Cotswolds Country Gardener April 2020

Cotswolds www.countrygardener.co.uk

Issue No 169 April 2020 FREE

The glory of spring

cut flowers

PLUS: Revamp your border for summer; Gardening events through the Cotswolds; Houseplant oasis; How to stop using peat M40 LEAMINGTON SPA A425 STRATFORD UPON AVON

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On A423 Southam Road, Nr. Farnborough, Banbury OX17 1EL. Tel: 01295 690479 OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK - Tues-Sat: 9am - 5:30pm Sun: 10.30am - 4.30pm Open Bank Holiday Monday

www.farnboroughgardencentre.co.uk

IN THE COTSWOLDS

this month

A new look to Country Gardener Magazine

Gardens and gardening events

throughout the area

We produce five editions of the magazine and apart from this copy of Cotswolds Country Gardener, we cover Devon, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset with their own dedicated editions.

We are delighted to be able to move Country Gardener Magazine to a larger format which amongst other things, gives us greater scope for a new modern look, and one which significantly allows us to include more local coverage.

We will of course maintain the high level of editorial content and gardening advice our many thousands of loyal readers have come to expect.

We hope you enjoy the new look.

The new look and size is partly driven by changes in the reduced number of printing options open to magazine publishers but also our long term ambition to increase the amount of coverage we can give on local gardening events, meetings and news from where you live.

The May issue of the magazine will be in store from Saturday, 18thApril.

Many thanks, The team at Country Gardener.

University of Bristol Botanic Garden, The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, Bristol BS9 1JG

Rare Plant Fairs at Evenley Wood and The Old Rectory, Quenington

The nursery believes getting to grips with peat-free products is not always easy and some people wanting to move to peat-free growing had such poor results from composts on offer they were put off trying again. Knowing what to look for in a good compost is half the battle and then adapting it to the various demands of cuttings, seed sowing and pot growing.

The lectures run from 2pm to 4pm and cost £9.50 or £7.50 for RHS members.

Email nursery@hoohouse.co.uk to book Hoo House Nursery , Gloucester Rd, Tewkesbury, GL20 7DA

Batsford Arboretum is holding a dawn chorus wild walk on Saturday, 25th April when you can join expert Arthur Ball for a stroll through the arboretum to hear the dawn chorus.

With more than 40 years’ experience, Arthur will keep you entertained about the native and visiting birds and help you identify them through their song.

Tickets cost £14 and include a bacon or sausage sandwich, tea or coffee.

Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9QB

Visitors can view and buy sculptures, enjoy demonstrations of willow weaving, pottery and woodworking and tour the garden.

Refreshments and plants will be available.

Tel: 0117 4282041

Julie Ritchie from Hoo House Nursery in Tewkesbury will be demonstrating how to get the most out of peat-free compost at two RHS sponsored lectures at the popular nursery on Wednesday, 8th April and Wednesday, 3rd June. The nursery was one of the first to change to peat-free compost and since 2001 has been successfully producing perennials and alpine plants that grow as well as, if not better than, those in peat based mediums.

AT BATSFORD ARBORETUM

A stunning Easter Sculpture Festival is being held at the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens from Friday, 10th April until Monday, 13th April from 10am to 5pm.

Adults: £9 (£9.90 with Gift Aid). Advance online booking £8. Free to Friends of the Garden, University staff and students and children under 18.

HOO HOUSE LECTURES ON PEAT FREE GARDENING

Dawn chorus stroll

Easter sculpture exhibition at Bristol Botanic Gardens

APRIL NGS OPENINGS FOR KENCOT GARDENS AND ALLOTMENTS Eight gardens and allotments which make up Kencot Gardens are open for the NGS on Easter Monday, 13th April between 2pm and 6pm. The allotments, tended by eight people grow a range of vegetables, flowers and fruit. The other gardens open include Kencot House, a twoacre garden and haven for wildlife. There will be a plant sale at Manor Farm. No wheelchair access to the allotments and other gardens may be difficult due to gravel paths. Details of the other gardens open are at www.ngs.org.uk Kencot, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, GL7 3QT

COVER IMAGE: Cut flowers at the Lytchgate Cutting Garden, Ashburton, Devon www.countrygardener.co.uk

The new season of Rare Plant Fairs kicks off with two events taking place in or near the Cotswold region.

The first fair is set at EVENLEY WOOD GARDENS, near Brackley, on Sunday, 5th April. This 60-acre, private garden, set within a woodland, contains a large and notable collection of plants ranging from unusual trees and shrubs, to a wide range of selected lilies and other bulbs. The fair is open from 10am to 4pm and adult admission, including access to the gardens, is £6.

The second is at THE OLD RECTORY, near Quenington, Gloucestershire, on Sunday, 19th April. This Grade II listed old rectory with its organic garden has been developed over the past 40 years on the banks of a mill race, with the River Coln running through the gardens. The fair is open from 11am-4pm and adult entry, which includes entry to the gardens, costs £5. The event supports the work of local charity Cobalt Health.

A great selection of specialist nurseries attend the fairs, all of whom are experts in the plants that they grow. Visit www.rareplantfair.co.uk for details of the events.

3

THE NURSERY AT M I S E R D E N

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Visit www.batsarb.co.uk for details on our forthcoming events

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Our vinery café serves delicious coffee and cake!

BATSFORD ARBORETUM AND GARDEN CENTRE Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9AD. Tel: 01386 701441 E: arboretum@batsfordfoundation.co.uk BatsfordArboretum

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CUTTINGS

Gardeners cuttings in

the Cotswolds

A LOOK AT NEWS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS IN YOUR AREA

Prep school opens its gardens for the National Gardens Scheme in April There’s a new opening for the National Gardens Scheme on Friday, 17th April and Saturday, 18th April when The Downs Preparatory School opens its gates for the charity between 10am and 4pm each day. A total of 65 acres wrap around the historic Charlton House which dates back to the late medieval period; the estate was once part of a wider estate owned by the wealthy Gibbs family which includes Tyntesfield, the nearby National Trust property.

Carol Nicholls, celebrating 40 years surrounded by plants in her nursery

Celebrating 40 years of running Malvern Plant Centre Horticulturalist Carol Nicholls is celebrating forty years of managing her successful plant centre business just outside Malvern in Worcestershire.

Taking over the small retail nursery in April 1980 at the age of twenty, she has worked tirelessly over the years providing beautiful and unusual hardy plants to customers in the Malvern Hills area.

Grange Farm Nursery of Guarlford, near Malvern, has been Carol’s passion and her life. Each year in winter a new project is completed to enhance the nursery and this year is no exception with the removal of an old tunnel to create a new Mediterranean area complete with herbs.

Grange Farm’s ethos is about sourcing good quality plants from local suppliers and displaying them in beautiful displays with attractive plant associations in mind. There is no coffee shop or nicknacks, just thousands of plants, seeds, peat free compost and pots. The diversity and range of plants displayed at the nursery each year are known as Carol’s collections, and provides a unique and colourful experience for customers.

Carol is incredibly enthusiastic about the horticultural industry and has encouraged students and youngsters over the years, creating and nurturing a good team work ethic, and an introduction to the importance of garden plants for the environment. She has exhibited at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show for nearly thirty years and won eleven RHS Gold Medals and five RHS Silver Guilt Medals. This has been achieved with the help of her family and hard working staff, and the support over the years of her loyal customers.

Open seven days a week, Grange Farm Nursery provides a relaxing environment amongst characterful barns, with a huge array of hardy shrubs and trees.

Grange farm Nursery, Rectory Lane, Guarlford, Malvern WR13 6NT

CERNEY HOUSE GARDENS - A ROMANTIC SETTING FOR ALL SEASONS Cerney House gardens in North Cerney near Cirencester is a romantic English garden for all seasons and now open to enjoy. There is a beautiful secluded Victorian walled garden, which features herbaceous borders overflowing with colour. The informal planting in combination with the beautiful setting gives a unique and charming atmosphere. Late March and April there is a wonderful display of tulips in the knot garden and throughout the garden. They provide a stunning festival of spring colour. There is also a woodland walk and an extended nature trail to enjoy.

