Let's Go Planting

Callistemon Mauve Mist

Posted on May 12, 2025

Dive into the enchanting world of Australian flora with Callistemon Mauve Mist, a captivating bottlebrush shrub gracing gardens across the United Kingdom. This delightful evergreen, known for its unique mauve-hued blooms, brings a touch of Down Under charm to British gardens.

As the Mauve Mist bottlebrush unfurls its cylindrical flowers, adorned with a subtle mauve tint, it becomes a focal point in UK gardens, adding an unexpected and refreshing burst of colour. This compact shrub is well-suited for both sunny and partially shaded areas, adapting to various soil conditions and making it a versatile choice for UK gardeners seeking a resilient and visually appealing addition.

Pruning and Care: To ensure the continued splendour of your Callistemon Mauve Mist, periodic pruning is essential. Trim back spent flowers to stimulate new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Lightly prune in late winter or early spring to shape the shrub and control its size. This low-maintenance bottlebrush thrives in well-drained soil with regular watering, especially during dry spells. With a little care, Callistemon Mauve Mist will continue to enchant your UK garden with its unique mauve-hued blooms, making it a standout feature in your outdoor haven.

Chaenomeles Kinshiden

Posted on May 5, 2025

In the vibrant tapestry of UK gardens, the Chaenomeles Kinshiden, also known as the Japanese Flowering Quince, emerges as a standout shrub, adding a burst of early spring brilliance. Renowned for its captivating double pale yellow, this deciduous beauty offers a striking contrast against the late winter landscape.

Pruning and caring for the Japanese Flowering Quince are essential steps in maximizing its ornamental appeal. To encourage a compact and well-shaped form, prune the shrub immediately after flowering, removing any dead or overcrowded branches. This not only maintains its aesthetic appeal but also enhances air circulation and sunlight penetration, fostering healthy growth.

The Chaenomeles Kinshiden is well-suited for a variety of garden settings, thriving in well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight. Its versatility extends to being an excellent choice for hedging or as a specimen plant, showcasing its charming blooms while attracting early pollinators. This low-maintenance shrub, with its resilience and captivating display, makes the Japanese Flowering Quince a cherished addition to UK gardens, bringing a touch of elegance and colour to the early spring landscape.

How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden in the UK

Posted on April 28, 2025

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden is a rewarding way to support local ecosystems and enjoy the beauty of nature right in your own backyard. Whether you have a large garden or a small balcony, there are plenty of ways to make your space more inviting to wildlife. Here’s how you can get started:

Add a Variety of Plants

To attract a wide range of wildlife, focus on planting native plants. These are adapted to the UK’s climate and provide food and shelter for local species. Wildflowers, like primroses, daisies, and foxgloves, are perfect for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Include berry-bearing plants like hawthorn and holly, which provide food for birds and other animals.

Create Water Features

Water is essential for wildlife. You don’t need a large pond to attract creatures – even a small shallow water dish or birdbath can be beneficial. If you have space, consider adding a wildlife pond with plants like water forget-me-not and oxygenating plants. This will invite frogs, newts, and insects to thrive.

Provide Shelter and Nesting Sites

Wildlife needs places to hide from predators and to nest. Add dense hedgerows, climbers, or evergreens to offer shelter. For birds, consider installing nest boxes, especially for species like blue tits or robins. A bug hotel is also a great addition to attract beneficial insects like ladybirds and bees.

Avoid Pesticides and Chemicals

By reducing or eliminating the use of harmful pesticides, your garden will be safer for pollinators and other wildlife. Opt for natural pest control methods, such as introducing ladybirds to control aphids, and use organic compost or fertilisers.

By making these simple changes, you’ll not only enjoy a thriving garden but also create a safe haven for local wildlife. Happy gardening!

Sycopsis Sinensis

Posted on April 21, 2025

The Chinese Sycopsis, scientifically known as Sycopsis Sinensis, is a hidden gem in the world of ornamental trees, making a graceful entrance into gardens across the UK. This deciduous tree, native to China has earned its place as a unique and captivating addition to the diverse flora found in British gardens.

Known for its distinctive pendulous flowers, the Chinese Sycopsis stands out with its elongated, catkin-like blooms that grace the branches during late winter and early spring. These delicate flowers, resembling miniature paper lanterns, bring an enchanting quality to the garden, even before the arrival of leaves.

In the UK, gardeners are increasingly drawn to the Chinese Sycopsis for its adaptability to a range of soil types and its preference for well-drained, fertile conditions. Its moderate growth rate and manageable size make it suitable for various garden spaces, providing an opportunity for enthusiasts to introduce an exotic touch to their landscapes.

