tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56985447459442922572012-01-08T12:33:14.884ZIf you have any gardening questions, get in touch. <a href="mailto:info@gardenforumhorticulture.co.uk" title="Send an e-mail to Geoff Hodge">Send me an e-mail</a> or <a href="http://www.gardenforumhorticulture.co.uk" title="Visit the GardenForum Horticulture website">visit the GardenForum Horticulture website</a>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.comBlogger1001100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-15751059367217212952011-08-14T08:35:00.000+01:002011-08-14T08:35:05.919+01:00

Is it the end of fabulous displays of busy Lizzies like these? I've been doing a lot of question time roadshows across the country recently, and one question that regularly comes up is: "What's wrong with my busy Lizzies - they're all dying?" The answer, sadly, is a disfiguring disease that is killing busy Lizzies (impatiens) all over the UK. Impatiens downy mildew is a relatively new

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-16959837962756935132011-05-25T16:18:00.000+01:002011-05-25T16:18:15.769+01:00

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show IS the world's greatest flower show - of that there can be no doubt. I've just got back and I thoroughly enjoyed this year's show. I've been going to Chelsea to work since 1989, when I first went to work on the Gardening Which? stand, then 11 years working for Practical Gardening, Garden Answers and Garden News, then 10 years as the RHS Online Editor. This year, I was

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-7142611918469378412011-05-15T12:58:00.000+01:002011-05-15T12:58:29.495+01:00

I've not wanted to do this blog - it makes me cry just thinking about it - but I've finally made a tally of all the plants that have died in my garden due to the extreme(?) winter weather. I've already blogged about cordylines dying all over the country - and I'm still getting questions and e-mails about them. To further complicate the cordyline problem, they are now suffering from bacterial

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-8983453291967845112011-04-11T10:16:00.000+01:002011-04-11T10:16:32.997+01:00

I hate to do it, but to quote The Sun – phew, what a scorcher! The weather this week has been fabulous - if you like warm, sunny days out of keeping in April that is. I guess we'll have to pay for it later on in the year - snow in June? It has meant I've spent a lot of time away from my computer over the last few days and spent it in the garden & on the allotment - topping up the tan. Which also

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-70807446033938623052011-03-12T08:48:00.001Z2011-03-12T08:49:27.516Z

Wow, what a month it's been. After a slightly quiet and slightly nervous January, where workloads were looking a little low - February exploded into a massive work meltdown. To be honest, in January I was thinking OK, no worries, at least I can spend more time in the garden/on the allotment. As it turns out, at the moment the garden is something that 'exists' somewhere outside my office! I

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-59178245148530260252011-02-08T11:55:00.000Z2011-02-08T11:55:30.775Z

This weekend I made my regular trip to Chelmsford to guest on the Ken Crowther Gardening Programme on BBC Essex. Ken was on holiday, so it was up to me to give all the gardening advice. It was a busy two hours with lots of calls, texts and e-mails. The over-riding question was on cordylines - all suffering from the winter cold. It looks like cordylines have been one of the biggest casualties of

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-35767012075392038032011-02-04T11:35:00.000Z2011-02-04T11:35:40.702Z

It's always good to start the gardening year with a class event - especially after the miserable winter - and yesterday was the Garden Press Event at the RHS Horticultural Halls in London. This is open to all members of the gardening press and a great chance to catch up with a large number of gardening sundry suppliers and nurseries. It's always a goodie - and this year was better than ever -

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-35966516965728904802011-01-29T11:23:00.000Z2011-01-29T11:23:36.458Z

OK, not as much progress as I'd hoped, but I have finished filling the second bed and moved the soil where the third one is meant to go. Sadly, I haven't treated the wood for the last two beds, yet - so onwards & upwards - that's a job for today. In fact, now, as soon as I finish scribbling this down. Just finished my RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. And the results are in... Blackbird 7, collared

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-57153405344531694112011-01-23T16:58:00.000Z2011-01-23T16:58:45.328Z

Well finally, me and my big mouth. In my blog on November 27 about putting up raised beds I stupidly said we'd have a bad winter - and so we did. All of which meant that I've not been able to get any further with the raised beds - that is, until today. I bit the bullet and managed to put down the first 1.8m bed, fill it with soil, move the soil where the first 2.4m bed was meant to go, build it,

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-6762300102684776852011-01-17T18:58:00.000Z2011-01-17T18:58:54.113Z

Q: What happens when you do a radio gardening phone-in programme on the first nice, dry day of the year? A: No-one phones in because they're all in the garden! Well, good for lucky old them. Sunday's programme on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire was a bit flat since, we only had eight questions in the whole hour. Admittedly, the programme has been moved around a bit recently until it has settled at its

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-10803126175995855762011-01-15T09:36:00.000Z2011-01-15T09:36:16.029Z

I've been guesting on Ken Crowther's gardening programme on BBC Essex again, sorting out the county's problems. It's odd how questions go around in packs/trends and this time everyone was fretting about their Christmas purchases or Christmas presents. How to look after amaryllis (don't just chuck them away after flowering but keep them growing), bonsais (by the dozen) dropping leaves - mainly due

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-26593130078769211762011-01-02T15:13:00.000Z2011-01-02T15:13:20.846Z

