com
Dread walking into a spiders web
in the shed? Take a look at
this Health and Safety
Executive approved
repellent. Sprayed into the
nooks and crannies they
LAWNFLITE MTD ECS200040 129 COBRA CS35E 79.99 RRP like it prevents cobwebs
INC FREE DELIVERY 0845 894 1599 lawnite.co.uk 0115 986 2161 cobragarden.co.uk from sticking, encouraging
them to move on to
Features Features another area. Comes in
A 2000W chainsaw tted with a 16in Rated 1800W and carrying a 14in two 500ml spray packs.
(40cm) Oregon bar and 38in pitch chain. (35cm) bar and low kickback 38in pitch
It weighs in at 11lbs 3oz (5.1kg) and has chain. Oil tank capacity: 0.11ltrs. Weight:
a 0.2ltr oil tank. Cable length: 49ft (15m) 11lbs (5kg). Cable length: 32ft 9in (10m). HUM FLOWERPOTS
Two year warranty. Ratchet mechanism prevents chain
tension loosening. Overload protection.
12 P&P FROM 2.50
Performance One-year warranty.
033022 33414 hum-partnership.com
With a handle partly covered in Injecting colour and adding some
rubber to reduce vibration, this saw Performance individuality to your pot collection
was comfortable to use and was so Assembly was ddly and required just got a whole lot easier. These 5ltr
well-balanced that the weight wasnt accurate placement of the side cover. UV resistant and waterproof plastic
noticeable. The motor provided plenty But with a fast chain speed this saw planters come in a
of power to saw willow logs and sliced gave an impressive quality of cut and range of patterns
through the wood quickly, its slim body coped well with logging and pruning and are suitable
made work easy. Was a bit on the noisy work. The small oil tank capacity meant for outdoors and
side though. relling was necessary. Noisiest on test. in. Measurements:
81 2in (22cm) high
Value Value x 81 2in (22cm)
Good results for a chainsaw of this size Buy ear defenders with the money diameter top.
and power. you save.

The affable Ann Atkin created her
gnome reserve in 1979 with her
husband Ron. This is a fun and
magical place, she says. and is
my place to relax and to dream!
The
little folk
Love, or loathe them, gnomes have a special place in
British gardening heritage and as Hazel Sillver
discovered, Devon is home to over 1,000 of them
I
Faeries frolic in the Wild
F YOU go down to the created the reserve in 1979, but my mind. I could see him very Flower Garden, which is a
pretty mix of owers, ferns
woods in West Putford, most importantly its supposed clearly but, although I searched and native trees alongside
youre in for a big to be fun! the shops, I couldnt nd a enchanting carpets of moss
surprise. As well as When Ann and her husband garden gnome that resembled
coming across a beautiful wild Ron looked around the former him. So I decided to make Gnome Reserve. Over the years
ower garden ourishing in the rectory and its surrounding him myself! she added paths and owers
dappled shade of beech trees, wooded land in 1978, they The result was Siegfried, a and of course lots more gnomes.
you will stumble upon more instantly fell in love with it. Its very proud, jolly-faced gnome Today this enchanted spot is
gnomes than youve ever seen! easy to understand why. The who now has pride of place in home to around 1,000 gnomes,
This is the wonderfully barmy house drinks in fabulous views the Reserve. In his right hand is granting Ann a place in the
Gnome Reserve in the Putford of the rolling elds that slope a large pebble that Ann calls the Guinness Book of Records.
region of northwest Devon. away to the south. gnome stone. It represent the Before entering the Reserve,
Of course it is primarily Ron and I were captured by earth, she explains. visitors (young and old) are
supposed to be a lovely garden the place, she recalls. It felt When Ann homed Siegfried in invited to get into the spirit of
and woodland, where people magical, and not long after wed the woodland adjacent to the things by donning a gnome hat.
can relax, says Ann Atkin, who bought it, a gnome popped into Rectory, it was the start of the If you were a gnome, you might

ll sor ts of gnome goings-on t
There are a
All pictures Andrea Duncan
not take kindly to a lot of adorable gnome houses

humans tramping into your
wood and pointing at you,
In folklore, gnomes are spirits of the fashioned from old tree stumps
and so inviting youd feel like
explains Ann. But if weve got earth and live underground popping in for a cup of tea if
gnome hats on, theyll think Oh only you were small enough.
here come some other gnomes. Most of the gnomes are 8-12in
Hat on, youre ready to go. The against the tree trunks, gnomes plants: ivy, rhododendrons, (20-30cm) tall; a few, such as
path leads down into beech going about their business with ferns, bluebells and wild garlic, Siegfried, are a bit bigger, at
woodland and before you know wheelbarrows and gnomes gorgeous carpets of moss and around 20-24in(50-60cm).
it you are surrounded by enjoying themselves: playing toadstools of all sizes some Siegfried is very easy to spot,
gnomes. There are gnomes on cards, shing in the stream and made from stone and painted since Ann has given him his
swings on the branches of trees, enjoying the gnome fairground. red and white and others carved own plinth! He seemed a bit
gnomes reading books or dozing All around them are woodland from wood. There are also disgruntled when all the

other gnomes started campion, ragged robin,
arriving in his reserve, recalls meadowsweet, wild garlic and
Ann. So I put him on a plinth to more). There are also wild roses
cheer him up. This must have (Rosa rugosa) and perennials
worked because the old gnome (such as daylily and sedum).
has a big smile on his face as he Pass through the tunnel of
surveys the scene. living willow and spot faeries,
pixies and of course gnomes
A FAMILY FAVOURITE lurking in the long grass. Sit on
Closest to Siegfried are the other the seat that is surrounded by
old gnomes, which are made of sweet-scented honeysuckle,
concrete and coated listen to the birdsong and see
attractively in moss. The how many butteries you can
The older unpainted
more modern gnomes, spot: commas, speckled concrete gnomes that were
whose scarlet red hats woods, small whites and created in 1979 are now
and white beards many others ock here. beautifully coated in moss
dominate the reserve, are The Wild Flower
created by Anns son Garden had been a
Richard, from concrete donkey eld before we tea and a slice of cake. made thousands! Anns
and then painted. lived here, Everything is home-baked by background is in art and
The Reserve is remembers Ann, it Anns daughter-in-law Meg who she was one of just ve women
not only a treat for was overgrown with runs the Reserve with her studying at the Royal
children and for the brambles and husband (and Anns Gnomes are Academy between
young at heart, but this nettles. Over time we son) Richard. The renown for 1958 and 1961.
is also a place that will cleared it and couple live in the their bright Decorating the
red pointed
delight gardeners and introduced native Rectory and hats
shop walls are
nature lovers. owers. Now its Richard tends the prints of some of
Adjacent to the a haven for grounds but Ann is her faerie and
Gnome Reserve is butteries. still a big part of the gnome paintings.
the Wild Flower After team. I come in each Even if youre not
Garden. This is a enjoying the day, so its a family into gnomes, it is hard
woodland garden of garden, visitors operation, she smiles. not to leave here with a
native trees (beech, can enjoy a pot of Ann makes and sells pixie smile on your face. Q
hazel, rowan, apple, ornaments in the Reserve shop.
Anns rst homemade
birch and wild cherry)
gnome, Siegfried, is so
I shape them in clay, dry them, Q For more information, go to
and owers (ox-eye special a bust of him has re them in the kiln here and gnomereserve.co.uk or call
daisy, foxglove, red been placed atop a plinth! then paint them, she says. Ive 01409 241435.
British Gnome History

Q Garden gnomes started life in Germany during the buying in gnomes from Germany. They usually adorned
Renaissance, but didnt arrive in the UK until 1847. rockeries or underground grottoes (such as the one at
Prior Park).
Q Charles Isham brought 21 back from Germany to
adorn his rockery at Lamport Hall in Q Over time they became an established part of the
Northamptonshire. These terracotta gnomes were British garden, but then (in some peoples eyes) fell
made by a specialist manufacturer, called Heissner, from grace in the 1950s when they morphed into garish
only one survives today Lampy, who is insured for plastic fellows.
1 million and is on display at Lamport Hall.
Q Anns Gnome Museum at the Reserve is home to
Q Gradually people began copying Isham and many antique gnomes created in the Victorian era.
In folklore, gnomes are said to have magical powers

and are earth dwellers unlike elves that prefer trees
AGs Organic Gardener LISTEN TO O
BOB ON RADUIOR
Bob
ob Flowerdew 4'S GARDENERS'
QUESTION TIME
Did anyone say stop?