Tea, coffee and homemade cake are available and dogs are welcome.

Cerney House Gardens, North Cerney, Cirencester GL7 7BX Tel: 01285831300 Email: janet@cerneygardens.com For more details: www.cerneygardens.com

Visitors will be able to explore the historic garden features, including a stumpery, a Grade II listed greenhouse that sits alongside an open air swimming pool, a recently planted edible and medicinal bed and wellpresented annual bedding displays framed by beautiful views across open parkland with specimen trees, that is also open. There’s plenty of space for children to run around, with teas and cake served all day. Admission is £6, children free. Most of the garden is accessible to wheelchairs, but there are gravel paths and stone steps. Coaches are allowed.

The Downs Preparatory School, Charlton Drive, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1PF www.thedownsschool.co.uk

Looking to give your garden that designer edge?

One solution to defining borders and beds in gardens is the use of multi-purpose timber bollards.

Timber specialists Hartwell & Co stock a range of timber bollards which you can mark out your garden path, enhance your garden borders with decorative edging, section off a play area, pond or wild flower meadow.

Timber bollards are suited to a multitude of landscape projects and could be combined with rope or chain to mark pathways or protect specific areas. Bollards come in a range of styles, lengths and widths.

Choose from smooth machine round timber or square treated softwood or oak. The treated softwood has been pressure treated for an enhanced look and for greater durability.

Hartwell’s offer bespoke bollards, made to measure, with a range of profiles such as a bishop hat top with collars.

Hartwell & Co Timber Yard, Chipping Campden GL55 6QH Tel: 01386 840373 info@hartwellfencing.co.uk www.hartwellfencing.co.uk

GARDEN TOURS AT LORDS OF THE MANOR The gardens at Lords of the Manor Hotel in Upper Slaughter are well known throughout the Cotswolds. On two dates Tuesday, 31st March and Tuesday, 28th April there’s the chance to join the head gardener on a ‘last Tuesday of the month’ tour of the gardens for an hour of tips and ideas and a few seeds or cuttings.

Tours finish with a cream tea from 2pm to 4pm.

Lords of the Manor Hotel, Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire, GL54 2JD Tel: 01451 820243 www.countrygardener.co.uk

5

CUTTINGS

Reader Offer: National Garden Scheme Handbook 2020

Five Shakespeare gardens open for spring and summer

We’re offering all Country Gardener readers the opportunity to save £3 on the RRP of the 2020 Garden Visitor’s Handbook (normal price £13.99). This iconic yellow book is the essential county by county guide to over 3,700 fabulous gardens across England and Wales, many of which are not normally open to the public. Your visits not only provide an inspirational glimpse of some of the best gardens but also help support an array of good causes.

Order yours for just £10.99 (including postage and packing to UK addresses) via the National Garden Scheme website www.ngs.org.uk/shop using the code CG2020

The five Shakespeare gardens in Stratford on Avon which range from a restored Knot garden to contemporary landscaping at New Place and the Edwardian flower garden at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, are now open for the spring and summer season.

The gardens all within a tightly knit area of the town are now the basis for workshops and other events. From Saturday, 4th April to Sunday, 19th April from 12 noon to 4pm visitors can follow the special trail around the gardens in Shakespeare’s New Place, where Shakespeare had his family home full flower and then move to the for 19 years, and where he died four hundred years ago Rosconn Learning Rooms, where you can make your own flower playground at Mary Arden’s Farm, to his courting arrangements to take home. After days at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and his final home hours tours, group tours and specialist garden at New Place - where he created a garden to reflect tours are all available with the emphasis on not his fame and wealth. Cared for by the Shakespeare just Shakespeare and his history but how the Birthplace Trust, these gardens are evolving to gardens have developed and been maintained. The reflect the ongoing knowledge of his life. significance of the five gardens is that they were where Shakespeare gardened and explored. From Henley Street, Stratford, Warwickshire, his birthplace in Henley Street, to his childhood England, CV37 6QW

BIOCHAR AS A SOIL IMPROVER is becoming increasingly popular with gardeners Say it with Wood, the Ledbury based fencing merchants and forestry contractors, are one of the leading supporters of bicochar which has enormous potential for storing carbon while increasing the soils ability to support healthy robust plants through better nutrient availability, water management and soil structure. The company is holding a Biochar Information day on Saturday, 25th April from 9.30am to 4pm which includes demonstrations and talks on the different uses for biochar. The day will cost £20 and booking is recommended at info@sayitwithwood.co.uk The day is an opportunity for Biochar - increasingly popular with gardeners

gardeners wanting to promote a more holistic approach to their growing.

You will be able to watch demonstrations of biochar being made and hear how biodynamics can play a part in your growing.

AND HOW TO ‘CHARGE UP’ YOUR BIOCHAR WITH COMFREY Enticing spring sunshine and warmer soil temperatures in April sees the rapid growth of a most valuable garden plant. If possible every garden should possess a comfrey plant. Symphytum x uplandicum ‘Bocking 14’ being the most highly prized for leaves that contain higher levels of nutrients than other strains.

Not only is it perfect for mixing with biochar to ‘charge’ it with nutrients, use it to grow resilient potatoes planted during Easter. For each tuber pick five comfrey leaves and place them in the bottom of a 15cm hole. Mix a sprinkle of plain biochar with the leaves and top this with a layer of good compost. Set your tuber on top and cover over with soil. By the time the tuber has rooted, the comfrey will have ‘charged’ the biochar with nutrients, which will support growth through the rest of the season. Mound up in your usual preferred way.

Say It With Wood, The Grainstore, Ledbury HR8 2TE info@sayitwithwood.co.uk

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7

FLOWER OF THE MONTH - APRIL

Left: Swan River Daisies; Right Traditional white daisies

THE THREE OPTIONS FOR HOW THEY GROW Annuals

Daisy delights

A COMMON SIGHT IN ALMOST ALL OUR GARDENS, THE DAISY IN ITS MANY FORMS AND COLOURS IS A DELIGHTFUL SIGN THAT SPRING HAS ARRIVED AND SUMMER IS ON ITS WAY. Ask any four-year-old to draw a flower, and chances are you’ll get a daisy. The daisy has an innocence and simplicity that makes it an immediate favourite of young and old. Its round yellow centre smiles at us like the sun, giving the flower its name—daisy, or ‘day’s eye.’

Daisies definitely lack snob appeal, but their unpretentious shape and undemanding nature give them a secure place on many gardeners’ lists of favourite flowers.

In the garden, perennial daisies can carry a bed all by themselves. Their first flush of bloom bridges the gap between tulips and irises, and they keep going strong all season. A single plant of vivid painted daisies or a clump of icy white Shastas can make the colour of neighbouring plants come alive. And whenever a room needs brightening daisies are a natural choice-they make great cut flowers, lasting for a week or more.

Clockwise from top right: Gerbera always typically red and bright; Gerbera dwarf varieties; self seeding Shastas 8

Most daisies are ridiculously easy to grow. Quickly prepare a patch of earth, sprinkle out a packet of seeds, and presto! Nearly all of them flourish in ordinary garden soil, The daisies described here are perennials, but that doesn’t mean they live forever. Most are at their best for only a few years. Division will reinvigorate a planting, but you really don’t need to bother as daisies replant themselves by self-sowing. Golden marguerites and Shasta daisies, in particular, sow themselves with abandon, but unwanted seedlings are never a problem. You can smother them with mulch or scrape them off with a hoe easily.

Daisies can’t be neatly assigned to a single genus, but they do all belong to the same family. The archetypal form—a yellow centre ringed by a single row of petals—is shared by any number of species of the huge Compositae. Although they are in the same family, daisies can be as different as second cousins at a family reunion.

White marguerite (Argyranthemum) can be sheared for a neat, controlled appearance that’s perfect in a formal garden bed or in a container.

At the other extreme is blue marguerite (Felicia amelloides), a sprawling subshrub with a casual air suitable for a naturalized garden of lowmaintenance plants.

