Horticultural aide memoire
No.47: Plant a tree
Dig a round hole comfortably wider and deeper than the tree's root spread. Break up the soil in the bottom with a fork or a pick. Make a cone of soil in the middle and rest the rootball on it. If the tree is a standard, drive in a stake close to the trunk, but without damaging the rootball. Carefully backfill the soil by shovelling, and rest your weight on it to consolidate (but not squash) it as you go. Make sure the nursery mark (you'll see) is at the final soil level. If staked, tie tree to stake. Admire your work.
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A country house that's 'the finest-looking estate between the Humber and the Tweed' (at least according to Queen Victoria)Burn Hall is a treasure-trove of architectural features, from its sweeping staircase to its grand snooker room.
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Liverpool and literature: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 18, 2025Which river runs through Liverpool and how much do you remember from the 'Harry Potter' book series?
