Topiary Garden

Shapes can be bought or you can make your own from chicken or fencing wire and canes ¡.e., the only limit is your imagination! There are magnificent examples of formal topiary at Levens Hall in Cumbria, UK, and at Tulcan Cemetery in northern Ecuador, which includes elephants and astronauts. Planes, trains, and even sofas grace many of Britain’s smaller gardens, often developed from existing hedges. While curves can be cut freehand, geometric shapes are more difficult and you will need spirit levels, plumb lines, and a straight edge, as well as a lot of patience and time, to keep them tidy.

Growth rate determines how often you have to clip the plant¡ªyew only needs one cut each growing season, while faster-growing Lonicera nitida (6-9) may need three cuts. If topiary needs repairing, cut back the damaged stems and tie in new replacement shoots. Start trimming in early summer; if in doubt, don’t trim. Pause regularly to review your progress.

Cloud pruning

Cloud pruning takes two forms: traditional Japanese priming of trees to create hare stems with dense “clouds” at the tips, which highlights the shape of the plant, and hedges trimmed into dynamic billowing forms. There are some wonderful examples of cloud pruning in country bouses throughout Britain. If you’re looking for inspiration, visit Walmer Castle in Kent. Box, yew, thuja, and cupressus can all be primed in this freeform style to create rounded shapes.

Bud Grafting

This technique is normally referred to as building. It is a popular and reliable method for grafting bush roses. Budding takes place in summer, usually on roses that are growing in the ground or in containers. The difference between budding and grafting is in the material used. Whereas both whip-and-tongue and saddle grafting use two stems of the desired variety, with bud grafting a single growth bud is grafted onto a rootstock. An ordinary sharp knife can be used for making the cuts, but a budding knife is best. This has a flattened end to the handle for opening the rootstock.

1. Select a well-ripened stem of the current year’s growth, making sure that there are dormant buds at the leaf axils. Remove the stem and take off all the leaves. Prepare the bud before opening the rootstock. Cut a single bud from the selected stem with the minimum of wood. Remove the sliver of wood from under the bark using the point of the knife and discard. This leaves the bud and the cambium layer attached to the bark. Keep the bud moist while you prepare the rootstock i.e., the simplest method is to hold it between your lips. It will be difficult to talk and don’t chew on it!

2. Now prepare the rootstock to receive the bud. Make a horizontal cut 1-2 inches above ground level and discard the top growth. Clean the stem of the rootstock with a rag.

3. Once the neck of the rootstock is clear you are ready to bud.

Explanation of Bud Grafting

4. Make a T-shaped cut deep enough to expose the cambium layer below the bark. The stroke of the T should be less than 1/2 inch long; the upward cut 1 inch long.

5. Use the flattened end of the knife handle to open the two flaps of bark on the rootstock. Slip the prepared bud, pointing upward, under the flaps of bark, making sure that the two cambium layers are together. Trim any surplus bud bark level with the stroke of the T.

6. Secure the union with raffia above and below, avoiding the bud. Some gardeners prefer to use budding strips made of thin rubber. These may be stretched over the bud union and held with an open staple.

Once the bud starts to grow, you can remove the raffia (If you use a rubber strip, it will perish). In early spring, cut the rootstock above the new bud growth leaving it to flourish and flower that summer.

Forcing plants

One of the problems in winter is that there is insufficient light for plants to actually do much real growing. Plants that store up energy underground can be coaxed into growth by providing warmth, often from underneath. Plants of asparagus, seakale, rhubarb, and Belgian endive all benefit from being brought into the warm (and usually dark) indoors, where they are forced to throw succulent new shoots for our culinary delight.

Cactus

Are you interested in goring cactus or are you facing any problem in gardening cactus? Then this article is for you. In this article we will tell you everything about cactus plants; you will know what are they, why to grow them and how to grow them? We are going to give a detailed explanation on how to develop the cactus plants, what diseases it is likely to face and how to prevent them? Excited! Read further to know more…

A Cactus is a member of the plant family Cactaceae. A distinctive characteristic of the Cactus plant is the presence of thorns. In order to grow healthy cactus plants, we must know some important facts about the Cactus which will be discussed in the below points.

Why does a cactus have thorns?

A Cactus generally has thorns with a thick and succulent stem. Cactus plants have evolved in order to endure ans survive in harsh and hot climates. In order to prevent water loss due to transpiration in leaves, the leaves of the cactus have evolved into thorns. The stem of the cactus is generally succulent and fleshy. The water is stored in the stem part which also carries out the process of photosynthesis. Also, the thorns help to protect the cactus plant from grazing animals which would have otherwise eaten them up.

Are cactus plants useful in any way?

Many species of the cactus plants are used for ornamental value, fodder, forage, fruits (prickly pear dragon fruit), cochineal (dye), fencing material, valuable wood for construction (Dead pillar) and pharmaceutical significance.

Will a thorny cactus plant look good in my garden?

Many cactus plants are very pretty to look at and what most people don’t know is that they have the capacity to flower too. The common mental picture of a cactus plant is a prickly green plant, but there are many cacti with accents of red, pink, yellow and other colours. A cactus garden adds not only variety to your garden but also beautifies the garden. It lends an exotic look to your collection of plants. Moreover, they are incredibly easy to maintain and are very cost effective to grow.

cactus with double flowers

Is a cactus plant difficult to grow?

