Garden Report
Report overview
Initial garden report for Fiona and Micheal
Garden Report
YOUR INITIAL TASKS
Here is a summary of the first tasks we are recommending for your garden.
1. Install Wire for the Climbers
Before the climbing roses and any other wall plants can be properly trained, we need to put up the supporting wire framework. This gives the plants something to grow against and makes the subsequent pruning and tying in far more effective. Good support structure is one of the most important investments you can make in a wall-trained plant.
2. Prune Back the Climbing Roses
Once the wires are in place, we will prune the climbing roses and tie the remaining stems into the new framework. With climbing roses, the aim is to gradually replace older, brown stems with newer, greener growth over a three to four year cycle. This approach produces far more flowers than simply trimming the tops, which is a common mistake that leads to what we sometimes call the haircut effect: a tidy-looking plant with very few blooms.
After pruning, we will feed with Growmore fertiliser followed by regular liquid tomato feed through the growing season.
For further reading on climbing rose pruning, see:
3. Feed Everything with Growmore Fertiliser
We will apply a general feed of Growmore fertiliser across the garden, including the borders, shrubs, and the fruit trees. Growmore is a balanced, low-nitrogen feed that encourages flowering and fruiting rather than excessive leafy growth. A good handful per square metre, scattered around the base of plants, is the right rate. The rain will wash it into the soil over the following days.
More on Growmore and how we use it:
4. Feed the Fruit Trees
The fruit trees in particular need attention at this time of year. We will apply a couple of handfuls of Growmore around the base of each tree, roughly a metre out from the central stem, and then follow this up from mid-April onwards with regular liquid tomato feed, which is high in potash and essential for good fruit development.
Full guidance on fruit tree care and feeding:
Spring fruit tree care including companion planting and pest control:
5. Repoint the Brick Wall
There are a couple of sections of the brick wall where the mortar capping has crumbled away. This is a straightforward job but one that needs doing soon, as exposed mortar joints allow water to get in and can accelerate damage to the wall over time. We will repoint these areas to seal them and protect the wall going forward.
6. Install Codling Moth and Plum Pheromone Traps
We will hang pheromone traps in the fruit trees to monitor and reduce populations of codling moth and plum moth. These traps use the insects’ own pheromones to lure the moths in before they can lay eggs in the developing fruit. They are a safe, chemical-free form of pest control that makes a significant difference to the quality of your harvest.
More on controlling codling moth:
7. Add Lime to the Lawn
We will apply garden lime to the lawn to raise the soil pH toward the optimal range of around 6.5 to 7.0. Lawns with a low, acidic pH tend to accumulate thatch, which is the layer of dead grass and organic debris that builds up at the soil surface. Thatch creates the ideal conditions for red ant colonies to establish, and as our springs become warmer, this is an increasing problem for many gardeners. Raising the pH helps the soil biology break down thatch naturally, producing a healthier and denser lawn that is far less hospitable to ants.
Best to use granulated lime sprinkling one handful per metre the rain will wash it in, if you need to best to cut the grass first
More on lawn thatch, soil pH, and ant infestations:
8. Feed the Lavender with a High Nitrogen Fertiliser
The lavender in the garden will benefit from a feed of high nitrogen fertiliser at this stage. Nitrogen encourages the production of strong new stems and foliage, which is what we want to promote now before the plant moves into its flowering phase later in the season. We will follow this up with a balanced feed as the year progresses.
9. Dig Out a Bed Around the Apple Tree and Sow Calendula
Around the apple tree at the top of the garden, we will dig out a small bed approximately 30 centimetres out from the base of the stem. Once cleared of grass we will scatter calendula seeds across the soil. Calendula is one of our preferred companion plants: it attracts beneficial insects such as ladybirds and lacewings, which help to keep aphid populations under control, and it also appears to deter certain other pests simply through its scent and colour.
This is a simple but effective way to begin building the ecological balance of the garden, and it looks wonderful in flowers.
10. Source Pallets for a Compost Heap
We would like to establish a compost heap in the left-hand corner of the garden. In our experience, the best compost heaps are made from reclaimed builder’s pallets rather than bought compost bins. Four pallets work perfectly: one as the base and three arranged around the sides. The result is a well-ventilated, generously sized heap that can heat up properly in the middle, which is essential for breaking down material efficiently and killing weed seeds.
Keep an eye out for spare pallets locally; builders, timber merchants, and garden centres often have them available. In the meantime, we can mark out and prepare the corner so it is ready when the pallets arrive.