So while I wait for the garden to thaw, dry out, warm up and generally become more pleasant for working in, I thought now's a good time to look at the gardening trends for this year. Ah yes, that old January chestnut. The thing with trends is that anybody can start one - and once started they can become self-fulfilling prophecies. Either that or everyone ignores them by February. Anyhoo, here are

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-25284240940008702102010-12-22T13:53:00.000Z2010-12-22T13:53:06.114Z

...of a white Christmas - it looks like a reality. Having moaned for the last few weeks that we hadn't had any snow, today it's bucketing down in Peterborough, so a 'whitey' on December 25 is a good possibility. As long as it hangs around for the next few days. I'm not the only one that's pleased. Garden plants that have been suffering over the last few weeks because of the bitterly cold weather

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-3325885937242472432010-12-20T15:09:00.000Z2010-12-20T15:09:40.662Z

In March I blogged that peat-based composts were on their way out and by 2020 us gardeners would have to be 100% peat free. I kinda had my fingers crossed when the new government were installed in May that they would think this was a rubbish idea and would drop it like a steaming hot peat bog. It looks like keeping your fingers crossed just isn't enough these days – Defra has published a

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-20921648381451390642010-12-15T11:25:00.001Z2010-12-15T11:26:13.994Z

I've just received a personal thank you from Google Adwords for advertising with them. If you want to see it, go to http://www.youtube.com/adwords10?x=93d0b20d87d44fc2b496ba94fc4866d2 Makes me feel all warm inside.

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-57961819951536528272010-12-08T18:20:00.002Z2010-12-09T09:10:16.376Z

I'm glad I got made redundant last year, as I've had 12 months to get my feet under the table freelancing. If it had been this year there would have been a bit of extra competition. Toby Buckland and Alys Fowler have just been dumped from Gardeners' World TV and Monty is back as main presenter. I understand it'll be filmed in his garden, so having wasted two years of my TV licence money building

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-60131516874525066272010-12-07T11:58:00.001Z2010-12-08T20:16:23.768Z

Looks like the British nursery trade will be getting some more money from me next year. The weather this winter means that some of the plants in my garden are going to struggle to make it through. It's not only that it's cold - flaming cold - but it's the extent and duration of the cold snap. Currently it is -5.5C, the coldest it has gone down to in the last two weeks is -9.5C, but apart from

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-4840405358703674212010-12-04T09:59:00.000Z2010-12-04T09:59:52.449Z

Boozing at the Brewery On Wednesday the great and the mighty of the gardening world assembled at the Brewery, London, for the annual Garden Media Guild Awards Lunch. Despite the rubbish weather, which did prevent several people from actually getting there - sorry Beanie - everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, especially the 'warming' pink fizz that welcomed us as we arrived. The food was

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-49808702943865845632010-11-29T20:14:00.000Z2010-11-29T20:14:11.730Z

This year, it wasn't too bad. The previous two years were quite bad. The year before that was awful. What is it? Tomato and potato blight - the scourge of veg growers. OK, we have blight-resistant varieties - the Sarpos, for instance. But I like to grow the varieties I like to eat. Years ago, when blight was bad, I was happy to spray plants with Dithane and the control was excellent. Then that

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-908361416293112442010-11-27T14:39:00.000Z2010-11-27T14:39:38.210Z

Finally, after eight years, my raised vegetable beds have bitten the dust - literally. For the last year the wood has slowly started rotting away. Now the sides have given up the ghost and started to go awol. Good time to replace them I thought. So I ordered four new beds - 2 x 2.4m long and 2 x 1.8m; the two old 4.8m long beds were too long - they bowed in the middle and took ages to walk round.

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-6902895488878206952010-07-14T15:44:00.000+01:002010-07-14T15:44:00.136+01:00

I need help! Each year I compile a list of national and major flower shows and other large gardening events in the UK, but I want to extend it and ensure I capture all the major gardening events going on in 2011. I also want to include all the national gardening 'weeks' and 'days' that relate to plants and gardening - like National Tree Week, National Conifer Week, National Allotment Week and

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-67731529076116731212010-06-30T12:11:00.000+01:002010-06-30T12:11:21.770+01:00

I've just been to the HTA's first ever National Plant Show. It's a trade show aimed at garden centres looking at which suppliers to use for their plants, who's doing what in the industry and showcasing new plants being launched to the trade. There was a real buzz at the show, lots going on and lots of new plants to tempt us to buy and plant in our gardens. New Plant Awardsd were handed out for

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-40873455719773572542010-04-01T14:55:00.000+01:002010-04-01T14:55:41.665+01:00

I did my bit for the community and der yuff yesterday. I went back to school to give some six formers at The Abbey School, Ramsey, a taste of what it's like to be a writer/journalist and how to get on in the wonderful world of writing. It was a bit of an eye opener and brought back memories of my school days. The kids were studying media studies (something that never existed when I was a lad)

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-87453899470619850002010-03-27T10:56:00.000Z2010-03-27T10:56:09.948Z

It's true! I can now officially announce that the UK is Mediterranean. No, it has nothing to do with climate change/global warning. That's another kettle of sunshine and raindrops all together. It's all thanks to Garden Bargains and Ideal World. For the last year, these two giants in garden retailing have sold tens of thousands of oleanders, Canary Island palms (Phoenix canariensis) and other

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-48870851619621377102010-03-16T18:15:00.000Z2010-03-16T18:15:25.342Z

Two posts in one day - a new (and probably never to be repeated) record. But I'm desperate for inspiration. How can I make grass grow faster? After a slight delay, due to 'warehousing problems', Hodge's Gardening Emporium now has its full complement of eight small electric mowers for testing for Garden News. Neil Hepworth, the photographer, has been around today to take all the pictures of them.