Cactus plants are mercifully very easy to grow. Like the Flobberworms in Harry Potter books, they flourish with minimal care, rather a cactus plant may die due to factors such as an excess of watering. They can survive for extended periods without water and in harsh climates. Cactus plants are very cheap to buy; you may get them for free on most occasions unless you are looking for very exotic or rare species.

What kind of soil is suitable to grow cactus plants?

Not every soil is useful for growing cactus. Soil should be porous that drains well and allows some drying out between watering. Covering the top soil with shells, small pebbles or coarse gravel, offer quicker water penetration, slower water evaporation, elimination of a crust on the top of the soil, and a neat, attractive look. Two parts perlite or pumice and one part washed building sand is a good ratio of soil that can be used. Adjust the ratios according to your growing conditions, climate and the species of plants you want to grow.

cactus soil

How much sunlight does a cactus need every day?

All cacti in order to flower and to photosynthesize need at least four to six hours of strong light daily.

What is the watering method to be used for cactus plants?

Never let cacti sit in standing water. Water well and thoroughly, letting water pour out of the drain in the pot. Let plants go thoroughly dry between watering. Water infrequently during winter months as cacti grow very little in cold climatic conditions. When plants are vigorously growing and blooming, they will need more water, which is usually seen in the summer season.

cactus fertilizer

Do we need to apply a lot of fertilizers to grow cacti?

Diluted liquid fertilizer can be added to the water every second or third watering during their growing season. Fertilizer with balanced amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash (20-20-20) can be used. Slow release granular fertilizers can also be used. Low nitrogen and high phosphorous content induces bloom and improves flower size. Precaution should be taken not to over-fertilize as plants may grow too lushly or lose their characteristic shape . It is safe to use less fertilizer. Do remember that cactus plants have adapted to grow in arid soils and do not need excess water or fertilizer.

How frequently do we need to transplant cacti? What precautions must be taken while handling cacti?

Cacti do not need frequent transplanting as they are slow growing plants. Thin rubber gloves can be used to protect the fingers while transplanting and handling small plants. Tongs also work well. Rolled newspapers, section of hose wrapped around the larger plants makes it easier to move the plants. Be gentle while taking the plant from the old pot otherwise the roots may cut. Slowly take away old soil around the root ball, without breaking the roots or the root ball. In the new pot add new soil mix and place the plant on top filling in around the sides maintaining the same level as it was in the old pot. Keep the plant dry for few days. This will avoid rot of broken roots that are damaged or broken during the transplanting when watering, let it drain thoroughly.

How do cactus plants propagate?

Cactus plants can propagate by seeds, cuttings, leaves, tissue culture and grafting. The easiest method that we recommend for beginners is propagation through cutting as it involves the least amount of complications and as per our experience, it has high successful yielding rate. Nevertheless, you are free to explore all the methods of growing cacti and choose the method that you are happy with.

• Propagation by seeds: The seed is minute, as big as a dust particle. Soil has to be fine for germination. Moderate heat, shady place and watering regularly in small quantities so that soil should not become soggy.
• Propagation by cuttings: Cutting should be 2”-3” in height (as small ones may rot).Use a sharp knife to prevent tissue damage.
• Propagation by Leaves: This process takes few weeks for the leaf to bear a tiny plantlet at the base. The leaf should be placed in a cool, shady place. Carefully plant the leaf in a container with porous soil, and should be watered frequently in less quantities, not to dry completely while the roots form.
• Propagation by Tissue Culture: This method is followed in laboratories. This produces many plants fairly rapidly from the cells of just one plant. In petri dishes agar, hormone and nutrition liquids are used. From single cells many cells are produced leading to the formation of a new, complete, fully functioning plant. Tissue culture propagation is very akin to “cloning”.
• Propagation by Grafting: In this method two cactus are taken. A process that unites one cactus with another cactus (usually one that grows faster or is less problematic).

What are the diseases that may affect a cactus?

Cactus can be affected by bacteria, fungus and pests. The following are the different diseases caused by various organisms

Bacterial diseases: Soft rot
Fungal diseases: Aloe Rust, Basal Stem Rot, Black or Sooty Mold
Pests: Aphods, Whitefly, Snails, Scale Insects, Aloe Mite, Red Spider Mite, Mealy bugs

cactus with mealybugs

How do we prevent these diseases?

The pests most frequently affecting cactus plants are mealybugs, nematodes and scale insects. If affected by nematodes, soil from the roots must be removed and re-potting must be done with pasteurized soil or fertilizer mix. For mealybugs and scale, you can scrub with warm water and toothbrushes.

The most common disease is rot. Rots can be aggravated by improper watering, forcing growth during periods of dormancy, and wounding plants when re-potting.

Sometimes the plant can be saved by cutting out and removing material one-half inch beyond the area that looks decayed. The wound should be washed with a solution of one part household bleach and nine parts water.

The plant should be kept in intensive care in an area of low humidity until it recovers. If this does not result in a recovery, it is better to get rid of the plant.

In a nutshell, what care needs to be taken to grow cactus plants?

Proper proportions of good drainage, generous but infrequent watering, regular diluted feedings, good light and fresh air are the basic needs.

In conclusion, Cactus plants are a low cost (almost free), low maintenance, less water consuming plants to add variety and exoticness to your garden. Even without much gardening knowledge or experience, you can have reasonable success growing cactus plants.

I can tell you one thing for certain, i.e., after reading this guide, you will definitely get interest in growing cactus, so while doing the same, if you have any doubt or facing any problem, feel free to ask us. Good luck!