Bob itemises winter gardening tasks, and laments the lack of gardening on the telly
I
T MAKES my blood boil
that some TV gardening
BOBS TIPS
programmes only air
from spring till autumn.
Gardening is something
gardeners practice all the year
round its not like picnics,
lawn tennis and other more
sunny day interests.
Gardening is more akin to
looking after livestock and
pets. After all, you dont stop
feeding them during the
shorter days (unless theyre
hibernating tortoises!). In
many ways the winter tasks
are as, if not more, important Check your apple stores for
rots and rodent damage
The next Get chickens now, as theyll

start laying in the New Year
gardening
TimeInc unless credited
year starts Its in winter we have time to overhaul the mower

this week!
think of changes to make, I reckon that the next
than those done when days undertake repairs that need gardening year actually
are longer. xing, and clean and overhaul starts this week with the
Its in winter we plant and the mower and tools. shortest day/darkest night.
Shutterstock
move so many things, lay and And in winter the weeds Oh, and another point
lift turf, prune and trim. dont stop owering and even where is the sense in
Its in winter we collect up setting seed, so they need putting on gardening
fallen leaves that have blown attention. Nor does the grass programmes at the very
in, spot litter under shrubs ever really stop growing. time of an evening in
and hedges, and see the dead It should be in winter when summer when we want to
wood that needs removing. we plan for the year ahead, be out there actually doing
Its in winter that we should order our new seeds and sets, it? Why cant we have
empty homemade compost and lay out on paper the crop gardening programs now,
on to the soil, spread manure, rotations or patterns for a when its dark and dank
sprinkle lime and wood ashes bedding scheme. and we need cheering with
and top up mulches. Im already sowing seeds for pictures of sunnier days?
Its in winter that we notice next years leeks and onions, I suspect its because
what crops we have stored popping spuds into buckets those who make the In dry, centrally heated rooms
well, and which have gone off for an extra early crop under programmes are all off keep houseplants humid
too soon. cover, and bringing in tubs of somewhere hotter for a
Its in winter that we should herbs for forcing. long vacation! Q
Start your Christmas shopping early! VISIT: www.magazinesdirect.com/CBW4

OR CALL: 0844 8480848 and
In dry, centrally heated rooms
keep houseplants humid
quote code CBW4.
save up to 34% on a subscription to Amateur Gardening Lines open 7 days a week 8am-9pm (UK time). Overseas +44 (0) 330 3330 233
35 AMATEUR GARDENING 15 NOVEMBER 2014 13 DECEMBER 2014 AMATEUR GARDENING 35
Gardeners
Gardener
en s
tea break Crossword
just for fun...
Answers below
( ) * + ,
0 (' ((
()
AG gardening writer Ruth Hayes revealed her messy shed of shame in our (*
22 November issue. Now, after a big sort-out, its a pinnacle of order and calm.
But can you spot the FOUR alterations that weve made to this picture, taken
before the clean-up? (Answers can be found at the bottom of the page)
(+ (,
true or In 2010, TV gardener Christine

Walkden received an Honorary
Doctorate Degree from Pershore
ACROSS
1 Old journalists cutting
DOWN
1 In a fungus, the
false? College, awarded for her services
through the jungle! (5) long, branching
Time Inc.
to horticulture.
(Answer at the bottom of page) 3 Photographic book filamentous structure
collection means white in that collectively
Latin plant names (5) forms mycelium (5)
WIN Word search 7 Latin name for the 2 All-The-Year-Round,
! F A I C I L E F F F Autumn Giant 3 and
30
This word search Canada plum (6,5)
Avalanche F1 Hybrid are
comprises plant 8 Making something (eg
names beginning A M L E N N E F O K the soil) less alkaline (10)
all varieties of this
with F. They are listed vegetable (11)
below; in the grid they may be A A U F A V A R X E 9 Cocktail of vodka, 4 The taxonomic name
read across, backwards, up, tomato juice, and other of the begonia family (11)
down or diagonally. Letters may I I T I S H S A G E spices, and a variety of
5 Carnivorous plants are
be shared between words. both astrantia and
P R generally ____-eaters (4)
Erroneous or duplicate words
may appear in the grid, but there
E D G Y C F L R rodgersia (6,4)
13 Initial amount paid at 6 United States Air Force
is only one correct solution. After
the listed words are found there O A E R T U A F O G the time of purchase, to (1,1,1,1)
are 10 letters remaining; arrange be followed by the 10 Removing faded
these to make this weeks L C A H T T F E V U balance later and an old flowers is ____-heading
KEYWORD. variety of iris (4,7) (4)
L U I S S F I R E N 14 An insect pest that can 11 Abominable snowmen!
FALLOPIA ruin flowers and leaves of (5)
FARFUGIUM
A A E I G I F N A E many plants (5) 12 Tim Rumball did this
FATSIA F F A I R A G A R F 15 Accompaniment to to this issue of AG! (4)
mustard! (5)
FAUCARIA
HOW TO ENTER: Enter this weeks keyword on the entry No:
FAVA 241
form, and send it to AG Word Search No 241, Amateur pot on the shelving unit is now yellow.
FELICIA Gardening, Westover House, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset are more boxes on the shelf above Ruths head and a small white
FENNEL BH15 1JG, to arrive by Weds 24 Dec, 2014. The first correct colour and a black plastic pot (bottom right) is now larger. There
entry chosen at random will win our 30 cash prize. SPOT THE DIFFERENCE The inside of Ruths jacket has changed
FENUGREEK
This weeks Keyword is.......................................................................... Writtle College in Essex.
FERN TRUE OR FALSE? FALSE: It was awarded to Christine Walkden by
Name............................................................................................................
FESTUCA 6 USAF 10 Dead 11 Yetis 12 Edit
15 Cress DOWN 1 Hypha 2 Cauliflower 4 Begoniaceae 5 Meat
FIG Address ....................................................................................................... nigra 8 Acidifying 9 Bloody Mary 13 Down payment 14 Thrip
FIR
CROSSWORD ANSWERS ACROSS 1 Hacks 3 Album 7 Prunus
Postcode.....................................................................................................
FORSYTHIA Email ............................................................................................................
FOXGLOVE
Tel no ............................................................................................................ KEYWORD ANSWER TO WORDSEARCH NO. 236 (AG, 8 NOV)

FRAGARIA Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, publisher of Amateur Gardening will collect your personal information ANTHURIUM
solely to process your competition entry. AND THE WINNER IS: GILLIAN BAXTER, NORTH YORKSHIRE

'--2 0-0 !
#* +%*!/ ##2* !#/! # %*+ /# /
#*#2+ %! ## + # /+ !# +/!*
- (#2(
-
'- #!-( !
#-!( !' !''(

$
/0) $)/ 32) /
) /* *0$) " $)"0*
/ *$3* " )"* $ $/*
// /3 0 0) )" "2 3
*1) 0* /" ") ) "/
*$ ""*'
'!1(
)"2 * */ )/* "2
-! "& -'( / 0"0* *)0
$*3 (% )* " 3 #' %,4(& *
"$/ "0 ") $"/ " / $/"
") * " $" / "))*'

$'
#& " ) ) *"0 $
"2 0*/ 2/"0/ /*
*0$) */0)*

1 3"0)
. " ("" ") "/ / )

$)0 /" / / 1)3 */ )"
3"0) "2)* *)0*'
) .#'!!
.+'!!
2 " /
*/ $"** */)/ 2/
$ ) "
)/*) +4' 0*/ .!'!!'