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-47560864548007170662010-03-16T16:48:00.001Z2010-03-16T18:06:57.987Z

Having gardened for more years than I want to admit to, there's one thing I love using in my garden - peat-based composts. Not peat per se as a soil improver or mulch - in fact, peat is rubbish for both jobs and I prefer to use composted bark or home-made compost. I've tried compost alternatives - and although they've improved in recent years - I just can't get used to them. Now, sadly, it looks

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-6089214010656330832010-03-07T16:01:00.000Z2010-03-07T16:01:14.755Z

Finally, a day of good weather has coincided with a short break in the mountain of work, so I've spent the day in the garden. And in some parts of the Hodge plot there is winter devastation everywhere. It looks like I might rue my normal relaxed approach to winter protection! The banana (Musa basjoo) is not looking great - so fingers crossed it'll come through. A thick mulch may have saved the

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-22319829957075021832010-02-28T09:20:00.000Z2010-02-28T09:20:04.633Z

I'm so pleased that February has been cold, wet and windy. If it had been nicer, I would have been feeling guilty about not going out onto the allotment. But with sticky, clay soil, any work done there would just cause problems with soil structure. Instead, I've been up to my neck with work. Writing and editing the RHS Allotment Journal has meant I've been burning the midnight oil, but it's more

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-29862729943303914922010-01-29T19:03:00.000Z2010-01-29T19:03:14.730Z

Wow, what a busy week. Can't complain though - it keeps me off the streets, and off my soaking wet allotment. The life of a freelancer is fraught with job juggling, being pulled in all directions and trying to remember exactly who you spoke to and about what. Following the successful writing for the RHS Allotment Handbook (which looks like it's either going to be available at the end of February

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-52966628967274761352010-01-23T14:42:00.000Z2010-01-23T14:42:05.175Z

I guess I have to put my hand up and admit to being one of those sad buggers who likes looking through seed and plant catalogues and placing orders. I especially like looking at what's new and novel. I mentioned a couple of days ago about the new flower sprout from T&M, which I'm definitely growing this year. There are other 'newbies' that I've ordered and am having a go with this year, but

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-90405912394085344712010-01-20T08:03:00.001Z2010-01-20T08:19:55.644Z

Plant breeders have done it again. Produced something that will be loved by many and probably hated by many more - especially children. The 'flower sprout' is a cross between Brussels sprouts and curly kale to produce a vegetable that produces rosettes of loose, frilly-edged buttons on a long stalk with purple, green and bicoloured leaves. For those desperate to try it, it will be on sale at M&S

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-20676847017472731062010-01-17T12:02:00.003Z2010-01-17T12:06:14.694Z

Yesterday's trip to Chelmsford to guest on Ken Crowther's gardening programme on BBC Essex, revealed a nation (well, a county) desperate to get gardening. Good news that gardening is still alive & kicking in this cold spell. Possibly, bad news that we tried to curtail people's impatient, itchy, twitchy fingers to get started. Basically, for most jobs it's too early, so stay indoors and browse the

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-2637611244734296152010-01-13T11:31:00.002Z2010-01-13T11:36:37.493Z

Gardening groups wanted for TV programme!I've just been sent this request. I know I get some weird ones - but this is the strangest yet!Channel 4’s How To Look Naked needs you! Gok Wan is recruiting a Naked Army to celebrate the shape Britain’s in today! From a Welsh mountain rescue team to a Devonshire running team, they’ve stripped off to make a statement for body confidence.Now, Gok is looking

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-48731717406997989762010-01-12T16:59:00.003Z2010-01-12T17:18:54.600Z

I guess all hobbies are the same, but I think gardening attracts more than its fair share. Of what? Of products, gadgets, tools, equipment, paraphernalia and, in some cases, downright tat!And I should know. When I was the Gardening Editor of Garden News one of my jobs was to write the new products page and for years my garage creaked under the strain of stashed new products that had either had a

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-33605982568326010812010-01-03T11:06:00.003Z2010-01-03T11:34:30.600Z

Happy New Year. The 2010 growing season is just round the corner and I'm already starting to get itchy fingers to get sowing and growing. But the experience of previous years has taught me to be patient.Sowing tomato seeds in early January, for example, has always resulted in stress and anxiety, growing them on in less than ideal conditions and plants that are too tall to plant out at the right

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-52533363359108443902009-12-24T07:48:00.001Z2009-12-24T07:50:38.405Z

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-21934621571054146392009-12-06T09:39:00.002Z2009-12-06T09:58:24.903Z

Yesterday, I was with King Ken, Ken Crowther whose BBC Essex gardening programme won The Garden Media Guild Local Radio Broadcast of the Year Award on Thursday's Awards Lunch in London. It's a great programme, with wonderful listening figures and a worthy winner of the Award. Well done Ken.As usual, we had a wealth of gardening questions to answer - despite the lure of Christmas shopping and

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-19966981733015010322009-09-30T17:16:00.002+01:002009-09-30T17:45:35.457+01:00

