Perfect time of year to do mycorrhizal inoculation. Another good time is early spring, but I think this time of year has the edge. I’ve learnt so much over the past couple of years about this subject.
Here’s some of the holes being done to my olive tree.
Can you expand on that? I’ve used mycorrhizal when planting but never heard of inoculation.
I’m using the word on this occasion, just to differentiate from the method of adding mycorrhizal fungi at the planting stage. When planting, it’s easy to dust the roots with the fungi so they’re in direct contact with them, but once it’s planted, the best method is to dig holes and pour in the fungi, so it gets as near as possible.
As mentioned, I’ve learnt a lot, so could go on and bore you. If want to discuss, just ask!
I’ve had good results from introducing mycorrhizal fungi in some parts of our garden. I’ve used 3 different types in different areas, and found that ericaceous plants in particular have responded well. Too early to see results from the other plants yet, but I’m hoping for some benefits in other areas I’ve treated.
Thanks - I see what you mean now. I can also see why your garden photos are so good. Have you protected your tree ferns yet?
Not yet. I try and leave it as late as possible before frosts and I know that will mean I’ll be doing it as it goes dark, hands freezing, being rained on and eating late. Happens every year, no matter my intentions.
I know that feeling well.
Some seeds arrived today , these are beans for the greenhouse
I like unusual seeds and plants. (Stock photo)
I’ve found once tree ferns go over 10ft, unless sheltered and surrounded by trees, by they can be a problem in our windy UK. The 12ft on the right has always rocked more than the two 10 footers on the left, when it’s strong winds. Even though they’ve been planted for years. I’m not sure if this year’s drought has affected the subsoil, but suddenly the 12 footer started leaning. I’ve always had some sort of ugly pole supporting it and have come up with this tri-wire method. Attached to brick and a very old steady tree. It works and the dark green coated galvanised wire is remarkabley camouflaged. This needs to be done, because if it fell the wrong way, it would hit my house. I might stick some old tree fern root bits on the alloy ring to hide it.
The children and I have just planted about 100 alliums. Allium Purple Sensation.
Just visited the beautiful Kenroku-en garden in Kanazawa, Japan. Any guesses as to what this is all about?
My wife has some similar photos taken on a visit a few years ago - apparently the ropes are used to support delicate branches in winter when heavy snowfall can weigh then down and sometimes breaks them.
Either that or they are getting ready to plant runner beans.
Or hops.
No, you are the winner - well done. This pine is 200 years old so that is why they are going to all of the bother
I thought they were preparing for Christmas! 
I questioned dearly beloved about my perception of time and season. The garden has not looked good for a while and I have not been fit enough to correct that.
Then yesterday I found all this
Sitting here in North London - it’s teaming with rain, to lighten my mood and think of next year’s tomatoes this is a picture of the very last of this season. Taken yesterday.
Richard
Repotted a lot of my maples today. Leaves have only just fallen, so a little later this year. Very therapeutic feeling once I’ve done them, as they have fresh, open, aerated mix and microbial tea watered in. Cover the pot with bubble wrap, which stops the rain getting in and protects from heavy frost. Probably won’t have to water them for a good 3 months or even until Spring. Much better than looking out the window at the rain drowning them, sat in old compacted compost for next few months.