Country Gardener

These are sown and flower all in one season and are replaced every year, either by buying fresh seed or collecting the seed. Hardy annuals can be sown outside from April to May, as they will survive being frosted, but half-hardy annuals have to be sown after the frosts. Varieties include: cosmos, marigold, Bidens, helichrysum, Ageratum.

Biennials These take two years to complete their life cycle; germinating and growing the first year; flowering and setting seed the second year.

Varieties include: Bellis perennis, Taraxacum officinale, Rudbeckia, Erigeron.

Perennials These survive through several years, the foliage dying back over winter and growing back in spring. They include: Coreopsis, Anthemis, Ecinacea, Echinops and Leucanthemum vulgare (Ox-eye Daisy), seen on road-side verges. The clumps tend to become woody after a few years so need taking up and splitting into smaller plants. If left they lose their vigour and produce less flowers.

Daisies - a few facts 1. There are 20,000 species of plants which fall into the daisy family.

2. Gerbera daisies bloom in blazing red, bright orange, sunny yellow and shocking pink.

Pastel colours include pale to medium pink, soft yellows, peach and light purple. The white is more of off-white than a bright white. Dark colours include purple, dark raspberry, maroon and bronze.

3. The largest daisy is Leucanthemum × superbum, the Shasta daisy, a commonly grown flowering herbaceous perennial plant with the classic daisy appearance of white petals (ray florets) around a yellow disc, similar to the oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Lam, but larger.

4. The flower name comes from the Old English word dægeseage, meaning ‘day’s eye’. ... Daisy is also a nickname for Margaret, used because Marguerite, the French version of that name, is also a French name for the oxeye daisy. It came into popular use in the late Victorian era along with other flower names.

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GET MORE FROM YOUR GARDEN THIS

Spring

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9

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

garden advice Another busy postbag from Country Gardener readers who raise day to day gardening queries with an early season growing theme throughout

I have bought a new greenhouse over the winter and am really excited about when I can start growing in the unheated area.

There seems to be a lot of conflicting information around.

Daniel Cookson Totnes It is best not to really get going with any sowing until late March and into April when there’s the combination of more natural light and warmth. The best approach it to use clean pots and trays (to avoid fungal disease) and buy a fresh bag of seed or multipurpose compost. Fill the trays and water the compost before sowing. Don’t bury tiny seeds but you can sprinkle Perlite or Vermiculite over to cover them. The seeds need warmth so place on a sunny bench. Avoid using water from a butt as it could contain disease. Also avoid soaking the seeds as this cause rot. As to what you can start sowing early -certainly tomatoes, aubergines, peppers chillies and cucumber can all be started off.

I think my husband has been over aggressive when it comes to pruning our leylandii hedge. Is there any chance it will recover?

Paula Foreman Ilminster Leylandii hedging won’t produce new shoots from heavily pruned stems so if it has been cut back hard the top of the hedge won’t recover and may start to look very unsightly. However if you let the side grow with careful trimming over a couple of years you may be able to fill in most of the top.

I adore lupins but I seem to have problems getting them to make high dramatic spires you see in magazines. Mine tend to be rather stunted. Is there anything I can do?

Sara Beaven Chard Lupins are short-lived perennials that bloom best when they are two or three years old. After that the rootstocks become woody and crowded with shoots and they tend not to bloom well. They are easy to grow from seed but seedlings won’t be identical to the parents.

When sowing them, buy the best quality strains you can find for a good range of colours. As plants get older, you can take the cuttings from the base of your lupins to make more plants.

Remove 10 cms long shoots, slicing them off with a sliver of the woody stem. Remove a few leaves and root in gritty compost in a warm propagator. Another factor in your poor spires may be the soil.

Lupins often rot and slow up a heavy clay soils and appreciate well drained conditions so you should try enriching the soil with really good quality compost. Also keep your eyes open for hungry snails and slugs who can do lots of damage to the roots.

My ‘ZZ’ indoor plant which has been so wonderful through the last couple of years has dropped all its leaves. I don’t think I have done anything wrong so what has happened?

Sarah Dubey Bridgwater Zamioculcas zamifolia, known as the ‘ZZ’ plant is very sensitive to over watering. It will grow happily in sun, shade or in a range of temperatures and can tolerate drought but hates being overwatered. So perhaps it is just a case of you being over generous when watering. In wet soil and low temperatures it will certainly drop its leaves. But you should be able to get it to recover. Tip out any excess water and wait for it to dry out really well before watering again. Only water a little when you feel the compost is dried out.

10

Country Gardener

I have a lovely golden holly, which I am leaving after 15 years as we move house. I’d love to take a cutting from it but as I am moving over the next few weeks is this the right time?

Anne Woolman Cheltenham You are correct in that it is more common to propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in August but you can take 25cms long cuttings now, although they will just be slower to root. Remove the lower leaves and place your cuttings in deep pots of gritty compost, burying three quarters of the stem. Choose the greener shoots from the bush as the creamy ones don’t have the green tissue (containing chlorophyll) necessary to sustain growth. Without the mother plant to nurture them, the creamy yellow shoots can’t survive.

My apple tree hasn’t produced any fruit at all over the last two years but a nearby pear is overloaded so I am assuming whatever is happening isn’t a pollination problem. The tree does seem badly affected with ants.

David Turner Exeter You might be wrong here. Most apples need a pollinator – another apple cultivar which will help the flowers set and produce fruit.

Alas your nearby pear tree won’t be able to help. You are more likely than not to have the cultivar ‘ Conference’ which will crop even if it is solitary. The other point is you mention the tree has a lot of ants, which suggests it is infested with aphids - ants ‘ farm’ these pests which is why you have them on your tree. An infestation of woolly aphids is a clear sign the tree isn’t happy. You can simply look after the tree by identifying the aphids and brush them off. Finally it may be the cultivar you have chosen just doesn’t suit your site or soil. Try adding compost to mulch and feed the tree.

It may not do much for this year’s crop but might well improve things for next season.

I have put in a new archway down the centre of our garden and would like a good strong and colourful rose which hopefully might be able to romp away and give me a lot of quick growth.

Caroline Barber Winchester ‘Bleu Magenta’ is a wonderful choice, particularly if you don’t have any prior experience with roses. It is highly resistant to disease, providing groups of roses for maximum impact even from a distance.

‘Aloha’ is another good bet, reaching a height of around three metres (10ft). The rosy-pink petals look darker from the underside. If you’d rather have some white flowers, the gloriously-named ‘Snow Goose’ produces white flowers, soaring to around eight feet.

If you’d rather look to a more traditional rose, ‘Blush Noisette’ produces good results This takes longer to train and is not as prolific as other types that will happily soar to great heights with little encouragement. However, if you want a challenge, Blush Noisette will take to a small arch if you have one. The bonus with this rose variety is that it can grow into a beautiful bush too. So, if you have flower beds on either side of a small arch, you could grow the rose to present in bush form there, while carrying on the same look over the arch.

There is always the option to mix two types of rose to create a different effect. This can work well providing they don’t choke each other out of position. A large arch will be better for this, not to mention some experience.

However, some roses are best left to create a display on their own. With careful tending, experience, and some good fortune from the weather, you will surprised how good your climbing roses look in just two or three years to come.

Are bigger plug plants better than smaller ones?

Anna Grayshott Gloucester It is a question of cost versus patience. The main advantage in buying bigger plug plants (e.g. jumbo plants) is that although they are more expensive the plants are better established so you should have a plant which gets going quicker. Some hardy varieties can be planted straight out in the garden or directly into your hanging baskets and patio containers. Mini plugs will mean more cossetting to help them reach the point you can plant them out.

Why won’t my honeysuckle flower? It hasn’t done so for three years and it seems to be in the right sunny position with plenty of organic matter and I have been careful when pruning.

Laura Gilbert Dartington The honeysuckle is a complex shrub and there is no easy answer as so many varieties react in different ways.

Cutting honeysuckle back at the wrong time or extensively can inhibit blooming as well and this may be the problem. Japanese honeysuckle blooms on the current season’s growth, but usually only needs pruning if it has outgrown its bounds or has become leggy at the bottom.

