Some Handy Tips on Dealing With Pests and Weeds in the Garden

Posted on January 15, 2012 by

As Thomas Fuller once said ‘a good garden may have some weeds’. No matter how lovingly we tend our garden, there will always be weeds. And, as our gardens are natural habitats for wildlife, there will also be those creatures that frequent our gardens that we would rather do without. Here are some useful and inexpensive ways of dealing with both those creatures in the garden we describe as pests and with those ever present weeds.

Slugs and snails

Birds and other wildlife such as hedgehogs are natural predators for slugs and snails, but there may be times when there are still more than you can tolerate either eating young plants in a border or precious vegetable seedlings on your allotment. It is difficult to eradicate them completely and as they attract other beneficial wildlife, this should never be your aim. Slugs traps buried in the ground and filled with beer are an effective method. The drawback is that other insects tend to also fall in, some of which may be a garden friend. Sharp gravel and even crushed egg shells can also help deter slugs and snails. Bran sprinkled around the base of a pant is effective. Although slugs and snails are attracted to it, it kills them. Perhaps the most effective way is to catch them yourself. Hunt them at night when they are most active, particularly when it is wet and destroy them by putting them into a bucket of salty water.

Birds

Some birds are definitely unwanted visitors to your garden. It may be a pesky pigeon intent on devouring your cabbages, or a sparrow hawk wanting to make a meal of garden song birds. Unwanted CDs or used foil containers make great bird scarers. Thread them on to a string and hang them from trees or from the top of canes to catch the light and deter unwanted birds.

Squirrels can be a real nuisance when it comes to raiding your bird feeder. There are many bird feeders on sale that purport to be squirrel proof, but many are ineffective against this inventive little creature. There is one feeder you can buy which does seem to work. Bird feeders that fix onto a window pane using suction pads can be placed in the middle of the window where there is nowhere for the squirrels to grab on. You have the added bonus of being able to get up close and personal to your feeding garden birds.

Insects and fly

Garlic cloves planted around the base of roses is said to help deter greenfly. Alternatively spray them with soapy liquid or encourage ladybirds and hoverflies into your garden who love to eat them. Earwigs eat flower buds and leaves. They like to hide away during the day, so fill an upturned pot with straw and place it near where the earwigs are feeding. They will crawl in and hide among the straw. You can then shake them out into a bucket of water.

Other garden pests

Pests and vermin such as rats, mice and rabbits can be trapped and either released elsewhere or humanely destroyed. You can also help deter rabbits by removing their access to your garden. Block up holes with wire netting sunk deep into the ground.

Weeds

It is hard to define a weed. Essentially it is a plant growing in a place where you don’t want it. For those weeds that grow through cracks in your patio, mix a solution of salty water and water the weeds well with it. To prevent them growing back, pour dry salt into the cracks.

Although it is possible to kill weeds, it is always better to try and prevent them from growing in the first place. Mulching or adding a layer of organic material to the soil surface is good way of keeping down weeds. It will also help to conserve moisture during dry weather. Weeding is nobody’s favourite job, but it is still one of the most effective ways of getting rid of them. Many annual weeds such as chickweed and groundsel are easy to pull out of the ground. Make sure you pull them up before they flower and have the chance to produce seed. Perennial weeds like dandelion and buttercup tend to have deeper roots, so make sure you dig deep and remove the entire root. Many of these weeds can regenerate from just a tiny bit of remaining root in the ground.

It is just as important to pay close attention to weeds that might set themselves in garden planters. Because of the confined space, weeds can quickly assert themselves, often to the detriment of the health of your potted plant. Make sure you regularly check your container plants for weeds and remove them immediately. Because container plants are often pot bound, it can become quite difficult to remove weeds once their roots have embedded themselves among the roots of a container plant.

Garden Planters source unusual outdoor and indoor planters, and other garden related gifts – whatever your taste, be it traditional, modern or just a bit quirky, we will have something for you. Run by two qualified and creative gardeners, Garden Planters will also plant up your chosen planter with an arrangement of your choice. We believe garden planters are an integral part of any garden – they enhance the overall design and say a little something about the person to whom the garden belongs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Poultney

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6813133
Posted in Pest | Tagged | Comments Off

Great Reasons Why Any Serious Gardener Should Make Compost

Posted on January 14, 2012 by

You may pause at the thought of getting your own compost bin because of the perception that it is a dirty and messy endeavor to undertake. This is why a quick trip to the local garden centre is so popular as it’s a no hassle way to go but there are many reasons why it’s a great idea to start your own compost pile.

