yardz

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE WITH SOLARGROW

 

The Solargrow from www.greenhousesensation.co.ukis a solar powered hydroponic growing system. Plants are planted in a clay granule medium above a reservoir of water and nutrient. The nutrient medium is then directly pumped over the roots and as this drains away into the reservoir, oxygen is pulled to the roots.

Plants grown in a Solargrow typically produce 3x more yield than plants grown using soil, growbags or irrigation kits. This is because the Solargrow makes sure that plants aren’t under any stress, so they grow strong and healthy and can focus on producing fruit.

Is this the future of growing plants in small spaces?

BIRD HOMES WITH STYLE

   

I have a passion for well designed bird feeders and bird houses.

This one is by Gary Cruce and is available from www.twentytwentyone.com

'It is designed to accommodate common cavity-nesting birds such as  house sparrows, wrens, and swallows.

A natural structure of bentwood and laminate gives this birdhouse a light-hearted yet sophisticated form. Made entirely of European Birch laminate, this birdhouse is weatherproofed by a high quality oil, composed entirely of natural elements. Nest is easy to hang from a nail or screw mounted to a wall or post. A removable back panel makes cleaning easy.'

Dimensions
18w x 17d x 28h

£49.00 plus p&p

http://www.twentytwentyone.com/goBuy.asp?ProductID=1513

POLYANTHUS HARD TO RESIST

 

Couldn't resist posting this photo.

Polyanthus are looking good at the moment adding a great splash of colour to any container. I prefer them to primroses as they hold their flowers above the foliage. They look amazing mixed as all the colours are so strong and really do not need underplanting with bulbs. They are perennial  lasting from year to year but in small gardens its best to compost them after flowering and buy new plants in the autumn.

COWICHANS

 

Cowichan Polyanthus have the brightest of flowers for spring containers. They are well worth searching out as most garden centres won't stock them.

These stunning polyanthus have flowers with very small 'eyes' which results in distinctive blooms of deep colours including wine reds,ruby and salmon.

Underplant them with simple deep coloured tulips chosen to flower at about 20-25cm high to give an amazing result.

SPRINGS HERE - PUT THE KITCHEN IN THE GARDEN

   

Grandhall from www.leisuregrow.com is a free standing exterior kitchen range that can be built around a 4 or 5 burner barbecue.

It is very stylish in black and stainless steel. The range includes a sink unit, storage unit, range unit and corner unit, all of which can be bought separately to create any combination desired.

       

http://www.leisuregrow.com/bbq-series/grandhall

CHINESE ARTICHOKES - SOMETHING DIFFERENT

 

Having grwon Jerusalem Atichokes for the last few years, I thought for this year I would have a go at growing the smaller Chinese Artichoke (Stachys affinis). They are very invasive so I'm going to container grow them.

These small artichokes are delicious with a nutty flavour. Plant any time now and then harvest from late october. The tubers can be eaten raw, stir fried or steamed.

The tubers are available now from specialist veg suppliers and seed suppliers.

www.thompson-morgan.com    £7.99 for 20

www.organiccatalog.com   £6.35 for 20

www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk  £7.95 for 25