Latest news with #Geraniums
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Simple July task gives gardeners a 'second flush of flowers' this summer
A timely trim can rejuvenate early-flowering perennials, giving a garden a new lease of life in the height of summer, horticultural experts say Garden enthusiasts are being urged to reach for their pruning shears this month and provide early- flowering perennials with a well-timed cut, promising revitalised foliage and potentially even a second wave of blooms later this summer. Come early July, numerous early-blooming perennials including Oriental poppies, Alchemilla mollis, hardy Geraniums, and Nepeta start to appear tired. Their previously abundant leaves begin to turn brown and deteriorate, making flower beds appear scruffy. However, horticultural specialists suggest that a tactical pruning session now can restore vitality to these beloved garden plants. "If you cut these perennials back close to the ground and give them a feed, many will respond with fresh green growth and, in some cases, another round of flowering," The Sunday Gardener said. Begin by clearing away the faded foliage and stems to within a few inches of the earth, adding a balanced fertiliser or organic compost, watering thoroughly, and then being patient. Within a fortnight, gardeners should anticipate seeing a tidy cluster of fresh leaves, and possibly some additional flowers, reports the Express. Whilst the technique may initially render beds appearing sparse, the eventual benefits justify the brief bareness. For those worried about appearance, a shrewd suggestion is to coordinate the pruning with a summer getaway. "If you do it just before you go away, you'll return to a refreshed, revitalised garden," suggests the guide. Alchemilla mollis, also known as Lady's Mantle, may appear too lush for a severe cutback, yet gardening gurus confirm it thrives after such treatment. What might look like an extreme trim will, in just a few weeks, lead to a rejuvenated burst of new leaves. The "Chelsea Chop" technique is a nifty trick for gardeners to employ in July, breathing new life into plants that might have otherwise finished their display for the year. To capitalise on this mid-summer gardening strategy, begin by pruning early-blooming perennials like Oriental poppies, Alchemilla mollis, hardy Geraniums, and Nepeta from early to mid-July. Arm yourself with sharp shears and cut the plants down to just above the soil surface, then pamper them with a hearty feed and a good soak. Although your flowerbeds may initially seem barren, hold off on feeling disheartened; within a fortnight or so, you'll witness a resurgence of verdant growth, and often, a bonus round of flowering. With some dedication and tender loving care, your garden can flaunt a refreshed appearance deep into the season.
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to stock up on one ingredient boosting 12 plants
If your looking to give your plants a boost then make sure to get your hands on this one popular ingredient which can result in longer blooms, brighter hues and stronger petals If your plants need an extra boost in this summer's sweltering heat then this one handy kitchen item could just do the trick. As the summer kicks into full gear, most gardeners are looking forward to seeing their plants and flowers in full bloom. There are few things more satisfying than being surrounded by fresh blossoms and the sweet fragrance of floral buds. However, if you want your blooms to be as full as healthy as possible, it can be a good idea to give your plants some extra help. Luckily, you don't have to go out of your way to buy expensive fertiliser, or spend the time making your own compost. Experts have revealed one kitchen item that can help your plants thrive. It turns out that baking soda can do much more than simply make your bread rise. This handy powder can provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly boost for plants. DIY Everywhere explains: 'The effectiveness of baking soda in gardening is rooted in its chemical properties. As a mild alkaline substance, baking soda can help balance the pH levels of soil, making it less acidic.' This makes it particularly effective when it comes to plants that grow in alkaline soils. This includes twelve popular household plants, such as roses, geraniums and hydrangeas. Its benefits are numerous and can increase bloom size and result in more vibrant colours. In the case of hydrangeas, it can even give them a pinker colour. Other benefits include maximising bloom duration, strengthening plant stems and leaves, and even enhancing the fragrance of flowers like roses. Similarly, when it comes to marigolds, baking soda can intensify their natural pest-repelling properties. DIY Everywhere adds that baking soda also contains antifungal properties, which can help fight fungal infections that sometimes appear on plants. This can help boost their growth and overall health. As for how to use baking powder to enhance your plants, they suggest mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with about 3.7 litres of water. When watering, you should focus on the soil around the base so the roots feel the full effects. If you want to use baking soda to treat fungal infections, you can place the solution in a spray bottle and spritz onto the leaves. This process should be repeated every two weeks for the best results. 12 plants that bloom bigger with baking soda Begonias Hydrangeas Zinnias Petunias Geraniums Roses Marigolds Daisies Lilies Chrysanthemums
