A Month in the Garden The role of the gardens that surround them are the garden getting smaller, increasing the pressure on 1s changing. the valuable space available to fit in a From being dining area, somewhere to sunbathe, a simply a place place for the kids to play, a lawn for the to dig, weed dog to romp about and the ubiquitous growing in the garden at this time ofyear, looking a er your garden regularly will avoid m1ssmg anything requmng attention. vegetables, it has evolved into a far more exciting place. But at the same time both houses and Linette Applegate and grow water feature. Mowing grass will be taking up plenty of time this month, and weeds will also be appearing as soon as you turn your back. Remember to keep an eye out for any pests and diseases on fresh new growth and treat as soon as possible. Whatever you have in your own garden, never lose sight of the fact that it is a place to enjoy yourselves and you should never be a slave to your garden. But So much is Vine weevil A truly horrible little est! Usually the first sign that the plant has been attacked is it starts to wilt even though the compost is moist, until it collapses completely, and upon investigation, the whole root system has been eaten by the grubs. It will attack pot plants and garden borders, If any grubs are spotted they should be removed at once, or a natural biological control can be used. Microscopic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) are bought in a pack that is watered usually you will find them in the compost around the roots in a pot, or in the surrounding soil in the border. The chubby little grubs are quite distinctive with a pale brown or orange head and cream body, around 1cm long. These grow into adult weevils, again about 1 cm long, dull black and beetle-like. As it is nocturnal, it is not usually seen, but the evidence are notches eaten on the edges of leaves. This will not really damage plants, it is the larvae which are the real problem. Plant of the Month - Aconitum "Ivorine" into the soil - they find the grubs and enter them, releasing a deadly bacteria which will kill the vine weevil. Available under the names "Nemasys" and "Grubsure". A lovely, bushy perennial, owering in late spring and early ummer, with branching stems carry racemes of hooded ivory flowers. The owers are curious, and on close inspection do indeed resemble a hooded monk, leading to its common name. Unlike many ofthe Monkshood family, this cultivar does not need staking. Chemical treatment is also available - Provado Vine o Weevil Killer2 will kill the grubs and adults with both a systemic action (the insect will ingest the chemical upon eating plant tissues) and upon contact. It has dark green, deeply lobed leaves with jagged edges, which look attractive all summer, even after the owers have gone, and provide good ground cover. This herbaceous perennial grows to a compact 90cm high and 50cm wide. All parts of the plant are poisonous, so beware if you have small children or pets, but have long been used medicinally since 200AD for treating many conditions, including arthritis and rhematisim, with an alkaloid substance found in the plant, aconitine. One useful side effect is that this plant is rarely troubled by pests, including slugs, rabbits and deer! To advertise in the garden section phone Al on 01234 713298 GENERAL GARDENING WORK Visit www.applegategardens.com for garden design, planting ideas and landscaping advice. ·. reenroom .thegreenroom2003.co.uk • Small Tree Works • GFS Garden Clearance and General Tidying Up Cutting Back and Pruning Fencing, Turfing, Hedge Clipping Patios and Paths Jet Washed Rubbish Removed All Carried Out Professionally and Courteously at Sensible Rates Mob: 07740 715158 Tel: 01234 714345 Our knowledge, enthusiasm and imagination can transform your garden! Hand drawn plans of a unique design, to suit your needs and budget, are part of our professional and friendly service. Full construction available. • Lawn Cutting Service • Initial Consultation Free City & Guilds Qualified The een Room. To nd out moreple e ca Claire Rachel Jones Harrold: 01234 721787 Mobile: 07702 728539 Email: cj.thegreenroom@btconnect.com • Pruning • Planting • • Tu ng • Weeding • • Hedge Cutting Service • Shed & Garage Clearance etc Reasonable Rates CALL EDDIE ON TEL 01 908 61 2889 MOBILE 07786 61 2751 - PAGE 50 THE PHONEBOX