Let's Go Planting

Grevillea Canberra Gem

Posted on July 4, 2024

A Garden Gem for All Seasons

If you’re looking to add a splash of vibrant colour and a touch of Australian charm to your garden, look no further than the Grevillea ‘Canberra Gem’. This stunning evergreen shrub is a favourite among gardeners for its striking flowers and year-round appeal.

A Burst of Beauty

Grevillea ‘Canberra Gem’ is renowned for its prolific blooming. From late Winter through to late Summer, it produces an abundance of spider-like flowers in a brilliant shade of deep pink to red. These unique blossoms are not just eye-catching; they’re also a magnet for birds, particularly nectar-loving species. Imagine your garden alive with the buzz of bees and the flutter of wings, all drawn to this botanical beauty.

Low Maintenance, High Reward

For those who prefer low-maintenance gardening, this is a dream come true. It requires minimal pruning – just a light trim after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushiness. It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions. This makes it an environmentally friendly option that supports local wildlife.

A Touch of the Exotic

Beyond its practical benefits, planting Grevillea ‘Canberra Gem’ adds an exotic touch to your garden. Its distinctively Australian heritage and unique floral structure offer something different from more traditional garden plants. It’s a way to bring a bit of Down Under magic to your own backyard.

This Grevillea is more than just a pretty face in the garden. Its combination of striking beauty and low maintenance makes it an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels. Whether you’re looking to attract wildlife, create a stunning floral display, or simply enjoy a resilient and easy-care plant, this Grevillea truly is a gem.

Deutzia Hookeriana

Posted on June 26, 2024

Deutzia Hookeriana, commonly known as ‘Hooker’s Deutzia’, is a graceful and ornamental deciduous shrub prized for its elegant foliage and profusion of delicate flowers. Native to the Himalayas and parts of China, this charming plant belongs to the Hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae) and is valued for its reliability and beauty in gardens and landscapes.

This Deutzia typically grows to a height of 4 metres with a spread of approximately 2.5 metres, forming a rounded or slightly arching shape. Its slender, arching branches are adorned with ovate to lanceolate leaves that emerge in Spring with a fresh green hue, providing a lush backdrop for the spectacular floral display. The most notable feature of this Deutzia is its abundant clusters of fragrant flowers that adorn the branches in late Spring to early Summer. Each flower is relatively large compared to other Deutzia

species, with petals ranging in colour from white to pale pink, creating a captivating contrast against the green foliage. This Deutzia is relatively easy to care for and thrives in a variety of soil types, preferring well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. It performs best in a location with full sun to partial shade, though it can tolerate some shade. Regular watering is essential, especially during periods of drought, to ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. With its graceful form, exquisite flowers, and ease of cultivation, Deutzia Hookeriana is a valuable addition to gardens, borders, and mixed shrubbery plantings, where it brings a touch of elegance and charm throughout the growing season.

Lavatera Silver Leafed Barnsley

Posted on June 12, 2024

Lavatera ‘Silver Leafed Barnsley’ is a captivating semi-evergreen shrub known for its stunning silver-green foliage and profusion of delicate blooms. This plant features soft, silvery leaves that provide a beautiful contrast to its flowers, adding an elegant touch to any garden. During the blooming season, which typically spans through Summer, it produces an abundance of clusters of white flowers with deep pink eyes maturing to pale pink as they age.

Growing to a height of about 2.5 metres and spreading up to 1.5 metres, this cultivar is ideal for borders, hedging, or as a standalone specimen plant. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil, though it is relatively adaptable to various soil types. It is also drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking a resilient yet striking addition to their landscape.

Overall, Lavatera Silver Leafed Barnsley is cherished for its long blooming period, ease of care, and the unique aesthetic appeal it brings with its silvery foliage and charming flowers.

Gardening Essentials: Harnessing the Power of Gloves and Hand Tools

Posted on May 23, 2024

Lady Chatterley’s Glover

Gardening is a deeply rewarding activity that allows us to connect with nature, cultivate beautiful landscapes, and grow our own nourishing produce. However, it’s also a hands-on endeavour that can sometimes leave our hands a bit worse for wear. Fortunately, two essential tools – gloves and hand forks – can help us work more comfortably and efficiently in the garden.

