The manure needs to be incorporated into the clay where it breaks down, attracts invertebrates, worms etc and improves the structure of the soil, ... aeration, drainage, friability etc ... it's not to do with 'feeding' the plants.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I wouldn't waste money on Buxus, as it's likely that Box Tree Caterpillar and/or blight will eventually spread to much of the UK and you may lose it all.
We use Pittosporum, Privet, Lonicera nitida, Euonymus, Pyracantha, Abelia, Choisya for topiary. The size and density of the foliage of each plant determines how precise a shape we create. We don't do any really fussy or complex shapes, just domes, pyramids or columns.
We use Pittosporum, Privet, Lonicera nitida, Euonymus, Pyracantha, Abelia, Choisya for topiary. The size and density of the foliage of each plant determines how precise a shape we create. We don't do any really fussy or complex shapes, just domes, pyramids or columns.
I won’t be buying any more but I have some lively but small buxus - 30cm high. Any tips on shaping them into a dome or ball? Every time I start I back off, the way I see it, they’ll be half as high if I try to round them evenly
It's best to develop your 'eye' for topiary, it's a skill that comes with practice. I do all my box balls freehand, prune a small section, stand back and assess what you've just done, do the next bit and go round the bush that way. Alternatively if you're nervous, you can buy topiary shapes, which you place over the bush and when the twigs poke out the frame you just cut them off. It might also work if you've an old wire basket hanging basket the right size and can prop it up over the bush.
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Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Those pix weren't there when I posted earlier @Loxley. Beautiful.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
We use Pittosporum, Privet, Lonicera nitida, Euonymus, Pyracantha, Abelia, Choisya for topiary. The size and density of the foliage of each plant determines how precise a shape we create. We don't do any really fussy or complex shapes, just domes, pyramids or columns.
Alternatively if you're nervous, you can buy topiary shapes, which you place over the bush and when the twigs poke out the frame you just cut them off. It might also work if you've an old wire basket hanging basket the right size and can prop it up over the bush.
Wrong time of year to start now though - on Box anyway.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...