Episode 3

Mulch is a protective covering placed on top of soil and around plants and has many benefits, three of which are:

Suppresses annual weeds and weakens perennial weeds;
Retains soil moisture;
Protects plant roots from extreme temperatures;

As Monty says, mulching is probably one of the most important things you can do in a border, particularly in late spring when the soil has warmed up. The soil and most plants benefit from the application of a thick layer of mulch, on average between 2” – 5” (5-15cm) deep, but care should be taken not to place the mulch in direct contact with the stems of trees or specimen shrubs, as this can cause stems to soften making them vulnerable to diseases.

More on mulching (www.rhs.org.uk) 

Amelanchier are a versatile group of hardy shrubs and trees with a light airy canopy. They thrive in well-drained, lime-free moist soils. Their moderate growth and three seasons of interest make them an ideal choice for small gardens or areas where space is limited.

More on growing Amelanchier (www.rhs.org.uk) 

Barbican Conservatory Garden

Visit the second biggest Conservatory in London, (home to more than 2,000 species of tropical plants and trees), and explore a hidden tropical oasis in the heart of the city.

Visit theBarbican website for the Conservatory opening details. (www.barbican.org.uk) 

Information on Barbican’s forthcoming exhibition 'Building the Brutal'

Clematis Corner

A delightful Oxfordshire garden crammed full of clematis.
Open from 2pm until 5pm each Wednesday and Sunday in June, July and August 2016
For more information contact Mike Brown 
Telephone:01865 858721 Email: clematiscorner@btinternet.com