As a visually striking yet relatively uncommon choice, the Chinese Sycopsis adds an element of surprise and sophistication to UK gardens. Consider incorporating this charming tree into your outdoor haven to experience the allure of its unique blooms and elevate your garden’s appeal with the enchanting Chinese Sycopsis.

SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SPRING/SUMMER

Posted on April 16, 2025

Hey plant lover!

We’ve got something blooming special just for you – a hand-picked selection of stunning plants at limited-time prices. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just getting started, this is the perfect chance to freshen up your space with some leafy new friends.

Limited stock – once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Fast, fuss-free delivery to your door

From grasses to vibrant flowering beauties, these plants are guaranteed to add life, colour, and a whole lot of joy to your garden.

Don’t miss out – your dream plant might be just a click away.

Firstly is the Agapanthus Heavenly Grace. A stunning new variety found on our nursery hidden among a batch of seedlings. With its graceful sky blue blooms reminiscent of the classic Lily of the Nile and striking creamy white variegated foliage, this unique plant bring an elegant twist to the Agapanthus family. A rare beauty with a touch of the unexpected.

Next up is the Pennisetum Macrourum. This is a striking ornamental grass known for its tall, fluffy plumes. This drought tolerant and low maintenance plant is a great addition to any garden or landscape. Its unique feather like blooms add movement and texture to any space, making it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers.

Now we have the stunning Crocosmia George Davison. It is known for its orange/lemon tubular flowers that bloom in mid Spring to late Summer. The flowers are produced on tall spikes and the foliage is sword like, deep green and glossy, providing an attractive contrast to the vibrant flowers. This Crocosmia is best planted at the edge of a shrub border or in large clumps in a herbaceous border.

Next is the Campanula Pink Octopus. It is a charming perennial cherished for its unique floral display and graceful form. The defining feature of this plant is its enchanting flowers, which resemble the tentacles of an octopus gracefully swaying in the ocean currents. Each bloom consists of narrow, twisted petals that curl and unfurl, creating a delightful spectacle reminiscent of the sea creatures appendages.

Lastly we have the Syringa Vulgaris Aurea. A striking deciduous shrub known for its golden yellow foliage and beautifully fragrant, pale purple blooms that appear from late Spring into early Summer. Its vibrant leaves create a bold contrast with the flowers, making it a true focal point in any garden. Compact and easy to grow it thrives in a wide range of soil conditions, making it perfect for small gardens and urban spaces.

Clerodendrum Bungei

Posted on April 14, 2025

In the enchanting realm of UK gardens, the Clerodendrum Bungei, commonly known as the Glory Flower, emerges as a captivating shrub, gracing outdoor spaces with its distinctive charm. Renowned for its show-stopping clusters of pink blooms that resemble butterfly wings, this deciduous beauty stands out as a focal point in British gardens.

Pruning and caring for the Glory Flower are integral to nurturing its radiant display. Regular pruning, typically in late winter or early spring, helps maintain a well-shaped and compact form. Remove any dead or wayward branches to encourage new growth and enhance the overall appearance of the shrub. This low-maintenance beauty thrives in well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight, making it a versatile addition to a variety of garden settings.

Clerodendrum Bungei’s allure extends beyond its striking appearance, as its fragrant blossoms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, contributing to the biodiversity of UK gardens. With its resilience, easy care, and captivating floral display, the Glory Flower proves to be a delightful choice for gardeners seeking both visual appeal and ecological contributions in their outdoor havens.

Kniphofia Coral Breakers

Posted on April 7, 2025

In the lively tapestry of gardens, the Kniphofia Coral Breakers, a caulescent Red Hot Poker, stands out as a perennial showstopper, infusing outdoor spaces with a burst of vibrant colour and unique form. This beauty, celebrated for its captivating coral-hued tubular flowers and tall spikes, brings a touch of exotic allure to British gardens.

Pruning and caring for Kniphofia Coral Breakers are integral to maintaining its striking appearance. Regular deadheading of spent blooms not only extends the flowering season but also encourages continuous flower production. Come late Autumn or early Spring, trim back any dead or damaged foliage to promote fresh growth and maintain the plant’s overall health. This perennial thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny to partially shaded location, making it a versatile choice for a range of garden settings.

With its robust nature and eye catching colour, Kniphofia Coral Breakers becomes a focal point in gardens, adding a touch of tropical charm to the landscape. As this caulescent Red Hot Poker graces outdoor havens with its distinctive hues, it not only captivates with its beauty but also stands as a testament to the resilience and allure of nature’s botanical wonders in British gardens.