Due to popular demand – well, a comment from The Galloping Gardener – here’s the update on the new pesticide products I've found.The vast majority are launched by Westland Horticulture. The company’s new Plant Rescue range has a host of new active ingredients (ais). Bug Killer RTU contains two ais, which means better control – thiamethoxam (not new, but used in the company’s Bug Attack) and

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-26712636285844975342009-09-23T09:03:00.008+01:002009-09-23T09:32:16.023+01:00

As a gardener, I love my plants and I want them to grow as well as they can - I don't want pests, diseases and weeds taking over and ruining everything. As a garden writer, I speak to lots of people whose lives are plagued by these problems and, like me, they just want their gardens to look great and don't want to spend all their time crying over spoilt displays and dead plants. We are of one

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-41671161373301702592009-09-20T20:14:00.006+01:002009-09-20T20:48:52.712+01:00

I've just come back from the first day of Glee - the major gardening trade show at the NEC. First impressions are that it is much smaller than usual - three halls instead of five or six and they're not cramped. I don't think it's an indication of the gardening market, I just think it's an indication that some companies are tightening their belts &/or doing business at different times or in

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-20559201488965565902009-09-15T16:27:00.005+01:002009-09-17T12:12:16.878+01:00

How do you tell if a new plant really is all it’s cracked up to be by the producer or breeder? Probably the two best ways are to ask a large number of gardeners or give it to an independent trial company for its assessment.Ball Colegrave, a producer of bedding plants to the trade based in West Adderbury, Banbury, holds an open day each year where gardeners can have a good look round and pass

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-55546133618271150862009-09-13T10:03:00.005+01:002009-09-13T10:23:55.769+01:00

Yesterday I whizzed down to Chelmsford for my regular spot on Gardening Plus on BBC Essex with Ken Crowther. As usual, it was rammed full of gardening questions and problems - as well as some interesting observations.Grow your own is still as popular as ever, as lots of questions were on fruit and veg.As with most areas of the country, Essex is plagued with unripened tomatoes. The usual banana

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-3999313954883682042009-09-10T11:54:00.002+01:002009-09-10T12:15:05.717+01:00

I've just got back from my annual fishing trip on the Norfolk Broads with some of my old university friends, and so much has happened while I've been away.The main story is that Inga Grimsey, Director General of the RHS, has resigned. There was an EGM at the beginning of the week and she resigned after this - the story even made the BBC Radio 4 six o'clock news bulletin. Having spoken to a few

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-42661755531523102362009-09-02T16:57:00.005+01:002009-09-02T18:03:34.992+01:00

I've just got back from the Suttons Press Day at Capel Manor in Enfield. Another great day, very useful and informative - thanks David, Tom and Fran.Among all the new flower and veg seed introductions for 2010, probably the most exciting news is the introduction of a wide range of grafted vegetable plants. You may have grown some of Suttons grafted tomatoes this year, but the new range also

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-26064410295369070652009-08-30T20:28:00.003+01:002009-08-30T20:37:21.182+01:00

Well, that's according to book publisher Mitchell Beazley, who are publishing the Allotment Handbook for the RHS and for which I've written the section on vegetables.But it's not necessarily because I write well - it's because my deadline is tomorrow and I sent all the copy last Friday! Now there's one advantage of not having a proper job and lots of time to fill.Let's hope when they get round to

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-61384915583626568502009-08-23T10:35:00.005+01:002009-08-23T11:22:53.660+01:00

What a couple of weeks. I've finally finished judging the Gardener of the Year competition. The winners have been informed and will be revealed to all in the next issue of Garden News. Most of the gardens were absolutely brilliant and their owners such a fantastic bunch of gardeners - verging on the 'compulsive nutter' because of their love and dedication.Since that finished, I've been busy

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-76924714335610362072009-08-03T21:10:00.002+01:002009-08-03T21:22:24.246+01:00

Blimey, it's like I've never been away. Away from judging the Garden News Gardener of the Year competition that is. The last time I did this was in 1999 when I was Gardening Editor for GN. Some things just slot into place, no matter how long you've been away from doing them - the old 'riding/falling off a bike' syndrome.So, photographers Tim Sandall or Pip Warters & I have been zooming up and

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-18514305685482320822009-08-01T08:37:00.002+01:002009-08-01T09:15:12.510+01:00

The summer is a great time for us journos because all the seed companies have their trial open days and we can get a glimpse of what's to come in the following year. The first of this year's trials/open days was this week at Thompson & Morgan.You can always rely on T&M to have a bucket-load of new plants for gardeners to grow. As with all seed companies, not all of them are necessarily your cup

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-88485641260051959282009-07-25T09:03:00.004+01:002009-08-03T21:24:54.228+01:00

If you remember the book/film then, not quite - but almost. Anyone who's a serious gardener (as opposed to someone who just likes to sit in their garden) will be horrified if they come across the worst weed in the world. No, not couch grass, bindweed, ground elder or mare's tail - but Japanese knotweed. This triffid of a plant spreads rapidly and is really difficult to control with weedkillers -

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-65868455317456212762009-07-20T08:46:00.004+01:002009-08-03T21:23:56.378+01:00

Being a bit of a 'media whore', I love working across all the various communication channels - and this weekend was no exception. Saturday at BBC Essex and Sunday presenting Garden Bargains on Ideal World shopping channel on TV.I love radio as a medium - people have always said I have a great face for radio. Even though you can't see your listeners you do get a real sense of being in direct

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-45483707851186679122009-07-16T08:54:00.010+01:002009-07-16T09:41:59.916+01:00

