Buckland Nurseries

Buckland Nurseries was established as a family run garden centre business over 150 years ago. 

The business was founded by Thomas Hogg in 1865 and has continued through six generations of the Hogg family into the hands of David and Linda Hogg (pictured alongside). 

Buckland Nurseries stocks a wide range of perennials, trees, shrubs, bedding plants, roses, herbs, garden sundries, tools, turf, seeds, paving and gravels and the friendly team looks forward to giving you a lovely welcome when you next visit their traditional Garden Centre. 

October : Autumn leaves and composting

Leaves are now falling thick and fast, especially from horse chestnut trees. These sadly drop earlier due to a fungal infection which causes unsightly leaf blotching. This has been prevalent in the south for many years, and there is little that can be done in the way of control. Sweeping up the leaves can help to prevent the fungal spread, but the good news is that it doesn’t appear to cause recognizable weakness in the tree. If it is possible to keep these leaves separate from others for composting, this will also help. Likewise, it is best to dispose of roses leaves to contain any black spot spores.

Other leaves are ideal for composting : you will probably have plenty of space in your compost bins as grass has generally grown less during our dry summer. After a couple of years- or sooner if you are able to shred leaves before composting – you will have a wonderful rich leaf mould mulch to spread or dig into beds and borders. To speed up the process, and also take up far less space, use a shredder to break down the leaves and any small twigs.

Still on the subject of leaves, keep them off lawns. They will simply form an impenetrable mat which will prevent light and air, both essential for healthy growth. Paths and patios should also be regularly swept to avoid potential slippery surfaces. Most sturdy tall shrubs should be happy with a small covering of leaves, but other plants such as low-growing alpines are vulnerable to brown and rotting foliage.

Try to keep a few piles of fallen leaves as they will provide an ideal winter shelter for many species of insects such as moths and butterflies. This will also enhance the habitat for other wildlife and contribute to the sustainability of your garden.

Click Buckland Nurseries to access additional useful gardening information.

David Hogg
Buckland Nurseries