Although some honeysuckles will flower on the previous year’s growth, most produce buds on current season or new growth. The best time to prune these varieties is in early spring to give the vine time to produce flowering shoots.

THERE ARE OTHER REASONS FOR HONEYSUCKLE NOT FLOWERING: Inadequate light is one reason– full sun is generally suggested for most honeysuckle vines and plants may flower the first season but could require up to three seasons to settle before putting on adequate growth.

Improper pruning is another factor – ‘Dropmore Scarlet’ honeysuckle usually flowers on laterals produced from previous season’s growth; if you prune those, you will eliminate next season’s flowers.

Finally it might be too much fertiliser – honeysuckle requires average soil fertility with adequate moisture during growing season. www.countrygardener.co.uk

Can I lay turf over concrete? I have a large area in my garden around an old shed which I am desperate to do something with.

Chris Bennett Taunton The answer is a simple no. If you try to lay real grass it will be tough and probably unrewarding since you would have to create holes in the concrete and then lay a thick layer of soil on it to get the roots established .Synthetic turf is of course an option .It isn’t everyone’s ideal but perhaps better than nothing.

The common mistake made when laying synthetic turf on concrete is omitting the drainage layer. While old school methods of rock and fabric have been modernised into single unit drainage tiles, be sure your design accounts for a separation between the concrete and turf as well as somewhere for the water to go.

Is it safe to move spring flowers when they are in flower?

Lisa Scott Minehead Bulb roots won’t grow if they are damaged so the answer is no. It’s unlikely even if you are very careful that the root system will recover in time to give you a decent flower in the same season. The earliest you can move them is after they have flowered and as they start to die down. In practice, bulbs usually recover well from being moved at this later stage.

11

TREE SPECIALIST

THE ANNUAL, VERY INTERESTING AND CHALLENGING

‘Treevia quiz’

Every spring Country Gardener’s popular columnist and arboriculturist Mark Hinsley tests our readers’ knowledge of the world of trees - and this time it’s a tough challenge QUESTION 1

QUESTION 7

When oak trees retrench the process is known as…

A. Goat Heading B. Dead Heading C. Stags Heading D. Heading West

QUESTION 12 The tree in the above picture is a...

A. Monterey Cypress B. Yew C. Christmas tree D. Mongolian Methuselah Tree.

QUESTION 2 The Forestry Commission was set up after WWI to address a shortage of...

A. Christmas trees B. Pit props C. Paper pulp D. Transvestites (RIP Terry Jones).

QUESTION 3

The tree in the above picture is a Pterocarya fraxinifolia, its common name is…

A. Wheel nut B. Pistachio nut C. Manner ash D. Wing nut

QUESTION 8 The number of trees there are for each human being in the world is approximately…

A. 4 B. 40 C. 400 D. 4,000

The fruits of the Prunus spinosa are used to make...

A. Pink gin B. Cherry gin C. Fast gin D. Sloe gin

QUESTION 6 The notification period for works to trees in a Conservation Area is..

A. 6 weeks B. 8 weeks C. 13 weeks D. 4 months

A semi-mature tree planted in an urban location may not achieve carbon neutrality for how many years?

A. 33 B. 2.

C. 10.

D. 21.

QUESTION 14

The earliest pictorial records of tree transplanting come from...

A. The Klingons B. The Georgians C. The Romans D. The Egyptians

QUESTION 18 If you were to eat 50grms of yew foliage…

A. Your hair would fall out B. You would hallucinate C. You would feel no harmful effects D. You would die

The shape of the oak in this picture is a result of it being historically managed as a...

A. Bollard B. Pollard C. Mallard D. Coppice

This rare Sorbus domestica found growing in Blandford is also known as the…

A. True service tree B. Wild service tree C. 10,000 mile service tree D. The Rowan service tree

QUESTION 19

QUESTION 15 Organic matter spread around the base of a tree to help combat competing grass and reduce water evaporation is called a…

A. Munch B. Walch C. Belch D. Mulch

QUESTION 10 Roy Wood was lead singer with..

A. Gizzard B. Wizard C. Slade D. Wishbone ssh

QUESTION 20

QUESTION 11 The apple in the picture above found growing in Blandford is a...

A. ‘Plume de ma Tante B. ‘Clair de lune’ C. ‘Mere de manage’ D. ‘Ménage ã trois’

Mark Hinsley is from Arboricultural Consultants Ltd www.treeadvice.info 12

QUESTION 17

QUESTION 13

QUESTION 9

QUESTION 4.

QUESTION 5

The bark of the willow tree contains amounts of...

A. Aspirin B. Quinine C. Paracetamol D. Taxol

One of the 5 classic British horse races first run in 1779 is called the…

A. Ashes B. Oaks C. Pines D. Conkers

Ash dieback could result in the loss of how many mature trees?

A. 200,000,000 B. 10,000,000 C. 80,000,000 D. 150,000,000 An archer in Henry V’s army at Agincourt armed with a 140lb draw weight yew bow was required to be able to shoot...

A. 10 arrows per minute B. 10 arrows per hour C. Any Frenchman on sight D. An apple off his son’s head

QUESTION 16

Country Gardener

Legend has it that the Glastonbury Thorn was planted by...

A. King Arthur Pendragon B. Alfred the Great C. Joseph of Aramathea D. Edward the Confessor ANSWERS ON PAGE 39

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13

GARDEN VISITS

GARDENS TO VISIT

in April compiled by Heather Rose

The gardening season really gets under way during this month, when everything looks bright and fresh, with a wealth of spring flowers, unfurling foliage in a huge variety of shrubs and trees and bright green lawns. Here’s a selection of the best to visit, a range of gardens that will be open for charity. We advise checking before starting out on a journey wherever possible, as circumstances can force cancellations in private gardens. If there aren’t personal contact details go online to the charity organising the event, including the National Gardens Scheme website at www. ngs.org.uk

BARNSLEY HOUSE Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 5EE Created by the celebrated gardener Rosemary Verey, and now part of a hotel, with a knot garden, potager garden, mixed borders and an extensive kitchen garden. Open for the NGS on Tuesday 14th April, 10am-4pm. Admission £5, children free. For more details call 01285 740000 or email reception@barnsleyhouse.com www.barnsleyhouse.com

BROOMHILL Rampisham, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 0PU A delightful, tranquil garden set in one and a half acres, with island beds and borders with shrubs, unusual perennials and choice annuals to give vibrancy and colour.

Lawns and paths lead to a less formal area with a large wildlife pond, meadow, shaded areas and bog garden. Open for the NGS on Sunday 19th April, 2pm-5pm. Admission £5, children free. For more details call 01935 83266 or email carol.parry2@btopenworld.com

TRUFFLES Church Lane, Bishop Sutton, Bristol, Somerset, BS39 5UP

WOODPECKERS CARE HOME Sway Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42 7RX A new opening for the National Gardens Scheme, a vibrant and colourful garden surrounding a nursing home, with a peaceful courtyard area, small orchard, and allotments, beautiful in spring with views through neighbouring fields. Spot the Bug House! Opening for the NGS on Sunday 19th April, 11am-5pm. Admission £3.50, children free.

There’s more than three acres of peaceful garden to explore, with beautiful lake views, spring bulbs with formal and wildlife planting linked with meandering paths offering sturdy seating, wooded valley, stream, wildflower meadows, hens, wildlife pond, formal flower beds, some sculpture, kitchen garden with raised beds. Open for the NGS on Easter Monday 13th April, 11am-5pm. Admission £5, children free. For more details call 01275 333665 or email sallymonkhouse961@gmail.com

WEIR COTTAGE Weir Lane, Marshfield, Gloucestershire, SN14 8NB A new opening for the NGS, a south-facing garden of a quarter of an acre, where there’s a focus on spring bulbs, with well drained limestone soil and high stone walls to the north giving some protection against the weather. Opening for the NGS on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th April, 11am-4pm. Admission £3, children free.

