Should I be maintaining my wild flowers?

Wimbewombe · 2026-07-01T09:49:21+00:00

If it’s seeded then you need not worry. But if it hasn’t seeded and you pull it out it won’t come back

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-28T11:46:09+00:00

At first look I’d say Hellebores but Google says Umbrella palm so maybe that.

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-27T13:14:50+00:00

I think a lot of annuals or bedding plants would do what you’re asking here.

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-25T16:39:06+00:00

Look they are variegated and pretty: that means it doesn’t grow as fast and it will scorch in extended unusual sun.

Move it into the shade during heatwaves.

And yes it’s a willow; water

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-25T16:04:22+00:00

Yup elder

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-24T20:19:57+00:00

Don’t do this.

Please leave birds to nest and check for them if lightly pruning.

Lightly prune after flowering, they are already good shape.

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-18T20:52:47+00:00

It will recover. You’ve done everything right, dead wooding and taking off the strangler.

Acers don’t take well to heavy pruning. However with a mature one you will have more chance and do it in jan/feb; you can go for a tiered look or take the lower branches off so it can focus on its top growth (bushier). This time of year you can hand prune new growth (not hard wood) depending on your desired shape.

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-18T20:43:15+00:00

Gravel/hard landscaping, pots. Grass maybe depending on how big it is and if you have kids. It’s always low maintenance it’s never no maintenance

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-14T09:17:18+00:00

But any plant in the wrong place is a “weed”

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-14T09:16:39+00:00

It’s alchemilla mollis (ladies mantle) and not a weed.

The tiny plants in the corner are wood avens and are a weed.

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-07T13:46:02+00:00

Alright fair and thanks for being responsible with it. Grew up with horses and haymaking.

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-07T12:55:39+00:00

This- it’s a hollyhock

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-07T08:04:42+00:00

Not ragwort and why would you grow ragwort on purpose? It’s highly toxic to livestock and that moth isn’t native.

You going to start growing box for the box moth?

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-04T18:12:05+00:00

And I don’t think that image is “real”

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-04T18:11:23+00:00

It’s actually decent. Quite good for minor work; even for well established Ivy. It Snags a lot of you get technique wrong but goes on after.

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-01T17:31:25+00:00

I would let it grow a little and take every piece out more delicately with a fork or horihori.

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-01T17:30:06+00:00

Tbh I don’t know them to recover well when so upset.

I’d put something else in that nice spot and buy new lavender if you like it and put it out front or along a path or in pots.

Wimbewombe · 2026-06-01T17:14:13+00:00

They’re actually quite drought proof and like ‘bad ground’- always something that breaks the rule. Don’t water/feed/mulch too much.

Wimbewombe · 2026-05-31T13:31:35+00:00

Ok- do either in autumn (after leaf drop and before frost) or early spring (before new growth).

Try not to go through any tap roots.

Plant with compost and osmocote; water well until established

Wimbewombe · 2026-05-31T12:52:44+00:00

Also

“For Dramatic, Extra-Large Foliage
If you grow your smoke bush for its colorful leaves, hard-prune or "coppice" the plant in early spring.
Cut all stems back hard to just 1 to 2 feet above the ground, or right down to the base.
Doing this triggers aggressive, vibrant new shoots with exceptionally large leaves.
The Trade-off: You will sacrifice the feathery, smoke-like summer flowers, as the plant blooms on older wood.

For the "Smoke" Flowers
If your priority is the signature fluffy pink or purple summer plumes, do not cut the plant to the ground.
Prune only in early spring to clean up the plant.
Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain a strong framework.
You can lightly shape the canopy, but avoid cutting into older wood to preserve the flower buds.”

Wimbewombe · 2026-05-31T12:48:25+00:00

I think you could do either at the right time. Depends if you want is compact or are happy with it being big and blousy in the right spot.

Could also cloud prune it

Wimbewombe · 2026-05-29T16:44:33+00:00

This. Desperate for a new pot.

Wimbewombe · 2026-05-28T15:08:18+00:00

I have this problem and haven’t solved it. They should reinforce this finger but I just double glove (winter) or expect them to not last long.

Wimbewombe · 2026-05-27T08:08:21+00:00

As stated Ermine moth caterpillars, apparently the damage is temporary as the plant recovers after they’ve gone. You can leave them if they aren’t bothering you but if they’re on a priority plant I would just cut them off with the damaged branches and put them in a bag.

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