)))(')! %

#
'&$
#

* &
& ') #
#
'# ) '#&!
(

&
$
$ &
#$ # $
$
# &
#
&
& #"'
' $&
!

$ $ & 01 .) . / # "" " &
# / +*%/#! *

/3 #/
$$1$ !# $ +*2 ,/3 &+ .1"(""' ."(""
' #-(! '+ && !1 + $ -/% & * $0101 !# 1 *2+ , .$("
$$,11 % *#! */+*( ,4 ."(""
$00, /2*+ ,) &* .$(""' .,(""
&''
4 04 /# !/*)2* ."(""
.0("

' + 1 ' '+&& '+& *! #/
'+ !

' + +' 0 1 - + /' + &. &' & &-1 '+ !'" 1 '-!!1 1 -& &''
1 - . -' '+ + 1 - '! &' & -/" / + !'' 1 -& &'' + +& !&+1"
& -+' .&1 +' '-+ + .+1" -/ ' ++ + '-!!1 #-+1 !& -+' +
&&+ &&' -' ' & !&' -'" & /+ + '+' -'+
** # + +& -/ / ' & & + + +- -+ ! & !&+-&
' +-& 1 -& & .& /&+ + '+ , -&' & + '+-& '+&!"
!& -+" -& +&+ & '-!!1 ' ' /+ -/" - +&' + ' & .
0, &#-'+ & -& /'+ + ///".-/" " & &' 0!&1 + (
Festive favourite
Ilex aquifolium is a winner

in both the home and garden
With its glossy green foliage and scarlet fruit, holly is the quintessential plant
for the festive season. Hazel Sillver takes a closer look at this prickly customer
W
E HAD lots of or displayed in vases and February) bad luck will ensue! 365 days a year: that glossy
trees around wreaths. This harks back to an To the Druids, having a holly foliage reects the light and
the house I old belief that holly repels the tree in the garden bestows is always fresh and elegant.
grew up in: dark evils of winter. In Celtic
conifers, cherries, apple, Pagan mythology the Holly MULTIPURPOSE PLANT
almond, yew and laburnum.
But pride of place was given to
King guards our winters, while
the Oak King rules the summer.
Hollies have so Hollies have so much versatility
within a garden, says Jonathan
the holly. The only tree growing
right in front of the house, it
To Christians, holly represents
the crown of thorns worn by
much versatility Webster, curator at RHS
Garden Rosemoor in Devon,
looked lovely all year, but really
came alive in winter when it was
Jesus, and advent wreaths are
fashioned with its foliage.
and use within which holds a National
Collection of Ilex. It can
covered in shiny red berries. Both religions have a custom the garden provide a specimen tree, a
The glossy foliage shone in the of bringing holly into the house topiary plant or hedging
sun and, with the rest of the (usually in the form of a wreath) whether you want it for wildlife
garden fast asleep, it was a joy. in December. This is believed you and your property with or as an ornament to highlight
A key part of festive decor, to bring good fortune, but be protection. And whether or your herb garden. And there are
holly (Ilex aquifolium) is warned: if you do not remove it not you believe the folklore, many types to choose from.
traditionally brought into the before the Pagan festival of planting holly is always a good The UKs native holly is Ilex
house during December, to be Imbolc (1 February) and the idea. As well as providing the aquifolium, an evergreen tree
hung from the walls in bunches Christian feast of Candlemas (2 birds with berries, it looks great that grows in western and

4 HANDSOME
HOLLIES
Ilex aquifolium
Ferox Argentea
The slow-growing
male hedgehog holly
has particularly spiky
variegated leaves,
but does not
produce berries.
Ilex aquifolium Ferox

Argentea makes up
for its lack of berries
with attractive, variegated
spiked leaves
I. aquifolium
Alaska
Compact
enough for
smaller gardens,
this hardy holly
GWI
produces lots of
scarlet berries
and is good for
topiary.
Berry-tastic! Ilex Alaska looks

verticillata offers lovely when
the traditional outlined with frost
Christmas combo
of green and red. I. verticillata Maryland Beauty
Try Maryland One of the deciduous hollies, this compact
Beauty to keep
All GAP
female shrub produces red berries for weeks.

things compact
southern Europe, as well as You may also be surprised to

some parts of Asia and North learn that not all are evergreen,
Africa. It is happy growing in with deciduous examples such
hedgerows and alongside as the fabulous I. verticillata
deciduous trees such as oak, and and its cultivars. The I.
can live for up to 500 years! verticillata shrubs are not well I. crenata
For many of us, this wild known in the UK; yet they Golden Gem
This Japanese holly
English holly, along with a should be, says nursery owner has golden foliage
variegated version, is the sum Karan Junker. They are easy to copy the gardeners
extent of our holly knowledge. grow and, for sheer berry at RHS Rosemoor
But in fact the holly genus, power, hard to beat. Clustered and use as an
which forms the entire right up the stems, the bright alternative to box,
for low hedges.
Aquifoliaceae family, is red berries ripen in September
comprised of 400-600 species. and persist until Christmas or
And while we may imagine even spring.
Wmost of these to be as hardy If you do not fancy a
as our tough-as-old-boots deciduous holly, there are
native holly, in reality most hail umpteen variations on the
With its small, round leaves and low-growing
from the tropics and are traditional evergreen native. habit, I. crenata Golden Gem is often taken
extremely tender. Why not choose a specimen for box and can be used in the same way
yellow berries (like
Bacciava), with extremely
For an attractive
alternative to red
berries, try
HOW TO
spiky leaves (such as Ferox
Argentea) or variegated white,
cream or yellow leaves (such as
the evergreen
I. aquifolium
Bacciava
GROW
Golden Queen). Holly is tolerant of most
Cultivation-wise, holly is a conditions, thriving in sun or
doddle it is one of the few shade. However, if pushed, it
prefers a very well drained
plants that will even tolerate dry soil and needs regular
shade. The main mistake watering for the first few
people make when growing months after planting.
hollies is to only buy a male
GAP
form, says Jonathan. Holly is
dioecious, which means that
there are male and female Last but not least, holly makes
plants. And if you want berries a great hedge. The spikes ward
you need a female plant. If you want off burglars and it looks neat
BERRIED TREASURE berries you need and glossy.