More on building a compost heap from pallets:
Planting Suggestions
- Add plants for year-round colour to:
- The rear of the garden
- Azaleas and rhododendrons
- Winter flower plants such as dicentra
- Autumn crocus Colchicum autumnale
- Spring Crocus
- Dwarf daffs
- euonymus alatus
- Lonicera fragrantissima
- Allium Bulbs Ambassador
- cyclamen hederifolium
- Spring & Early Summer:
- Helleborus (Hellebores)
- Galanthus (Snowdrops)
- Primula vulgaris (Primroses)
- Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
- Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemones)
Mid to Late Summer:
- Digitalis purpurea (Foxgloves)
- Astilbe
- Anemone x hybrida (Japanese Anemones)
- Campanula (Bellflower)
- Tricyrtis (Toad Lily)
Autumn Interest:
- Cyclamen hederifolium
- Colchicum (Autumn Crocus)
- Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ X 2
- Agapanthus blue X 2
- Agapanthus white X 2
- Phlox red X 3
- Phlox White X 3
- Scabiosa clive greaves X 2
- penstemon garnet X 2
- sedum autumn glory X 2
- rudbeckia goldsturm X 2
- Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ X 2
- Agapanthus blue X 2
- Agapanthus white X 2
- Phlox red X 3
- Phlox White X 3
- Scabiosa clive greaves X 2
- penstemon garnet X 2
- sedum autumn glory X 2
- rudbeckia goldsturm X 2
- Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ X 2
Feeding Your Plants
For general feeding, we recommend applying Growmore fertiliser once a year, in either spring or autumn, at approximately one handful per square metre of soil or container surface. Growmore is a granular fertiliser that can be watered in or left to be absorbed by rain. Since it is granular, it will bounce off leaves but be washed through weed sheeting or mulch layers to reach the soil.
Growmore is a low-nitrate fertiliser that promotes flower and fruit production without causing excessive green growth. For stimulating green growth, especially after pruning overgrown plants, we recommend an additional spring feed using Miracle-Gro fertiliser, which is high in nitrates.
After the initial Growmore feed, continue feeding your plants every 2 to 6 weeks from March to October using a liquid tomato feed high in potash.
Feeder link:
Using a hose-end feeder like the one above is easier than mixing fertiliser in a watering can. Your GardenAdvice gardener can help with the correct settings. Miracle-Gro can also be used in this feeder, though it may cause slight leakage.
For acid-loving plants, use ericaceous fertiliser available at most garden centres.
Acid Soil-Loving Plants
Plants such as camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias typically grow in forest floor conditions, with fleshy leaves adapted for shady environments. These plants often have upward-growing roots that seek fresh leaf litter rather than growing deep into the soil.
To mimic this environment in your garden, mulch the base with acidic mulch such as well-rotted farmyard or horse manure. Well-rotted leaf mould is also ideal.
Caution: Check for weed contamination (e.g. bindweed) in manure or leaf mould before applying.
Weeding Annual Weeds
Annual weeds like chickweed and hairy bittercress grow from seed each year. Control them by applying a clean mulch, such as spent mushroom compost or bark chips, which blocks sunlight and prevents germination. Always cut down annual surface weeds before applying mulch one other option is to apply a layer of used cardboard before applying the mulch to help stop annual weeds.
Weeding Perennial Weeds
For most weeds, mulching and ground sheeting are effective. However, for the top five UK perennial weeds, chemical control or smothering may be needed:
- Couch Grass
- Mares Tail
- Brambles
- Bindweed
- Japanese Knotweed
We recommend spot-treating with Roundup weed killer using a hand sprayer or weed wipe.
More info: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/garden-plants/difficult-garden-weeds/
Roundup weed killer: https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/roundup
Landscape sheeting: https://www.toolstation.com/heavy-duty-landscape-fabric/p45800
Weed Killer Spot Treatments
Apply Roundup weed killer (gel or liquid via hand sprayer) to weeds like brambles and bindweed. It penetrates through green leaves and travels internally to kill the plant. Be careful not to get it on other garden plants.
Apply on dry days, allowing 4 hours for drying. Safe for pets once dry. Results appear in 4 weeks. Persistent weeds may need 2–3 applications over 6 weeks.
Roundup weed killer: https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/roundup
Weed stick: https://www.progreen.co.uk/weedstick-spot-treat-weeds/
Mulching and Earthworms
Mulching controls annual weeds and improves soil structure. Traditional digging can damage roots and surface more weed seeds (which can remain viable for 20 years). A clean mulch like spent mushroom compost blocks light from seeds.
Earthworms incorporate the mulch into the soil, improving texture and moisture retention without encouraging weeds.
Lawn Care
The GardenAdvice MyGardenTeam service includes a soil test. Your results indicate slightly acidic soil; therefore, we recommend Bio Lime fertiliser to adjust pH and improve grass growth while reducing moss and weeds.
