Rhapsody in Blue (right) and Ghislaine de Feligonde (left)
Royal Jubilee
Kew Gardens
All the geraniums, some more out of shot to the right - Biokovo and Cambridge. Astrantia that I divided last year are starting to grow so there's another success story to counteract the Brunnera fiasco!
Thank goodness I’m not the only one looking at swarms of aphids. Genuinely started to think the entire UK aphid population was in my back garden, so it’s reassuring to know everyone else is having the same problem! They’ve absolutely smothered my two climbers (starlight express and crimson cascade).
@Mr. Vine Eye It all looks lovely. I like the Rhapsody/Ghislaine corner. Are those foxgloves under them? Is it going to be all purple and apricot combo?
Your Scarborough Fair situation looks almost like my Eyes for you but I would swear the aphids are there in double layers. I don't think I've seen so many of them on one plant... hosed it off yesterday, today they're all there back again. Some roses are still aphid free but I guess it's just a matter of time, ants are working. Soon, it will be aphid apocalypse here. And it looks like we have the same hebe. Do you know the variety (I don't have the label and never looked into it)?
I see some ladybirds but would like to see more... I'm waiting for the Sparrows to descend, to feed their babies... they can snap the canes though....
I've been hunting around for fertilizer online... I've just ordered from Amazon some liquid feed.. the one I wanted was out of stock... plus some compost..
Incidentally, as a reminder for those growing roses in pots... the correct NPK ratio for potted roses is 3-1-2, so I'm going to have to advertise and say that Miracle Gro soluble plant feed in a carton is on the mark with an NPK of 24-8-16 [ratio 3-1-2]... that was sold out so I've had to settle for NPK 7-3-5 which is almost there...
With temps hitting 20C.. 68F.. it means black spot fungus will be active so expect some of that coming up... ...also if you are growing 'Munstead Wood' a DA rose, I've noticed what looks like rust on some leaves today... I hadn't noticed that before on this rose in previous seasons...
@Marlorena Thank you for that info, I’m pleased to know that I’ve been using the right fertiliser this season. By the way, I have seen miracle gro all purpose liquid fertiliser (and tomatorite) being sold in supermarket (ie in my local Sainsbury’s in the ‘seasonal’ section, it might be worth keeping an eye out for it next time you do your groceries. Also now that it’s spring time a lot of them sell compost at the entrance of the stores too.
I find that although I battle a little with the elements on my balcony being windy and exposed there’s always a silver lining.. that is, I don’t seem to get any aphids being this high up.. plus no slugs/snails/any other pests really. I did have a couple of bees last year though which was nice.
Posts
Royal Jubilee
Kew Gardens
All the geraniums, some more out of shot to the right - Biokovo and Cambridge.
Astrantia that I divided last year are starting to grow so there's another success story to counteract the Brunnera fiasco!
Amber Queen
Scarborough Fair
The Generous Gardener
It's aphid city out there!
And it looks like we have the same hebe. Do you know the variety (I don't have the label and never looked into it)?
I've been hunting around for fertilizer online... I've just ordered from Amazon some liquid feed.. the one I wanted was out of stock... plus some compost..
Incidentally, as a reminder for those growing roses in pots... the correct NPK ratio for potted roses is 3-1-2, so I'm going to have to advertise and say that Miracle Gro soluble plant feed in a carton is on the mark with an NPK of 24-8-16 [ratio 3-1-2]... that was sold out so I've had to settle for NPK 7-3-5 which is almost there...
...also if you are growing 'Munstead Wood' a DA rose, I've noticed what looks like rust on some leaves today... I hadn't noticed that before on this rose in previous seasons...