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Alpines
Alpines need very freely draining soil, especially around their ‘necks’. Plant alpines with the rootball 1.5cm (0.5in) proud of soil level, and surround with a layer of horticultural grit or chippings. This drains very quickly, suppresses weeds and looks attractive.
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Bulbs
Bulbs need to be planted deeper than you’d think. The rule of thumb is three times their own depth, so for a 5cm (2in) daffodil bulb, that’s a hole 15cm (6in) deep. But don’t worry if you’ve done it wrong because bulbs will ‘drag’ themselves to the correct depth using contractile roots.
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| Some bulbs need shallow planting, for example, Madonna lilies, Lilium candidum, should have their ‘noses’ just showing above the ground.
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| Protect bulbs from theft by mice or squirrels by covering them with wire mesh or lots of holly leaves.
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Clematis
Clematis need to go in deep – the top of the root ball should be 10cm to 15cm (4in to 6in) below the soil surface. This keeps roots cool and moist, and helps recovery from clematis wilt.
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Evergreens
Plant as ‘standard’, but keep them really well watered. Conifers have lots of leaf area, and if not well watered can lose water more quickly than their roots can absorb it. This will result in their turning terminally brown.
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| Other causes of ‘scorch’ are strong wind and sun, so if you live in an exposed area, protect with a windbreak.
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