P573 CEEFAX 2 573 Wed 12 Jan 21:15/11 Stefan Buczacki writes: 1/4 Ornamental Garden Hint: Strong winds at this time of year will loosen trees and shrubs in the soil. Check them all, even if they appear to bj upright. Shallow-rooted conifers are especially prone to disturbance. Firm the soil around the roots and fix one or two strong stakes to any trees that have moved significantly. The plants should re-root again when growth begins in the spring and conj to no harm provided you ensure that they really are firm. Free time 570 House plant hint >>> Switched On 540 Cookery 580 TV 600 Comp Cookbook Showbiz WMidsTVP573 CEEFAX 2 573 Wed 12 Jan 22:47/18 2/4 Stefan Buczacki writes: House Plant Hint: Although it may bj cold outsjdj, some of our houseplants can get deceptively warm at this time of year. The drying effects of central heating mean that compost will begin to shrink away from pots and the surface will become dry and crusted. Use an old fork to loosen any really compacted compost and give plants a good watering if you do see signs of shrinking compost. A very dilute liquid feed will help them too. Free time 570 House plant hint >>> Switched On 540 Cookery 580 TV 600 Comp Cookbook Showbiz WMidsTVP573 CEEFAX 2 573 Wed 12 Jan 21:42/01 3/4 Stefan Buczacki writes: Kitchen Garden Hint: If you didn't sow any over- wintering broad beans in the autumn, it's not too late to make plans for an early crop. The hardy variety 'Aquadulce Claudia' can bj sown any time that the ground ism't frozen over the next four to six weeks. But you must prepare the plot during mild spells by digging in plenty of well rotted organic matter. Then place cloches over the bed and allow about two weeks for the soil to settle down. Free time 570 House plant hint >>> Switched On 540 Cookery 580 TV 600 Comp Cookbook Showbiz WMidsTVP573 CEEFAX 2 573 Wed 12 Jan 21:37/28 4/4 Stefan Buczacki writes: Plant of Week: Wintersweet The Wjntersweet, Chimonanthus, is one of the forgotten shrubs of the cottage garden. Yet it's especially valuable at this time of year when its lovely fragrant, pendent, waxy bell-shaped yellow flowers appear on the bare branches. It is very easy to care for and will grow in most soils but is, I think, always best when grown against a house wall, close to a door where its delicious pjrfumj can best bj appreciated. Free time 570 House plant hint >>> Switched On 540 Cookery 580 TV 600 Comp Cookbook Showbiz WMidsTV