Ep 2. Box Blight

Box Blight is the second episode of the 47th season of Gardeners' World. In this episode, presenter Adam Frost addresses one of the major problems affecting gardens across the country - box blight. Box blight is a fungal disease that primarily affects boxwood topiaries and hedges, causing them to lose leaves and ultimately die.

Adam meets with gardeners who have been affected by box blight and learns about the measures they have taken to combat it. They discuss how to keep boxwood healthy and what to do if an infection does occur. Adam also offers tips on how to identify symptoms of box blight early, as well as recommended treatments.

The episode features a visit to Terry's garden, where he has been battling box blight for several years. Terry has taken a range of measures to protect his boxwood, including the use of fungicides and preventing moisture buildup around the plants. Adam also provides advice on how to prevent the spread of the disease in infected areas. This includes pruning affected areas of the plant and cleaning tools thoroughly after use.

Moving on to the Longmeadow garden, viewers see how the team is working to protect their own boxwood garden. Here, they have taken steps to prevent stress and overcrowding. This includes keeping plants well-fed and spacing them apart to allow for good air circulation. They also show how they keep the boxwood healthy by pruning them regularly to maintain their shape.

The episode also features a segment on how to create effective topiary shapes. Adam provides advice on how to maintain the appearance of topiary whilst keeping them healthy at the same time. He also demonstrates his technique on how to make detailed shapes using a different kind of hedge like Yew.

Finally, the episode ends with a discussion on alternative plants that can be used as an alternative to boxwood. Many options are discussed, including yew, holly, and cypress. But experts highlight that these plants still need expert care and caution when it comes to planting them as one can still catch a disease.

Box Blight is an essential episode for gardeners and a must-watch for those who love their boxwood gardens. The Gardeners' World team offers valuable advice and knowledge on how to protect these delicate plants and prevent them from being wiped out by box blight. At the same time, the episode is filled with beautiful views of stunning gardens and tips on how to create an attractive garden using different kinds of plants.