The Importance of Gloves:

Gloves are a gardener’s best friend, providing protection from thorns, prickles, splinters, and abrasive surfaces while working in the garden. Here are some reasons why investing in a good pair of gardening gloves is essential for gardeners:

Hand Protection: Gardening often involves handling rough or thorny plants, digging in the soil, and using sharp tools. Gloves provide a barrier between your hands and potential hazards, reducing the risk of cuts, scrapes, and punctures.
Comfort: Working with soil can leave hands feeling dry and rough. Gloves offer cushioning and
The Grafter

protection, keeping your hands comfortable and minimising the strain of repetitive tasks like digging and weeding.
Allergy Prevention: Some plants, such as certain species of nettles or poison ivy, can cause allergic reactions upon contact with the skin. Wearing gloves prevents direct contact with these irritants, reducing the likelihood of skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Hygiene: Gardening often involves handling organic matter, soil, and compost, which can harbour bacteria and fungi. Wearing gloves helps maintain proper hygiene and reduces the risk of contamination or infection.

The Thornstar

Choosing the Right Gloves:

When selecting gardening gloves, consider the following factors to ensure you find the perfect fit for your needs:

Material: Gardening gloves are available in various materials, including leather, rubber, nylon, and cotton. Choose a material that offers the right balance of protection,flexibility, and breathability for the tasks you’ll be performing.
Fit: Look for gloves that fit snugly without being too tight or restrictive. Proper fit ensures maximum dexterity and prevents gloves from slipping or bunching up during use.
Features: Consider additional features such as reinforced fingertips, adjustable cuffs, and touchscreen compatibility, depending on your gardening preferences and requirements.

Unlocking the Potential of Hand Tools:

Hand forks and trowels are versatile tools that are invaluable for a wide range of gardening tasks, from loosening soil to removing weeds and cultivating beds. Here’s why hand forks are indispensable for gardeners:

Weeding: Hand forks are ideal for precision weeding, allowing you to loosen soil around weeds and lift them out without disturbing nearby plants. Their narrow tines make them well-suited for working in
The Hand Fork (Mulberry)

tight spaces and around delicate plants.
Aerating Soil: Forking or loosening compacted soil helps improve drainage, root growth, and nutrient uptake. Hand forks are perfect for aerating small areas or container gardens, ensuring optimal growing conditions for your plants.
Cultivating Beds: Whether you’re preparing seedbeds, mixing amendments into the soil, or breaking up clumps, hand forks are indispensable for cultivating garden beds. Their sturdy construction and ergonomic design make them efficient and comfortable to use for extended periods.
Harvesting: Hand forks can also be used for harvesting root crops like potatoes, carrots, and beets, gently lifting them from the soil without causing damage or breakage.

Conclusion:

The Hand Trowel (Mulberry)

Gardening is a beloved pastime and the climate presents unique challenges and opportunities. By investing in high-quality gloves that offer protection, comfort, and durability you can enhance your gardening experience and achieve greater success in your garden endeavours. So, don your gloves, grab your hand fork, and get ready to cultivate a thriving garden that brings joy and beauty to your outdoor space. Happy gardening!

Gardens: A Haven of solace, opportunity and inspiration

Posted on May 2, 2024

Magnolia Sunsation

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, people often find themselves yearning for moments of peace and tranquility. Amidst the chaos, gardens emerge as sanctuaries that not only offer solace but also provide opportunities for personal growth and inspiration. Whether it’s a small backyard oasis or a sprawling botanical wonderland, gardens have a unique ability to nurture the mind, body, and soul.

Solace in Nature:

Gardens, with their lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and soothing sounds of rustling leaves, have an innate ability to create a peaceful atmosphere. The simple act of immersing oneself in nature can alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and promote overall well-being. In gardens, individuals can escape the demands of everyday life and find solace in the beauty of their surroundings.

The therapeutic benefits of gardening, often referred to as horticultural therapy, have been recognised for centuries. Cultivating plants, tending to flowers, and connecting with the earth can be a meditative practice, allowing individuals to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with themselves.

Opportunities for Growth:

Rosmarinus Prostratus

Gardens offer a canvas for personal growth and development. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice with a small pot of herbs on your windowsill, the act of nurturing living things provides a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.

