@punkdoc I agree that is the best thing to do. I don't have a g/h so it has to take it's chance. I do have some small clear plastic domes which were a gift many years ago. Great for small plants such as salvia cuttings which have survived this cold and wet December. Not so good if there is a late frost when plants are growing and too big for the domes. However they have proved useful over the years and much better than fleece as the slightly warmer air it trapped inside.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
@KT53 I agree it is a complete waste of money unless you are willing to take a hit. I also avoid moving things like I did in the past. The Melianthus cost me nothing and I have had a lot of pleasure growing it. I try to take the attitude that it owes me nothing. A friend also grows it [same aspect in her garden] it was a root cutting from my plant so fingers crossed one comes through.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
As @GardenerSuze has said, micro-climate and soil is incredibly important in the garden. For example our local soil is heavy, sticky green-grey boulder clay - and that is what I have through most of the garden.
There are, however, 2 tiny areas (not even near each other) where the soil is much better drained. In those 2 areas I can grow alpines and bulbs.
One is also very well sheltered by 2 walls and a pittosporum there is a thriving evergreen feature. A second pittosporum (same variety) in the open garden is badly affected every time we have a really cold spell and spends a lot of it's time as defoliated twigs. It doesn't die - but it doesn't look good. Looked ok after last winter (mild) but this last cold snap will have taken it's toll. It won't have killed it but it will look dreadful through to mid summer. It's coming out as soon as the soil is dry enough to walk on!
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
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A friend also grows it [same aspect in her garden] it was a root cutting from my plant so fingers crossed one comes through.
There are, however, 2 tiny areas (not even near each other) where the soil is much better drained. In those 2 areas I can grow alpines and bulbs.
One is also very well sheltered by 2 walls and a pittosporum there is a thriving evergreen feature. A second pittosporum (same variety) in the open garden is badly affected every time we have a really cold spell and spends a lot of it's time as defoliated twigs. It doesn't die - but it doesn't look good. Looked ok after last winter (mild) but this last cold snap will have taken it's toll. It won't have killed it but it will look dreadful through to mid summer. It's coming out as soon as the soil is dry enough to walk on!