Gardening

Gerry Daly tells us why every garden should have a Camellia, what to do in your garden this month and suggests a new use for newspapers.

A real class act!
The camellia is such a beautiful flower that every garden or conservatory should have one. The popularity of the camellia has been transformed in recent years by the widespread introduction of new varieties. These are much more reliable in flower than the older Japanese kinds, which sometimes sulked and did not flower for years. The new kinds, known as Williamsii hybrids, were raised from species that are from colder parts of Asia and the new varieties are more suitable for our climate, much hardier and less affected by frost. From a young plant, they flower each year very prolifically and they make a nice shrub or small tree.

The foliage is smaller and neater than the Japanese kinds and less likely to turn yellow in sunlight. In fact, these camellias are best grown in full sunshine to flower most.

Good named varieties include the following: 'Anticipation', large pink double flowers; 'JC Williams', single pale pink flowers; 'Inspiration', semi-double deep pink; 'Donation', semidouble large, light pink flowers and 'Jury's Yellow' with white flowers and a creamy-yellow centre. Like all camellias, these need an acidic soil, but a planting area of about one metre diameter can be prepared by piling up some acid soil and peat mixed to a height at the centre of 15 to 20cm and planting on the mound. Sulphate of iron can be used at 100 grams per square metre to help to acidify the soil. Or simply grow a camellia in a large pot or tub in acid soil mixed with limefree compost. A small plant can be grown in a greenhouse or a conservatory for a few years and can look wonderful in early spring, the flowers pristine and unaffected by weather.

This Month in your Garden...

• plant garlic and shallots if the soil is in good condition
• prune late-summer shrubs before new growth begins
• plant trees and shrubs in good weather
• sow bedding annual flowers in a heated propagator
• overgrown conservatory and greenhouse climbers can be pruned
• plant early potato varieties in the mild areas in light soil
• prune apple and pear trees to improve the fruit quality
• clean down the greenhouse glass to improve light and warmth
• mow the lawn at the first

Care for the environment: Mulch with newspapers!

Newspapers make good temporary mulch around small plants, new flowers and shrubs and even around vegetables, such as cabbage and sweet corn. If you gather the newspapers over a period of time, it is amazing how much ground you can cover. Place the newspapers, full-size or halffolded in position and soak them with a garden hose. Scatter some bark mulch over the newspaper mulch if they are laid out in a prominent position. The newspaper makes the mulch go further. The paper breaks down in a few months, depending on temperature and dampness, but it can save weeding, and it uses a waste product!

Using Garden Tools

Garden trowel
A garden trowel is used for planting small plants and bulbs. It is shaped like a small shovel with a pointed, rounded blade. It can also be used for weeding and helping to uproot weeds. It is important to find a trowel that 'fits' your hand. The handle should fit nicely into the centre of the palm of your hand, because that is where the driving force is applied to push the trowel into the soil. Generally, the back of the trowel faces away from the user and the soil is pulled towards you. If the handle is uncomfortable, the trowel will be difficult to use and may cause blisters

Energy Saving Safety Tips

Do check flexes regularly for signs of wear, particularly on portable tools, electric irons, kettles and vacuum cleaners. Don't make joints in a flex. Replace it with one of adequate length.