Anyway to start with, yes there is some work involved but the pros far outweigh the cons in this situation.

One of the most obvious advantages to having a compost bin is that you can fill it with food and garden waste which is only getting thrown away anyway so in effect it’s free. This is in contrast to going out and getting the synthetic equivalents from a garden store. Even if you manage to buy the best homemade organic compost on the market can you imagine just how much it’ll cost if you have to cover a large area.

Another good reason for having your own compost is that it can very often contain many more nutrients and minerals compared with the commercial synthetic made products you can buy. Compost also has a longer life to it which adds to the effectiveness of its use. With that being said it makes perfect sense to put in some effort in making compost. yourself.

What many people don’t realize is that fertilizer is basically a food for plants where as compost is a food for the soil. It’s very good for making the soil more erosion proof while improving the retention of water. I can also help to stop soil sticking together too much which can be a problem for plants.

You may still not be swayed by the benefits so far or making your own compost verses buying a synthetic version but as a gardener you should know that apart from the obvious cost saving and improved nutrients you can also tailor your own compost to suit your exact needs. Different plants thrive best with different types on nutrients so it would be very easy with a little research to find out exactly which combination of waste can produce top quality compost that fit your needs exactly.

You can also account for other variables like the type of soil you have and what weeds and pests tend to popup. The right compost can cure all these ailments and make your life a lot easier.

Other benefits to using compost is that it have proven to reduce the likely hood of diseases which can really plague certain types of plants in specific conditions. Compost is very green in terms of the environment because it’s also great at adding carbon to the soil which over time can help to eradicate the excess carbon dioxide in the air which has been connected with global warming. It is also really good at dropping the PH levels in soil and ridding the toxins left by synthetic chemicals which is the reason why farmers use it so much.

As you can see, compost provides no end of benefits to the soil a gardener uses to grow plants and it really is a must with anything to do with gardening. I’ve also pointed out several reasons for making your own compost with a secure compost bin in the backyard or garden. It’s now up to you as to whether you’re up for the challenge.

By the way it’s pretty easy to make compost but you can always get some advice from a local gardener to give you some pointers. That’s exactly what I did when I went looking online and entered gardner St Albans into the search engine to find a long list of gardener’s websites. I then just went ahead and gave one a call and they were very helpful.

If you’re looking to have someone else do all manner of gardening for you it’s just a matter of hiring a local gardening company like Wright Choice Gardening who cater to all sorts of jobs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_D._Marsden

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6805454
Posted in fertilizer | Tagged | Comments Off

Tips For Making Your Silk Flower Arrangement Beautiful

Posted on January 13, 2012 by

Nearly anyone can learn to arrange flowers. You do not have to be a professional to make a beautiful silk flower arrangement. Silk flowers are an excellent choice for beginners because they are easy to work with and last forever.

The best place to begin is to decide where the flowers will be placed. A flower arrangement that is for the centerpiece of a dining table will definitely look different than a flower arrangement that is going to be on a shelf or in a corner.

Next, pick a vase. The size and shape of the vase will determine the size of the flower arrangement. A general rule is to use a vase that is half the height of the arrangement. This will give it a nice balance. Also, if you want a very full arrangement, you will want to choose a vase that is larger and has a wider opening. If you are going for something simple and sophisticated, you can choose a tall vase with a narrow opening. Another good choice for the beginning florist is to use a vase that has a crosshatch pattern over the top. This allows you to arrange the flowers more easily and evenly. Otherwise, you will need to cut a piece of Styrofoam or florist foam to fit inside the vase in order to anchor the flowers.

The only limit when choosing the flowers to arrange is your imagination. You can select a bunch of flowers that are the same color but in varying hues of that color. For instance choose several flowers that are different shades of yellow, from palest lemon to deep gold. Or you can work with all warm shades like yellow, orange and red, or all cool shades like blue, purple and green. It is best to choose three or more colors with one of them being more dominant than the others. It helps to have a color wheel that shows complementary colors, secondary colors and other pleasing color combinations.

To choose your design, you can go with a horizontal design or a vertical design, depending on what it is going to be used for. A vertical design that is spare and simple will look stunning on a corner table, and a horizontal design would look great on a buffet table or dining table. Use odd numbers of flowers to get the best effect.

Some people like to start with the greenery and fillers, and others like to start with the flowers. Experiment with both ways to find out which is more comfortable for you. Remember not to overload your vase. When you are done, take a step back and view your design. You want it to look symmetrical.

