The Gardening Year

Watch out for

Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering; tolerate mild infections or apply fungicides if severe.

Vine weevil: Use nematode treatments in autumn for larvae or apply systemic insecticides to control adult beetles.

Rhododendron bud blast: Remove and destroy infected buds promptly; ensure good drainage and avoid wetting foliage.

Silver leaf fungus: Prune out infected branches well below the visible symptoms and burn them to prevent spread.

Phytophthora root rot: Plant in well-drained acidic soil and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal establishment.