R2112 exam Qs examples Flashcards
Describe TWO named methods of sowing HARDY ANNUALS outdoors
BROADCAST - sowing seeds thinly and evenly over soil surface.
Lightly raking in and tamping down with back of rake.
DRILL - Using line of string as guide, drawing hoe to make a drill 1.5cm deep, and sowing seed evenly along drill.
Soil is drawn back over drill with back of rake (carefully) and tamped down.
Name SIX hardy annuals
Calendula officinalis (marigold)
Borago officinalis (borage)
Helianthus annuus (sunflower)
Nigella damascena (nigella)
Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea)
Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium)
Describe symptoms of powdery mildew
Produces white, dusty, spreading patches of the fungus on upper and lower surfaces of leaf, buds, flowers and fruits;
Plant tissue can become stunted and distorted;
Infection can cause infected plant parts to turn purple-brown in colour.
Describe symptoms of grey mould
Fuzzy grey-brown mould which affects soft plant tissue, leaves and flowers;
Spreads rapidly where there is high humidity;
Causes a slimy rot and death of plant.
Name FOUR distinct herbaceous perennials suitable for herbaceous border
Verbena bonariensis
Alchemilla mollis
Rudbackia hirta
Echinacea purpurea
(also Salvia nemorosa)
State what is meant by a CLIMBER
Woody plant with adaptations to enable it to climb unaided.
Adaptations include twining stems, tendrils, twisting leaf petioles, adventitious roots.
State what is meant by a WALL SHRUB
Woody plant that needs training to grow by a wall or structure. Cannot cling on unaided - needs to be tied in.
Benefits from wall’s microclimate.
Also for decoration.
Name FOUR climbers
Hydrangea petiolaris
Clematis montana
Wisteria sinensis
Lonicera japonica
Name FOUR wall shrubs
Pyracantha ‘Orange Glow’
Pyracantha ‘Golden Charmer’
Ceanothus ‘Concha’
Desfontainia spinosa
Materials used for mulching an alpine/rock garden
Gravel or grit - 2-10mm in size
Limestone chippings
Granite chippings
Maintenance of alpine/rock garden prior to mulching
Weed with hand fork
Trim/shape plants as desired
Remove dead/diseased plant material
Restore any eroded soil levels
Reset displaced rocks
Describe task of mulching alpine/rock garden
Lift up carpeting leaves and place mulch underneath them, up to collar
15-30mm deep of mulch
Ensure layer of mulch is even
Avoid getting mulch on crown of plants
State what is meant by MARGINAL plants
Plants that grow in shallow water with water over the crown of plant;
Roots are fully submerged and foliage is above water level;
In containers or direct in soil;
Planted on first shelf of pond.
State what is meant by BOG plants
Plants that grow in permanently damp soil rather than in water.
Soil must be consistently moist/wet - mustn’t dry out;
Bog plants also grow in soil that’s temporarily waterlogged.
Name TWO distinct marginal plants
Caltha palustris
Iris pseudacorus
Name TWO distinct bog plants
Primula florindae
Osmunda regalis (royal fern)
State characteristics of a growing media suitable for the growing of a marginal plant
Needs to be heavy and loam-based;
Low in OM and nutrients (esp. N) - prevents algal bloom;
If using garden soil, it must be free from fertiliser, pesticides, weeds, pests and diseases.
Describe the maintenance task of AERATION of a lawn
Takes place in spring or autumn, using a range of equipment - e.g. fork, hollow tine fork, aerator with spike, slit or hollow tine;
Carry out to a depth of 5-10cm and spacing of 10-20cm of tines;
With hollow tines, a core of soil is removed;
When using aerator, spacing between holes s/b 50cm.
Describe methods of controlling weeds in lawn
Mainly in spring or autumn, but also as and when!
Hand-weeding, daisy grubber, spade or fork, to remove all roots;
Handweeding can be done in conjunction with feeding, aerating and scarifying;
Selective herbicide (e.g. 2,4-D) to control lawn weeds - spray whole lawn or spot treat
Herbicide is often incorporated into lawn feed which is applied in spring or autumn (“feed & weed”).
