The promise of spring can already be appreciated this January.
read moreThis December, treat yourself to something sweet and make the most of the fresh winter air!
read moreFind yourself a cosy corner and savour your gardens this November.
read moreThere’s a chill in the air, but still time to make the most of your gardens!
read moreAutumn has arrived and so have this month's tips!
read moreFlowers are the focus of this month's top tips!
read moreApril is a time for seed sowing, whether your a horticultural expert or a budding gardener.
read moreLife is returning with vigour to gardens across the country, so why not take a look at this month's tips to help you make the most of it?
read moreJanuary might seem like a quiet time of year, but already your gardens will be showing signs of new beginnings...
read moreWinter has arrived and so have this month's Head Gardeners' tips!
read moreNovember is a tricky month for gardeners and Stephen Hackett is on hand to explain why.
read moreOctober is certainly a thrilling time to be out in your gardens and Sallie Sillars is here to explain why.
read moreAs the season starts to change, there's a lot to do in the garden - but the most important thing is making the most of those final warm, summer days.
read moreCollecting and sowing seeds is a great way to engage children in your garden this summer!
read moreAfter a brief hiatus we're pleased to tell you that our Head Gardeners' Tips feature is back - and it's here to stay!
read more"Paperwhites (Narcissus tazetta) are fantastic to have indoors at this time of year for their white flowers and wonderful scent."
read more"Approaching the shortest winter day is a reminder to check that the garden is ready to get through its hibernation without too much trouble."
read more"Herbaceous perennials create structure and add yearlong colour to many gardens. Now is the time you can increase your plants stock by taking divisions to grow in a divisions bed. Choose a sheltered part of the garden and supplement the soil with good quality compost to create a light airy soil. Divide your plants trim growth and lay them approximately 10cm apart in channels at an angle of 45 degrees. Cover with soil so the tips are just above the ground".
read more"November is the best time to plant tulip bulbs (though you can plant them later if you forget!). Put some into pots, using peat-free compost with grit mixed in for drainage. In ornamental pots and planters, these will take centre stage in your patio display in April/May time. If you have enough bulbs, put some into ordinary (2 litre) plant pots too - and then use these to 'drop in' to fill any bare spaces in the borders once they're in flower next spring".
read moreAutumn Cuttings - Salvia Amistad "Our Salvia Amistad have put on a fantastic show this year, their first year in a newly planted garden! Some perennials are hardier than others but to ensure that we have some plants for next year, and to safeguard against a particularly cold winter we are taking a few Autumn cuttings". Click read more to find out to find out what Jacqui recommends to ensure you will have some new Salvia Amistads to plant out in your border next year!
read more"Sow some Sweet Pea seeds now in pots or deep modules (they like plenty of root-room). They will germinate quickly and can be kept in a cold-frame over winter. Autumn-sown Sweet Peas will be ready to plant out by April, and give a good early display".
read moreHead Gardener in Scotland Sallie Sillars has her top tip for gardening in July, "In extreme growing conditions the best tip I have heard is to add organic matter to the topsoil to improve water retention in dry spells and a protective layer in harsh frosts. Composted leaf mulch is soil elixir and is top of my autumn activities. Hope you and your gardens are all enjoying the sunshine!"
read more"In this hot, dry weather it’s important to water plants effectively. A really good soak every few days is better than a daily sprinkle, and try to water in the early morning rather than in the heat of the day. Water containers slowly, so the water can really soak in rather than just run down between the root ball and the inside of the pot".
read more"March is the time to lift and divide overgrown clumps of summer-flowering perennials, as they're just coming into growth. Lift the old clump with a fork, and then prise apart with a couple of forks back to back".
read more"Once Snowdrops have finished flowering, take stock of where they are in the borders. Now's the time to move and divide any clumps which might not quite look right - maybe they could be moved to a more visible spot for next year? February is also the time to buy Snowdrops 'in the green', which is far the best way to augment your displays. You can never have too many snowdrops! Do make sure that you only buy from a reputable supplier, and that plants haven't been dug up (illegally) from the wild".
read more"It’s dark and cold outside, and everyone’s recovering from Christmas festivities. What better way to dispel the January blues than to cast your mind ahead to summer, and order your dahlias? The specialist suppliers will have the best selection available now, and you can spend a few happy hours (indoors!) browsing catalogues and dreaming of all that late summer colour. My favourite from this season was ‘Black Touch’, a Fimbriata variety with lovely deep crimson flowers – great for cutting - which kept going well into November".
read more"February is almost the last chance for that spring clean! By now you should have a collection of clean tools, washed pots and trays ready to use so now turn your attention to the greenhouse. I am opting to steam clean the glass, wipe down surfaces and remove any leaf matter gathered over the winter to reduce the chance of plant pathogens taking hold. Topped off by a good airing on any milder days! Now the Spring sowing and growing can commence!"
read more"Sow annuals indoors now, and they'll be ready to plant out in the cutting border by mid May, when frosts shouldn't be a problem. Cosmos are great value but named varieties produce more flowers. Try 'Rubenza' (deep red) or 'Purity' (white)".
read more"Now is the perfect time to carefully dig up self sown seedlings before they become too large, try not to disturb the roots. Replant to the same depth in prepared soil and water well. Self sown seedlings could include; Erigeron, Verbena bonariensis, Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascene), Aquilegia vulgaris, Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea), Astrantia to name but a few".
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