Plant problems

WARMER summer evenings are a perfect time to enjoy the fruits of our labours. Finding time to relax and absorb the joy in our gardens is important in keeping our inherent link with the ever-changing flows of nature. This quiet observance is popularly known as mindfulness. It is during these moments that we can begin to understand indications that our garden may be telling us we have an imbalance in the natural order of things, possibly relating to pests, diseases and disorders.

Pests are generally unwelcome visitors to our gardens but we need to appreciate that even these are part of a natural ecosystem in providing food for other species such as beneficial insects and birds.

Diseases of plants are problems caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses and the commonly used names for some of these diseases often reflect the symptoms visible on plants such as with forms of wilt, rust or blight. Early identification of these is key to any necessary treatment or control.

A plant disorder occurs when normal growth or development is affected and the plant fails to thrive successfully. Disorders can be a result of simple changes, for example in weather or soil conditions with water logging and symptoms can often be dramatic such as sudden wilting, possibly even leading to plant loss. Adjustments to the plant’s environment can alleviate symptoms, but often plants will fail to perform to expectations with reduced flowering or yields.

Fascination is a peculiar plant disorder characterised by flattening, distorted growth of stems and flowers which is caused by rapid cell division at the stem tips. This disorder often produces some eye-catching results and has therefore unsurprisingly been exploited by breeders with plants such as Salix udensis ‘Sekka’ and Veronicastrum ‘Fascination’.

This disorder is one to sit back and admire as it has no lasting impact on plants and is often witnessed in many of our well-known herbaceous perennials. Any unsightly stems can be removed without lasting damage and the following year’s plants should grow as normal.

The crucial task is to understand when our own intervention is necessary as wading in can bring further problems later on. Firstly, by identifying what the problem is and finding a suitable solution – whether it be using a physical method such as netting or sticky traps or a biological treatment such as nematodes for vine weevil – resorting to chemical treatments should be viewed as a last resort. Don’t forget that prevention is always better than cure so a little pre-planning can be invaluable in the long term; try small measures such as encouraging wildlife and companion planting.

There is a wealth of books and resources available on the internet to help identify potential problems. A good place to start is the RHS website or RHS Members can make the most of our special summer advisory sessions at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.

Jobs for the week

Take photographs throughout July and August to enable later editing of garden borders

Keep on top of deadheading to prolong flowering, especially with plants such as sweet peas

Feeding some border plants such as roses now will help maintain vigour and keep plants fit to fight disease. A sprinkling of blood fish and bone is ideal.

DIARY DATES

RHS Summer Advisory Service

RHS members can get free face-to-face gardening advice from an RHS advisor from 11am – 3pm on the first Saturday of each month and every Monday from 1pm to 3.30pm from July to September. Come to our desk in the entrance conservatory with your questions. Normal garden admission.

Summer Sundays

Bring a picnic and enjoy live music in the beautiful surroundings of Harlow Carr every Sunday throughout July and August from 1 to 4pm. Normal garden admission.

12, 19, 26 July: Summer Garden Tours

Join a tour of the garden starting at 11.30am and find out how Harlow Carr evolved from a Victorian Spa to an RHS garden. There is a suggested £2 donation to the Friends of Harlow Carr. Normal garden admission.