If you still feel like your flower arranging skills are not the best, you can always take a class at your local craft store or college. Making your own silk floral arrangements can be fun and fulfilling.

Source: Free Articles

Posted in Flower | Tagged , | Comments Off

Selection of Your Lawn Care Machine

Posted on January 12, 2012 by

Lawn mower has become one of important equipments for your lawn. Lawnmower is used to cut grass to an even length on a smaller scale. Mower machine is really one of the most valuable and time-Saving power tools.

There are different types of electric model of mower available in the market which will sure make your work as simple as you want it. You can easily choose one of them according to your requirement. These electric models have very strong batteries which can mow at least a half acre before it needs to be recharged. These electric models are really quiet eco friendly as they don’t produce any noxious fumes.

A proper mower for your lawn is the first step to get a beautiful lawn in your home. If you have a very large yard, a riding lawnmower or lawn tractor will probably make most sense. If your yard is small to medium sized, perhaps a walk behind mower with high wheels will work better, especially if your yard has any steep slopes. If it’s a small yard, you might be able to get away with an electric mulching lawnmower or even a reel type push mower instead.

Nowadays there are various types of designs available in the market which have reel blades and cut at the front of the mowers, suitable for those in the profession of maintaining lawns. If there isn’t a golf link to mow then the rotary type model is good and perfect for your lawn. The mowing blades are usually found below the deck below the seat and can give you some vibration. With a well-cushioned seat, it will not trouble you. Rotary lawnmowers are powered either by electric or gasoline. The rotary mower is a mowing deck, steel or aluminum that houses a single rotating blade.

Before you chose a lawn mower, decide whether you want to buy an electric or gasoline driven mower. Each type has its own ups and downs. You can also find smaller riding lawnmowers that will work with your lawn as well. The fundamental workings are similar to the larger ones but the major difference will be the size and the power of the machine itself. If you have an even, smooth yard, you also won’t need very much horsepower. If you have a very hilly area, however, you will need a lot more. If your lawn is undulating, a lawn tractor is a good option.

Electric or gasoline hover mowers are operated by using a single long blade, rather like the rotary mower, but it is designed so that the rotation of the blade creates a down draft that lifts the mower off the ground.

Besides all these, a lawn tractor will also help you in cleaning your lawn. Tractor has 10-15 horsepower and can work well. Considering that a car has 150 ‘ 300 horsepower, it seems that it’s a lot less energy, but you don’t need that much. You will pay more for more horsepower, just like with a car. Make sure you really need it first.

Lawn tractor blades usually cut between 38 ‘ 42 inches and can cut the lawn quicker. However, it will be faster cutting your lawn, about 10% faster and with greater precision but it may be more expensive if you have a machine that can mow larger plots of land.

Not only this, you can get a garden tractor with 20 horsepower and up to 60″ mowing blades for a powerful, efficient machine. If you need to haul dirt or tree parts with an attached trailer, you can use this more efficiently and also it will sure give the desired result.

Before buying any mower you must check the area of your lawn because if you have a very low or even zero degree turning radius then it will cost a lot more. If you don’t have a lawn that is difficult to negotiate, you probably won’t need it. So, be careful while buying a lawnmower.

Source: Free Articles

Posted in gardening equipment | Tagged , | Comments Off

Introducing Bokashi Compost To A Compost Heap

Posted on January 11, 2012 by

In case you don’t like the prospect of burying Bokashi precompost directlyin your own yard, then one other way is to add it to a compost pile. This might be more straightforward than burying in the yard because you don’t need to plan where and when to dig holes or trenches to bury the precompost.

Adding pre-compost to the compost heap in the garden increases the speed that the organic matter within the heap breaks down. The reason this happens is because of the Effective Microorganisms (EM) situated in the precompost. Taking advantage of compost within a compost heap can be a smart way of incorporating animal-based, fish, dairy and cooked foodstuffs, making sure you’re able to completely recycle all of your food waste.

If introducing Bokashi precompost to a compost pile, you don’t have to worry too much about straining off all of the excess Bokashi Juice first (nevertheless Bokashi Juice is generally very handy, so you may choose to collect as much as possible for using elsewhere). Spare Bokashi Juice shouldn’t cause damage to the compost heap.

Given that Bokashi composting technique is anaerobic (it doesn’t need to have air), the Effective Microorganisms (EM) can easily get to work decomposing the organic matter in the compost heap throughout all levels. They don’t just breakdown the matter near the exterior, or upon you frequently turning or aerating the pile.