With its tiny leaves, the very
You can only tell which is which
once they start owering, and
a female plant compact Japanese holly (I.
crenata) is recommended by the
this takes a few years. The male RHS as an alternative to box
I. aquifolium will produce a lot hedging. Within the formal
of cream-yellow owers and no a male holly isnt necessarily bad parts of Rosemoor we have used
berries, whereas the female will news some males (like the several forms of I. crenata to
TimeInc.
produce berries and only a few variegated I. aquifolium replace box that has succumbed
pink-white owers. The ideal Elegantissima) are gorgeous. to blight, reveals Jonathan.
combination is to have both Design-wise, holly is I. crenata Convexa is Choose smaller plants
male and female plants: the invaluable. As well as those particularly recommended. as these are easier to
establish. They do not like
female to produce the berries; light-reective polished Whether you choose our good being disturbed, but if you
the male to ensure that evergreen leaves, there is the old native I. aquifolium or a must move a plant then lift
pollinators fertilise your holly fact that it can be trimmed into more exotic form, planting a carefully in late-winter/early-
plant so that it can fruit. neat shapes. This topiary holly is sure to bring great cheer spring, taking care to remove
If you live in an urban area, it potential can be seen in larger to your winter garden at the entire rootball.
is pretty likely youll have a male gardens like Tynteseld and Christmas time and beyond. Q The best time to prune
holly nearby, but if youre in a Buscot Park, where holly trees hedges and topiary holly is
remote spot and only have room are clipped into curved clouds August. If cut back hard these
for a single holly, go for one that and lollipops. If you want a will recover well.
is self-fertile, such as the lovely couple of evergreens to ank WHERE TO
J.C. van Tol.
A reputable supplier will be
your front door and form a
sophisticated entrance, you
SEE HOLLY
able to tell you the gender of couldnt do much better than Q RHS Garden
your holly (or hollies), but selecting two variegated hollies Rosemoor, Devon
discovering that youve planted and clipping them into boules. With 44 species and
144 cultivars, the National
Collection of Ilex held
at Rosemoor takes
A holly wreath
some beating.
will add a
fabulously
rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
festive avour 0845 265 8072
for weeks Q National Collection
of Ilex, Pembrokeshire
Anthony Barnes 5-acre
garden contains a National
Collection of holly and
welcomes visitors by
appointment.
nccpg.com You can propagate new
01239 820688 plants from cuttings taken
from this years new growth.
Q Highfield Hollies, Do this in either late summer
Hampshire Impressive or autumn.
range of hollies
interspersed with Watch out for holly leaf
liquidambars. Highfield blight, which is characterised
offers topiary courses and by black blotches and
welcomes group visits. leaf drop. Cut out any
abtek-it.co.uk infected areas and either
01730 892372 burn or dispose of as non-
GWI
compostable waste.
4
reader
er
r
From
offer
SAVE OVER
20 Primrose Belarina
Say goodbye to the winter blues with these little beauties!
RIMROSE BELARINA Doubles
P Collection will bring cheer to your
garden from spring through to early
summer with their vibrant colour, delicate
fragrance and evergreen rosettes of foliage.
With exceptional hardiness, down to minus
25oC (13oF), these incredible perennials will
come back year after year, no matter how cold
the winter is. You will receive the following
varieties: Nectarine, Amethyst Ice and Pink
Ice. Height: 6in (15cm), spread: 8in (20cm).
Q Buy 3 jumbo plug plants 12.99

QBuy 6 jumbo plug plants 15.98
Belarina Nectarine (RRP 25.98) save 10
QBuy 9 jumbo plug plants 17.98
(RRP 38.97) save 20.99
PRIMROSESOFFER AG632/633
Send to: Amateur Gardening Primroses Offer,
Dept AG632/AG633, PO Box 162, Ipswich, IP8 3BX
Belarina Amethyst Ice Subs QTY
CODE PRODUCT Price price Total
Primrose Belarina
TCC55632 Double 3 plug plants 12.99 11.69
Primrose Belarina
Primrose Belarina
* Add postage and packaging 1.95
Total
AG Subscriber No. (if applicable)..........................

Belarina Pink Ice
I enclose my cheque no............... Value ...............
made payable to: T&M (with your name and address on the back).
To pay by Mastercard/Visa/Maestro (delete as applicable)
complete card details below.
TELEPHONE ORDER LINE ORDER ONLINE at My card number is
0844 573 2021, please www.thompson-morgan.

(Maestro only) Valid from Expires end Issue no.
quote AG632 com/ag632
Subscribers quote AG633 Subscribers should visit
(Maestro only)
PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS
and your subscriber www.thompson-morgan. Signature

number to claim your com/ag633 to claim your (Mrs/Miss/Ms/Mr/Title)
10% discount 10% discount Address
HOW TO ORDER Postcode
Cardholders call direct on 0844 573 2021 quoting AG632,

Telephone Date of birth
or AG633 if youre a subscriber. The order lines are open seven days a week, 9am to 8pm Amateur Gardening is published by Time Inc. (UK). Your personal information is
collected by Time Inc. (UK) in order to process your order.
(voicemail at other times). Alternatively, complete the coupon in BLOCK CAPITALS. Please tick here if you would prefer not to be contacted by Amateur Gardening or Time Inc. (UK) by
Remittance may be made by MasterCard, Visa, Maestro, postal order or cheque (name, post or telephone for the purpose of research or marketing of Time Inc. (UK)s products or services.
Please tick here if you would prefer not to be contacted by other organisations carefully selected by
address and AG632 (AG633 if a subscriber) on the back of cheque, please), crossed and Amateur Gardening or Time Inc. (UK) by post or telephone for the purpose of research or marketing
made payable to T&M. Offer available to readers on the UK mainland only. such organisations products or services.

Would you like to receive emails from Amateur Gardening and Time Inc. (UK) containing news, special
All orders will be acknowledged by letter or email, advising you of the expected despatch date. This offer is subject to availability. offers and product and service information and take part in our magazine research via email? If yes,
Offer enquiry line 0844 573 2021 (9am-8pm, seven days a week). All correspondence concerning this offer should be sent to: please enter your email address below.
Amateur Gardening Primroses Offer, Dept AG632/ AG633, PO Box 162, Ipswich, IP8 3BX. Please note your contract for supply of Email
goods is with Thompson & Morgan, Poplar Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 3BU. (Terms and conditions available on request). Closing
date: 15th January 2015. Plants despatched from January-February 2015. 13 DECEMBER 2014 / AG632/633
DECEMBER 13 2014 AMATEUR GARDENING 41

Write to Jenny Bagshaw, Amateur
Letters Gardening, Westover House, West Quay

Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1JG or email:
amateurgardening@timeinc.com
STA
Christmas LETTER
R
dinner sorted!
MY DAD, Ken Dean, recently dug up a parsnip grown from seed which had
been sown in the summertime. To say that it was a whopper (for us) is an
understatement as usually the results of our efforts are forked and small.
This root is surprisingly huge and is the variety called Tender and True.
I think my Dad and I could have the parsnip part of our Christmas dinner
sorted out without having to go to the greengrocers. Bon appetit!
Peter Dean, Great Shelford, Cambridge
JENNY SAYS: Parsnip Tender and True is a particularly popular variety for
its deliciously sweet esh that is virtually coreless, and is said to be ideal
for both the kitchen and the show bench.
TV preview
The One Shows Christine
Walkden will present
the
15-part daytime series
Glorious Rescuers reward
IM AN 80year-old orchid lover, so this summer
Christine! when I spotted an orchid for sale under a sign
saying Rescue me, I didnt hesitate. It wasnt in a
WHAT A joy it was to sit and very good condition with just one small, fragile
watch Christine Walkden in shoot about 2 cm long above the soil, but I had to
Glorious Gardens From give it a try. It was only 1.00 after all.
Above. I may be a bit biased, Just look at it now. In return for my care its given
as the rst programme was me three branches of beautiful owers on one stem!
from Cornwall and I knew Its so rewarding to see plants that appear to be
the garden she enthused dying, recover with only a little effort from you.
about fairly well, but she Julia Panchenko, Pendeford, Wolverhampton
Gloriousdens made it so interesting and

she obviously enjoyed
gar doing the programme.
f rom above
I even found out some
interesting things I didnt
know already about
rt
takes to the skies on BBC
1 this autumn, with a 15-pa Trebah Gardens.
AGs Christine Walkden above the tree-tops. News
ins finest gardens from at Beth
series that examines Brita up with Christine and the BBC crew filming
g met off
Mrs Glenice Caley,
Editor Marc Rosenber need to get ready for take-
x, to find out why viewers
Chatto Gardens in Esse Helston, Cornwall
Christines worth primetime