Describe the term, GROUNDWORK (infill) with reference to a summer bedding scheme
Plants that are used to fill the main field of a bedding design;
Plants are positioned behind (or within the edging plants, and around the dot plants.
Describe THREE maintenance tasks for a summer bedding display
IRRIGATION - water can be applied via a seep hose or overhead sprinkler system to ensure a good soaking (to 1.5cm depth).
DEADHEADING - spent flowers are removed by using snips to next node, or snapping out the old stems.
WEEDING - hoe off the seedling weeds on a hot, dry day; leave them to dry out on surface, or hand-pull weeds and remove from bed.
Name FOUR distinct plants suitable for a summer bedding display
Salvia splendens
Lobelia erinus
Impatiens walleriana
Begonia semperflorens
Describe methods of staking herbaceous perennial plants in a border
Tie tall, upright plants (e.g. Delphinium) to bamboo cane, with soft twine, in figure 8 knot;
Birch or hazel twigs and sticks placed in spring - gives natural look;
Single stem ring supports for large, single blooms;
Plastic netting suspended horizontally on stakes for large areas of vigorous plants (e.g. Leucanthemum);
Metal hoops and rings for top-heavy, bushy plants (e.g. Paeonia);
Circular grid supports.
Name FOUR herbaceous perennials for growing in SHADY situation
Vinca major
Alchemilla mollis
Primula vulgaris
Trillium grandiflorum
List SIX materials or pieces of equipment used during the planting of a tree (NOT TOOLS)
Softwood stake
Plastic buckle tie and spacer
Chipped bark mulch
Mycorrhizal root stimulant
Bonemeal/fertiliser
Rabbit guard
Name FIVE lime-hating trees/shrubs
Camellia japonica
Vaccinium corymbosum
Pieris japonica
Rhododendron luteum
Erica carnea
State EIGHT characteristics of growing medium suitable for alpine/rock garden plants
Free draining
Well aerated
Low nutrients
Suitable pH
Stable structure
Free from pests/diseases
Free from weeds/weed seeds
Moisture retentive
Control of pests of alpine/rock garden plants (x2)
Slugs/snails - remove by hand or use ferric phosphate pellets;
Aphid - remove/squish by hand, jets of water, fatty acid solution.
Control of NAMED disease of alpine/rock garden plant (x1)
Powdery mildew - remove and destroy affected plant material; or use fungicide such as Bupirimate.
Describe THREE methods of controlling pond weeds
Manually rake off floating pond weed or use stick to twirl around blanket weed (leaving on side for a day so critters can go back to pond).
Create balance between open water and plant foliage cover (50:50) by using Nymphaea spp. and oxygenating plants, which reduces the amount of light for weeds.
Place bale of barley straw in mesh bag in pond to release algal inhibitors. Or use algaecide (eg Tetra).
Lift and remove weed seedlings from container plants.
Filtration method using a pump and UV filters to clear weeds and algae from water.
Name TWO floating aquatic plants
Lemna trisulca (duckweed)
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (frogbit)
Describe one distinct mower for a UTILITY lawn
Rotary bladed mower.
One blade that spins like a helicopter blade;
Grass collection box;
Petrol or electric;
Pushed;
Can include roller;
Four wheels;
Height adjustable.
Describe one distinct mower for ORNAMENTAL lawn
Cylinder bladed mower.
Blades mounted on a cylinder at front;
Usually a large roller at rear instead of wheels;
Grass box often at front;
Petrol, electric or manual;
Pushed;
Height adjustable.
Describe symptoms of Fusarium Patch disease
Starts as small, yellowish patches that spread and often merge to form a patch 30cm+ in size;
Grass gradually dies and turns brown;
In wet conditions, a pinkish-white, cottony fungal growth may appear at the edge of the patch.
