A TELEPHONE call recently from Photographer Royal, Arthur Edwards, requested help in choosing and planting a tree, so he could be part of Her Majesty The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. Our conversation revealed the surprising news to me that Arthur in his 80th year had never planted a tree before! He has a modest suburban garden with a couple of aged fruit trees in the back garden down to lawn.
My suggestion was a new cultivar of apple, because the ultimate size of a tree can be controlled by the rootstock onto which it is grafted: Malling 27 and M9 for small trees; Malling Merton 106 (MM106) for medium size; and for vigorous full standards, the choice would be M25.
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
