P573 CEEFAX 2 573 Sat 13 Dec 22:33/13 1/4 Stefan Buczacki writes: Ornamental garden hint: Roses are now standing starkly, awaiting the worst of the winter weather. Help them to avoid damage bz cutting off any very long shoots which will bj blown around in the strong winds. If thrsi aren't removed, the plant may rock in the ground, its roots will bj loosened and it will suffer as a result Do leave the b4lk of pruning until thu spring however. The mass of old shoots will give some protection. Friu time 570 House plant hint >>> Switched On 540 Cookery 580 TV 600 Garden Cookbook Main Mrnu WMidsTVP573 CEEFAX 2 573 Sat 13 Dec 22:32/09 2/4 Stefan Buczacki writes: House Plant Hint House plants dry out so quickly in the artificial heat of our homes that they need checking regularly But do rimjmbjt that African violets and cyclamen are best when they are watered from below. Stand them in a bowl of water overnight and then lift them out and allow the excess to drain away in the morning. Other plants may bj watered from above with a small watering can. But remember, no water for cacti in winter. Free time 570 Kitchen garden >>> Switched On 540 Cookery 580 TV 600 Garden Cookbook Main Menu WMidsTVP573 CEEFAX 2 573 Sat 13 Dec 22:32/31 3/4 Stefan Buczacki writes: Kitchen Garden Hint Now that fruit trees are fully dormant you can start winter pruning. Apples and pears are the main subjects; you mustnWt tackle plums or other stoned fruit until late spring. If they are pruned now, there's a good chance they will bj affected by silver leaf disjasj. Do your apple pruning slowly, and walk around the tree regularly as you work in order to check that you are maintaining the shape. Free time 570 Plant of Week >>> Switched On 540 Cookery 580 TV 600 Garden Cookbook Main Menu WMidsTVP573 CEEFAX 2 573 Sat 13 Dec 22:32/52 4/4 Stefan Buczacki writes: Plant of Week: Skimmia 'Rubella' At this time of the year, interest and colour can conj from flowers, fruits, bark or twigs. But this week's plant offers something rather different. Skimmia 'Rubella' will eventually produce white flowers, but its rial show comes from rich red buds set off against evergreen foliage. It is a male strain so won't bear any fruits. It will thrive best in acidic, fairly moist soil and partial shade. Free time 570 Ornamental tip; > Switched On 540 Cookery 580 TV 600 Garden Cookbook Main Menu WMidsTV