Describe symptoms of Red Thread disease
Patches of affected grass have a reddish tinge - becomes light brown or almost bleached;
Range in size from 7.5 to 25cm in diameter - or larger;
Pink/red gelatinous thread-like structures can be seen on blades of grass, often binding them together.
State FOUR benefits of selecting F1 hybrid plants for a summer bedding display
Hybrid vigour
Uniformity of size/colour/form
Disease resistance
Consistent speed of germination
FOUR examples of F1 hybrid plants
Pelargonium peltatum ‘Summer Showers’
Petunia ‘Frenzy Mixed’
Dianthus ‘Elegance Pink’
Zinnia elegans ‘Sunshine Mix’
Describe SOIL PREPARATION for a summer bedding display
Removal or burial of annual weeds
Single or double digging
Incorporation of well-rotted bulky OM
Roughly breaking down large clods with fork
Roughly raking soil level - remove large stones
Carefully consolidating soil by treading
Application of suitable fertiliser
Creating tilth (raking again) suitable for planting
Name FOUR bulbs for containers
Narcissus ‘Tete a Tete’
Galanthus nivalis
Crocus versus
Fritillaria meleagris
SIX maintenance tasks for growing bulbs in containers
Irrigate when containers are dry - watering can or drip irrigation;
Weed container regularly, by hand;
Deadhead - pinch out spent flowers regularly;
Feed with liquid feed when irrigating, or apply granular fertiliser and water in;
Cut back dead top growth with secateurs;
Lift and store bulbs in cool dry shed/garage at end of growing season.
Name FOUR diseases of bulbs
Grey mould (Botrytis)
Powdery mildew
Bulb rot
Rust
Name FOUR trees suitable for small garden
Acer griseum
Malus x zumi ‘Golden Hornet’
Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’
FIVE maintenance tasks to ensure establishment of newly planted tree
Weed by hand/hoe/fork to keep 1m clear - reduces competition;
Replenish mulch (75-100mm) - chipped bark or garden compost - around base of tree;
Carry out formative pruning, and remove DDDDXR;
Water when needed - thorough soaking to ensure roots are reached;
Loosen or retie tree tie.
THREE symptoms of Honey Fungus on trees
Clusters of honey-coloured mushrooms at base of tree;
Black rhizomorphs/bootlaces extend out up to 10m from tree;
White fungal mycelium found between bark and wood - arches up to several metres.
Define true alpine plants
Plants growing in the alpine climate regions;
Found above 1830m, in mountainous regions, above tree line;
Naturally tough and hardy, slow growing
Define rock garden plants
Small, compact, low-growing;
Can be alpine plants, but may not be;
Look appropriate in a rock garden - won’t take over and dominate;
Compliment true alpine.
Winter protection for alpine plants (x3)
Lift and place under glass (alpine glasshouse - unheated and well ventilated);
Construct a frame (poly sheet or glass) over alpine bed (or single glass pane, propped up);
Place open-ended cloche over plants.
Name THREE distinct alpine or rock garden plants for SPRING display
Primula auricula
Sedum acre
Saxifraga oppositifolia
Describe how to plant a NAMED DEEP WATER plant grown in aquatic basket
Nuphar lutea (yellow water lily):
Foliage of plant s/b able to float on surface of water;
Newly planted containers may need to be raised on bricks if petioles are not long enough initially;
Lower container in stages until appropriate depth is reached;
Ropes string can be used to assist lowering the plant into water.
State SIX maintenance tasks for marginal plants in garden pool
Control of weeds by pulling out by hand;
Control of pests & diseases - e.g. spraying aphids with water, or squishing;
Deadheading to remove spent flowers;
Trimming/cutting back/removal of DDDD vegetation;
Lifting, dividing, repotting plants;
Replenishing mulch with grit/stones.
