Aberdeen Gardening - Help For The Amateur Gardener

Garden pests,they are so numerous. Aphids, slugs, vine weavil. Plant diseases, rust on your roses, black spot, clematis wilt. You could go on and on, but what about cats? Are they much maligned or are they the gardeners worst enemy.
We have enjoyed gardening for thirty years, even had the privilege of being winners in the [...]

Probably the earliest perennial plant to flower in the garden is the Hellebores (Christmas Rose). In spite of their common name, they normally start to flower in January.
The white variety Hellebore Niger is the most well known of the species. With so many hybrids there are now plenty to choose from. Different shades of pink, purples, [...]

Having been reminded several times that the front vestibule had not seen a lick of paint since the coronation (slight exageration). This was the day when I had no option.
Setting to work dutifully, I soon got into the swing of things,quite enjoying it, but don’t tell anyone! When finished I stood back and was well [...]

We have already spoken about this being a good time of year for cutting back deciduous trees. It can be a dangerous job, get someone to hold on to the ladder. If you feel in the least bit wary, call in the experts.
In fact only allow your husband up that ladder after you have checked [...]

If in your garden you feel there are so many shades of green in your trees and shrubs, and you would like a contrast. You would not go far wrong with the beautifull red Japanese Acer.
 A fantastic deciduous tree that happens to be more shrub like. Dwarf varieties, tall ones, green, gold, purple, red. They [...]

Rhododendrons with their glossy evergreen leaves give invaluable structure to the winter garden.They come knee high to fifteen feet tall. Fantastic range of colours, deep red through to the palest pinks, white , yellow, purples. Some flowering in the winter, others from March till June.
The earliest one to flower, probably more well known for this [...]

A trip to Dobies Garden Centre today. Bursting at the seams with Begonia tubers, Dahlias, Gladiolas etc. Well it is not possible to visit these places without my wife coming up with a brilliant idea to spend money.
Got off lightly today though, for you could fill a bag of Gladiolas for 2.99. The resulting action [...]

An east facing border can be a little difficult to plant up to the best effect. It gets the early morning sunshine, and then for the rest of the day its in the shade.
 Now there are a number of plants suitable for this situation, but one combination to consider is Hostas and Ferns. They look [...]