I'm helping to launch a new gardening product - FIGO, your flexible gardening friend. For those of you who love a bit of DIY dalliance in the garden - building things to help make your gardening better & easier - then FIGO is definitely something for you.The versatile three- and four-arm adaptors can be used with a range of bamboo canes and other poles to make loads of things for the garden -

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-19204118966240275332009-07-14T08:56:00.004+01:002009-07-14T09:16:17.046+01:00

Well, actually that was yesterday! But having so much to do, I didn't get round to blogging. Same old, same old...Because the plan to help write the RHS book on allotments looks like it's going ahead and the publisher, Mitchell Beazley, wants to take pictures on the allotment, I thought I'd better give it a spruce up. Although it's looking pretty good, there are some areas that need titivating.So

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-28047354645364613552009-07-12T12:37:00.005+01:002009-07-12T12:45:55.252+01:00

Friday was my last day with the RHS and this weekend is the first to put the new life plan into operation.Sadly, I think it's all gone to pot already.First, I wanted to enjoy watching The Ashes: well, the England team have ruined that by not turning up and by playing total rubbish.Second, I wanted some time off working to enjoy working/playing in the garden and on the allotment: well, I've been

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-48891334907947452392009-07-03T21:49:00.004+01:002009-07-03T21:55:56.632+01:00

So much for promises and resolutions. I said this year I was going to make a major effort at blogging and what happens? I'm so busy I don't even have time to do half the things I want to.Anyhoo, all that is about to change - no honestly!After eight and a half years of managing/editing RHS Online, the RHS website I'm about to be made redundant! So, more than likely I'll have more time on my hands

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-20323217395281794412009-04-09T16:45:00.004+01:002009-04-09T17:09:41.557+01:00

The evening's are lighter and the days are longer, which means just one thing - there's time in the evening to do some gardening after getting home from work. So, with one hand carefully nurturing a bottle of Perroni, I've put the other to good use this week sowing more veg in pots and putting them in the propagator.Joining the assortment of tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and courgettes already

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-8775929721355425102009-04-04T15:45:00.004+01:002009-04-04T15:53:11.988+01:00

I’ve just got back from my latest stint on Gardening Plus with Ken Crowther on BBC Essex – another action-packed, three-hour programme with loads of questions, comments and problems to solve. And lots to eat – this time a local frozen yoghurt manufacturer brought in some delicious tubs stuffed with fruit and fabulous jersey and Guernsey milk creaminess. The programme always flies by and it wasn’t

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-74315887486255210822009-03-30T16:28:00.008+01:002009-03-30T17:03:50.141+01:00

Well hopefully. Although I've got to say it's a slow start - probably not warm enough for seeds to germinate properly and, as a result, not much is showing in the veg plot at home. Of all the things I've sown so far only the radish and broad beans are doing anything.But onwards and upwards. With so much to do in the garden - and keeping true to my word (so far), not spending as much time as usual

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-42074353926991481292009-03-17T07:19:00.006Z2009-03-17T09:45:58.040Z

True to my word, Sunday was spent on the allotment. Although we've had a slow start and didn't go there for weeks for one reason or another, I'm amazed at how good it looks. Hardly any weeds, and what there were came out really easily.The main reason for going was to (finally) plant out the garlic, shallots and onion sets - both red and white.We'd also been given a couple of blackcurrant 'Big Ben

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-89860726107178529032009-03-15T10:02:00.010Z2009-03-17T07:19:43.445Z

My new spring resolution - spend more time gardening not thinking about it, is working a treat. Yesterday I spent most of the day in the garden or doing things connected with gardening. Although, the spanking the Red Devils took from the Scousers did split up the day and make me sit indoors enduring torture - plus the texts from Liverpool supporting friends.Most of the gardening time was spent

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-13192747323634947692009-03-08T19:51:00.007Z2009-03-08T20:13:07.234Z

At least I think I might be going that way. What with an excess of work, excesses of weather and the fact that the EU decimal 100-hour day hasn't yet been introduced, I haven't had much/any/enough time in the garden recently.Last weekend I managed a couple of hours - much of which was spent dealing with/tidying up the ivy-covered tree stump that came down in the snow; luckily it hadn't done much

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-86562445006057439362009-02-21T14:35:00.000Z2009-02-21T14:54:41.943Z

I've just got back from my latest guest appearance on Gardening Plus on BBC Essex with Ken Crowther. And although it's a one-and-a-half hour drive down to the studios in Chelmsford today it was a great journey. Sun shining - shades on - lovely and warm - reaching 12.5C on the car thermometer - and lots of plants bursting into new growth. All in all, a bit of a change from the miserable weather of

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-16121586359850007632009-02-13T23:40:00.000Z2009-02-13T23:51:17.111Z

At this time of year gardeners panic about one thing - snow and what it'll do to their plants. Well panic not - it'll do very little damage per se. It's the cold and frost you need to worry about!Even hardy plants can suffer from extensive periods of cold, freezing weather, especially if they're growing in containers (even the hardiest of plants can be killed if their rootballs freeze solid for

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-72790243542318269242009-02-01T17:04:00.000Z2009-02-01T17:22:56.556Z

Following my blog on November 5 about the future of garden chemicals, the future is now looking bleak following legislation passed by the European parliament.MEPs voted overwhelmingly for the proposals for a Regulation on the Placing on the Market of Plant Protection Products. At the same time, they also voted in favour for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive. Basically what this means is