Turf - FIVE distinct benefits of establishing lawn from…
Instant visual impact
Can be carried out any time of year
Less rigorous standard of bed preparation needed
Area can be used very quickly
Avoids problems with germinating annual weeds initially
Turf - SIX distinct limitations of establishing lawn from…
More expensive to purchase than seed
Less choice in species, unless buying rom specialist supplier
Heavy/physically demanding work
More difficult to fit turf around awkward-shaped sites
Will not keep for long - unlike seed
Less sustainable than seed - carbon footprint transporting heavy bulky materials
THREE distinct groundwork (infill) plants for SPRING display + planting distances for one
Primula vulgaris
Viola x wittrockiana - 15cm
Erysimum cheiri - 25cm
TWO distinct bulbs for spring display
Tulipa ‘Queen of the Night’
Hyacynthus orientalis
Name TWO distinct Pests & TWO distinct Diseases on spring bedding plants
Aphids
Slugs/snails
Grey mould (Botrytis)
Powdery mildew
Describe planting of bare-root plant into herbaceous border (6 steps)
Protect plant from drying out prior to planting - damp hessian, plastic sack, soak roots in bucket of water if dry;
Trim off damaged/diseased material prior to planting;
Prepare hole slightly wider than spread of roots. Depth either same or just below crown of plant;
Place plant in centre of hole with roots spread out;
Backfill with soil and firm in;
Water well - mulch if required.
Name FOUR herbaceous perennials for GROUND COVER
Alchemilla mollis
Vinca major
Ajuga reptans
Geranium macrorrhizum
Bergenia ‘Pugsley’s Pink’
One general pruning task carried out on any shrub
Remove DDDDXR
(Dead Diseased Damaged Dying Crossing Rubbing)
Name spring-flowering shrub and how to prune
Forsythia x intermedia:
AFTER FLOWERING,
Remove 1/3 of oldest stems from base;
Reduce/remove some side shoots to maintain natural shape of plant.
Name summer-flowering shrub and how to prune
Buddleja davidii:
IN SPRING, BEFORE FLOWERING,
Remove last season’s growth to woody framework 5cm above ground;
Maintain “stag’s horn” structure of permanent branches.
Name shrub for winter stems and how to prune
Cornus alba:
EARLY SPRING,
Cut back to near ground level to encourage new growth - “Stooling”;
ALL stems reduced to 5cm above ground.
Describe FIVE maintenance tasks for alpine or rock garden
HAND WEEDING:
Pulling up weeds to avoid getting out of control - be vigilant in spring!
Perennial weeds s/b removed carefully to remove entire roots - dispose of off-site.
MULCHING:
Top up mulch each autumn with gravel/stone chips, to a depth of 2.5cm.
Place mulch under foliage and up to crown of plant.
TRIMMING:
Cut back anything spreading to keep compact.
Cut off diseased, damaged, old material.
Deadhead to keep tidy.
FROST/WINTER/WET PROTECTION:
Lift and pot up delicate plants and place in alpine glasshouse (cool and ventilated).
Use open-ended cloche or glass/plastic cover over plants (before bad weather starts!)
Move any containers to a sheltered area.
CONTROL OF PESTS/DISEASES:
Slugs/snails - remove by hand or use ferric phosphate.
Aphids - remove/squish by hand, jets of water, fatty acid solution.
Powdery mildew - remove and destroy affected plant material, or use fungicide such as Bupirimate.
Name FIVE different plant groups, for different situations within a pond
Deep water
Floating
Marginal
Bog
Oxygenating
Describe maintenance of pond water levels in SUMMER
Needs topping up due to evaporation in summer;
Use rainwater ideally, or tap water that’s been standing for 24 hours.
Describe management of ICE formation in pond
Melt ice (base of hot saucepan, or some hot water) - to make a hole;
Or leave tennis ball to float on surface during winter;
Remove some of the water to prevent re-freezing;
Don’t hit/smash ice - will disturb fish;
Or use pond heater.
Describe methods of NETTING a garden pond
Fine mesh pulled taut over surface of pond - secure with pegs/stakes;
Or a framed metal grid at (or just below) surface of water.
