David's Tips For November
Houseplant of the month
Nephrolepsis exaltata (Boston Fern/Sword Fern)
Sword ferns, or as they’re more commonly known, Boston ferns, are great houseplants. Their verdant fronds provide a relaxing and revitalising feature, perfect for softening corners and trailing over shelves or table edges.
These lusciously leaved houseplants are great at absorbing moisture and toxins from the air. Particularly, Boston ferns are hailed by NASA for absorbing formaldehyde and xylene. Toxins like these can be produced by day-to-day household and office items.
These ferns being native to the rainforests of South America and the West Indies means they love humid environments. This means warm, humid rooms are perfect for this houseplant, and make sure to water them regularly. However, try to avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Outdoor plant of the month
Nerine bowdenii (Nerine)
A wonderful autumn flowerer for a pop of colour, Nerines feature lovely blooms with curved petals. One of the hardiest varieties of Nerine, Nerine bowdenii are South African bulbs, which look lovely in herbaceous borders. Plus, the lovely shade of pink will stand out well against the classic warm orange, reds and yellows of autumn.
Despite being a hardier variety, consider planting in a sheltered position which isn’t too crowded. This should protect it from some of the harsher temperatures to keep it happy and flowering for longer.
Nerine bulbs are best planted in late summer, and it’s best to do so fairly quickly after purchasing.
When spring comes around, divide the bulbs if they become congested. Doing so will help the plant long term and will give you more individual plants to grow too.
Gardening job for the month
Purchase and plant bare-root plants
Bare-root plants are exactly what they sound like. They are dormant plants which arrive without soil around their roots. You can only purchase them during autumn and winter, as this is when they are ready to be planted.
Quite a variety of plants can be purchased bare root, but predominantly you will find they are shrubs, trees, fruit bushes, and often roses. Buying bare root specimens requires patience, as you don’t get an ‘immediate’ plant, but it is a much more economical way to add plants to the garden.
Once your bare-root plant has arrived, it needs to be planted quickly. Soak the roots in a bucket of water for 20 minutes before planting to rehydrate them. Whilst it is soaking, dig your hole, a few inches wider and deeper than the rootball. Spread the roots and place your plant into position. Try not to plant it any deeper than the soil mark on the stem. Dig it into place, and mulch with leaf mould or wood chippings, keeping your mulch clear of the stem.
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