大象传媒

Once bedding tulips have done their thing, it鈥檚 tempting to hang onto them for another display next year. But in reality, this is highly risky. Most tulips do not have the energy to produce another set of perfect blooms so soon and even if they did, your soil and quite possibly the weather may not be conducive to their development. In an ideal world, tulips need to bake in the heat of the sun all summer long in soil that drains like a sieve.

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One solution is to lift and store them somewhere warm and dry. In the autumn, they can then be planted out again in a spare part of your garden and grown on as cut flowers. There鈥檚 no guarantee that they will flower, but at least they鈥檙e not in a prominent position if the display fails. To increase your chances of success, focus your efforts on the Single Lates. These are reputed to have more staying power than most. Examples include Menton, Recreado, Queen of Night and Shirley.

Minterne House

Minterne Magna

Dorchester

Dorset

DT2 7AU

Tel. 01300 341370

The amazing rhododendron garden Carol went to see in Dorset is open every day until the 9 November. The rhododendrons are still looking good and if you鈥檇 like to see them in all their glory, you鈥檝e got another couple of weeks. More details about the garden can be found below.

Carrot fly is a major pest of carrots. Parsnips, celeriac, celery and parsley can fall victim too. Tell-tale signs include stunted growth and tunnelled roots that become totally inedible. Creamy-white maggots may be visible too. Prevention is key as once an attack takes ahold, there鈥檚 nothing you can do.

The best method is to completely cover your crop with insect-proof mesh from the day you sow. Light and rain can still get through, but to be effective, the edges need to be completely buried in the soil. You could also try growing a resistant variety like Fly Away or Resistafly. Both are widely available. Growing onions or shallots amongst your carrots can help as well, as can erecting a vertical barrier around your crop. Last but not least, try to thin, weed and harvest your carrots in the evening when the adults are less likely to be on the wing.

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If you live in London, or are planning a trip to the capital this weekend, consider buying a ticket for the Open Garden Squares Weekend. Over 200 gardens across the capital will be taking part, many of which are not normally open to the public. The gardens range from grand private squares to community allotments and roof gardens. For more details, please visit the link below.

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As broad beans grow, they get top heavy and blow over very easily. And unlike French and runner beans, they cannot cling to a support because they don鈥檛 have any tendrils. The best solution is to position a cane or stick every 1.2m (4ft) along the row and then run a line of string along for them to lean on.

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Now is the perfect time to lift and divide primroses. Dig up a good sized clump and break it up into as many parts as you wish. Replant leaving about 15cm (6in) between each new plant and keep well watered. Remember that it is a woodland plant that likes dappled shade and moist soil.

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Some herbaceous perennials benefit from being cut back by up to a half in early June. Commonly known as the Chelsea chop, this helps to prevent plants from becoming too tall and leggy. It can also help to extend the flowering season so that you don鈥檛 get all the flowers at once. Suitable candidates include Lysimachia, Helenium, Phlox, Sedum and Echinacea.

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