Describe how to mow a FINE QUALITY lawn
Use mower with cylindrical blade, for a better cut;
Cut to height of 5-10mm in summer and 10mm in spring & autumn;
No more than 1/3 of length of grass is removed at any one time;
Summer - 3 cuts p/w
Spring/Autumn - 1-2 cuts p/w;
Mow first around edge of lawn, then cut in alternate directions across lawn to create stripes;
Clippings should be collected in a grass box;
“Topped” in winter (when possible) to keep looking tidy.
FOUR symptoms of Fairy Ring in fine turf
Ring or arc of grey/brown toadstools, in summer or autumn;
Ring of darker green, lush growth of grass outside area of fungal activity;
Dead/dying grass inside fungal activity area;
Patchy, weedy turf where fungal activity has completely moved on.
Ideal months of year to control LEATHERJACKETS
July to Sept
Ideal months of year to control MOLES
Feb - June
Ideal months of year to control FUSARIUM PATCH
Sept - Feb
THREE plants for winter hanging basket
Hedera helix
Narcissus ‘Tete a Tete’
Buxus sempervirens
Describe how to prepare and plant winter hanging basket
(inc. liner - growing media - planting)
Liner:
Made from moss, foam, compressed wood fibre, preformed coir or cardboard, wool.
Growing Media:
Multipurpose growing media or John Innes No.2 (rich loam-based);
Supplement with controlled release fertiliser e.g. Osmocote;
Use water-retaining granules as required.
Planting:
Stand basket on bucket or large container for stability;
Half-fill basket with growing media;
Place upright plant in centre (e.g. Erica carnea) and trailers around the edge (e.g. Hedera helix);
Add extra fillers (e.g. Viola x wittrockinana) and bulbs (e.g. Narcissus ‘Tete a Tete’) at a suitable depth;
Back-fill basket with growing media, firming well - fill all gaps!
Ensure a gentle slope towards centre to allow room for watering.
Name FOUR bulbs for herbaceous border
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’
Hyacinthus orientalis
Tulipa ‘Queen of the Night’
Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
Describe THREE methods of controlling weeds in established herbaceous border
DIG:
Annual weeds removed by use of hoe, trowel, fork;
Perennial weeds dug out with garden fork, ensuring all roots are removed (e.g. Taraxacum officinale).
MULCH:
Weeds can be suppressed by mulch of spent mushroom compost or composted bark applied in early spring - 50-100mm deep.
Or can use weed control fabric.
CHEMICAL:
Translocated herbicide (e.g. Glyphosate) applied carefully to foliage of actively growing perennial weeds throughout growing season.
Name FOUR shrubs for AUTUMN interest
Rhus typhina (staghorn sunac)
Potentilla fruticosa ‘Primrose Beauty’
Euonymus alatus (burning bush)
Cotinus coggygria (smoke tree)
THREE maintenance tasks for AUTUMN interest shrubs
Prune:
- in early spring - remove any dead/diseased/damaged wood;
- prune last year’s growth to 2-3 buds above healthy stems to provide good framework;
- Or cut back hard to encourage more ornamental foliage
Water:
- in periods of prolonged drought
Feed:
- in early spring with general purpose fertiliser (e.g. Growmore or blood, fish & bone), then apply mulch of OM.
Name FOUR alpine/rock garden plants grown for SUMMER interest
Dianthus alpinus
Sempervivum arachnoideum
Dryas octopetala (8-petal mountain avens)
Pulsatilla vulgaris (pasque flower)
How to plant named MARGINAL plant in pond
Caltha palustris:
Plant in garden pond in spring;
Place basket on shelf in pond - crown of plant fully submerged - leaves mainly above water;
Depth of water adjusted by placing basket on brick until established;
Observe H&S at all time when positioning plant in pond;
Alternatively, plant it directly into soil on margin of pond. Ensure plant is well secured into planting position.