HOW GLORIOUS Glorious Gardens From Above has been, the
programmes were wonderful. Im fortunate in that Im able to watch
daytime TV, but I feel sorry for all those whove missed out. It was just
what we needed for those dark November days.
But why, oh why didnt they show it on primetime TV? They put
Monty on in the evening but he isnt a patch on Christine.
Wendy Poole, Poole, Dorset

Letters
t-free pledge
Green gardeners urged to make pea
Its a simple message: go
GARDENERS ARE being urged
to make a
pledge to go peat-free by campaign
who want to save peat bogs for
ers
wildlife.
ll 69 Olympic swimming pools.
claim that peat is being consumed
times faster than it forms and
cent of UK lowland bogs have
They
200
94 per
been lost.
Tim speaks Editors
letter
Pledge campaign is being
peat-free in your garden The Peat Free
including The Asked if the campaign would also
for me
backed by organisat ions thats
and target the vast quantity of peat
Scottish Wildlife Trust, Plantlife burnt in Irish power stations,
Climate Revolution, as well as spokeswoman Dr Anna Evely
d
individuals such as designer an said: Its focused on what we,
amateurgardening.com
ental activist
environm as individuals, can do to help
Vivienne Westwood. our peatlands. In this case its
I
a simple message of go peat-
AM a great supporte
SWIMMING POOLS
r of
free in your garden a protest.
The Government has a target
for UK amateur gardeners to
message aimed at gardeners.
We have discussed expanding
Hooray for Editor Tim and Voicing views about
political and social actio
Editorial offices: Westover
be peat-free by 2020, but next ns is
year will see a host of high-peat
Time Inc
our campaign at a later stage,
beyond horticulture, but it will
not be part
his comments (AG 15 Nov) a vital part of democra
tic House, West Quay Road,
composts return to garden centres. liberty but campaig
ners need
Campaigners say 94 per cent
lowland peat bogs have been
of UK
lost Campaign organisers say that,
month, UK gardeners use enough
every
peat to
of this rst phase.
mayaproject.org/peat-free-pl
edge.
regarding gardeners always take to make sense if they
are to be
Poole, Dorset BH15 1JG
Alamy
n seriously. (01202) 440840

getting the blame for peat Take last weeks new
s story
(AG news 8 Nov) abou
t the Fax: (01202) 440860
We dont need peat usage, when the Irish
electricity industry burns
three million tonnes a year.
Peat Free Pledge (also
p45 this week). Cam
want gardeners to sign
on-line pledge to stop
peat, because they say:
Letters
paigners
their
using
Email: amateurgardening
@timeinc.com
every
I FELT compelled to write about your Editors Gardeners and month gardeners use
peat to ll 69 Olympic
enough Need a back issue?
letter (AG 15 Nov). I was incredibly annoyed at allotmenteers are unsung swimming pools, and
being consumed 200
peat is (01202) 440840
times
Tims attitude towards campaigners wanting heroes. They grow owers faster than it forms.
This
Subscriptions:
gardeners to sign the peat-free pledge, but not and shrubs to benet
suggests that its entir
to gardeners and not
ely due (020) 3148 6340
the
electricity generating
targeting Irish power stations rst. birds, butteries, bees and which in Ireland burn
industry,
s 3 million
AGs news pages (8 Nov) reported that the other wildlife. They put up tonnes a year, releasing
of a lot more CO as
a heck Editor: Tim Rumball
it burns
Irish power stations were not scheduled to be birdboxes, batboxes and than the 440,000 tonn
es used Acting Features editors:
by the horticulture indu
stry
part of this rst phase, but it didnt say they create hedgehog houses, (not just gardeners),
which Adrienne Wild, Kathryn Wilson
does not burn it, but
wouldnt be part of the next phase. I personally woodpiles and ponds. grow plants which
uses it to
trap Acting gardening editor:
carbon dioxide!
fully applaud this campaign as we gardeners They feed birds. They When News Editor Marc Graham Clarke
do use part of the 440,000 tonnes of plant and grow wildowers being asked if the campaig
going to expand their
ners were Gardening writer: Ruth Hayes
protest
animal habitat destroyed each year. lost from the countryside, to halt the use of peat
in Irish Consumer editor: Julia Heaton
power stati
So if this group can stop us needlessly using and at least any peat they Dr Anne Evelons, spokesperson
y told him: It will News editor: Marc Rosenberg
not be part of this rst
it, then peat manufacturers wont make it for use goes back into the Eh? Surely if youre goin
phase.
protest about a prob
g to Art editor: Bob Kemp
garden centres and thats a start. After that, soil. Yes, there are lem, you
tackle the biggest part
rst? I Designers: Al Rigger, Del Shults
with gardeners backing the campaign they can problems but gardeners dont mind being told
small) part of the peat
Im (a
Katherine Miller
use
tackle the big power stations, but at least us and allotment holders do problem, if it is a problem, but
dont tell me Im the
bogeyman. Editors PA/Admin manager:
gardeners can grow vegetables and fruit in the more good than harm. Campaigners need to
equivocating and tack
stop Jenny Bagshaw
knowledge were not helping destroy habitat. Mrs Anne Oglesby, root of the problem.
le the
Picture library:
Dont criticise the group for starting with Matlock, Derbys Have a great gardenin
g week.
Judith Cake/Judith Everitt
gardeners. Theres plenty of equally great
mediums in which to grow our veg and for us
Display advertising
its just a hobby, unlike the wildlife that lives in
and around the peat bogs.
AG on Tadeyo Akitoye (020) 3148 2633
Classified advertising
James Couling, Portsmouth, Hants (020) 3148 2858
From this weeks posts Marketing manager:
Natalie Paszkowski
Readers QUICKTIPS Im enjoying the

bonus of the yellow
leaves of Cornus
Advertising director:
Lee Morris (020) 3148 2517
Publisher: Hazel Eccles
WEVE BEEN Midwinter Fire
against the red of Managing director: Paul Williams
troubled by moles for
Mahonia Charity as Group magazine editor:
over two years now. Garry Coward-Williams
My wife tried a I planted the cornus
for its red stems. Head office: Blue Fin Building,
variety of things to
Carole Appleyard 110 Southwark Street, London,
get rid of them but SE1 0SU (020) 3148 5000
unfortunately none This lovely passion ower
of them worked. was still in bloom in my Subscription rates (51 issues,
all prices shown include
Then she thought mums Staffordshire garden postage) UK: 107.53; Europe/Eire: 195.99;
on a south-west facing wall USA: $254.99; All other regions Middle East,
about putting Africa, Asia, Far East and ROW 166.99. Cheques
washing powder in mid-November. payable to Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. Write to: Time
Inc. (UK) Ltd, PO BOX 272, Haywards Heath,
down the centre of the hill. So each new mound Joanna McLoughlin West Sussex, RH16 3FS (0844) 848 0848.
Overseas +44 330 3330 233. Published every
was opened up with a trowel and half a cup of Tuesday Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, Blue Fin Building, 110
powder was poured in and the mound closed up Ive just moved home Southwark Street SE1 0SU. Conditions of sale:
back to my old house this periodical shall not, without the consent of
again. We seem to be almost mole free now, so its the publishers first given, be lent, re-sold, hired
and because I love out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade
certainly deterring them. wildlife Ive built this at more than the recommended selling price
Geoff Ledner, Windsor, Berks shown on the cover (selling price in Eire subject
pond which has frogs to VAT). Printed and bound in England by the
Polestar Group. Distributed by Marketforce Ltd,
in it already! Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU.
JENNY SAYS: Are you sure the chemicals in the Joseph Woosey Registered as a newspaper at the post office.
Amateur Gardening (inc. Popular Gardening)
powder wont damage your lawn though? AMATEUR GARDENING Westover House, West
Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1JG (01202)
440840. Amateur Gardening is a registered
trade mark Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. ISSN 0954-
Our Star Letter wins 40 in National Garden Gift Vouchers; tip of the week, 10; other letters 5 (10 if we use a photo youve sent). 8513 Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, Blue Fin Building, 110
There will be no vouchers awarded for Facebook comments published on these pages. Vouchers can be bought and redeemed at Southwark Street SE1 0SU (0870) 444 5000.
Email: ipcsubs@quadrantsubs.com.
over 2,000 UK outlets offering more than 90,000 garden plants and products. Visit thevouchergarden.co.uk for details. Web site:timeincuk.com
Letters are edited at AGs discretion. Please enclose an SAE if you would like photos to be returned.

