Overwatering? Our climate is such that Devon would be barren by now if too much water was a problem. I am too lazy to be guilty of over watering, and anyway a new hedge needs regular water.
I am happy to report that after a second watering, followed by one the coldest nights since the plants went in, they look fine this morning, with little or so fresh damage. So fingers crossed.... I am convinced now that the weather and the water are not to blame, although I doubt if I can prove anything to B&Q.
I wouldn't rubbish all their products either. Following advice from Which? I amusing their Verve MP compost for sowing as well as potting this year, with excellent results But if I want woodchip again, I will approach our local tree surgeon, who regularly creates and dumps chippings.
Just a comment - B&Q's Verve seed and potting compost worked ok for me but caused sneezing for a few hours after using it. This happened 3 times at which point I used Westland and had no further problems
You need to repeat using the bark and see if it goes downhill again (or use on the other area you mentioned). Then there may be more 'evidence'. Removing the original bark and the plant recovering could be coincidence. If it does go downhill, keep the bark, get it tested (no idea where??).
Update on the above: I have now, cautiously, replaced the bark on a couple of test plants, and then on the rest. They are fine. Before I did this, I spread the bark out in a wheelbarrow to expose it to the air for a couple of days, as one theory is that toxic gases build up in the pack.
So ..... my conclusion is that somehow the combination of freshly opened chippings, cool winds and lots of water have combined to cause the problem. Perhaps the watering caused the new shoots to sprout just as the winds cooled, and the bark was stressing the plants??? Each of the variables (cool weather, water, and bark) individually seemed to be tolerated.I don't suppose we'll ever know for sure, but the good news is that my hedge looks like surviving.
Interesting read! I saw lidl starting tomorrow their garden related products and had my eye on the decorative bark chips from grandiol and really cheap at 4.7p per liter but worried if its a wise idea...
You could always air them by tipping out onto a plastic sheet or paving slabs so they are exposed to fresh wind and some rain before you use them.
I have used masses of bark chippings over the years and never once had a problem but I tend to have it delivered in bulk on the back of a small truck and then have it piled up so OH can wheel it about by the barrowload as directed.
I use it on pots with permanent plants too - Japanese maples, other shrubs, hostas......
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
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I'm also a bit concerned at the possibility of over watering ...
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Overwatering? Our climate is such that Devon would be barren by now if too much water was a problem. I am too lazy to be guilty of over watering, and anyway a new hedge needs regular water.
I am happy to report that after a second watering, followed by one the coldest nights since the plants went in, they look fine this morning, with little or so fresh damage. So fingers crossed.... I am convinced now that the weather and the water are not to blame, although I doubt if I can prove anything to B&Q.
I wouldn't rubbish all their products either. Following advice from Which? I amusing their Verve MP compost for sowing as well as potting this year, with excellent results But if I want woodchip again, I will approach our local tree surgeon, who regularly creates and dumps chippings.
...and how exactly do you amuse the compost, pray?
Good idea to get chippings from a tree surgeon - my friends do, for paths, around the beehives & elsewhere. And firewood!
Just a comment - B&Q's Verve seed and potting compost worked ok for me but caused sneezing for a few hours after using it. This happened 3 times at which point I used Westland and had no further problems
Update on the above: I have now, cautiously, replaced the bark on a couple of test plants, and then on the rest. They are fine. Before I did this, I spread the bark out in a wheelbarrow to expose it to the air for a couple of days, as one theory is that toxic gases build up in the pack.
So ..... my conclusion is that somehow the combination of freshly opened chippings, cool winds and lots of water have combined to cause the problem. Perhaps the watering caused the new shoots to sprout just as the winds cooled, and the bark was stressing the plants??? Each of the variables (cool weather, water, and bark) individually seemed to be tolerated.I don't suppose we'll ever know for sure, but the good news is that my hedge looks like surviving.
I have used masses of bark chippings over the years and never once had a problem but I tend to have it delivered in bulk on the back of a small truck and then have it piled up so OH can wheel it about by the barrowload as directed.
I use it on pots with permanent plants too - Japanese maples, other shrubs, hostas......