How to control blanket weed in garden pond
Remove manually by twirling it around a cane, rake or net (and must be left on side of pond for a few hours after to allow any organisms to return to pond);
Bale of barley straw contained in a net can be placed in pond to control BW. Must be removed when straw turns black;
Pond requires balance of 50:50 light and shade - can be achieved by using plants e.g. Nymphaea spp.
Top up pond in summer with rainwater rather than tap water - will help reduce amount of BW in pond;
Algicides and black dye can be used.
SIX tasks in soil cultivation prior to sowing grass seed
Primary cultivation by single/double digging, or use of rotavator;
Removal of large stones;
Breaking up clods with fork;
Raking to roughly level;
Consolidation using heels or by treading;
Final raking to achieve suitable fine tilth.
Light sprinkle of water if very dry!
THREE Grass species for ornamental lawn
Festuca rubra subsp. commutata
Agrostis capillaris
Festuca rubra subsp. litoralis
Describe sowing method for ornamental lawn
Sow seeds broadcast or disc spreader at 30g per m2;
Divide seed into two equal amounts and sow in two directions to ensure even distribution;
Area can be marked out into a grid prior to sowing, if desired.
Describe how to plant a tree/shrub
Place tree in hole with top of root ball at ground level (not too deep!);
If necessary, drive in supporting stake off-centre;
Back fill the hole - use fork to gradually “tip” the sides in. Do this in stages, firming well as you go. Tread down;
Tie stem to stake and use rubber spacers to protect stem/prevent chafing;
Water well and mulch thickly 7.5-10cm with bark chips/top dressing (avoid mulch around collars of trees/shrubs)
Site prep and selection for tree/shrub planting
Away from pipes, cables, buildings, walls and paving;
Smaller trees OK against sunny wall, trained as fans;
Slopes - plant halfway down for shelter;
Coastal - select salt and wind tolerant plants;
Dig hole twice as wide as root ball and same depth as root ball;
In poor soil, fertilisers and/or mycorrhiza may be necessary, but use with care!
Don’t use ameliorants if soil is healthy!
Benefits of pruning
Improves shape/form of plant;
Contains within allotted space;
Rejuvenates - encourages strong growth;
Maintains plant health;
Improves flowering and fruiting.
Pruning basic rules
Start by removing DDDDXR material;
Always prune back to a bud;
When cutting to a bud, choose bud in direction you want plant to grow;
Encourage outward-facing buds - avoids congestion and crossing branches in middle of plant;
Plants with alternate leaves = sloping cut going away from bud, about 5mm above bud;
Plants with opposite leaves = flat cut just above pair of buds;
Describe canker on trees
AKA “dieback”;
Large fissures in bark, with dry, cracking bark around them;
Area where cambium and bark have been killed;
Usually caused by a fungus and sometimes a bacterium;
Common causes:
- poor pruning
- trimming too close to base of branch
- pulling branches
- allowing branches to fall
Wounds are caused that take time to heal, exposing large areas of cambium and encouraging infection;
If canker spreads within branch or stem, site becomes brittle and can snap;
Nutrient and water supply eventually become cut off and entire branch dies.
Describe TWO rose diseases and treatment
POWDERY MILDEW:
White, powdery fungal growth on leaves and shoots;
Causes discolouration and distortion;
Appears on water-stressed plants during hot periods;
Prevent by ensuring plants have enough water, and mulch well;
Fungicide can be used if needed;
Prune out badly affected shoots and dispose of.
BLACK SPOT:
Black, fungal spots on leaves - leaves yellow and die;
Can return year after year in areas where found;
Spores and growth are spread by rainsplash;
Relatively harmless;
Remove affected leaves;
Prevent further spread by avoiding needlessly wetting leaves;
Remove fallen leaves from ground to prevent reinfection.
Damage aphids to do roses, and treatment
Aphids pierce the phloem to suck sap - causes significant problems with nutrient transport;
Can result in distorted leaves;
Aphid “honeydew” encourages sooty mould;
Aphids can spread viruses with mouth parts;
Control with insecticidal soaps;
Prune to encourage open airflow;
Encourage predators (ladybirds and lacewings) - bio control;
Squish, or jet off with water.