Our key to facilities on offer at the gardens:

14

Refreshments available

Wheelchair access to much of garden

Unsuitable for wheelchairs

Plants usually for sale

Partial wheelchair access

Dogs on short leads Country Gardener

Visitors welcome by arrangement Coaches welcome consult owners

BLUEBELL WOOD Stancombe Lane, Bavins, New Odiham Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 5SX

EDMONDSHAM HOUSE

A unique 100-acre ancient bluebell woodland to explore on the long meandering paths dotted with secluded seats. Those who enjoy a more leisurely pace will experience the perfume of the carpet of blue, listen to the birdsong and watch the contrasting light through the trees nearer to the entrance of the woods. Open for the NGS on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th April, 11am-4pm. Admission £5, children free. For more details call 01420 82171 or visit www.bavins.co.uk

Edmondsham, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5RE Six acres of mature gardens, trees, rare shrubs, spring bulbs and shaped hedges surrounding a 16th/18th century house for exploring, including 12th century church adjacent to the garden. The large Victorian walled garden is managed organically using ‘no dig’ vegetable beds; wide herbaceous borders, traditional potting shed, cob wall and sunken greenhouse. Open for the NGS on Wednesday 8th, Easter Monday 13th, Wednesday 15th, 22nd, and 29th April, 2pm-5pm.

Admission £2.50, children 50p. For more details call 01725 517207 or emailjulia.edmondsham@homeuser.net

ST MERRYN

WAYFORD MANOR Wayford, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 8QG The mainly Elizabethan manor (not open) has formal terraces with yew hedges and topiary and fine views over West Dorset.

Steps lead down between spring-fed ponds past mature and new plantings of magnolia, rhododendron, maples, cornus and spring bulbs, cyclamen, giant echium, primula candelabra, arum lily, and gunnera around the lower ponds. Open for the NGS on Sunday 26th April, 2pm-5pm. Admission £6, children £3.

Higher Park Road, Braunton, Devon, EX33 2LG A peaceful, gently sloping, artist’s garden with emphasis on shape, colour and scent; a thatched summerhouse leading down to herbaceous borders, winding crazy-paving paths and many seating areas, shrubs, mature trees, fish ponds, grassy knoll, gravel areas, and hens. Open gallery (arts & crafts). Open for the NGS on Sunday 19th April, 2pm-5.30pm. Admission £4, children free. For more details call 01271 813805 or email ros@st-merryn.co.uk

ALLINGTON GRANGE Allington, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 6LW

ETHNEVAS COTTAGE Constantine, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5PY

UPPER GORWELL HOUSE Goodleigh Rd, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 7JP This four-acre garden overlooking the Taw estuary has a benign microclimate allowing many rare and tender plants to grow and thrive, both in the open and the walled garden. Several follies complement the enclosures and vistas within the garden. Open for the NGS on Sunday 5th April, 2pm-6pm. Admission £5, children free. For more details call 01271 267091 or email artavianjohn@gmail.com www.gorwellhousegarden.co.uk

An informal country garden of one and a half acres, around a 17th century farmhouse (not open), with early spring bulbs, colour themed mixed and herbaceous borders, a white garden with water fountain, and walled potager, a small orchard with chickens and a wildlife pond. Open for the NGS on Sunday 19th April, 2pm-5pm. Admission £5, children free.

For more details call 01249 447436 or email rhyddianroper@hotmail.co.uk www.allingtongrange.com.

This isolated granite cottage in two acres has a flower and vegetable garden, spring bulbs, camellias and rhododendrons, a bridge over a stream to a large pond and primrose path through a semi-wild bog area, grass paths among native and exotic trees, shrubs and herbaceous beds, and a wild flower glade. Open for the NGS on Sunday 26th April, 1pm-4.30pm. Admission £5, children free. For more details call 01326 340076.

UPTON WOLD Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9TR A garden that’s being developed, architecturally laid out around a 17th century house (not open) with commanding views. There are yew hedges, a herbaceous walk, unusual plants and trees including national collections of walnuts and wing nuts, vegetables, pond and woodland gardens, and a labyrinth. Open for the NGS on Sunday 26th April, 11am5pm. Admission £12, children free. For more details call 01386 700667 or email uptonwold@btinternet.com www.uptonwold.co.uk www.countrygardener.co.uk

15

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T R A V E L

O R G A N I S I N G

Founded 1989 16

Country Gardener

JOBS FOR THE MONTH

JOBS IN THE

April garden April is one of the most action-packed months in the gardening calendar. The lengthening days make it the perfect time to set up the garden for the weeks and months ahead

1

2

Plant out sweet peas

After pinching out sweet peas last month, they should have strong side-shoots that will flower well. Plant them next to a support that they can climb by wrapping their tendrils around; they’ll need to be tied in with string at the start to get them going.

3

Become a regular weed killer

Getting on top of weeds early in the season means that you should prevent them seeding and becoming a problem.

Hoeing the border once a week works well. Perennial weeds, such as dandelions, will come back if they’re hoed off, so to get rid of them permanently by digging out roots.

4

Tending the lawn time

Two key early season jobs aerating and brushing in fine sand

Early April is the time to get potatoes in the ground

Potatoes need to be planted this month. As a rule new potatoes go in early to mid April. Main crops follow in the second half of the month but exactly when you plant your potatoes will depend on the conditions in your area. You want to avoid the emerging foliage being burned by frost. Plant out seed potatoes once ‘chitted’. Grow half a dozen in a dustbin if you have room in the greenhouse for a plate of earlies. Plant somewhere sunny into a six-inch deep trench lined with garden compost. New potatoes (also known as First and Second Earlies) should be spaced a foot apart. Leave 15 inches between main crop tubers.

5

Now is the time to start looking after your lawn.

Sprinkle fertiliser or turf conditioner before the grass really gets going. Make sure you keep all edges tidy.

As every gardener knows, trimmed edges can make all the difference. Also gardeners take the box off their cylinder mower when mowing. By sprinkling the fine grass cuttings, you put back organic matter into the lawn and you can use a lighter turf conditioner, which complements the lawn cuttings. Next, either using a proprietary aerator attachment, or a garden fork (which can be very tiring work), make holes across the lawn to help aerate the soil and prevent compaction. If you’re using a fork dig to a depth of about three to four inches and wiggle the tines to remove. Sprinkling sand into the holes also helps.

How much you want to remove weeds will depend on you and your lawn. The best approach is to pull individual weeds by hand.

Once you have removed the weeds and moss to your liking top-dress the lawn with a feed and conditioner.

6

Give early season priority to your soil Good soil structure is vital to high quality plant growth for the new season, and walking on wet soil will compact and damage that structure. If possible, use planks to spread your weight, or wait until the soil has dried out before treading on it. Creating a bed system so that you can reach and cultivate all parts of the plot from narrow paths around the sides is ideal. This will keep your soil in tiptop condition year-round, enabling you to space plants closer together. Research has found that in such a system yields are not reduced, despite the space taken by paths.

If you have a worm bin, your worms will need more food, as they become active after the winter cold. Continue to protect them from night frosts.

Rake out the uncomposted top layer of your compost heap and put to one side.

Remove the ready compost from the bottom layers, bag it up and store somewhere dry. Return the un-composted stuff ready to activate all the micro-organisms that process the material. www.countrygardener.co.uk

Time for some cautious sowing As soon as the soil reaches 6°C you can start to sow directly outside. Sweet peas and broad beans can be sown first, and though the first of the salad can go in now you get better results if you warm the ground first with plastic or cloches.

Early sowings of mustard, rocket and cut-and-come-again salad are some of the most delicious mouthfuls of the year, so seize the moment if it looks like the weather is with us and the month is kind.

Begonias are another option that provide long-lasting colour in the summer garden. Ensure the likelihood of frosts has passed before planting out.

17

8

7 Supporting roles early rather than later It is a good idea to stake any plants early on to let them grow into their support rather than wade into the beds when growth is up and fragile. Staking late in the day is a fractious exercise and the plants always look bundled up if you stake too late.

In an ideal world one would only grow a handful of plants that need support, but in small gardens and where plants are drawn up to reach for light, this will be necessary. Hazel twigs are excellent, but steel hoops are most easily installed.

Make wigwams for sweet peas and climbing beans. Plant sweet peas now, but beans must wait until the Chelsea week in May or later if the weather still hasn’t warmed up.

