In the Garden and Gardening Pointers - The Archives

Almost since the very first issue of what was then called Monkey Magazine Nicholsons Nurseries has been a keen supporter of this tremendous little magazine, and Cat Wilkins has been contributing her regular gardening feature ever since.

This page is devoted to some of the "back issues". Although they appeared in print some time ago, the month-by-month tips remain no less valid as the years go by.

	Issue 11, November 2006 Get ready for the first frosts, but don't miss the beauty of a wonderful Winter sunrise. Check for sloes or collect the last of the blackberries. Now is the time to plant bare-root trees, provided all the leaves have dropped, but collect those for leafmould - the ideal peat substitute.
	Issue 10, October 2006 Another warm month has kept Autumn at bay for a little while longer, but the leaves are now starting to fall. Collect them using a rotary mower for composting - it's more effective than raking. Harvest fruit too, especially apples, and prepare the vegetable plot. Get digging!
	Issue 9, September 2006 Autumn colours are starting to show in the trees and hedgerows, and it's time to think about planting bulbs for next Spring. Lawns have suffered this year, with the variable weather - too dry some months, too wet in others. Time to harvest the last of your tomatoes.
	Issue 8, Summer 2006 Time to cut back early flowering herbaceous plants and encourage fresh growth and perhaps a second crop of flowers. Divide your Daffs, attend to your clematis, and keep an eye on the lawn to stop it going too brown. Lots of hints and tips for the Summer.
	Issue 7, June 2006 May was wet, but June looks far more promising! Now's the time to get out there and make the most if it, but watch out for pests and diseases, especially on roses and vegetable crops. Weeds are on the up, too, and will be flowering soon . . . and that means seeds!.
	Issue 6, May 2006 The garden's looking at its best - or it should be! Pick up good ideas from the Chelsea Flower Show, but don't overlook the basics. How to tackle dry plots, weed and feed the lawn, and don't forget to dead-head the Tulips and spring bulbs now they've finished flowering.
	Issue 5, April 2006 The garden is rich with blossom, and the bright fresh colours of Spring are evident all around, but what's happening underground? We're predicted a long, hot, dry Summer, and now's the time to make preparations. Look to bark mulch and drought tolerant plants.
	Issue 4, March 2006 Time to prune your roses and cut back last year's clematis. Top dress pot plants to refresh their supply of nutrients, and take a look at your fences and other woodwork. Now might be the best time to sand things down and give them a fresh coat of preservative.
	Issue 3, February 2006 Keeping up with your New Year Gardening Resolutions? There's still time! Most plants remain dormant, so get out there and do some pruning. The lawn may not be growing, but it still needs care, even now, and you could be clearing up the herbaceous border too.
	Issue 2, January 2006 Neil Nicholson provided Monkey's first Gardening feature, and came up with a host of Winter Tips. Time to sit back and browse through the seed catalogue! Check all your hardy plants are well protected from frost, and choosing a Christmas tree.

Contacts

The regular "Gardening Pointers" features for Oxygen Magazine are written and researched by Cat Wilkins. If you have a comment, or would like to make a suggestion for possible future topics, please feel free to email her by clicking on this link: Cat Wilkins