The Potting shed

Does the apple tree produce plenty of fruit as too much competition from shrubs could reduce the number. If you want ground cover I would suggest something like periwinkle that would cover an area that size in next to no time. Slugs and snails might hide in it but generally they don't eat it. Cotoneaster horizontalis I have used as ground cover, and the berries are loved by the birds. Once again it will spread quite quickly.

 

Thanks Frenchie... Will consider.. Also thinking of day lilies which spread quickly.
The soil is well fed but there are a lot of roots. And I think the soil there favours the more Hardy less delicate plant

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I would be wary of planting under a tree as competition will impact on both the tree and the plants you put in. Personally I would mulch with bark, compost or your material of choice.

Vinca springs to mind as good ground cover, varigated yellow rattle,I think that's it's name but you may consider it a weed.

 

One of the best plants for the base of apple trees is reputed to be garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) Yorkie. It depends on what you want - if you want to stop ants nesting at the base ( they appear to protect aphids) then Common Rue or Catnip are good, but conditions may be too wet for them.

 

Thanks folks will consider all of these........

 

Apple tree went down in the wind. Still laden with apples... what chance of rescue? Righting the tree is not a problem.

 

50% chance of survival I reckon if you can right it and stake it so it doesn't go over again. If you see trees that have been blown down they quite often will live on in the horizontal position.

 

Keep it watered too. Perhaps thin the fruit so its not too stressed, maybe think about some branch removal.

 

Thanks guys, we're going to have a look tomorrow. It's like the main branch continues as its only root.. The tree is only 8ft tall.

 

How is the soil under the tree? If compacted loosen it up so roots can go down for a good anchor.

 

We're in chalk. There were six trees 8 years ago when we moved in. Took two out immediately at it was poorly, a second followed a year later. The remaining five - 3x apple, plum and pear have all done well but we lost another apple a couple of years ago so down to three... and this one.

 

Pity. Bumper crop of apples but when I started righting the tree it just snapped at the base... kinda made the decision for us. Spent an hour chopping it up and binning it.

 

I got carried away with the RHS discouunts
Bought:
various vinca minor and major
Cranesbill
Hebe
Brunnera macrophylla
Pachysandra terminalis
Brunnera macrophylla
Brunnera macrophylla

Spent about £50 more than my birthday voucher.... Mme will not be amused!

 

Do you like Brunnera's?
it's your birthday voucher, is it not?
Which cranesbill?

 

Brunnera was recommended.... RHS.. probably had a load to sell... I will try them in the heart of the shady area.
I have got more and more cranesbill of all hues....I kind of like them

 

yes we like Geraniums as we call them, got several types, have to keep them in check every now and again!

 

They are so good for ground cover..

 

arrived today in a large box one meter square and inside..... some very small seedlings....

 

Sadly I must report the death of "our" goldcrest, it flew into a window I guess. So sad.
It bravely ventured out of the conifers into our garden and came to its death.
Having it in the hand makes you realize how small and light it is.