The snowdrops were a fortnight late this year due to the very long and cold  period we had  at the start of 2009.We must not complain however as the autumn was relatively mild with many flowering plants producing colour up until Christmas.The cold spell should have killed off a few overwintering disease spores and insect larvae.
As the climate gets warmer the RHS warns that we must expect some of the pests and diseases from southern Europe to get worse. Notable are the Rose Jewel Beetle,the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, the 12 Spot Asparagus Beetle, Colorado Beetle (potato pest -it occurs spasmodically but may be killed off this year by the cold spell.) A pest of Pelargoniums that could prove to be a problem is the Geranium Bronze Butterfly, which spread from S.Africa in horticultural material and is now well established. Its caterpillar feeds on pelargonium.Other insects that may cause problems include the Stephanitis (Tiger) lacebugs which suck the sap of the leaves of pear and apple.Other members of the genus attack the rhododendron and Pieris Japonica.
Regarding diseases, it is those that like a moist environment that thrive when  our    weather  gets warmer. Phytopthora (infestans) is perhaps the worst of our potato diseases and it was this that caused the notorious famine in Ireland -it is best controlled by growing earlies and cutting off the haulm as soon as the potatoes are a good size. Copper sprays are still used in the garden Pear rust is increasing rapidly but it is not certain that global warming is the culprit in this case.
Due to the changing climate,the following fruit will be produced more widely in our gardens:- dessert grapes, peaches, kiwi fruit and loquats. Figs and olives should perform better.More and more tomato cultivars and aubergines will grow outside and the growing season for salad leaf crops such as rocket lettuce and oriental vegetables will lengthen in spring and autumn. Longer, hotter summers should make melons a more realistic outdoor crop.
Thompson & Morgan produce  new varieties of aubergine and two new blight resistant seed potatoes;’Sarpo Axona’ and Sarpo Mira.The cabbage ‘Kilaton and cauliflower ‘Clapton’ are bred for resistnce to clubroot.
Returning to the greenhouse I was spurred on by a friend who tells me that  his broad beans are already 2ins. high  and will soon be hardened off  before planting out . I tried this method last year but the transplanted beans never really produced much before those sown outdoors in March – a lot depends on the weather and one pays your money and takes your choice!
I am regenerating the stock of pelargoniums and fuchsias again this year.as I have taken cuttings for 3-4 years and they seem to be losing vigour. I am using miniplug plants which, whilst a trifle expensive, do provide a mixture of the latest varieties and don’t waste seed.  One also has the satisfaction of pricking out and growing on. Apart from half hardy annuals like busy lizzie (impatiens), cosmos and osteospermum , I am relying more and more on perennials for borders and boxes.
The other seeds I am sowing in the greenhouse are tomato and cucumber. Alicante (now nearly as common as Moneymaker tomatoes), and an F1 cucumber Burplass Tasty Green. (All male flowers should be removed to ensure development of the female fruit bearing flowers)

ADAM