Our
two generations
garden
The garden at Rose Cottage has been the pride of

Jean Palfrey for some six decades. Over the years
she has made a beautiful garden and has been out
there from early in the morning until last thing at
night, says daughter-in-law Geraldine.
Gardening spans
the ages at Rose
Cottage and
Boweys, where the
Palfrey family have
two plots that
interconnect
D
IFFERENT but
peppered with
similarities two
generations of
the Palfreys have created
stunning gardens around
their homes in the heart of a
Somerset village. Jean
Palfrey first set eyes on Rose
Cottage in 1937 and used the
centuries-old former
drovers pub in Kingston St
Mary as a holiday home
before moving there with
her young family almost 60
years ago.
Since then she has devoted
her time to creating and
maintaining a beautiful
garden filled with clipped
It really is a
garden of
memories
box bushes, roses and a
variety of colourful shrubs
and perennials, only handing
on her trowel to children
Nigel and Poppy a couple of
years ago. It really is a
garden of memories, says
Jean, (93). Many friends
have given me plants to
grow here. We have had so
many happy times.
Words by Sue Bradley. Photography by Peter Chatterton
Nigels association with the

garden at Rose Cottage took
a new turn in 1997 when he
built his home, Boweys, at
the far end of his mothers
plot and, at Jeans request,
constructed a wall between
the two properties with a
gate to connect the two
gardens. We call the gate
Checkpoint Charlie, laughs
the retired arboriculturist,
who has gone on to create
his own garden, using
materials that he has
collected from across the
Illustration by Elizabeth Paine

UK to construct various
buildings catering for wildlife
as much as people. In both
gardens Ive made sure there
are hundreds of potential
sites for wildlife, he says.
The garden he shares with
wife Geraldine is also filled
with a variety of wildlife-
friendly plants to provide a
constant stream of nectar
for insects, including his own
honey bees.
Garden structures
While the different
approaches to gardening
practised by mother and son
make for two distinct plots,
its also clear to see how
certain influences have
crossed over the dividing
wall. For example the garden the new wall. Nigel gets an Q Sadly Jean Palfrey passed away in September but
at Rose Cottage contains idea for something and then her family say that a tranquil presence remains in her
several structures built by theres no stopping him, beloved garden and that they would like this article to
Nigel, including a rose-clad laughs Geraldine. He has be published in her memory.
granary barn, a wood store the ability to see the use in a
he restored some 30 years bit of junk where other
ago and a more recent people would just discard it.
gazebo, which backs onto Meanwhile, echoes of the
clipped box, which provides
a framework for the
exuberant planting at Rose
Cottage, can also be found
The waterfall and rill in front
at Boweys, along with the
of Boweys is one of Nigels
imaginative structures climbing and rambler
roses and sweet peas
that have long been
Jeans trademark.
Although no longer
able to maintain her
own garden Jean says:
It continues to bring
beauty and a great deal Built by Nigel, the gazebo
of comfort to me. Q effectively hides Boweys, he
explains. It means that mum
only sees her garden.
YELLOW BOOK NEWS

BE ONE of the first to receive
your copy of The Yellow Book
2015 when its published in
February. The essential bible to
visiting thousands of gardens
open for the NGS has a new
look next year and full colour
throughout, making finding a
garden to visit near you even
easier. For details of how to pre-
Nigels garden has a similarly romantic feel to Jeans, although order the book, price 11.99,
nesting boxes and insect-friendly plants speak to his love of wildlife visit ngs.org.uk

GET THE
LOOK
SUMMER PINKS
Jean and Poppy combine
perennials and annuals to
ensure a riot of colour at
Rose Cottage. Jean adds:
In summer pinks ll the
air with the smell of
cloves, I love them.
MEET THE OWNERS
Plant pinks (dianthus) for a

blast from the past that offers
perfume as well as colour
This richly hued geranium is

OWNERS Poppy, Jean, and Nigel Palfrey and a classic bloom that attracts
insects as well as people
Geraldine Campbell
ADDRESS Boweys and Rose Cottage, Church Lane,
Kingston St Mary, Taunton, Somerset. TA2 8HR
GARDEN SIZE Three quarters of an acre For romance and delicious
perfume go for climbing
ASPECT Boweys south-facing; Rose Cottage roses like myrrh-scented
east- facing cultivar The Pilgrim
MONTH VISITED June
SOIL Quick drying loess soil with an almost neutral pH
SPECIAL FEATURES Inter-connecting mature cottage
gardens containing fascinating stonework, water
features, topiary and imaginative planting.
Boweys and Rose Cottage helped to raise 3,000 for

Try a spot of vertical
the NGS when they opened as part of Kingston St gardening by introducing
Mary Treasures over one weekend in June 2014 Mexican eabane, Erigeron
karvinskianus, to a stone wall
To place classied advertising:
CLASSIFIED Call 0203 148 2858 Fax 0203 148 8314
or email tadeyo.akitoye@timeinc.com
TARMAC & DRIVEWAYS

' & &,-/' ' & &' #+'*& *&' & '*
, '% 2'% !% '#'5,- ,8 '#% 1/*& ), -+5, $2,* ,$ -5))#! % $ ,'$ 1(4*& ), -+5, $2,*
'* ' & !&, +' *' + & '*& " !'
+* '*+ + ! * & +!
$ / + & * - & / + && +* * / *-/'" +& * -' #+ * * &,
' '* * *'* * -* ,/ &' .' & &/ +* * '*+(' - & +"%
!'
+* '*+"
# 999 (/9( ... R 9(4/ /& / R ' 9.../ 99 33
777*,!678-5,!% *'*5" R 2,-2'%'%-2,52!'% $!#*'$
+ &&' / !!/

CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR BULBS PLANTS & SEEDS GREENHOUSES

POLYTUNNELS

LQIR#IHUU\PDQSRO\WXQQHOV
ZZZIHUU\PDQSRO\WXQQHOVFRXN

48 Amateur Gardening 13 December 2014 TO SUBSCRIBE: (0845) 676 7778

))-4;5 ))-= /-99

))-4;5 +'$4 4->

))-4;5 -;) ))+ '-9
))-4;5 -;) ))+
))-4;5 '+$)
))-4;5 -;) %'9 /-99
))-4;5 ))-4;5
))-4;5 -;) ))+ ;4/) %'9 /-99 '+( /-99 ))-4;5 -;) ))+ '+(
42"4# 4(!/ ( % ."##8 &4# #&&$/ ((. "% 6"%2. 6 % #$&/2 ## &2 . (#%2/ . %&2 2& /% % &%2"%4
&6."% "%2& $"!/(."%+ . % ."2 ./"/2%2 (../ $&"/2 6##!."% /&"# "% 4## &. (.2 / + 4##8 .8 (.%%"#/
" 2 % /(. 3$ )'-*+ ## (#%2/ . % /#2 &. ,4#"28 "% &4. %4./.8 % /6"2#8 /(2 2& 8&4 6"2 "%
' 8/+ 4. ##&.4/ . /4((#" / 6##!.&&2 8&4% (#%2/ ((.&7"$2#8 0- .&$ .&&2 / 2& /2$ 2"(+
- -44 <'5'9 -4 ))

