Gardeners' Question Time Crowthorne: Caterpillars, Rusty Spots and Up-Cycled Objects
Jun 6, 2025
Pippa Greenwood, a pest and disease expert; Matthew Pottage, head of horticulture at Royal Parks; and Christine Walkden, a passionate plantswoman, share their gardening wisdom. They tackle quirky plant problems like rusty fern spots and caterpillar invasions on cabbages. Creative upcycling ideas for garden decor spark laughter and inspiration. Plus, they explore the community's environmental initiatives and the fascinating hidden world of trees, revealing how technology helps in understanding their structure. A delightful blend of humor and knowledge for green thumbs!
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Replacing Prickly Pyracantha Safely
- Remove all prickly pyracantha thorns from soil before replanting to avoid injury.
- Choose perennial, low-maintenance plants like bottle brush or alstroemeria to attract pollinators and ensure year-round beauty.
Rusty Spots Are Fern Spores
- Rusty-looking spots on fern undersides are actually spores, a natural part of the fern's reproduction.
- These spots shouldn't be considered a disease or problem; they become visible as the fronds mature.
Growing Miss Willmott's Ghost
- Sow Miss Willmott's ghost seeds lightly on the surface with minimal soil and keep moist; avoid deep sowing.
- Direct sow fresh seeds in a sunny, gravelly spot for best establishment; let birds not eat them by covering with loose netting.