When introducing compost, it’s best to combine the fermented waste materials (along with EM contained within it) all through the pile as far as possible. We recommend digging several divots inside the heap, as deep as is easily achievable, and covering the bottoms with Bokashi pre-compost. Then, stuff the divots with individual layers of pre-compost and organic matter from the compost pile, mixing while you go.

Adding Bokashi precompost to a compost pile speeds up the rate the heap breaks down, giving you rich compost sooner than usual. Once Bokashi pre-compost is added the process typically doubles in speed, however this may change depending on temperature and composition of the compost heap. Introducing Bokashi precompost to the compost pile is a wonderful way of making certain you add all of your food waste to your recycling. A lot of people who have compost piles at home are unable to make use of the nutrients locked inside forms of food which are hard to breakdown. Meat, fish, cooked foods and dairy are ordinarily all sent to landfill. With Bokashi, these nutrients can be put to good use and recycled at home. Bokashi composting is a good way of incorporating these tricky foods within your compost pile.

You can most likely tell, we really love Bokashi Composting. We think it is the best way of recycling kitchen scraps, and is excellent as a kitchen compost bin. Bokashi is swift, simple and inexpensive. It’s the ideal way for you to do your bit for the environement, to keep waste away from landfill, and to create top quality garden compost in your house.

http://www.amazines.com/Gardening/article_detail.cfm/3743444?articleid=3743444

Posted in Compost, fertilizer | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Why Do I Need Solar Panels?

Posted on January 10, 2012 by

There has been plenty of speculation on climate change for many years now as well as the campaigning against the pollution that our energy sources produce. Non-renewable energy is harmful to nature, animals, the general environment and it affects the quality of the air that we breathe, as well as causing various other negative impacts.

There has therefore been a race to harness renewable energy from sources such as wind, water and the sun. However, until recently, these have been difficult to use effectively. The most powerful item most of us have used with solar power has probably been a calculator!

The media have been warning us about the harmful effects of global warming for years, and we understand our growing need for energy is one of the biggest contributers.

One of the most suitable forms of clean energy which supplies enough energy for domestic use is solar panels. These are becoming increasingly popular as an option in residential housing to be used to heat hot water without the need for gas. In fact, simply searching “solar panels Shropshire” on Google alone will now bring up hundreds of websites that address the interest in the Shropshire area.

There are a range of reasons why people in Shropshire and across Britain are opting for solar panels. The first reason is of course that it is an eco-friendly way of producing energy. Solar panels use rays from the sun which are then converted into power. This means that the hot water system is powered by a completely natural and renewable energy source, rather than relying on the traditional polluting energy sources such as gas and coal-driven power stations.

The second, and probably more popular reason, is the fact that once the solar panels are fitted, power is effectively free for life. There are no running costs and the solar panels will produce energy year round without ever issuing you any bills. With energy costs rapidly rising and likely to continue doing so, the use of free renewable energy is becoming more and more appealing and more and more cost effective.

A third benefit of solar panels is that they may actually increase the value of your home should you move. A house with solar panels can be worth 3-4% more than if it didn’t have any.

The fourth reason that people opt for solar panels in Shropshire and other counties is because they can actually work for you to generate an income. Many people do not know about this little secret. The solar panels will not only generate the power you require for your own home, but if there is excess energy left at the end of it then this is fed back to the grid and you are actually paid for this excess power. This means that not only are you enjoying free power but can earn out of it too!

Solar panels offer many benefits. As well as being eco-friendly they offer an effective way to cut the cost of your bills at a time when energy companies are charging more than ever. This, added to the fact that you could even generate an income by installing solar panels, means it’s hard not to see the appeal of utilising the sun’s energy.

Solar Days offer cost effective solutions to those looking to have solar panels installed in their home. Solar days can help you save money on heating and even make an income from excess energy by using solar panels in Shropshire.

http://www.amazines.com/Gardening/article_detail.cfm/3740698?articleid=3740698

Posted in Solar panel | Tagged , , | Comments Off

How To Buy Cost Effective Landscaping Equipment

Posted on January 9, 2012 by

All around the globe, designing and caring for one’s lawn and gardens is the favorite pastime of many people. Just like any other hobby, proper tools and materials are the basic requirements for lawn upkeep; and it is essential that the correct tool be used for a particular job, for best results.

The price of the equipment is the first thing to come to mind – it is mostly ‘cheap vs. expensive’ situation. As a one-time investment, things like garden tools should always be of a good quality. Buying a cheap tool the first time may have you pay more in the sense that if the tool breaks after a few days also try checking out online store at Lawnmowerbuy, you would need to buy a replacement tool. So, it is always a sensible idea to go in for quality equipment in the first instance.