9

11 April and thinking about the birds

By April the breeding season is well under way and you will probably wake up to the dawn chorus most mornings.

Migrant birds such as willow warblers, house martins, swifts and swallows will have returned from Africa to join the breeding frenzy. Adult birds will become more daring in their quest for insects, grubs and berries to feed their fledglings.

You should keep bird feeders well stocked for seed eaters such as finches and other farmland birds which sometimes venture into gardens at this time of year in search of extra food. However, make sure you don’t put out whole peanuts as if fed to baby birds they can cause choking.

Safe bird foods include wildbird seed mixes, black sunflower seeds, mild grated cheese; sultanas, raisins and currants; pinhead oatmeal; fresh soft fruit such as apples and pears, mealworms and waxworms. You could also buy or make fat balls which provide plenty of energy for birds to keep their strength up during the breeding season.

Although it is tempting to begin tidying up your garden after the winter, if you can, try to leave some areas undisturbed as it helps wildlife. Birds may be nesting in hedges and shrubs, so it would be better to wait until after the nesting season to trim them back.

18

• Prepare vegetable seed beds by removing all weeds.

• Dig a five centimetre (or more) layer of compost, well-rotted manure or green waste into beds.

• Cover prepared soil with sheets of black plastic to keep it drier and warmer in preparation for planting.

• Build raised beds to take the bending out of growing vegetables.

• Harvest asparagus spears when they’re no more than 18 cm tall.

• Thin carrot seedlings to achieve good-sized carrots; do this in the evening when fewer carrot flies are around.

And if you still have time

Getting on top of weeds early in the season means that you should prevent them seeding and becoming a problem.

Hoeing the border once a week works well. Perennial weeds, such as dandelions, will come back if they’re hoed off, so to get rid of them permanently by digging out roots.

10

Get busy with these vegetable garden tasks

Country Gardener

All hands on deck for fruit growers

Early spring is a busy time for those who love growing fruit and work now may well determine your levels of crops in three or four months time.

To avoid risk of infection, stone fruits such as plum, cherry, peach, nectarine and apricot should only be pruned during the growing season. Prune late April, when the plants are in leaf and after flowering.

Immediately seal all cuts greater than 1cm (½in) with wound seal.

Repot your citrus in fresh citrus-specific compost. If you can’t find this, ericaceous is the next best thing.

Top dress blueberries grown in pots with ericaceous compost. It’s important to have two different varieties of blueberries to get good production – they will fruit without, but you’ll get a paltry quantity.

All soft fruits, strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, and gooseberries, will benefit from a mulch. Garden compost, leaf mould, organic manure, straw, hay and spent mushroom compost can all be used.

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19

Towards peat free

gardening

As the charity Garden Organic launches a campaign for peat-free gardening, we look at alternatives for the new gardening season It is clear that record numbers of gardeners are now looking for peat free options as they become more environmentally aware –but it is clearly not easy going.

Peat alternatives offer a greater challenge for the everyday gardener both in terms of product manufacture and plant management but peat-free products are improving and good products already exist.

Peat alternatives are now being developed using materials such as bark, wood fibre, coir, bio solids, bracken and green compost. Several decades of research went into perfecting horticultural techniques using composts containing peat, so it will take time for the same thing to happen with the peat alternatives.

The important thing is that gardeners are aware that the peat alternatives all need to be managed differently.

Some of the alternatives are made from locally collected waste material, which is processed into a growing media product. By supporting local, environmentally friendly peat alternatives - as an alternative to foreign peat extraction – gardeners will help forestry and composting industries in Britain. The environmental impact of transport is also reduced.

The fact is peat alternatives should not be treated in the same way as peat; gardeners should not assume that all plants will perform in the same way.

Traditionally peat has also been used for soil improvement and ground mulching but other materials are better suited to these tasks than peat.

Soil can be improved by incorporating well-rotted animal manures or composted plant remains; both materials can also be used for mulching, along with wood chips, wood shavings, bark and other materials.

Garden Organic says that the garden industry has done too little too late to meet Defra’s demand to stop retail sales of peat by January 2020 has been missed and has launched its ‘For Peat’s Sake’ campaign to push the issue to the top of the political agenda.

Choosing a peat-free compost can cause headaches for gardeners, and different varieties come with different approaches for caring for plants.

The RHS notes that peat-free brands often recommend specific fertilisers for use with their 20

compost. This is not a marketing ploy, as different formulations have different balances of nutrients.

Manufacturers have formulated ericaceous peat-free compost, adding pine bark and sulphur, which will benefit these plants.

You can create your own soil mixes using homemade compost, top soil and leafmould.

PEAT FREE GARDENING • Buy the right compost for the job by reading the label • Different watering and feeding techniques mean you must research your options to understand the specific instructions for caring for your plants before choosing the right compost • The descriptions ‘Environmentally friendly’, ‘compost’ and ‘organic compost’ are not always peat free

Sowing seeds: Seeds contain their own nutrients so they will germinate successfully in low nutrient material, with good drainage. Recommended mix: one part loam (garden soil), one part leafmould, one part horticultural sand.

• Coir-based composts can look dry on the surface but may still be wet underneath, so you have to watch your watering

Potting on: Seedlings and young plants need excellent drainage and a little more nutrient (not too much, or they become leggy without finding their own strength). Recommended mix: one part loam (garden soil), one part leafmould, one part sieved garden compost.

• Historically, it has been more difficult to grow acid-loving plants like rhododendrons and camellias in peat-free compost

Taking cuttings: Cuttings need excellent drainage (so their ends don’t rot) and a fine textured medium (to help the roots establish). Recommended mix: half sharp sand and half home compost (or a purchased peat-free growing medium such as coir).

Planting herbs: Sage, thyme and marjoram all need a well-drained soil. It is the wet, not the cold, that will kill their roots. Recommended mix: one part loam, one part home compost, one part sharp sand.

• Some plants are more tricky to grow in peat-free compost

DOES ORGANIC MEAN PEAT-FREE? Not necessarily. Check the labels - ‘reduced peat’ means there is still peat there, sometimes as much as 90 per cent, warns Garden Organic.

The organisation also urges gardeners to ignore claims of ‘not from an environmentally sensitive site’ as all peat bogs are sensitive habitats. And it flags that the word ‘organic’ doesn’t necessarily mean peat-free.

WHAT IS PEAT AND WHY WE SHOULD STOP USING IT? It is a type of soil made up of waterlogged, partially decomposed plant material which has built up over nearly 10,000 years in wetland habitats.

Historically, peat has been used in compost because it’s good at holding water and retaining nutrients.

Ninety-five per cent of the UK’s peat bogs are now degraded or completely destroyed, meaning it would take 1,000 years before they could start functioning again.

Peat bogs are an important defence against climate change as they are the most efficient landbased store of carbon. Destroying them releases Country Gardener

huge amount amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, having the opposite effect.

When peat is mined we unlock reserves of stored carbon. Three things then happen: A peat bog is drained prior to mining. It immediately starts emitting greenhouse gases.

After mining, the remaining peat continues to release carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.

The carbon in peat, when spread on a field or garden, quickly turns into carbon dioxide, adding to greenhouse gas levels.

WILDLIFE

TOP OF THE CHARTS ROBIN

Wake up to the dawn

chorus

Enjoy the sound of birds serenading the break of day… but why do they do it?

The dawn chorus is one of the most magical experiences in nature: a multitude of birds of many species all singing together in harmony as morning breaks and light begins to fill the skies.

It is the natural world’s most impressive and renowned ‘concert’.

With a couple of rare exceptions, birdsong is an activity that is limited to the spring and early summer.

It may sound like beautiful music to our ears, but to the birds it is something quite different. At its most simple, it is a way for rival males (for it is just the male of the species that sings in the vast majority of cases) to fight and resolve conflicts without directly coming to blows, and also a means by which they can impress and attract a mate.

Essentially, the louder and stronger your song, and the more time you spend singing it, the better the territory that you can claim and the higher the chance of a female choosing to mate with you.

There is also a school of thought that says birds sing most in the mornings because sound carries further, linked to the lack of general noise and the density of the air at that time.