Scottish Sun
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
I'm a gardening pro – this is exact amount of seconds to water plants for during a heatwave & the best time of day
Plus we reveal UK's best new plants on the market - and scroll down to win a Lawnscare flower bundle HOT STUFF I'm a gardening pro – this is exact amount of seconds to water plants for during a heatwave & the best time of day Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) It's been really hot this week and the plants are really feeling it. High temperatures can cause wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth and a reduced ability to photosynthesis. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Let your lawn go brown - if its healthy it should grow back 2 Check there's no hosepipe ban in your area - if there is use a watering can Credit: Getty There' s all sorts of way you can reduce the pressure on the plants to cope. If you've got plants in pots - move them into the shade - and group them together - so they give each other protection. Water early in the morning before it starts getting really hot - so it doesn't all evaporate - or if that's not an option - when the sun's gone down. However morning is the best option - as slugs move around at night and love the damp soil. It's best to give them a really good soaking once or twice a week rather than a light water daily. And experts reckon you should count to between 20 and 25 seconds as you water each plant - to make sure the water soaks down through the soil to the roots. It's not what we want - but there's no problem with letting your lawn go brown - if it's healthy it will cope - and the green will return when there's a bit of rain. Raise your mower's cutting level and let the cuttings fall as mulch on the lawn - to keep in moisture. Keep weeding - so they're not competing with the plants you want in your outside space. Save and store any rainwater to reuse in your garden. If you don't have room for a water butt - just leave a few brightly coloured buckets around to catch any rain. 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails Or you could splash out on a dipping tank - which looks lovely and stories water. You could also set up an irrigation system - although these are costly - but a leaky hose can work just as well. Choose drought tolerant plants like Agapanthus, Lavender, Geums and hardy Geraniums.
The Irish Sun
21-06-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
I'm a gardening pro – this is exact amount of seconds to water plants for during a heatwave & the best time of day
It's been really hot this week and the plants are really feeling it. High temperatures can cause wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth and a reduced ability to photosynthesis. 2 Let your lawn go brown - if its healthy it should grow back 2 Check there's no hosepipe ban in your area - if there is use a watering can Credit: Getty There' s all sorts of way you can reduce the pressure on the plants to cope. If you've got plants in pots - move them into the shade - and group them together - so they give each other protection. Water early in the morning before it starts getting really hot - so it doesn't all evaporate - or if that's not an option - when the sun's gone down. However morning is the best option - as slugs move around at night and love the damp soil. Read More Gardening It's best to give them a really good soaking once or twice a week rather than a light water daily. And experts reckon you should count to between 20 and 25 seconds as you water each plant - to make sure the water soaks down through the soil to the roots. It's not what we want - but there's no problem with letting your Raise your mower's cutting level and let the cuttings fall as Most read in Fabulous Keep Save and store any 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails Or you could splash out on a You could also set up an irrigation system - although these are costly - but a leaky hose can work just as well. Choose drought tolerant plants like Agapanthus, Lavender, Geums and hardy Geraniums. Also in Veronica's Gardening Column this week... The best new plants on the market - plus a competition to win a Lawncare flower bundle A BRAND new cherry tree called Japanese Lantern has won the prestigious From growers The winners were… Annuals, Tender Perennials: LaBella Dahlia Grande Chocolate Rose - from Cacti & Succulents: Cotyledon Green Footprint - from Flowering Houseplants: Cyclamen persicum Super Serie Dragon Deep Blue - from Foliage Houseplants: Calathea 'Velvet Glory' - from Herbaceous Perennials : Hosta 'Silly String' - from Shrubs (including Conifers): Hydrangea Zeta Noir - from Trees Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo Japanese Lantern - from Frank P Mathews Ltd (BEST IN SHOW) WIN! Our friends at NEWS! Dragon's Den OG Theo Paphitus has launched a new online garden centre at JOB OF THE WEEK Pinch out the tips of fuchsia to encourage more flowers. Pick sweet peas to get more blooms. Stake tall perennials like Goura, deadhead spent geraniums, For more tips and news, follow me
