South West
March 01 2020
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener, Salisbury
MARCH 2020
Life 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?
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November 01 2019
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener, Salisbury
NOVEMBER 2019
November is a tricky month for gardeners and Stephen Hackett is on hand to explain why.
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December 06 2018
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener, Salisbury
december 2018
"Paperwhites (Narcissus tazetta) are fantastic to have indoors at this time of year for their white flowers and wonderful scent."
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November 02 2018
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener, Salisbury
November 2018
"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".
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October 09 2018
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener Salisbury
October 2018
"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".
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July 05 2018
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener, Salisbury
July 2018
"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".
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March 08 2018
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener, Salisbury
March 2018
"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".
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February 12 2018
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener Salisbury
February 2018
"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".
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January 08 2018
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener, Salisbury
January 2018
"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".
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April 03 2017
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener, Salisbury
April 2018
"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)".
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