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-11299395691978840132009-01-18T11:35:00.000Z2009-01-18T11:47:47.370Z

It's the end of an era - a sad day for the gardening community. The Garden Monkey has decided to stop blogging - well, at least for the short-term anyway. He/she wants to spend more time on work that makes money! We'll all miss him/her and their delightful look at the gardening world.But everything has a silver lining - perhaps now we'll be able to work out GM's identity - by checking on who is

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-64224282077451660802008-12-24T09:29:00.000Z2008-12-24T09:38:44.467Z

Praise the lord it’s Christmas – well, that’s what you’re supposed to do at this time of year, isn’t it?!I need a break before I simply wither away like a rotten courgette slung on the compost heap or, worse still, my head explodes.The autumn/early winter is one of my busiest times of the year. Apart from trying to hold together all the threads that make up my normal working days, I also put

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-88570811176325395142008-11-05T19:14:00.000Z2008-11-05T19:34:13.819Z

I don't have a philosophy over many things (too much else to do to sit and contemplate my navel), but I kind of have a philosophy towards gardening. That is - I enjoy it, I enjoy my garden and I enjoy the plants in it. And if they're not happy I'm not happy.My attitude towards pests is - get in quick and stop them before they take over. So, I like to 'walk the garden' - often after work to rewind

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-57993968560580223012008-10-31T09:18:00.000Z2008-10-31T09:29:36.623Z

I’ve been part of the gardening trade/horticultural industry for about 25 years – yes, really, that long! And I’ve always been impressed about how friendly an industry it is. When you go to trade or flower shows or press days you usually bump into the same people – many are now old friends (others you try to avoid!) – and you have a good catch up, find out what they’re up to and generally have a

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-1312289124805759262008-10-28T13:43:00.000Z2008-10-28T13:44:47.672Z

Is it really the middle of autumn already? Judging by the first frost last night I guess it must be. Maybe it’s my age. But this year has just shot past and I’m already getting ready for the winter onslaught.I’ve spent the last few days starting to put the garden to bed for the winter. I’ve started digging up all the half-hardy bedding plants, potting them up individually and putting them in the

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-1507715963697771682008-09-23T18:25:00.000+01:002008-09-23T18:29:02.616+01:00

I’ve just got back from Glee at the NEC, Birmingham. Glee is the UK’s gardening industry’s biggest trade show taking up several halls at the NEC. Here many of the major gardening product manufacturers and suppliers show off their wares for the following year.One of my first ports of call was the new products area – and several things caught my eye – not necessarily for the right reason!Many of

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-81959623360854114012008-09-07T10:15:00.000+01:002008-09-08T09:15:43.773+01:00

We had a busy day on Gardening Plus on BBC Essex yesterday. I think the wet weather meant everyone was indoors catching up on their gardening advice – rather than outside actually doing it.The morning started with some interesting pictures of an unidentified plant – Cannabis sativa or marijuana, the seed from which had come from a batch of bird food. The owner thought it probably was and was off

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-31239177520030874502008-09-03T19:12:00.000+01:002008-09-03T19:28:35.091+01:00

It's weird how I can go for weeks without doing any radio programmes and then they come round like proverbial buses.On Monday I was recording my monthly pre-record inserts into Jane Smith's Saturday breakfast programme for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. I'm so glad we now pre-record them as they go out at 7.45am ish and I used to hate having to get up at that time on a Saturday to do them over the

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-42253062729807121392008-08-28T21:17:00.000+01:002008-08-28T21:30:52.279+01:00

Yes, I've committed the ultimate web/blog owners sin - I haven't updated for ages; but I can't believe it was pre-Chelsea Flower Show when I posted my last blog entry. I've been away and I've been busy - not much of an excuse but the only one (or is that two?) I can use.I've also committed the ultimate gardeners' sin and been away on holiday during the summer. In my defence, the mother-in-law did

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-70015269789459244752008-05-17T21:04:00.000+01:002008-05-17T21:17:32.034+01:00

Oh no it does not move me. I don't want to go to Chelsea! At least that's what Elvis Costello thought about it. I, on the other hand, love going to Chelsea - the Chelsea Flower Show, that is. And that's where I was today and will be for the next three days - so don't expect any replies to your e-mail enquiries until I get back.I've been going to, and working at, this show every year since 1988.

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-9564167993041537162008-05-05T21:10:00.000+01:002008-05-05T21:18:27.111+01:00

You can't beat it - apart from the four days at Easter!Apart from the antics in the veg patch and my appearance on Dougan Does Gardening on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire on Sunday, both of which you can read about on my RHS veg blog, my only other main gardening antic this weekend was to help Clare cut back the large holly and the cotoneaster growing underneath it to reclaim some new planting

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-5516982034751718862008-04-27T20:35:00.000+01:002008-04-27T20:49:03.621+01:00

When I moved into my current house seven years ago, one of the things that persuaded me to buy it - along with the L-shaped garden (I’ve got the bottom of the gardens of the two houses to the right) – was the fabulous white-blossomed cherry tree. Sadly, it looked like it was suffering from bacterial canker, but seemed to be growing fine. Even more sadly is the fact that the canker has been

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-23386371352977101762008-04-20T20:01:00.000+01:002008-04-20T20:14:11.530+01:00

