The Gardening Year

Watch out for

Fireblight: Prune out infected wood well below the visible symptoms during dry weather, disinfecting tools between cuts.

Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation by thinning the canopy and apply a suitable fungicide if infection is severe.

Cedar-hawthorn rust: Remove fallen leaves in autumn to break the life cycle and avoid planting near junipers if possible.

Aphids: Encourage natural predators like ladybirds or use a strong jet of water to dislodge them.

Honey fungus: Improve drainage and avoid deep planting; severe cases may require removal of the plant.