The dawn chorus may dip in intensity during the breeding season, mainly during the short mating periods and again when the young are being cared for.

There simply isn’t enough time in the day to defend/ mark their patch and tend to the young! In Britain during high summer, the dawn chorus starts as early as 4am. The first birds to stir are usually blackbirds, robins and wrens. Singing then pretty much stops altogether when the breeding season is over.

There is a lot more going on during the dawn chorus than might not initially meet the ear. For example,

“Essentially, the louder and stronger your song, and the more time you spend singing it, the better the territory that you can claim and the higher the chance of a female choosing to mate with you.”

not many people realise that the order in which the birds start to sing each day is far from random: those birds with larger eyes start to sing earlier than those with smaller eyes. Larger eyes bring better lightgathering ability, meaning that a bird with large eyes can see sufficiently well in the low early dawn light to allow it to spot any predators that might be attracted by its song. Those birds with smaller eyes need to wait until the sky is brighter before they can safely sing.

For the most part, it is the males that sing - a consistently repeated pattern of tones, mostly from an elevated or conspicuous spot within their territory or breeding area. Some birds, such as buntings and skylarks, sing on the wing. While birds usually do not sing around their nests, a few sing a quiet ‘whisper song’ that can be heard only within a few yards. For a few species, the female also occasionally breaks into song such as robins, tawny owls, dotterels and red-necked phalaropes.

The songs of birds are learned, not inherited. Within a couple of months, fledglings develop a ‘subsong’ that matures into an adult primary song in around a year or so as they reach breeding maturity. From this learnt behaviour, a number of species have a varying number of songs and calls.

Which birds wake up first?

• Worm eating birds such as skylarks, song thrushes, robins and blackbirds are the first to sing compared with the insect eating wrens and warblers which start later. Once the light levels start to rise it is often hunger that drives the birds to stop singing and look for food instead.

• Species such as tree sparrows and blue tits tend to prefer singing at dusk. This evening chorus is quieter • Dawn falls about 30 minutes before sunrise and some birds can start singing in what is called’ the astronomical twilight’-just ahead of that.

• In late spring as April moves into May the chorus will start in the west country at 4am. www.countrygardener.co.uk

From first light the robin gives a liquid song that trickles and gurgles, often leaping from very high notes down to low ones and back again.

BLACKBIRD Has a mellow baritone voice which offers beautiful verses with tuneful whistles but which often ends with a few squeaky highpitched notes.

HOUSE SPARROW Won’t win any prizes for its song. All it can really manage is a few sets of variations of its ‘chip’ call.

CHAFFINCH A sprightly song with the same verse repeated over and over again with a few seconds in between.

WREN Each verse is about five seconds long sung with astonishing volume for such a tiny frame.

SONG THRUSH Sadly far fewer of us get to hear this wonderful song beautiful and distinctive with a short phrase repeated two three or four times.

21

GREAT PLACES TO VISIT

Spring events get

INTO FULL SWING As spring gets into full swing the number of garden related events really begins to accelerate creating a whole range of places to visit, days out and visits for the garden enthusiast.

The longer days make trips further afield more enjoyable and the build up to Easter means everything from National Trust Gardens to NGS garden openings, to plant fairs and specialist nurseries is fully geared up for business.

There will over the next few weeks be a huge choice of where to go and what to do.

Here are just a few ideas to think about and to enjoy.

Trip to Budock Vean puts you close to sensational Cornish gardens If you stay at Budock Vean in either the luxurious hotel or holiday cottages, then some of Cornwall’s finest gardens and walking routes are right on the doorstep for you to explore.

Trebah and Glendurgan gardens are a ten minute walk away and Potager Garden is about a ten minute drive. The hotel has its own extensive valley garden leading down to the Helford River where you can take a boat trip or a kayak adventure to explore Frenchman’s Creek.

Helford Passage, Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 5LG Tel: 01326 252100 www.budockvean.co.uk

Cotswolds Garden Flowers It’s early spring in the garden, but you can still find late winter flowers on the hellebores and bergenias.

Lots of bulbs will be flowering this month including ipheion, tulips, muscari and hyacinths. In the shady areas you will find brunnera, anemones and primulas. There’s promise of lots to come with new leaves opening on trees and shrubs to give us that spring fizz. On the ground buds, stems and leaves are pushing up from the perennials which were dormant in the winter.

Sands Lane, Badsey, Evesham Tel: 01386 833849 Email: info@cgf.net www.cgf.net

Buckfast Abbey boasts a series of great gardening talks and workshops Sustainability and environmentally friendly are two of the themes in Buckfast Abbey’s programme of garden events for 2020.

The popular talks and workshops run throughout the year and cover a diverse range of subjects.

From an opportunity to make a bug hotel, a tour of bulbs and spring growth and getting creative with lavender, there’s an event to suit all interests and abilities.

Along with perennial favourites such as the behind the scenes tours and workshops, there are several additions to this year’s programme, including a workshop on making a hedgehog home in May, a vertical and 3D gardening, up-cycling workshop in August and a talk on bringing wildlife to your garden in October.

Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0EE Tel: 01364 645500 www.buckfast.org.uk 22

Castle Hill Gardens, Filleigh an Exmoor gardening delight Situated on the southern edge of Exmoor in the small village of Filleigh, Castle Hill offers visitors a great garden experience whatever the season.

Discover 50 acres of privately owned 18th century gardens and explore winding pathways and beautiful woodland. Terraced walks offer visitors stunning

Buscot Park combines art with sensational gardens At Buscot Park’s heart near the town of Faringdon in Oxfordshire a Georgian mansion stands where one can see paintings such as The Legend of the Briar Rose by the Pre-Raphaelite Sir Edward Burne-Jones.

Outside, five tree-lined avenues in the Pleasure Gardens tempt you towards the tallest sundial in England, the Citrus Garden, the Swing Garden, and the Water Gardens designed by Harold Peto in 1903.

In the old walled vegetable garden the ‘Four Seasons’ are celebrated with floral borders with sculptures.

Open from 1st April to 30th September. Gardens open Monday to Friday 2pm to 6pm and some weekends including Bank Holidays. Entry £10.

Buscot Park, Lechlade Road, Faringdon SN7 8BU Tel: 01367 240932 www.buscotpark.com Email: info@buscot-park.com parkland views, and the opportunity to stroll amongst statues, follies and temples From spring the woodland garden is carpeted with primroses under ancient specimen trees, snowdrops, 176 different magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas.

Throughout the summer and autumn the gardens display an abundance of colourful shrubs and mature planting.

Groups are welcome by prior arrangement. The tea room is open from April to October. Open daily except Saturdays, visit the website for ticket prices and event information.

Castle Hill Gardens, Filleigh, Barnstaple EX32 0RQ Tel: 01598 760336 option 2; events@castlehill-devon.com www.castlehill-devon.co.uk

Trio of plant fairs offers free access to some great gardens Plant Heritage Dorset has organised three Great Dorset Plant Fairs this year. Admission for each fair is £7 and profits go to support plant conservation, education and events in Dorset. The admission includes free access to the gardens at the venues, offering savings on normal admission.

• The first is at Athelhampton House on Sunday, 3rd May • The second is at Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens on Sunday, 21st June • The autumn fair is back at Athelhampton on Sunday, 13th September.

The fairs offer a range of plants from specialist nurseries and growers across the southwest and beyond. The fairs open from 10am to 3pm with gardens open until 5pm. Parking is free with excellent catering facilities.

Plant Heritage Dorset holds regular meetings at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester.

For details, email martinyoung100@btinternet.com www.plantheritage.org Reg Charity No 1004009 Country Gardener

GREAT DORSET

PLANT FAIRS

Athelhampton House Sunday 3rd May 2020 Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens Sunday 21st June 2020 Athelhampton House Sunday 13th Sept 2020

DELIGHTFUL GARDENS TO INSPIRE YOU PLANT AND GARDEN ADVICE Mail order and online ordering available, or pop along and visit us at the nursery

Our popular Plant Fairs are set in beautiful surroundings with lots of space for a wide range of specialist stalls.

