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Ann Janes »
BEGINNING TO GET READY FOR WINTER
Posted on 2:13pm Tuesday 28th September 2010
Although we probably don’t want to admit it the mornings are much darker, the evenings are drawing in and there has been a distinct chill factor in the weather. As the summer season slowly grinds to a halt there is plenty to be getting on with in the garden and now is a good time to take stock of what will be needing attention in the months ahead. It doesn’t seem possible that the time has come to start lifting tender perennials ready to over winter – a job it is essential to have completed before the first frosts. Both pelargoniums and fuchsias can be stored successfully during the cold winter months. Transfer the plants into pots just large enough to comfortably take the root ball and move them to a frost-free place. If you are lucky enough to have a heated greenhouse this would be ideal but a cool, light place indoors will do just as well. Why not keep any zonal pelargoniums on display? They make brilliant winter houseplants. Just give them a light and warm situation and with regular watering they will reward you by flowering right through the winter. Let the foliage of tuberous begonias die back after lifting and then store the tubers in dry peat in a cool, frost-free place. If your houseplants have been having a summer holiday outside now is the time to bring them back in. Check them over thoroughly to make sure they aren’t acting as hosts to any unwanted pests and insects who would be only too happy to over-winter in your nice warm home.
Harjit Sarang »
Cheryl Cole's 'quickie' divorce
Posted on 1:03pm Wednesday 22nd September 2010
We hear and read about celebrity ‘quickie’ divorces all the time. The term implies that there is a special procedure for celebrity couples or ‘important’ people.
Author Unknown »
New free business briefings from Business Link
Posted on 10:43am Tuesday 21st September 2010
Business Link has today launched its new programme of free workshops and briefings for businesses and entrepreneurs in Hertfordshire.
Ann Janes »
VALUE FOR MONEY?
Posted on 7:00am Tuesday 21st September 2010
What gardener doesn’t like value for money? We have nurtured and cared for our bedding plants, tubs and baskets over the last few months and now with just a little effort we can manage to enjoy them for a little longer. Even if you used a slow release fertilizer this will have been used up by now so give your plants a high potash feed. Regular watering and dead-heading are still important but get rid of any plants are finished or show signs of disease. Even while trying to get the most out of our summer plants we need to be preparing the winter containers. To save time, effort and money just remove the top layer of old compost from large pots and replace this with fresh to a depth of 6-10cm.
Ann Janes »
THE SEPTEMBER GARDEN
Posted on 10:03am Monday 13th September 2010
September can be one of the loveliest times of the year with warm days and cooler evenings when we often find ourselves reaching for a cosy jumper. For gardeners September is a bridging month that falls between summer and autumn. As the end of summer is now approaching all too rapidly and the leaves on the deciduous trees are showing signs of changing colour - a sure sign that autumn isn’t far away, we all hope for a glorious ‘Indian Summer’ when we can make the most of the warm and mellow days.
Harjit Sarang »
I need to get my belongings. Can I get back into the matrimonial home?
Posted on 1:19pm Monday 6th September 2010
You tell me that you left the matrimonial home last week because you could not bear the atmosphere in the house anymore. You took some belongings but you have left some paperwork and important documents. Your husband is refusing to give you the keys and is threatening to change the locks. He will not give you your documents and is not communicating with you reasonably. The house and mortgage are in joint names.
Ann Janes »
THE JOY OF FLOWERS
Posted on 8:41pm Sunday 5th September 2010
I recently celebrated a birthday, not a special number, just another year that can’t happen again. Sadly I know so many people who look on birthdays with regret as every one means that we are one year older and there is no going back. My feelings are that we should enjoy the moment and make the most of it. I love celebrations of every kind and to receive early in the morning a lovely bouquet of pink rosebuds (my favourite colour) was a wonderful start to a special day. My love of flowers was reflected in the cards I received as well as in further floral gifts during the day.
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