Spring planning

Spring planning

We mentioned late season colour last time and we also mentioned that our focus was on our spring borders which have been lacklustre for the last few years. Consequently the Genus HQ coffee table has disappeared under a small hill of bulb catalogues and work has already started in the garden.

We’ve grown wallflowers before but always from plants that were grown for us. This year we’ve planned ahead, purchased seed and sown them in a free area of the vegetable garden. We wouldn’t be so excited except that within a matter of days they were up; mild weather and warm rain have conspired to create perfect conditions for germination.

Come spring these young plants will be planted out into the beds, where within a matter of weeks they’ll go from shabby teen to dazzling young adult.

We’ve sown rich, dark, crimson ‘Vulcan’, gorgeous purple/pink ‘Sunset’ and blood orange ‘Fire King’. Plenty of fiery colours to combine with tulips and make the spring start with a bang!!

On the plot - Italian vegetables

Why not try something new in the vegetable garden this year?  Italian vegetables have grown in popularity in recent years faring well in the UK climate. There are three we’d...
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Gardening explained - marcescence

You may have noticed certain trees clinging on to their leaves throughout winter and well into spring until new replacements start to appear.  This holding on to last year's leaves...
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Gardeners' notes - what to do in May

Plant out half hardy annuals Your greenhouse or window sills are probably groaning under the weight of annual plants that you’ve been caring for since sowing them a few months...
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