The garage or the potting shed can be the ideal place to stack away your basic garden equipment – like cultivators, trowels, pruning sheers and hedge trimmers. If left out in the open these tools may gather rust; and placing them on a cold cement floor, after use, should also be avoided. A pegboard put up against a wall is a good way of hanging up all your tools. Most gardening tools have sharp edges, so they should be put away with guards on them, especially if you have small children around.

Tools that are somewhat large – like shovels, rakes, and spades – need lot of storage room. However, to keep them in an organized manner, it is not a bad idea to buy a rack that can be mounted on the wall.

For huge and bulky tools – like wheelbarrows, power de-thatchers, aerators and garden rollers – you need to work out the cost of the tool vis-à-vis its use, and see if it is worth the purchase. As it is, whenever you require them, you can take these large tools on rent from Gardentractorbuy.com.

A watering hose are the clumsiest piece of garden equipment you ever can own. You would no this better if you’ve been involved in the painful struggle of coiling up a hose. To solve this problem in the best possible manner, buy a reel to store the hose on. Reels that can attach to the side of your house are any day a better buy than those that stand on the ground.

For the maintenance of a garden, weeding is by far one of the most prolonged and arduous jobs. Use of landscape fabric makes the task somewhat easy and less tiring. However, the use of plastic sheeting is a ‘no-no’, as it kills soil and plants in the garden.

For upkeep of a garden, you definitely need a lawnmower. The types of lawnmowers commonly in use are – the gas-powered or electric push mowers, or riding mowers for big gardens. In case you have a hillside to look after Electriclawnmowersbuy.com, ensure two things – a low center of gravity of the mower and suitable strength of the user.

Source: Free Articles

Posted in Landscape | Tagged , | Comments Off

Buying A Pond Heater: Vital Considerations

Posted on January 8, 2012 by

Buying a pond heater might not necessarily be the most glamorous of topics, yet it is crucial to make sure you buy the right pond heater for your koi pond in order to ensure a healthy and safe environment for the fish and other life forms that live in your pond. Knowing what to opt for in buying a pond heater is vital to the success of your pond eco-system, and in this article we’ll look at exactly what must be taken into consideration. Whilst it may be important to speak to an expert in the area for a better idea of what’s best for your pond and the fish contained within it, there is still a great deal that can be done with a few steps in the right direction.

De-icer or heater?

One of the first questions you should consider when trying to buy a heater for your koi pond is whether or not you are looking to actually heat the pond, or rather just to prevent it from freezing over in the course of the winter months. The outcome of this will determine exactly which type of heater you need, and the implications thereafter for maintenance costs and the impact on the survival of your fish. Heating a pond is more difficult than de-icing, and will probably require some further reading and research to make sure you achieve both efficiency and optimum heat across the pond.

Cost of purchase?

The cost of a heater will determine whether or not it is the unit for you, but you shouldn’t let this overly cloud your view. Remember to take into consideration all the relevant factors before making your decision, including ongoing costs aside from the initial cost of purchase. Likewise some units may be cheaper than others, but this could be reflected in terms of the quality of the heater, and the need for ongoing care and repairs.

Heating costs?

Seldom seriously considered is the ongoing cost of heating a pond with your pond heater. As far as making your decision goes, you should take into account the fact that some heaters require far more electricity and energy than others, which can be reflected in increased operating costs. Additionally certain heaters will inevitably require more in the way of maintenance costs, which can also affect your choice of model.

Source: Free Articles

Posted in Pond | Tagged | Comments Off

Custom Design of Glass Greenhouse

Posted on January 7, 2012 by

Glass Greenhouseis the right choice if you need a long lasting asset. Also you have the opportunity to beautify your surroundings in no time. With the use of Glass Greenhouse now you have the option having the construction made of your pattern. Custom designs are anytime favorable when it comes to greenhouses.

These designs always have the charm which brings a smile on your face. The working of a greenhouse is very easy and ensured to have positive results in no time. There are different sections that can be concentrated when you need to buy such construction material. Well there are online agencies that can be consulted as they will guide you in making your dream come true.

Internet purchase therefore opens up the options towards construction of Glass Greenhouse. There are numerous websites available that can be used for greenhouse construction. They have well equipped tools and devices which can ensure a top notch design. You might be overwhelmed with the type of designs they have for sale. Also you can looks for upgrades which will give a clear look to your greenhouse. Customized additions are anytime better and required for better functioning.