Gardening fosters patience, dedication, and resilience. As plants grow and transform, so too does the gardener. Learning about different plant species, understanding their needs, and experimenting with various gardening techniques opens up a world of knowledge and skill development. From mastering the art of pruning to understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems within a garden, opportunities for growth abound.

Community gardens take this concept further, providing spaces where individuals can collaborate, share knowledge, and work towards a common goal. These shared spaces not only cultivate a sense of community but also offer opportunities for collective learning and skill exchange.

Inspiration in Every Petal:

Gardens are a wellspring of inspiration, offering a sensory feast that stimulates creativity. The vibrant colours, unique shapes, and diverse textures found in a garden can spark artistic ideas, fuelling inspiration for various forms of expression, from painting and photography to poetry and design.

Gaura Whirling Butterflies

Botanical gardens, in particular, showcase an array of plant species from around the world, acting as living museums that captivate the imagination. Artists, writers, and innovators have often sought inspiration in the intricate patterns of petals, the dance of butterflies, and the interplay of light and shadow beneath a canopy of leaves.

Conclusion:

In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, gardens stand as silent yet powerful retreats that offer solace, opportunities for personal growth, and a wellspring of inspiration. Whether you have a green thumb or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, cultivating a connection with gardens can have profound effects on your overall well-being. So, take a moment to step into the world of blooming flowers, thriving plants, and the gentle rustle of leaves – you might just find the solace, opportunities, and inspiration you’ve been seeking.

The healing power of gardening: How tending to plants can improve mental health

Posted on March 27, 2024

Jasminum Officinale

In the midst of bustling cities and hectic lifestyles, finding solace in nature has become increasingly essential for mental well-being. Across the United Kingdom, a growing number of individuals are discovering the therapeutic benefits of gardening. From nurturing plants in communal gardens to cultivating green spaces at home, the act of tending to plants offers a profound opportunity for relaxation, mindfulness, and healing.

In a country renowned for its lush landscapes and picturesque gardens, connecting with nature is ingrained in our cultural fabric. Gardening provides a tangible way for individuals to immerse themselves in the natural world, fostering a sense of connection and belonging. Whether it’s sowing seeds, tending to flowers, or harvesting fresh produce, the act of engaging with plants can ground us in the present moment and alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety.

Lavandula Stoechas

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Gardening offers a form of active mindfulness, allowing us to focus our attention on the task at hand and cultivate a sense of tranquillity. The rhythmic movements involved in planting and weeding, coupled with the sights and sounds of nature, create a meditative experience that promotes relaxation and stress reduction. Research has shown that spending time in green spaces can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, leading to improved mood and overall well-being.

One of the most remarkable aspects of gardening is its accessibility. Whether you have a sprawling back garden, or a small balcony, there are many ways to incorporate gardening into your daily life. Container gardening and indoor plant care offer flexible options for individuals with limited outdoor space or mobility challenges.

Lippia Citriodora

In an increasingly fast-paced and digitally driven world, the healing power of gardening offers a much-needed antidote to the stresses of modern life. Individuals are rediscovering the joy of tending to plants and reconnecting with the natural world. Whether it’s nurturing houseplants or simply taking a stroll through a local park, the act of engaging with green spaces has profound implications for mental health and well-being.

Lomandra White Sands

Posted on March 20, 2024

In the lush green canvas of UK gardens, Lomandra White Sands, a spiny-headed mat rush, emerges as a unique and versatile grass-like plant, offering a distinctive charm to outdoor spaces. Known for its tufted, arching foliage and spiny flower heads, this evergreen perennial adds textural interest to British gardens.

Pruning and caring for Lomandra ‘White Sands’ are straightforward tasks that contribute to its well-maintained appearance. While this hardy plant requires minimal pruning, the removal of any dead or damaged leaves helps keep it looking neat and encourages new growth. With its adaptability to various soil types and preference for a sunny to partially shaded location, this spiny-headed mat rush is well-suited for a range of garden settings.

Lomandra ‘White Sands’ becomes a resilient and low-maintenance choice for UK gardeners seeking an ornamental grass that withstands the temperate climate. Its ability to thrive in coastal conditions adds to its allure, making it a versatile and visually appealing addition to British gardens. With minimal care and its unique spiny-headed aesthetic, this mat rush effortlessly weaves a touch of distinction into the fabric of UK landscapes, proving that grasses can indeed be both practical and picturesque.

