Gardening

[SteveH]

Can my neighbour paint my fence? The important rules to know

Fences and neighbours can be a tricky subject.

From who's responsible for what side to leaning items against fences and who can do what with the fence.

Several popular misconceptions have created confusion around this area of property law for years, making it even more contentious.

Especially when it comes to painting and fences, while the owner of the fence can paint the fence as they please, there is still the question of whether a neighbour can paint their side of the same fence.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24305158.can-neighbour-paint-fence-important-rules-know/

[Hugo]

If you think that the Llandudno Goats are garden wreckers then Teddy must come a close second.    He sometimes lies under the  small umbrella type Acer and munches the lower branches when I'm not looking
I don't know the variety of the pink Rhododendron but that's also coming in to flower

[SteveH]

Japanese knotweed: How to spot new hybrids growing in your garden
Japanese knotweed hybrids look slightly different to the original species, says expert Jennifer Holmes

Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant that grows rapidly at this time of year. While it can look quite attractive, with bamboo-like stems and heart-shaped leaves, the plant spreads rapidly and may cause damage to brickwork and drains.

It can knock thousands off the value of your property as it is both difficult and expensive to get rid of. In this country, Japanese knotweed cannot set seed or propagate via seed but it can sprout from even the smallest amount of rhizome left in the ground.

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/japanese-knotweed-how-to-spot-new-hybrids-growing-in-your-garden/

[Hugo]

I lost an established shrub about two years ago and decided to replace it with two other shrubs.    The Snowball Bush and the Cotinus Royal Purple Smoke Bush.
They will both take a while to grow but the Snowball bush is looking quite pretty at the moment so I won't prune it again until it has grown a lot taller.       The Laburnam tree in the front garden is in full flower now and the sweet scent from the flowers wafts across the garden

[SteveH]

What flowers and plants are best for bees in the UK?
Spring is finally sprung (or just about) which means it's time to get out in our gardens and welcome in the wildlife including many insects and birds.

However, we might be getting to enjoy the (slightly) warmer weather but British bees are in trouble.

There are 35 UK bee species that are currently under threat of extinction but all species face serious threats.

However, there is plenty that we can to do help, according to Friends of the Earth. ..... https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24334843.flowers-plants-best-bees-uk/


How to identify giant hogweed and common hogweed difference
It?s that time of year when our gardens begin to thrive for the spring and summer, from new buds growing on trees to brightly coloured flowers blooming.

But there are also unwanted visitors known for making an appearance in our outdoor spaces during the warmer months, including giant hogweed.

The invasive species is not native to the UK ? it was first introduced as an ornamental in the 19th century when it escaped and naturalised in the wild.

The sap of giant hogweed can cause burns if it contacts your skin and when exposed to the sun it can blister badly.
cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24334873.identify-giant-hogweed-common-hogweed-difference/


PS
A garden thought to be the most biodiverse entry in the Chelsea Flower Show's history has been awarded a coveted gold medal.

The Size of Wales garden, external - which features more than 300 different plant species - was also judged to be the best in its category at the prestigious show.

Its message is about the importance of tropical forests, which are home to half of all animal and plant species on the planet.

Designer Dan Bristow, from Bethesda, Gwynedd, said the win was a "dream come true" and he "couldn't be happier".
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c044nlvx4xlo

[Hugo]

The flowers from the Rhododendrons have all gone now but this orange Azalea has come in to flower and looks better this year.
The Peony "Bowl of Beauty"  is out now.    The only trouble with the Peony is that there are only three flowers on the shrub and it does need support especially in the winds that we have been having
I'll follow DVT's good tips on the Peony and hopefully will have more flowers on it next year

[SteveH]

With the spring and summer upon us, many will be looking to get out and enjoy Britain's great outdoors.

However, there a number of plants and flowers native to the UK and Ireland that are poisonous to humans and pets.

If you're interested in learning more about the most poisonous plants across the country, look no further.

These are some of the most poisonous plants and flowers across the UK for humans, according to the Woodland Trust............

Read more https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24381920.plants-flowers-poisonous-humans-uk/

[SteveH]

How to be a sustainable gardener - from smart sensors to companion planting
High tech and low tech ideas that can benefit your plants - and the planet

Many gardeners have the environment firmly in mind when it comes to growing and tending their plants. They want to make informed, eco-friendly choices that benefit both their gardens and the planet.