This weekend’s forecast for yet another mixed bag of weather meant that I needed to get cracking early – just in case, just in case things turned really nasty and put the kybosh on my plans. As a result I was out in the garden by 8 o’clock on both days.The weather wasn’t as bad as expected – although Sunday started out dull, damp, dingy and wet, but by 11.15am (having gone back indoors for

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-37191149273456263492008-04-13T21:50:00.000+01:002008-04-13T21:54:59.446+01:00

Because we’ve been away the last couple of weekends and haven’t managed to spend much time on the garden or the allotment, jobs were beginning to pile up – and both my girlfriend Clare and I were beginning to get just a tad twitchy about the situation. So this weekend we were going to get on with things whatever the weather. Perhaps a touch too much bravado considering the forecast!Luckily, we

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-17187913976386939532008-04-05T08:46:00.000+01:002008-04-05T08:47:18.718+01:00

April – my favourite spring month. The weather’s warming up and generally becoming more pleasant, allowing me to get on with more things in the garden. At least it better be!! The weather forecast doesn’t sound great for this weekend, but let’s see what can be done.Talking of weather, the Met Office has released its forecast for the coming summer.Apparently, it’s expected to be a 'typical British

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-14307390010346308372008-03-24T18:52:00.000Z2008-03-24T19:02:24.242Z

What a washout – or snowout this Easter was. This is one of the most unpleasant ones I can remember. Snow, biting cold winds, frosts and cold temperatures. They all combined together to make me feel inclined to stay indoors and eat Easter eggs and hot cross buns. But there were things that had to be done.Ever hopeful that the Met Office had got the forecast wrong I ordered a tonne of compost for

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-15081249196832270592008-03-16T15:21:00.000Z2008-03-16T15:42:11.556Z

Wow, it's windy. And if there's one thing I hate (since experiencing the Great Storm of 1987) it's wind. We've had a few fence panels become dislodged, but managed to rescue them before they completely blew away. Now I'm inside catching up with work - rather than being outside, which is what I'd prefer.In the lead up to the week before the big gardening weekend - Easter - I've been recording more

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-60345939375328552362008-02-28T10:47:00.000Z2008-02-28T10:53:50.380Z

One of the other things that I get up to on a monthly basis, and really enjoy doing, is recording the monthly gardening and promotional messages for Garden Radio. This is the in-store music and messaging service for garden centres, now playing in more than 90 outlets throughout the UK.This service is a great way for garden centres to promote their special offers and gives timely tips to customers

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-44226782886522491782008-02-22T18:28:00.000Z2008-02-22T18:44:17.711Z

I'm getting impatient. It’s that time of year when gardeners can’t make up their minds what to do – and either get really frustrated or do silly things too early and regret it later.OK, yes I’ve done some pottering around the garden – tidying this and straightening that. But I want to get on with seed sowing, major projects and the like.So what has been happening in the great outdoors? Well, I’ve

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-44580996896203190232008-01-28T09:14:00.000Z2008-01-28T09:21:45.653Z

This weekend was another radio fest – on Saturday I was on BBC Essex doing the Gardening Plus programme, and Sunday on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire on Dougan Does Gardening. Both have a strong element of answering listeners’ questions and having a general chat about gardening.On Gardening Plus a lively text debate erupted over how to keep water butts clear of mosquito and other insect larvae. My

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-70055930760800281252008-01-21T17:54:00.000Z2008-01-21T18:07:18.606Z

Being British and, worse than that, a British gardener, I’m fascinated with the weather. It is so important for deciding what to grow, when to plant and sow and whether it’s possible to go outside and do some gardening! And now that the climate is meant to be changing I thought it was time I kept an eye on it.There are people that do this professionally – the Met Office and the weather station at

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-49429003888085714172008-01-20T10:32:00.000Z2008-01-28T09:23:51.013Z

“I’m late!, I’m late! For a very important date.” So said the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. And if I was an exhibition veg grower I would be late. I’ve just sown some ‘Mammoth Improved’ onion seeds for this year, whereas exhibition growers always try to sow on Boxing Day or as soon after the shortest day as possible.These are now sitting in the propagator in the garage. Sadly, I can’t get

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-64902963442926638952008-01-13T08:50:00.000Z2008-01-13T09:04:41.282Z

In my last blog I made comment about climate change and the possibility of whether or not we would have to consider gardening in a changing climate. I guess the whole climate change issue is one that raises all sorts of questions - and all sorts of responses. Is it happening or is it just 'one of those weather cycles'?, is it man-made?, is it going to cause real problems? - and, who cares anyway

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-39013276746573872382008-01-07T20:31:00.000Z2008-01-07T20:51:13.740Z

Are we experiencing global warming? Will we have to garden in a changing climate?? One thing that could provide evidence for this is seeing plants that flower out of season. Plants are very sensitive to changes in weather conditions and patterns.I went out into my garden on New Year's Day to see what exactly was in flower to see if there were any anomalies. The list was:Calluna vulgaris (2

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-73538467986418678622007-11-12T13:25:00.000Z2007-11-12T13:45:47.873Z

It has been a busy radio week for me - Gardening Plus (the new name for Down to Earth, which is now three hours long) on BBC Essex and the Thursday phone-in and Dougan Does Gardening on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.Along with the usual "How do I kill this or that bug, disease or weed?" (rose blackspot is still a major concern for gardeners, even at this time of year) and "Why is this plant dying?",