* ?)- 9 )+95 &

&

+5%* 45%-4 .@ :
455
#/ /% $

-59-
.@ 0. - % /'9;41 .@&"@.# 8.@2@@
*') ) 01 8#2,"

+)-5 %3;6 * /?) 9- ?)- 9 )+95 9 -4 /)5 '9 *? 5944 '5 594- -;+9
? <'5'+$ ;5 - ?-;4
4 -2 *') 455 = ='))
) 9- 5+ )) - -;4 )) -445 =')) /45-+))?
5/') - 452 )5 9'( -+!4* ? 49;4+ ='9%
4 >/'4? 9 55; - 949 9
%4 ' ?-; /4 4 +-9 9- -/? - -;4 ;9;*+ 9)-$;2
4'< - 45 -9%4 9%+ ))
-4 ?-;4

'$+9;4 4-* -;4 -*/+? 9)-$;2

'9 3
WIN
WERE OFFERING readers
the chance to win a full
A MAGAZINE
SUBSCRIPTION
Pick any of the top titles published by TimeInc
years subscription to any

magazine published by
TimeIncUK.
Choose from Woman and Home,
Soaplife, Marie Claire, Practical
Photographer, Anglers Mail and
dozens of others including of
course, your favourite gardening
magazine, Amateur Gardening.
Youll find the full range of
magazines published by TimeIncUk
on the following website
www.magazinesdirect.com
For your chance to win, just fill in the coupon
below, cut it out and send it to: AG Magazine Draw,
Natalie Paszowski, TimeInc, 7th Floor, Blue Fin
Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU
Even if you dont win the draw you can Make a C hristma
s wreath
save up to 34%
29 November 2014 ONLY
1.99
weekly
by taking out a subscription to Amateur Gardening.
Visit www.magazinesdirect.com/CBW4
or Phone 0844 848 0848 40
fab plants
for
texture
Entries to reach us by Wednesday 17 December 2014.
Fill in your details below, cut out the coupon and send it to:
AG Subs Draw 3, Natalie Paszowski, TimeInc, 7th Floor, Blue Fin Building, 110
Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU. Winners will be notied by post/email.
PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS
to make yours a tru
touchy-feely gardenly
Name
Address plus... FREE

RO
Queen Eli SE
Grow lilies in pots
Postcode Divide and force za
for every beth
Email rhubarb crowns reader
see p1
6
Telephone Date of birth

Dealing with weeds
The TimeInc magazine I would like a subscription to is TOBY BUCKLAND
Its a great SOW
Amateur Gardening is published by Time Inc. (UK). Your personal information is collected by Time Inc.
time to plan borders A TREE
(UK) in order to process your order. Start seeds now
Please tick here if you would prefer not to be contacted by Amateur Gardening or Time Inc. (UK) by post or telephone for the
purpose of research or marketing of Time Inc. (UK)s products or services.
GET KIDS for best results
Please tick here if you would prefer not to be contacted by other organisations carefully selected by Amateur Gardening or Time Inc.
(UK) by post or telephone for the purpose of research or marketing such organisations products or services.
GROWING WINTER
Would you like to receive emails from Amateur Gardening and Time Inc. (UK) containing news, special offers and product and service
information and take part in our magazine research via email? If yes, please enter your email address below
Top tips from former
Blue Peter gardening
LETTUCE
expert Chris Collins How to keep
your salad
leaves healthy
AGs telly gardener TUNE IN
TO TOBY ON
Toby
y Buckland BBC FLOWER
SHOW
COVERAGE
Whats better: Skimmia japonica is

easy to grow and bears
brilliant red berries
buds or berries?
Whatever your preference, theres a
skimmia for every garden, writes Toby
B
UDS OR berries? Its S. Fragrans a plant my
a question you have mother loved as it was
to ask when you buy marketed as having a scent
a skimmia as some akin to Lily of the Valley.
varieties are female and carry Skimmia japonica is still
winter fruit, while the males widely sold and deservedly
only bear colourful buds that so as it berries brilliantly and
burst that into flower at the isnt at all fussy about soil
start of the growing season. even growing on chalk,
In most cases to get berries whereas others all need
you need to plant both male neutral or acid earth to thrive.
and female varieties, and If you have that, then there
although years ago males are even more prolific
were seen as boring but fruiters. Nymans produces
Shutterstock
necessary (only plant one for masses of long-lasting pillar-

every six females was the box-red fruits and grows into
TOBYS
standard advice) theyve neat waist high domes that
come a long way since then. are wider than they are tall. The green budded types
When I had an after-school Of the males the ubiquitous are my favourites though as
gardening round every plot I
tended was home to at least
one skimmia, often a combo
of berrying female Skimmia
red-budded Rubella is lovely
as its dark matt-green foliage
makes a perfect backdrop for
both buds and the white
theyre so spring-fresh even
now they offer an antidote
to winter gloom.
Finchy is excellent and
FINAL WORD
japonica and flowering male flowers that follow. only knee-high (so good for
pots) and is covered in
dozens of buds that, come
spring, will open into clouds
of scented white blooms.
Kew Green has taller
conical buds and reaches
waste height while for
something different Magic
Marlot is a miniature male
with antique pink buds and
TimeInc.
white variegated leaves.

Then theres Reevesiana Q SKIMMIAS TURN yellow whe
n
a variety thats not the the soil becomes too dry or
strongest grower but is when exposed to too much sun.
self-fertile. If youre Ideally they need shade and a
deep soil (alkaline or acidic)
really stuck for space its but if yours is too large to
ideal. If not, then why relocate, add a generous mul
ch
choose between winter (pictured) to help lock moistur
e
buds and berries when around their roots.
David Lock
with skimmias you can

have both!
Start your Christmas shopping early! VISIT: www.magazinesdirect.com/CBW4

OR CALL: 0844 8480848 and quote code CBW4.
save up to 34% on a subscription to Amateur Gardening Lines open 7 days a week 8am-9pm (UK time). Overseas +44 (0) 330 3330 233
51 AMATEUR GARDENING 15 NOVEMBER 2014
/"'00 5 %&5"0. &#05" ; "5 05/0 /5
5 &)05 ' '5"' 5/%%"00 ' +/)%0