Trees & shrubs - routine maintenance
Mulch with garden compost or bark chips;
Weed regularly by hand, hoeing or forking (or herbicides in some instances);
Additional watering in dry spells;
Stake newly planted trees to help roots establish;
Tree guards may be needed to protect newly planted trees from rabbits.
FIVE things that alpine and rock gardens can incorporate
Screes
Rockeries
Gravel gardens
Stone troughs
Dry stone walls
Problems and their solutions, for alpine/rock gardens
Water sitting on crown and water logging - leads to root rot;
Grey mould (Botrytis) common in wet conditions;
Vine weevils are particular pests in containers and open ground;
Top dressing with gravel mulch keeps water away from neck of plants, suppresses weeds and looks attractive;
Avoid watering foliage or water sitting on foliage;
Use nematodes for vine weevil problems.
General mix for rock and scree gardens
1 part loam/garden soil (sterilised!)
1 part sand/grit/gravel
1 part leaf mould/peat substitute
SCREE gardens - use THREE parts grit and NO sand!
If using acid-loving plants, lower soil pH by increasing amount of acidic peat substitute in preference to loam.
(pH must be appropriate for the plants!)
How to create a ROCK GARDEN
Remove weeds and debris first!
Create mounds with rubble and cover with upside-down turves;
Place rocks to create rocky outcrops (prop up with smaller stones)
Get help with heavy rocks - use crowbar to lever!
Firm in with general mix as each rock is placed;
Once larger rocks are placed, add more general mix and firm in;
Plant plants as desired, using trowel;
Top-dress with gravel mulch;
Water thoroughly.
How to create a SCREE garden
If site isn’t sloped, need to create a gentle slope;
Use rubble to create a roughly level bed on slope.
Bed should be around 15cm deep and topped with inverted turves;
Top this with 15cm scree mix and firm in.
Water before planting;
When planting, remove as much growing media from around roots as possible - spread roots out in planting hole;
Firm plants in place;
Top dress with larger stone chippings;
Water thoroughly.
How to create a GRAVEL BORDER
Weed area and ideally place porous fabric (Mypex/landscpae fabric) down;
Pin fabric down at edges, place plants out where desired, and adjust;
Cut slits in fabric and plant through it;
Top dress with gravel;
*If fabric isn’t used, gravel will need topping up as it will sink into soil over time. Keep an eye on weeds for first few years.
Define: Rock garden, Scree garden, Gravel border.
Rock garden:
Classic rock garden with rocky outcrops, creating strata.
Scree garden:
Created on gentle slopes. Don’t typically have large rocky outcrops of a rock garden.
Gravel border:
Great for droughty, sandy soils, areas of low rainfall. Good for Mediterranean plants. Low maintenance.
Containers for rock and alpine gardens
Old sinks
Polystyrene trays
Porous - terracotta, stone, hypertufa
Retain water - glazed pots, sinks
Whatever it is, it needs adequate drainage holes!
Planting up rock/alpine containers
Cover drainage holes with crocks/gauze to prevent growing media washing out the bottom;
Growing media s/b free-draining - general mix is fine for containers;
Add slow-release fertiliser to media;
Fill trough with media and place any desired rocks, firming as you go;
Position plants, remove from pot and tease out roots - plant, being careful not to bury leaves or crown;
Water in and top-dress with layer of gravel.
*NB - think carefully about position of container - once planted up it will be very heavy.
Annual maintenance of rock garden (each season)
Spring:
Replace/replant any plants past their best
Hand weed - be vigilant!
Feed slow-release fertiliser if necessary (lightly!)
Can add 1cm OM - under mulch
Mulch with grit after adding compost or fertiliser - look for bare patches following rains/snow.
Summer:
Hand weed
Deadhead / remove dead leaves or plantlets in rosette-forming species - keep tidy!
For very small plants, use tweezers!
Water if necessary - prolonged drought - and thoroughly if you do! - let water soak deep into soil.
