40
The West Dorset Magazine, June 3, 2022
Homes & Gardens
Horticulture...
...with botanist Dr Dave Aplin
Born and bred in West Dorset, Dave has worked in horticulture and botany locally and internationally, notably in Belgium, Jordan and the UAE. He brings a wealth of practical knowledge with its underlying principles to his writing
Top tips for the prickliest customers If you’re seeking quality plants and fantastic advice on their care, a specialist independent nursery is the place to go. The owners
OVEN CLEANING
SHINY STOVES Oven cleaning Family-run business Eco-friendly products 01935 592461 / 07875 272401
shinystoves.com
UPHOLSTERY BEAMINSTER UPHOLSTERY AND FURNITURE REPAIR Please ring Mike for a quote 07470 007588 or email beaminster upholstery@gmail.com
GARDENS
THE FENCING & GATE Co Free survey & quotation
01935 330095 01305 330031
Soil Testing Service Professional laboratory soil tests
• gardeners • landscapers • small holders Wild昀ower meadows, veg, fruit, 昀ower, new & established gardens.
Fast, accurate & easy to interpret soil report within 7 days
www.soilvalues.com 07598 714 082
have real passion for their chosen plants, which they lovingly raise from cuttings and seed. One such nursery is Coach House Cacti (coachhousecacti.co.uk) in Kingcombe Road, Toller Porcorum. A cactus nursery situated deep within the emerald folds of the west Dorset landscape might surprise, yet David Ennals, supported by his wife Jane, have carved a highly successful prize-winning nursery boasting the widest range of cacti in the county. If you think you already know cacti from the types normally sold in garden centres, then observing a specialist’s collection can’t fail but expand your horizons to their diverse shapes, colours and forms. Visiting a specialist nursery at a residential property might at first seem a little daunting, but in reality you will be greeted with smiles as you step across the threshold and probably offered a mug of your preferred brew. It appears that David and Jane place as much care into their customers’ comfort as they do to the cultivation of their plants. David’s passion grew from the age of 14 following the responsibility of looking after several cacti. He now resides over a considerable number of spectacular
plants, some close to half a century old, used for the exhibitions they attend annually. These provide customers with a glimpse of what the smaller, saleable plants will become given the right care. Nursery opening times are highlighted on the Coach House cacti website, but also available through various plant fairs and shows throughout the summer. David’s top tips for growing cacti are: cacti enjoy high light levels, so place them on your sunniest windowsill, turning them weekly to ensure even growth. water plants as individuals,
if dry, water, if not leave them well alone. rainwater is perfect for cacti because some dislike hard tap water. Avoid getting water on the plants, this can lead to scorch on hot days, in cooler weather the moisture can linger inviting disease. Ensure cacti are planted in free-draining compost by adding grit to any prepared mix (ideally John Innes number 2). If you have a specialist plant collection in the West Dorset Magazine’s distribution area then why not let us know? I’m sure others would love to share in your passion.
