Landscape Juice

Slugs and Snails top the RHS pest charts for 2007

Good morning garden pickers, fluff here!

Here is the charts for the 2007 Royal Horticulture Society pest of the year, alright!.

Straight in at number ten is Cypress aphid - this little critter (Cinara cupressivora) is one of the causes of die-back in conifer hedges such as Leyland cypress, Cupressus, Chamaecyparis and Thuya spp.

Identifying Leatherjacket damage on the lawn

Be afraid....be very afraid! I bet that got your attention, not!

No seriously, you may want to pop outside and check your lawn for signs of Leatherjacket Larvae - Tipula paludosa. They will be active in the lawn chomping at the grass roots, and boy can they chomp.

The first real signs that the Larvae are active will be extra attention from birds. If you see rooks, starlings or even woodpeckers rucksing around in a particular area then chances are you may have an infestation of Leatherjackets.

Stylish garden Truggs from a sustainable source

I get a lot of emails here at Landscapejuice asking if I would be willing to review a product or advertise something. The trouble is, trading currency, dating agencies and selling insurance does not really fit well with a gardening and horticulture website.

Study at home for lawn care qualifications

Can you imagine combining your job with your hobby too? I think that I was probably the luckiest person in the world during my time running my company. In the early days, especially because I had the chance to challenge mysel, I wanted to improve my skills wherever possible.

Is this the rare Salvia pratensis?

I have been visiting my round of gardening sites this morning to try and find a few interesting snippets to feature on Landscape Juice this week.

Popping into the BBC gardening website I noticed the headline 'Endangered plant stolen from farm'.

Maintenance free lawns

Look closely at the picture. It is every man's - and occasionally women's - dream to have a vibrant green and well manicured lawn.

This example shows an extremely well kept back garden of a fairly standard town property. The mowing lines stand out. Even though it is clearly a winter shot, the condition of this prize sward is a credit to the owner.

Summer rains ruin UK Onion crop and Europe fairs no better

Unless you are an avid grower of Onions on the allotment you can expect to pay a 50% premium when you buy your Onions at the supermarket. This time, the problem is not down to greedy suppliers, but last years wet summer.

I read this article on Just Food (registration is needed) which explains that supplies are severely short and likely to completely run out before any new Onions come to market.

Disease tolerant Elm set to make British comeback

If you look at the RHS website on their information about Dutch Elm Disease it is evident that this disease caused widespread damage and depletion from as far back as the 1960's.

Elm is a tree that grows freely in the hedgerows in Oakhanger where I used to live but, unfortunately, this attractive tree, with cork like deep veined bark, barely lived beyond about eight years without succumbing to a slow death.

Fusarium attacks on the increase

It is with an irony that I have posted today about UK greenkeepers attending the BIGGA exhibition in Harrogate and at the same time, whilst their backs are turned, Fusarium is possibly gaining a foothold over their prized sward.

Harrogate plays host to a BIGGA industry show 2008

Harrogate - Today sees the start of the BIGGA indoor trade show dedicated to the grounds care industry.

Harrogate is fast becoming the exhibition of choice for greenkeepers and groundsman from all over the UK and Europe with over 250 exhibitors of golf course and sports turf machinery and equipment on display.