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Talkback: In praise of woodlice

Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
in Talkback
How do I ensure that my cuttings from roses will live to grow in these cold temperatures. Do I keep them in grit, sand, compost and lime? in the garden or in a suitable pot?
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  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Cant share the enthusiasm for woodlice, but I think of the Sal-bug with affection. These are a creature we knew as children and watched them roll up and unroll in our hands.

    Roses are hardy so outside in a v shaped trench filled with sand. Push cuttings well in, at least a third and back fill the soil and 'heel' them all well in.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I have a citrus Clementine grown on dwarf rootstock, it is about 3ft high and has lots of little oranges on it, they are about the size of a golfball, it has been outside for until the early frosts of last week when I brought it indoors, I have noticed that a number of the fruits are starting to split their skins from the blossom end, has anybody any ideas what is causing this and how can I prevent it - thanks.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    What a lovely photo - the pullover looks quite diaphanous. My grandmother used to call them cheeselogs, but I never discovered why.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I cannot find much pleasure in woodlice themselves but the rather sadly uncommon common brown lizard eats them and having discovered the lizards in my garden and admired thier chequer board beauty the woodlouse is catered for with woodpiles and damp corners who knows maybe one day i will have a moment of revelation and appreciate it in its own right
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    We live in an old wattle and daub cottage and always have woodlice in the bath during the spring and summer months. They have just gone off for their winter break!
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Can I ask what wood lice do ? Sorry for the ignorance.
    Jean
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Well, I think they're cute. Do they make a noise like an old-fashioned watch being wound? There's somethink in my house that does and I'd love to know what.
    Jean, I think they eat debris like rotten wood and dead plant tissue. Unsung heroes!
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Thank you Jude , I did not think they were of any use ,possibly did harm ,my garden is full of them.
    Jean
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    At my last house, if you went outside at night the path up to the back gate was just covered in them ,so covered some times, you could'nt see the path for them my husband always calls them crunchy backs. When I was a child we new them as god all mightys don't ask why but I still call them this now anyway I think they're a great little insect and wellcome any time at our place.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    what are the effects of light on woodlice location of where they live?
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