Whether it's harvesting rainwater in (numerous) water butts, focusing on native varieties or opting for peat-free compost, there are lots of ways to lower your environmental impact. Plus, recent years have seen a huge drive to encourage biodiversity through rewilding and planting for pollinators.

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/how-to-be-a-sustainable-gardener-from-smart-sensors-to-companion-planting/

[Hugo]

I needed four Clematis to plant and grow up a trellis on the sunlounge wall so I decided to order online rather than go to the Garden Centre.       They were relatively cheap online so I knew that they would only be young plants and I ordered the 9 cm pot size.
I know that 9 cm isn't big but it's big enough for young plants like I wanted.       When they arrived  two plants were in 9 cm round pots but the other two plants came in plant pots like I have never seen before.
They were in rectangular shaped pots,   9 cm long and about 2 cm wide.   On top of that they were over watered and had a poor root system.       I have planted them and of the two that came in the rectangular pots one looks like it has survived but the other doesn't look very healthy but we'll have to wait and see what happens
On another matter I bought a cheap peanut feeder from Home Bargains and hung it high up on a tree but this morning it was in pieces on the ground after just two days.    Ah well, I suppose you get what you pay for     

[Hugo]

A few years ago I noticed that I had a few Common Spotted Orchids growing in my lawn so I carefully mowed the lawn so that they could be allowed to grow there.   This year they were doing well until our dog Teddy trampled on them and now they don't look too healthy.
Luckily last year I transplanted one in to a shady spot under a tree and it seems to be doing well so I'm hoping that it'll spread for next year
I also had a common Purple Orchid that did well but  I didn't take a photo of it when it was in full flower which is a shame

[DVT]

Hugo ... have you been to Bodnant recently? - the Old Park/Meadow is a mass of wild orchids - from just a few a couple of years ago they now cover the whole meadow.  I'm told the seeds are like small particles of dust and blown on the wind, so could be even more next year!  Spoke to a visitor last week who reckoned there were three types - there is certainly one that is white, whereas most are the usual pinkish colour.

... the area of plants to the right as you go up the pathway into the Gyffin Surgery (the old chapel) has bee orchids growing in it, althoughy I suspect no-one has noticed, other than the one person who told me, and I saw them yesterday!

[Hugo]

I haven't been able to go to Bodnant recently for various reasons but I'll certainly keep my eye open for them next year.    I never realised that I had the Common spotted Orchids in my lawn until one time when I was unable to mow the lawn for a few weeks  and I noticed the distinctive spotted leaves.  I moved one plant to a shaded area and away from where the dog goes so I'm hoping that the seeds will spread in that area like they have at Bodnant

Thanks for the tip on the Orchids and I'll also pay a visit to Gyffin when I can.    Hope that your recovery from the op is doing well

[SteveH]

Two gardens in North Wales have been named on a list of the best in the world. A new study from InsureandGo has revealed the top places in the globe for plant lovers to explore.

From their research they drew up a list of the 15 best botanical gardens in the world. They also looked at which countries were best for visiting these gardens - with the UK coming top.

tread more .... https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/two-worlds-best-gardens-north-29440305

[Hugo]

I ordered a Clematis Nelly Moser variety online and it came in the post yesterday.      It cost £12.99 with free postage and arrived in one of those silly rectangular plastic plant pots, the ones 9cm by 2cm.    I didn't expect the plant to be tall and it wasn't but at least it looked healthy and I planted it yesterday so I'll have to see how it does.
Anyway this morning after having a nice breakfast at Talgoed Nursery,  I stopped at Lidl's in Colwyn Bay and saw a good selection of Clematis there and bought a pink variety.        It was much better and bigger than the Nelly Mose I received yesterday and cost me £4.99 which was less than half the price of my online purchase.     

[SteveH]

Two major garden centres in North Wales have been placed up for sale. Conwy Garden World (formerly Tal Goed) near Glan Conwy and North Wales Garden World at Kinmel Bay are hugely popular, both for their plants and other gardening products and their cafes.

They have now been placed on the market with Christie and Co. The agent said they can be bought as a pair or as separate businesses.

The Kinmel Bay site has a £2.7m price tag while the Conwy Valley one is on for £1.5m.

Christie and Co said: "Christie & Co are delighted to bring to the market one of two garden centres from the same operator. The two garden centres, Conwy Garden World and North Wales Garden World which currently operate under the Garden World brand are just 16 miles apart and are currently available to purchase individually or as part of a group sale.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/two-garden-centres-north-wales-29495542?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589