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-31318621144178389692007-11-02T11:37:00.000Z2007-11-02T12:00:20.177Z

Speaking of the day job (see last blog) it's all systems go on RHS Online - the RHS website. We've been working on some new areas of the site and updating others.There's Passion for Plants, which ties in with the BBC TV programme A Passion for Plants shown on Friday evenings; Garden Explorers, which is a new membership category for families; Campaign for School Gardening, which is aimed at

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-25900755184223375862007-10-21T16:24:00.001+01:002007-10-21T16:33:41.101+01:00

It's hard to believe that I haven't posted a blog since the end of August - but then again not! I've been soooo busy with other things that I just haven't had the time.I managed to get some holiday in during September and went off to Greece for some sun and relaxation; I also went on my annual fishing trip to the Norfolk Broads with friends from University.I've also had the proofs back from my

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-4424072282130372202007-08-28T17:03:00.000+01:002007-08-28T17:06:12.041+01:00

One of the perks of being a gardening journo is that you get new plants and products to trial. This year has been no exception and in spring I received a massive box of bare-root perennials from Darwin Plants in Holland. Here’s how I got on with them.There were two new cultivars in the collection: ‘Love and Pride’ and A. chinensis ‘Diamonds and Pearls. I’m not a great fan of astilbes, so when I

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-85265455679019672132007-08-22T17:59:00.000+01:002007-08-22T18:13:37.419+01:00

That certainly is a question. And a question I get asked a lot; most starter gardeners are petrified of attacking plants with secateurs thinking they'll kill them. Most plants can survive and some even enjoy massed butchery, so there isn't anything to be too worried about. Whether they'll flower and fruit afterwards is another matter!I give a talk to gardening clubs on pruning, and it's always

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-89405492105336891332007-08-12T10:52:00.000+01:002007-08-12T11:04:03.462+01:00

Yesterday I made my usual five-to-six-weekly visit to Chelmsford to do my guest spot on BBC Essex' Down to Earth gardening programme with Ken Crowther. I've been doing the show now for about 14-15 years and really enjoy it - I'm told I have a face for radio!It's a two-hour programme that concentrates purely on gardening - no music, just a lot of chat and phonecalls, e-mails, letters and texts

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-72363325993536707542007-08-12T10:49:00.000+01:002007-08-12T10:50:18.880+01:00

I love the summer, as it is usually filled with press trips and other events.Following last week’s trip to Ball Colegrave, this week I’ve been to Mr Fothergill’s. This seed company has its trials grounds on the outskirts of Newmarket in Suffolk, and there’s always something exciting, interesting and new to see.The near-perfect summer’s day followed several weeks of poor weather – so much so that

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-52648764222711215732007-08-02T16:49:00.000+01:002007-08-02T17:27:29.856+01:00

Yesterday I spent a glorious sunny day at Ball Colegrave during the company’s press day. This company is one of the world’s leading bedding plant producers, and my visit to its trials grounds at West Adderbury, near Banbury in Oxfordshire is always a highlight of the year.Not only can you see the trials fields where new cultivars are being trialled and tested against the current leading best

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-25433058473012853322007-07-29T18:45:00.000+01:002007-07-29T18:49:38.066+01:00

I've just been doing some surfing - and blog spotting - and noticed that there are a few blogs about Gardenforum crossing the line, doing the dirty etc, etc. That is they're now charging for their premium services. Please be aware this ain't me.GardenForum Horticulture (www.gardenforum.demon.co.uk) - that's me - is different to Gardenforum (www.gardenforum.co.uk). I'm a one-man band offering free

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-31870020056224420102007-07-29T18:20:00.000+01:002007-07-31T18:45:29.141+01:00

As a gardening journalist working in a broad portfolio of mediums, one of my favourites is radio. I appear regularly on BBC Essex and am the gardening correspondent for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. Today was one of my regular slots on the latter. Dougan Does Gardening from 11am to 1pm offers a phone-in advice service, and it's always interesting to hear what people are having problems with and

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-9357396483189942972007-07-25T07:55:00.000+01:002007-07-25T08:13:19.127+01:00

What a year it has been so far! I know I love the subject of plant pests & diseases - but only to help other gardeners get the best out of their gardens. I get as annoyed as the next person when plants that have had lots of TLC, suddenly go down with a nasty problem. I always make sure I inspect my plants on a regular basis for signs of attack - usually for 10 minutes or so after work, and

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-61571299004656840502007-07-22T19:04:00.000+01:002007-07-25T08:25:57.031+01:00

Rain, waterlogging, torrential downpours. Luckily, my part of the UK hasn't had any flooding (although I thought the flat East might be at risk), but the garden has become battered by the rainfall. Everything is growing more like ground cover than upright plants. All the rain has washed nutrients out of the soil too, the growth is soft and lush and the battering has resulted in mush! The soil's

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5698544745944292257.post-70700847983231421742007-06-18T20:24:00.000+01:002007-07-25T08:31:31.073+01:00

For the first time I've been struck by the dreaded weevil. The leaves of a pot-grown euonymus and a nearby blueberry had the tell-tale leaf notches.So late last night I went out with a torch - and there they were - six of them munching away. By carefully dislodging them and letting them fall into a jam jar I caught all six and then let my feet do the talking - and the walking - all over them.

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07822934117047414045noreply@blogger.com1