Diary: July 2003

I've been a bit worried about the hedge which I planted last November: much of the hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) has developed some sort of mildew.

I hadn't paid the whitish patches appearing on the hawthorn much attention and before I knew it, practically every hawthorn in the hedge was affected. The blackthorn (Prunus spinsoa), field maple (Acer campestre) and crab apple (Malus sylvestris) were unaffected.

I realised that I had been very remiss in my care of this young hedge - particularly given the very dry weather we have been having. I believe that the hawthorn is suffering from 'powdery mildew' which is encouraged by dry soil. I cut as much of the affected shoots away as I reasonably could and gave the hedge a good watering. In dry weather, I have resolved to give the hedge a good soaking at least once a week. I hope that too much damage has not already been done.