They have different types of options that can be used for having tuned performance. Before you zero on a Greenhouse design it is important that you check its certification and standardization. It will be able to confirm that its construction is genuine and up to the mark. Also you will be stress free regarding the overall order being genuine. Greenhouse installation is taken care by them directly. Most of the online websites offer delivery options.

You need not waste money for selecting the transportation and ensure the product will be delivered or not. Various payment options are also seen which one of the preferred features are. You can even check of various projects that has been completed by that firm, they will have pictorial representation of the basic design. Glass Greenhouse can be very effective if you time to give because it is one asset which requires a lot of attention. You can be sure of its benefits in the long run and enjoy them with pride since they are nature affectionate.

Internet purchase of greenhouse construction parts therefore proves to be easy and cost effective. You can surely make the need through online manufactures and invest in Glass Greenhouse. Always check for the manufacturer’s reputation before making the order. This will help in avoiding any type of loss which can complicate and generate future problems. Select from a wide variety as the internet purchase is simply superb.

Posted in Glass Greenhouse | Tagged | Comments Off

Something Fungal This Way Comes…

Posted on January 6, 2012 by

The gardening headlines this week have been plastered with the threat of two new diseases that could potentially devastate Europe’s indigenous tree population.

In southern France, along the famous Canal du Midi, a plan has been in motion since last winter that will see the felling and destruction of 42,000 plane trees in the region. This is due to the arrival of Ceratocystis platani, a disease that, since the 1970’s, has been blitzing across Europe, originating in Italy. It is believed the blight, endemic to North America, was brought across the ocean by U.S. soldiers in World War Two. While the Midi, perhaps due to its recently endowed world heritage title, is certainly the most noticeable among the losses, the disease has also become prevalent in Switzerland, Germany and Greece, where it now threatens a vast percentage of the original Plane population. The Canal, a world renowned tourist attraction, was originally designed as an economic conduit that allowed the merchants of old to bypass the treacherous Atlantic Ocean en route to the Mediterranean Sea. However, in a somewhat ironic twist, the original species of Mississippi Plane that have successfully adapted to this affliction are being imported in great numbers in order to replace one of the Canal’s main attractions. Unfortunately, while Toulouse can cater to their favoured humid environment, it is unclear whether this species will be viable to supplement the depletion that chillier areas of the continent have suffered. The threat does not stop in Toulouse however – given the virility of the affliction, tree pathologist Steve Woodward (University of Aberdeen) agrees that it poses a grave threat to the urban based Planes of cities like Paris and London. It is the Plane that so commonly and attractively lines our city streets. “We are talking about a massive disaster here if it continues to spread,” he says. The disease is a fungal infection that, once exposed to the roots of the organism, will completely overrun it within 3-5 years and due to the damage this causes to the plants integrity, it is imperative that it be removed, lest it should fall and endanger passers-by in doing so. The disease is characterized by cankerous sores appearing on the inner bark of the tree, as well as an accelerated decline in both the quality and density of the plants foliage. No wound to the outer bark is too great or small to escape it and contact equals instant infection.

In addition to this threat from abroad, a new menace has been identified in rural Devon as a potential watershed moment for the diminishment of our domestic Yews and Lawson Cypresses in the form of Phytophtora lateralis. Identifiable by the patchy colouring of its trunk, a tree will also often exhibit slightly lighter foliage in places followed by out of season autumn colours. The tree will succumb soon after, as this foliage deterioration signals that the tree has become totally infected. While certain soil drenches can be utilized in the earlier stages of the disease, these will likely prove ineffective once it has advanced past the root structure; aside from which, use of these drenches on a mass scale would likely cause further environmental concerns and prove something of a pyrrhic victory.

Due to this increasing encroachment of pests and diseases, a body has been established to specifically target incoming detriments to our native plant life. This group, known as the Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Action Plan, has been allocated seven million pounds with which, over the next three years, they will attempt to exert a tighter control on the intrusion of foreign fungi and pathogens that threaten the endemic population. “If we don’t act now, we could end up with a similar situation to the 1970s when more than 30 million trees in the UK died [as a result of] Dutch elm disease.” -Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman. The key responsibilities of the plan will include the monitoring of exotic plants allowed to cross British borders, as well as increasing the knowledge and awareness of currently existing domestic threats.

http://www.amazines.com/Gardening/article_detail.cfm/3724484?articleid=3724484

Posted in garden, Pest | Tagged , , | Comments Off