Garden Thoughts

British wildlife is being threatened even more by the unseasonal weather patterns that we are experiencing.

January although the middle of winter is the new start to the gardening year.  Although the days are cold and often dull with little sunshine there can still be lots of plants to brighten the borders with colourful stems, evergreen foliage and even some that actually flower at this time of year.

Evergreen trees like Fir and Pine were decorated outside or on the threshold of a home with fruit and sweetmeats. They were thought to ward away evil spirits who collected the offerings and went away. I think it was actually the birds enjoying this winter treat.

Roses are the nations favourite flower and have captivated human hearts for centuries serving as symbols of passion, beauty, and love.  The genus has over 150 species including shrubs, perennials and climbers that were originally cultivated in North America, Europe, North Africa and Asia.

The Patio Tubs that have provided a colourful display all summer are now looking tired and overgrown so it’s time to replant them with Autumn and Winter colour.

As the days shorten, the weather cools and our tubs and hanging baskets are starting to look tired its time to fill them again with colour. 

Maintaining a beautiful garden can be challenging especially when planning a holiday. Ensuring your plants thrive while you are away means choosing the right plants not relying on friends and neighbours to “Do the Watering”. Better to choose plants that will withstand dry conditions and require less water once established.

Summer heralds a symphony of colours in our English country gardens as numerous herbaceous perennials begin to bloom. Among the standout choices are the striking Agapanthus, the ever popular Salvias, delightful Dianthus, and resilient hardy Geraniums.

You may think you know all about Britain’s Favourite Flower but they have more qualities than you may think.  There was a time when in the pursuit of the perfect looking bloom plant selectors rather disregarded the beautiful scents. The “Old Fashioned Shrub” varieties which were often large and untidy in habit were abandoned for neat bushes with perfectly shaped flowers.

March is the classic time to start sowing flower and vegetable seeds in preparation for the warmer months ahead. By choosing the right seeds and propagation products, we gardeners can ensure a bountiful harvest and a colourful display of blooms in our gardens for the months to come.

In February the garden begins to wake with Snowdrops Cyclamen and little Daffodils heralding Spring. We are constantly told that spring is arriving earlier each year so let’s catch up before the buds burst, shoots emerge and weeds start to germinate.