Autumn:
Hand weed
Continue deadheading and tidying
Trim to keep plants compact - light pruning with scissors
Replace / replant any plants past best
Mulch with grit to cover any bare patches before winter.
Winter:
Some plants may need winter protection:
Lift and place under glass if in pots
Provide shelter from cold winter rain (avoid root rot)
Single glass pane propped up over them will do nicely!
Annual lawn maintenance (by season)
WINTER:
- keep off lawn in frosty conditions
- remove leaves & debris
- maintain all lawn mechanical equipment & hand tools
- control moles Feb to June
- prepare top dressings and composts
- prepare lawn mechanical equipment and hand tools
SPRING:
- early spring - poss give first cut and lightly roll
- apply spring fertiliser - high in N - until August, if required
- control moss
- control weeds
- control pests
- fungicide treatment for diseases if they appear
- lightly scarify, aerate and top dress
- begin lawn-mowing with cutting height set high
- turf when conditions allow, from March
- sow lawn seed onto prepared beds (April-May)
- brush to disperse worm casts and dew prior to cutting (spring & autumn)
- mow regularly as weather improves and gradually lower cutting height
- light rolling, periodically
- aerate periodically
- repair lawn edges
- towards end of spring, apply a balanced fertiliser
SUMMER:
- mow regularly - maintain lower cut heights
- water during dry spells
- aerate periodically
- do NOT install lawn seed in summer months
- ONLY install turf if conditions allow - avoid extreme dry periods.
- control leatherjackets - re-check and apply additional treatments (July to Sept.)
- August is last chance to apply N-rich fertiliser
- apply “feed & weed” to allow grass to strengthen before Sept scarification
- apply fungicides/pesticides if necessary
- prepare seed beds for Sept sowing/turfing
AUTUMN:
- control weeds & pests
- assess for fungal diseases
- treat fusarium patch disease (Sept to Nov)
- Sept is last chance to control leatherjackets
- if moss is a problem, apply moss killer 2 weeks before scarifying
- apply fungicides/weedkillers/pesticides as required
- reduce mowing frequency and raise height to autumn cutting heights
- seed / turf new lawns
- apply autumn fertilisers, high in K
- carry out aeration using solid or hollow tines
- scarify vigorously and apply generous top dressing
- over-seed renovated areas
- cut if required, reduce frequency, maintain autumn cutting heights
- rake off leaves and debris
- overhaul equipment
Annual pond maintenance (by season)
SPRING:
Fish
- feed when returning from dormancy and seen more active in pond.
Equipment
- reconnect electricals (pumps and fountains) once frost has passed.
Plants
- stock with new plants from LATE spring (after frost risk)
- feed established plants (packet or solid mass fertilisers)
- divide any plants too big for pond
Cleaning
- remove dead leaves (floating and submerged) and other organic matter
- deadhead flowers and remove debris
SUMMER:
Fish
- continue to feed as required
Plants
- deadhead and remove debris
- thin out excessive growth of oxygenating plants
Cleaning
- remove blanket weed (long cane or rake). Leave material at side for a day so critters can crawl back
- in large ponds, barley straw can be used to suppress algae. Place straw bale in pond (in netting) and leave for summer.
AUTUMN:
Equipment
- disconnect electricals (pumps & fountains) before frosts set in
- clean equipment if possible.
- set up pond heater, if using.
Cleaning
- remove any organic matter you can (fallen leaves from bottom, cut back floating plants and vigorous marginals)
- keep area around pond tidy of fallen leaves from nearby plants
- net can be put over surface BUT consider wildlife access (birds and mammals)!
- can do water change (20-25%) to keep water healthy for fish and plants in dormancy
- if pond has stagnated or has severe algal problems, do a cleanout and complete water replacement.
WINTER:
- relatively quiet!
- if water freezes, melt hole (don’t break)
- remove some water so level is no longer in contact with ice above, to prevent re-freezing
- pond heaters or water features with moving water, can be installed to prevent freezing.