Ribes Somerset White

Posted on February 29, 2024

In the enchanting realm of UK gardens, Ribes Somerset White, the white flowering currant, emerges as a captivating shrub, bringing a delicate touch of elegance to outdoor spaces. Celebrated for its cascading clusters of fragrant, white blossoms, this deciduous beauty not only graces the landscape with its charming blooms but also stands out as an excellent choice for hedging.

Pruning and caring for Ribes ‘Somerset White’ are key to maintaining its hedging appeal and ensuring its overall health. Regular pruning in late winter or early spring helps shape the shrub and promotes denser growth, making it an ideal candidate for hedging. Remove any dead or crowded branches to enhance air circulation and stimulate new flowering shoots. This white flowering currant thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny to partially shaded location, offering versatility in various garden settings.

As an attractive and fragrant hedging option, Ribes ‘Somerset White’ becomes a favored selection among UK gardeners. Its ability to provide both visual interest and a functional garden boundary showcases the versatility of this deciduous shrub. With proper pruning and care, this white flowering currant becomes a living tapestry of blooms, transforming UK gardens into fragrant havens of natural beauty.

Jasminum Argenteovariegatum

Posted on February 12, 2024

In the enchanting landscape of UK gardens, Jasminum Argenteovariegatum, the Variegated Jasmine, takes centre stage as a captivating climber, adorning outdoor spaces with its elegant charm. Known for its distinctive variegated leaves, featuring shades of green and cream, this deciduous climber offers a visual delight that complements the British climate.

Pruning and caring for the Variegated Jasmine play pivotal roles in maintaining its graceful appearance. Regular pruning, ideally after flowering in late summer or early autumn, helps control its growth and shape while promoting a more robust blooming season. Remove any dead or unruly branches to encourage new growth and maintain the desired form. This climber thrives in well-drained soil and appreciates a sunny to partially shaded location, making it a versatile addition to various garden settings.

Jasminum Argenteovariegatum’s fragrant white blooms, coupled with its vibrant foliage, make it a cherished choice for UK gardeners seeking a climber that not only ascends gracefully but also adds a touch of aromatic allure to their outdoor havens. With its resilience and aesthetic appeal, the Variegated Jasmine stands as a testament to nature’s artistry, weaving beauty into the tapestry of British gardens.

Pollarding Garden Trees

Posted on February 5, 2024

Pollarding is most effective when applied to young trees rather than mature ones. Young trees respond more promptly to any wounds inflicted during the process, minimising the risk of decay. The initial step involves growing the tree to the desired height, typically ranging from 3 to 6 feet, with a framework of three to five branches.

How to prune :

This pruning technique is commonly performed in late Winter or early Spring (late January to March) for most species. However, species like Acers and Mulberry are pollarded earlier while they are still fully dormant to prevent bleeding.

To carry out pollarding, use a pruning saw to cut branches significantly back to two buds, usually within 5-8 centimetres of the main stem. It is crucial to ensure that all cuts are neat for quick healing and water shedding. Following pruning, apply a generous feed of fertiliser and then mulch to promote robust Summer growth.

A regular pruning cycle should occur every one to three years. During this process, new growth is pruned just above the previous cuts to avoid exposing older wood susceptible to decay. As the tree matures, occasional thinning may be necessary to evenly space out the remaining shoots, removing any overcrowded growth. Additionally, eliminate shoots appearing on the main trunk or suckers from the base of the tree.

After pollarding, it is essential to maintain the pruning cycle as the weight and angle of new branches can lead to weakness. To open up the plant’s centre, remove one or two older stems to the base annually.

While some deciduous garden trees respond well to pollarding, it is generally not successful for mature trees. Conifers, excluding Taxus Baccata, should not be pollarded as they do not regenerate from old wood. Certain deciduous trees, such as Birch and Prunus, may look unattractive as pollards. Large street trees like limes and planes, however, benefit from pollarding every two to four years to prevent them from outgrowing their allotted space.

Species that pollard well :

Species that respond well to pollarding include Acer Negundo, Acer Pensylvanicum Erythrocladum, Ailanthus Altissima, Catalpa Bignonioides, Cercis Canadensis, Cotinus Coggygria, Eucalyptus Gunnii, Liriodendron, Morus Alba, and Salix Acutifolia Blue Streak.