Vinca Jenny Pym

Posted on March 31, 2025

Vinca Jenny Pym, commonly known as the Intermediate Periwinkle, is making waves in UK gardens, enchanting horticulturists with its vibrant blooms and robust nature. This evergreen shrub, a delightful addition to the landscape, brings a touch of elegance and low-maintenance beauty to outdoor spaces.

With its distinctive glossy leaves and charming pink with a white centre flowers, Vinca Jenny Pym stands out as an eye-catching ground cover or shrub option. Flourishing in various soil conditions, this versatile plant is well-suited for both sunny and partially shaded areas, making it a favourite among UK gardeners seeking resilience and adaptability.

The Intermediate Periwinkle, Vinca Jenny Pym, blooms persistently from Spring through to August, providing a continuous splash of colour. Its cascading growth habit also makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets and containers, adding versatility to its list of desirable qualities.

Ideal for gardeners looking to enhance their outdoor haven with a hardy and beautiful shrub it proves to be a reliable and charming choice. Its adaptability, coupled with its lovely blooms, ensures that this Intermediate Periwinkle stands as a steadfast contributor to the allure of UK gardens.

Low-Maintenance Plants for Busy Gardeners

Posted on March 24, 2025

Not everyone has the time to spend hours tending to their garden, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful outdoor space. With the right selection of low-maintenance plants, you can have a vibrant and thriving garden with minimal effort. Here are some of the best easy-care plants for UK gardens.

Evergreen Shrubs

Hebe Wiri Charm

Lavender – Not only does lavender look and smell wonderful, but it’s also drought-resistant and requires little attention once established. A simple trim once a year will keep it looking tidy.
Hebe – This evergreen shrub provides year-round interest and produces stunning flowers in summer. It thrives in most soil types and needs very little maintenance.
Buxus – Great for low hedges or topiary, box shrubs require only occasional trimming and are hardy in most weather conditions.

Hardy Perennials

Sedum Iceberg

Geranium – Unlike bedding geraniums, hardy geraniums come back year after year, providing a long season of flowers with little maintenance.
Hosta – These shade-loving perennials provide lush, leafy foliage. While they require minimal care, protecting them from slugs is recommended.
Sedum – Perfect for dry, poor soil, sedum is a resilient plant that produces beautiful flowers in late summer.

Ground Cover Plants

Ajuga – A great choice for suppressing weeds and covering bare patches with attractive foliage.

Pachysandra Terminalis

Pachysandra – This shade loving ground cover plant is an easy solution for under trees or hedges.

By choosing these easy to care for plants, you can create a beautiful, low maintenance garden that fits into even the busiest of schedules. Happy gardening !

Embracing the Beauty of Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’

Posted on March 17, 2025

Gardening enthusiasts often seek vibrant, low-maintenance plants that bring a splash of colour to their landscapes. Among the plethora of choices, Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ stands out as a stunning option. With its fiery hues and elegant form, this perennial is not only a visual delight but also a relatively easy plant to cultivate. Let’s delve into what makes this particular Crocosmia variety a gardener’s favourite.

A Brief Introduction to Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’

Crocosmia, also known as ‘Montbretia’, is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family. Native to the grasslands of southern and eastern Africa, these plants are prized for their bright and showy blooms. This is a standout cultivar, celebrated for its distinctive orange flowers adorned with a red throat and eye-catching markings.

Characteristics and Appearance

One of the most alluring features of this Crocosmia is its vibrant blossoms. The flowers, which appear in late Summer to early Autumn, are a striking blend of orange with a pronounced red throat. They grow in arching sprays, creating a graceful and dynamic presence in the garden. Each stem can carry multiple flowers, making them perfect for creating visually stunning flower borders or for use as cut flowers in arrangements.

The foliage is another attractive aspect, with sword-like, green leaves that add a lush, tropical feel to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom. This foliage forms a dense clump, providing excellent ground cover and weed suppression.

Landscape Uses

Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ is versatile in the landscape. Its bold colours and striking form make it an excellent choice for:

Mixed Borders: Pair it with other perennials such as Rudbeckia, Echinacea, or ornamental grasses for a vibrant summer display.
Wildlife Gardens: The bright flowers attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the garden’s ecological health.
Cut Flower Gardens: The long-lasting blooms are perfect for floral arrangements, bringing a touch of the garden indoors.
Container Gardens: For those with limited space, it can be grown in large containers, adding a splash of colour to patios or balconies.

Conclusion

Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ is a superb addition to any garden. Its striking flowers and easy-care nature make it a joy for gardeners of all skill levels. Whether used in borders, wildlife gardens, or containers, this vibrant perennial promises to deliver a dazzling display year after year. Embrace the beauty of Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ and let your garden flourish with its fiery charm.