815
;+0)) 4(,((
%&5"0 5<'0"0 - /"'00 5.
*A #6 <! ,5< <#' <* ,&(< C*?5 &'<#60
?6! 5( *&#
&#'6 ( 6?55*?(6 A&&6 ( <5&&#6 ?(@#&#( 5#!&C *&*?5 <?&#,
6!, ?6 <!< 6**( ?56< *,( #(<* <! '*6< 6(6<#*(& A!#<
6<5 6!, &**'60 #?*?6 !5C &'<#6 *6<#( 6#',&C
& (< #6,&C6 &'<#6 3 <4 !6 1?#%&C *' *( * *?5 @*?5#<
@5#<#6 *5 #<6 *&*?5 ,<&6 &?B?5#*?6 *&# ( B<5*5#(5C 6C
'#(<((0 5*A#( <* 6< 5#( =' -+D4. <&& 6#',&C <5#' <! &'<#6 %
/)%" ; "5 ' &'5 59%"+ 0 + <* (5 5*?( &@& < <! ( * <! C5 <* ($*C A"#(6,#5#( #6,&C6 6?''5
<5 6?''50 5< #(6< A&&6 *5 ,*<< *( <! ,<#*0 ?,,&# #( 7' ,*<6 #(
90 )+'"' "'5) 05/"$"' %))&0 '59(?5C 5C <* ,&(<0
/$ &'5 '5/0 )'5/05 );/ )57 &(< C*?5 (A &'<#6 *5 *<!5 &#'#( ,&(<6 #
&'"'5%= ;"5 ; "5 5)' +5%0 <!#6 6,<?&5 *5<#@ ,*< A#<! <A* ,5< <*A5#( 5' <*
6?,,*5< C*?5 &'<#6 6 #< &#'6 !# !5 ( !# !50 *A5#( 5'
%"&0 +/)%0 ' 5/%%"0 )/ 5 &)05 ( ?6 6 *( <&& 5' *5 <A* 6,5< 6'&&5 5'60
0'05")'% 09&&/ "0+%=0 *< ( 5' =' -+2. #'<50 905 4*(,((
%&5"0 )) #@ C*?5 &'<#6 <! 6< ,*66#& 6<5< A#<!
0= 5) &"'5"' /= +/''"% !',% &'<#6 ** ,5*'*<#( 6<5*( 5*A<! ( ?, <* D/ '*5
)/ =/0 ) 0 ); 05)++"' 5":"5= *A560 7D 0 905 4(,((
* ,& C*?5 ,5#*5#<C *55 @#6#<
;;;,5 )&+0)'!&)/',)&250)+8(
!( *55#( *(&#( ,&6 ?6 )// ) 8( <* 66 *?5 6,#& *56
! 6< 1?&#<C ,&(<6 ( ,5*5'( C*?4&&
& > 16 ** )'"8,' 7 C6 A% @5 5#@ *5 C*?5 '*(C %0
B#'?' && !5 *5 ?6<*'56 #6 , ,5 '#(?<0 &&6 5*' *<!5 (<A*5%6 'C @5C0

&6 6( <* !*',6*( *5 (
< ,< >) *,&5
( ,6A#! ?*&% =0
$-* * %$ * $
*/ *
#" '0'0 *% " $%% *# * )!
$"%- )4.'%-1" %,, # '8" 1% *%#'-%$ %,$+ %, 0 '' *% " $%% *# , *% )!
# &' .$ *+ )!
,-- &&0 .$ *+ , % ),!
& *% &0 )!

"- 1 #8 - -1,, -1,% )!
%-1% "'%$

-%$""8 6 #! %4, #"$ "-1 5"" 1% %1, ,'41" %,$-1%$-( 8%4 ',, $%1 1% $"4 $ #"$- ,%# %1, ,4""8 -"1 %#'$- '"- 1!
( 8 ',%5$ 8%4, #" ,-- 6 6"" " 1% %$11 8%4 )4!"8 $ 1 5$1 % )4,8 61 8%4, %,,( %4 6"" "-% ,5 %4, ,4", #" $6-"11, 61 "" %4,
"1-1 -'" %,-( 8%4 % $%1 6$1 1% ,5 %4, #" %,- '"- 1! (
'-- #" ,--- %, 1"'%$ $4#,- 1% $8 1, ',1-( %4, %$1,1 %,
-4''"8 % %%- - 61 %#'-%$ %,$( 4"" 1,#- $ %$1%$- , 5"" %$ ,)4-1 %, %$ %4, 6-1 1 666(1%#'-%$#%,$(%#( "18( %#'-%$ %,$ "- 14,$ 8%4, , %5, $ 6,1 1 "-1 2 $4#,- ,%# 1 -$14, -1,'(
- %##11 1% -4''"8$ )4"18 ',%41- 1% ,,1%$" ,$,- $ %4-%"- %, ',-%$" 4-( $ %,$ 61 1 -1"- 4-1%# % 1 1,( %#'-%$
%,$ 6"" $ $% - "" %, #%, 1$ 1 14" #%4$1 ' %, ',14", ',%41 %$ -" $ 5,1-#$1- %, 1"%4-( ,%41- $ "5,8 1- -4 1 1%
5""18( 39& %#'-%$ %,$( ,%",- $# 7',8 1 .

Amateur Gardening 2014

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Amateur Gardening 2014

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

MYSTERIES of the GNOME RESERVE

5 April 2014 2014

#8&<<<<<<<<< (#8#&<<<<<<<<< ;1(' <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< :.

+6 5:=5- )- - ->+/1 :/ 51/6: (

RUMBALL Use your smart phone to scan the QR symbol (right)

13 DECEMBER 2014 AMATEUR GARDENING 3

Welcome! TOP TIP

PRIZE DRAW Mix garden greenery and berries with paint

the winter months, and

Deck the halls!

nutrients to give birds an

To enter the draw, send your name and

4 AMATEUR GARDENING 13 DECEMBER 2014

TWIG STAR SWAGS GLITTER CONES

EDIBLE WREATH BERRY LOOPS CORNER SPRAYS

FRUIT GARLAND FAT CAKE ARRANGEMENTS Youll have

Step by Step MAKE A CHRISTMAS TABLE CENTERPIECE

1 Gather the things you need a

SOWING ENGLISH is more proliferous, so is slowly

1 Bluebell seeds need cold before they

This cross-bred hybrid bluebell, taken

2 Sprinkle the seeds on the compost

Sowing bluebell seeds

Now is a good time to sow bluebells, specially as the

WHY SOW SEEDS? CROSS-POLLINATION

6 AMATEUR GARDENING 13 DECEMBER 2014

!3.0 /# !3  &()

?     

4+ E 208> A8).' >( 0A20.

0A7 .  0D :?9  >( 7E 0 07+ @: F

MAKE YOUR OWN TOP TIP

2 Boil the thyme in the water for two

Herbs that can help

8 AMATEUR GARDENING 13 DECEMBER 2014

oil can also help

13 DECEMBER 2014 AMATEUR GARDENING 9

BOOST EXTERNAL But in winter, add layers of

the inside, you can boost its outside

CARPETING: Covering your heap

THE SUN: It is always best to site

CHOP THE COMPOSTING MATERIAL FINELY

10 AMATEUR GARDENING 13 DECEMBER 2014

Q Plant chilled tubers in early

Harvesting fresh new potatoes for

Spuds for Christmas MAKE YOUR OWN

13 DECEMBER 2014 AMATEUR GARDENING 11

demonstrate what is to be greenhouse proved sufcient

PETERS SCHOOL TIPS

Close up showing embryo

: KH Q < RX %X\  3D LUV

$    (% -( (-0"" $ (  $  %/ %%# +/ %"

3HQQLQH  # ,#)/

3HQQLQH  ),# ----------------------------------------------------

(  +-%  ! !/' ''   $). $$)$   

experts Ques tions answered!

A The red stem is actually a sepal or

Q I was given this clivia with the words

A Although clivias normally flower in spring, and

JOHN NEGUS Write to us: AG Helpline, Westover House, AG on

14 AMATEUR GARDENING 13 DECEMBER 2014

Q I am trying to make my garden into a

A There are many cat deterrents available, but if you

clematis are AUTUMN TINTS

The twining climber

#8&<<<<<<<<< (#8#&<<<<<<<<< ;1(' <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< :.

+6 5:=5- )- - ->+/1 :/ 51/6: (

!3.0 /# !3 &()

?

4+ E 208> A8).' >( 0A20.

0A7 . 0D :?9 >( 7E 0 07+ @: F

: KH Q < RX %X\ 3D LUV

$ (% -( (-0"" $ ( $ %/ %%# +/ %"

3HQQLQH # ,#)/

3HQQLQH ),# ----------------------------------------------------

( +-% ! !/' '' $). $$)$

#4( ")-"! "( $("1 ( " )' %! %)

$! % #

<+6 8 -6(&+# D )&A6D ;=2,, ;=2,, B&<$ <-<) -+&+

. " ("" ") "/ / )

# / +%/#!