He's a cut above the rest - just like his lawnmower. Danny Calderback has more timely handy hints and the summertime news.

However well built and looked after, there comes a time when it will need replacing. My right hip is a case in point, but more immediate is a replacement lawn mower for my ancient servant, a Mountfield, which is now beyond repair. There are many types of machine out there and selection can be tricky; perhaps a ‘hover’ for longer grass on difficult slopes or a ‘cylinder’ with a rear roller where the perfect cut also provides stripes. However, a rotary is the choice of many, including myself, as it will satisfy most requirements.

A rotary powered by electricity or petrol, self-propelled or push, one with a rear roller perhaps to give that striped finish, it all needs consideration and the latest development of a ‘mulching mower’ that eliminates the need for a grass box is another option to consider. Grass cuttings all over the lawn that become yellow and need to be removed by raking are the usual outcome of a standard machine, but this one is different. It is a rotary that directs the clippings upwards so that they receive a number of cuts before being blown out of the machine. At this point the clippings are so small they don’t need to be collected and fall to the ground ‘disappearing’ among the grass blades. At least this is the theory.

A machine without a grass box is not only more manoeuvrable but it saves time; it has been estimated that up to 30% of ‘mowing time’ is taken up by emptying the grass box! However a concern of mine is the potential for the lawn to build up ‘thatch’ and this is not good, although I am informed this is not the case and the mulch itself can actually benefit the grass by retaining surface moisture.

Many manufacturers are introducing this technology and we will certainly see new models appearing each season. My choice, based on size and budget, and not forgetting previous satisfaction, is the Mountfield Multiclip 501HP; the HP stands for ‘hand push’ as opposed to a power driven model which is also available. There is no doubt that power driven gets the job done easily and quickly but I like to work more slowly and particularly so when the lawn shape is irregular.

Manufacturers have not been slow to recognise that the modern gardener wants to spend as little time as possible on grass care, hence the mulching mower, and the scientists have also come up with a grass feed that also slows down the rate of growth. Evergreen ‘mow it less’ lawn food guarantees to make the grass greener and more lush in three days while reducing the growth rate by half in comparison to a standard lawn food. I anticipate this summer to be a lot easier with a new mulching mower and grass that will be growing more slowly than expected!

Weeding out your garden problems

I only have a small garden and hosepipes only seem to come in long lengths that are quite unmanageable.

I agree that the standard hosepipe is not really suitable for small areas although they can of course be cut to length. However, I believe a much better proposition is to use one of the ‘coiled’ hosepipes such as those produced by Gardena that are available in 10 or 15 metre lengths. They can be wall mounted and take up little space and yet the pipe itself is not prone to twisting, collapsing or cracking. I use one and find it very convenient. Look out for the value pack containing the hosepipe, all the necessary tap fittings and a spray gun with a gentle spray that is ideal for watering plants. Additionally, the gun automatically cuts off the water supply when not in use thereby conserving water. I can’t fault it!

We have an herbaceous border containing our favourite perennials. We would love to add peony to our list but have been told that they are difficult.

The peony is a real gem and you should not be discouraged for it is not too difficult to grow successfully. Enrich the soil and plant so that the crown is no deeper than an inch beneath the surface. At this point leave the plant alone except for the minimum of care that amounts to providing mulch in spring and a summer feed. Support the flowering stems and cut all stems down in autumn. It may take up to three years to develop into a strong plant and, if there is a secret to growing them, it is to do as little as possible.

Cuttings

Bowles’ golden grass, Millium effusum aureum makes an ideal bed partner for what is commonly called ‘black grass’ but it isn’t a grass but a dark form of Ophiopogon. Seeds are available for both plants from Thompson and Morgan (01473 688821)

Sow biennials such as wallflowers and sweet william around the second or third week of the month. I used to leave sowing until much later but I now recognise that, in the north, plants need to become multi-branched, well-rooted and strong before winter and they will achieve this from an earlier sowing. The strong, early sown-plants also bloom sooner. Look at Unwins ‘bedding mix’ for great value Wallflowers (01480 443395)

Broccoli have become increasingly popular because they are easy to grow, quick to prepare and taste good! Sow seed in an outdoor bed, maintain moisture and plant in permanent positions when they are about 4 inches tall. Marshalls ‘Extra Early Rudolph’ will crop between November and February and if you follow this with their ‘Early purple’ they will crop until April (01480 443390)

Young birds that have left the nest have swelled the avian population meaning there is greater competition for food that is available naturally. Both the RSPB and the BTO recommend we continue to put food out now for birds and not just during winter. CJ Wildlife can provide a wonderful free catalogue explaining feeding in detail (0800 731 2820)