Bio Lime: https://www.amenity.co.uk/shop/viano-green-comfort-bio-lime-organic-fertiliser-20-kg.html
Moss remover: https://www.amenity.co.uk/shop/mo-bacter-organic-lawn-fertiliser-moss-remover-20kg.html
Lawn Weeds
Treat lawn weeds using Verdone weed killer with a watering can (fine rose attachment). It targets broadleaf weeds without harming grass.
Verdone (now Weedol for Lawns): https://www.lawnsmith.co.uk/weedol-verdone-lawn-weed-killer?
Note: Do not use Weedol for paths (a total weed killer).
Over seeding with Clover on Lawns
With the climate changing another option with the lawn is to use clover which will create a lawn which holds the colour and is useable in both summer and winter months
Patios
To restore patios, apply Doff patio cleaner with a watering can, let it soak for a few days, then scrub with a stiff broom or pressure wash.
Doff Cleaner: https://www.doff.co.uk/product/super-concentrate-path-patio-decking-cleaner/
General Pruning Notes
Pruning helps maintain shape and regenerate plants. Rather than trimming, remove full stems.
- Prune after flowering/fruiting
- Flowering types:
- On current growth (e.g. Buddleia, Hypericum)
- On old growth (e.g. Apple, Weigela)
Spring/Summer/Autumn pruning notes to follow.
Supporting Your Plants
Wires for walls and fences:
- Wire rope: https://www.toolstation.com/galvanised-wire-rope/p89647
- Turnbuckle: https://www.toolstation.com/turnbuckle/p71374
- Thimble: https://www.toolstation.com/wire-rope-thimble/p70990
- Clamp: https://www.toolstation.com/wire-rope-clamp/p63506
Frames for Perennials:
- Support tall plants like Phlox with frames. Let plants grow through the frame for a natural look.
- Frames: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/blog/support-your-plants-this-summer/
Garden Irrigation
Borders: Use a leaky hose over mulch/ground sheeting.
Pots and Veg Gardens: Use a micro irrigation system (e.g., Gardena drip kit). It increases yield by up to 30% and conserves water.
- Starter Kit: https://www.gardena.com/uk/products/watering/micro-drip/starter-set-flower-pots-m-automatic/967039501/
Watering Container Plants
Top tips:
- Use John Innes soil-based compost.
- Use clay pots for natural humidity.
- Tap the pot to gauge moisture.
- Rinse dust off plants in the shower or outdoors.
More tips: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/houseplants/watering-your-houseplants/
Composts
We recommend John Innes soil-based composts (1, 2, 3). Higher numbers mean more fertiliser. For acid-loving plants, use John Innes Ericaceous.
Seedlings: Start with No. 1, then re-pot into No. 2.
Be cautious: Avoid “multi-purpose compost with added John Innes” – not the same.
John Innes compost: https://www.gardenhealth.com/products/john-innes-compost
Seedling Compost
Best for sowing seeds indoors: Coco Coir compost
Coco Coir Compost: https://www.diy.com/departments/bigbudz-5-pack-coco-bricks-9l-each-organic-coconut-fibre/3333714182715_BQ.prd
Composting
Use old builders’ pallets to build a simple compost heap:
Guide: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/tomsgarden/creating-a-simple-compost-heap/
Tips:
- Compost should be moist (squeeze to get 2–3 drops of water)
- Add Growmore every two months
- Cover in winter (e.g., with old carpet)
Pest Control
Companion Planting:
- Nasturtium: Attracts pests away from key plants
- Calendula: Repels pests with scent/colour
- Pyrethrum: Natural insecticide
Biological Control:
- Vine Weevil: https://www.agricentre.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Product-Search/Biological/Nemasys-H.html
- Slugs: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/garden-pests/controlling-slugs/
- https://www.agricentre.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Product-Search/Biological/Nemaslug-2.0.html
- Ants: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/garden-pests/ant-problems-in-the-garden/
- https://www.nematodesdirect.co.uk/no-ants-nematodes/16-nemasys-no-ants-16-ant-nest-treatment
- Leatherjackets: https://www.nematodesdirect.co.uk/leatherjacket-killer-nematodes/17-nemasys-leatherjacket-killer-single-pack-50sqm
- Chafer Grubs: https://www.nematodesdirect.co.uk/chafer-grub-killer-nematodes/21-nemasys-chafer-grub-killer-100-sq-m
Hedges
Feed your hedges once a year with Growmore fertiliser to maintain health and density.
Mulching Borders
Mulch helps reduce weeding and improves soil health. Use weed sheeting plus bark for trees/shrubs or spent mushroom compost/well-rotted manure for perennials. Ensure compost is weed-free.
Always fertilise (e.g., Growmore) before applying mulch, as decomposing mulch can deplete soil nutrients.
Important:
- Spent mushroom compost is alkaline (not suitable for acid-loving plants)
- Annual top-up needed
Spot treat persistent weeds with Roundup