News from DC Landscapes


Peat, to use or not? Maunufacturers are well on to hitting the Government's target of 40 per cent peat free output by 2005. Peat-free multi purpose composts have been available for a number of years, but are still far from ideal. The trouble is , is that peat is consistent, which is why growers use it. Green waste as an alternative, has a high PH, is high in salts, it can contain glass and stones, and could carry weed seeds, clubroot and nematodes. Plants potted in peat-free compost need to be fed earlier, watered more frequently and produce variable results. A solution perhaps, to use only indigenous products, and to use separate composts for potting and seed sowing. From the retailers perspective peat-free composts are 50 per cent more dense, so transport costs are increased. At the end of the day consumers are usually driven by quality and price.

Slug wars are being fought on two fronts these days, between the likes of the Bayer group with their molluscicide "Meta", a trade name for metaldehyde, and the organic lobby, to whom all slug pellets should be banned. Sales of slug pellets have been harmed by the revelation from Alan Titchmarsh, that a Guide Dog had died after eating said pellets. Officials for the slug pellet manufacturers have said that no non target animal has been harmed with this product. The choice is yours!

Phytophthora ramorum or "Sudden Oak Disease" is a fungal pathogen that has killed many Oak species in the United States. It threatens the timber, tourism and nursery industries and is costing the American economy millions of dollars.
It is now known to be attacking Maple and Redwood trees and there is now a European strain found in Viburnam and Rhododendron plants in Germany and the Netherlands.It has also found its way to this country but as yet only in nursery stock.
Once the symptoms of yellow leaves, rust coloured spots on the bark and black bleeding from cankers on the lower trunk are noted, the tree is beyond help. The fungus attacks the cambium and affects moisture and nutrient transportation.

This month's garden tips.

August weather is very similar to July, although hot days can end with thunderstorms, which can damage plants. Nights can also turn surprisingly cold and the occasional strong winds bring  a foretaste of autumn. It is a good time to take regular inspections around the garden to look for any signs of disease or pest infestation. Early treatment is much easier!







See you next month.