Many nurseries, growers & stall holders travel from across the South & West of England to attend.

Admission is £7.00 including access to the gardens for the day.

Free parking. Free admission for Plant Heritage Members.

Plant Fairs are open 10am - 3pm and gardens remain open until 5pm.

Organised by Plant Heritage Dorset Group.

Our regular monthly meetings are held at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester on Thursday evenings. Full details at:

Groups welcome by appointment Open 7 days a week from 1st March to 30th September Weekends 10am - 5.30pm, Weekdays 9am to 5.30pm

www.plantheritage.org.uk Registered Charity No 10004009 martinyoung100@btinternet.com

Sands Lane, Badsey, Evesham, WR11 7EZ 01386 833849 info@cgf.net www.cotswoldgardenflowers.co.uk

Hot food & drinks

available all day at the Grange Restaurant •••

Free Entry & Parking

Spring Garden Events at Buckfast Abbey

Enjoy the Abbey’s beautiful architecture and gardens; explore four themed gardens at your leisure or come to a garden event this spring and expand your skills and knowledge. Devon’s hidden jewel.

March 11th - Succulent Plants 19th - Behind the Scenes tour

April 16th - Bulbs and Spring Growth 23rd - Trees & Shrubs

May

7th - Make your own hedgehog home 23rd - Tour of Four Themed Gardens

For more details and to book go to: www.buckfast.org.uk/whats-on Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh, Devon TQ11 0EE • Tel: 01364 645500

Buckfast Abbey is a registered Charity No. 232497

A very wide range of food and refreshments is available, including our solar powered coffee franchise serving premium hot & cold drinks.

Abbey Church • Working Monastery • Gardens • Shops • Restaurant • Hotel & Conference Centre • Assistance Dogs Welcome www.countrygardener.co.uk

23

Big welcome out to visit West Kington plant sale weekend

EVENLEY WOOD RARE PLANT FAIR AN EARLY SEASON HIGHLIGHT The season of Rare Plant Fairs is well under way and continues in April with two events. The first is in the 60-acre woodland gardens at Evenley Wood, near Brackley in Northamptonshire, on Sunday, 5th April, followed by a long-standing event at The Old Rectory at Quenington, near Cirencester, on Sunday, April 19th, in support of Cobalt Health.

There will be specialist nurseries attending both fairs, including a number of National Collection holders, all experts in the plants that they grow. There will be a wide range of unusual plants for sale, including choice perennials; plants for shade; rare climbers; alpines; herbs and edibles; and unusual shrubs, all accompanied by expert advice.

There are 13 fairs this year. Visit website www.rareplantfair.co.uk for details of events, including lists of exhibitors.

An abundance of pleasure at Hartland Abbey Spring is well on its way at the popular Hartland Abbey after the horrendous gales! There is so much to look forward to at the North Devon venue in April with Easter, all the beautiful spring flowering bulbs and shrubs and the lovely bluebells which carpet the walks from the Walled Gardens to the sea. Late daffodils, narcissi, early rhododendrons, azaleas, tulips and bluebells should be flowering for adults to enjoy while the children and dogs search for Easter Eggs on Easter Sunday and Monday.

West Kington Nurseries welcomes all visitors to another giant plant sale weekend in support of local charities.

The specialist herbaceous and alpine grower, based near Chippenham, will throw open it’s gates to this popular annual Spring sale on Saturday, 25th April from 9am to 5pm and on and Sunday, 26th from 10am to 4pm.

Bargain hunters will find a huge selection of great value perennials and shrubs, plus a selection of bedding plants, on sale at bargain prices. Last year, the sale raised over £2,700 for local charities including Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Refreshments are available and experts will be on hand to answer any plantrelated enquiries. Entrance and parking at the event is free. Dogs on leads welcome.

West Kington Nurseries, West Kington, Nr Chippenham, Wiltshire Tel: 01249 782822 www.wknurseries.co.uk

Spring is the perfect time to visit wonderful Picton garden

If you were thinking of visiting The Picton Garden at Old Court Nurseries you might have been planning to save it for autumn to experience the tapestry of colour created

by Michaelmas daisy collection. However, there is something of interest to see in this compact gem of a garden throughout the year. Late winter sees a mass of special bulbs, as spring advances the woodland area springs into life with many of the 100 plus varieties of fern unfurling their fronds, the epimediums produce a mass of elf caps to join the dog tooth violets and more. Summer brings the start of the herbaceous building to that grand autumn finale. Plus of course there is always a lovely range of plants in the adjoining nursery to be tempted by.

Specialist breeders and growers of michaelmas daisies since 1906.

Old Court Nurseries LLP & The Picton Garden, Walwyn Road, Colwall WR13 6QE. Tel: 01684 540416

Hartland Abbey, Nr Bideford EX396DT Tel:01237441496 www.hartlandabbey.com

Hartland Abbey & Gardens

Easter Egg Hunts & Bluebells 12th & 13th April Bluebell Sundays 19th & 26th April Visit this fascinating house with its collections, exhibitions, beautiful walled and woodland gardens and walks to the beach. CBBC location for Enid Blyton’s ‘Malory Towers’ * Dogs welcome * Holiday Cottages * * Delicious light lunches & cream teas *

GARDENS Explore 50 acres of stunning landscape on pathways leading to follies, statues and temples. River walk and panoramic views from the castle.

House, Gardens and Café: 29th March - 4th October, Sunday to Thursday 11am - 5pm (House 2pm - 5pm last adm. 4pm)

FILLEIGH, NR SOUTH MOLTON, DEVON EX32 0RQ Tel: 01598 760336 www.castlehilldevon.co.uk

For more information and events see www.hartlandabbey.com Hartland, Nr. Bideford EX39 6DT 01237441496/234

Open daily except Saturdays | Tearoom open April-October | Please keep dogs on leads | For more information and prices please visit our website

LUKESLAND GARDENS

Somerset Group Plant Fairs 2020

EARLY SPRING PLANT FAIR at East Lambrook Manor Gardens, TA13 5HH 28th March, 10am-4pm

24 acres of Rare Shrubs, Trees, Pools & Waterfalls Home-made soups & cakes Sundays, Wednesdays and Bank Holidays 11am – 5pm 22nd March - 10th June

Beautiful 13 Acre Landscape Garden Nursery, Gift Shop, Lunches and Teas Dalwood, Axminster 24

Open Daily from 1st April to 31st October 10am-6pm www.burrowfarmgardens.co.uk

Harford Ivybridge PL21 0JF Tel 01752 691749

www.lukesland.co.uk

Country Gardener

Entry £4 (HPS & RHS members £3.50)

GROUP MEMBERS PLANT SALE at West Monkton Village Hall, TA2 8NE 25th April, 10am-12.30pm Entry £1 All Welcome

SUMMER PLANT FAIR at Lower Severalls Farm, Crewkerne, TA18 7NX 5th July, 10am-4pm Entry £4.00 (HPS & RHS members £3.50) Visit www.somersethps.com for details

BUSCOT PARK & & BUSCOT PARK THE FARINGDON COLLECTION THE FARINGDON COLLECTION One of Oxfordshire’s best kept secrets One of Oxfordshire’s best kept secrets

BUSCOT PARK & THE FARINGDON COLLECTION One of Oxfordshire’s best kept secrets

Hotel, cottages and holiday homes by the beautiful Helford River in south Cornwall.

Just minutes from two of Cornwall’s finest gardens – Trebah and Glendurgan

9 hole/18 tee parkland golf course

• Spa • Restaurant • Tennis • Kayaking • Boat trips

Open 1 April - 30 30 September September Contact: Info line 01367 01367 240932 240932 or or www.buscotpark.com for website www.buscotpark.com for opening opening times. times.

Helford Passage, Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 5LG Hotel bookings: 01326 252100 Golf Club: 01326 252102 relax@budockvean.co.uk www.budockvean.co.uk @BudockVeanHotel www.facebook.com/BudockVeanHotel @BudockVeanHotel

Open 1 April - 30 September Contact: Info line 01367 240932 or website www.buscotpark.com for opening times.

GARDENS HISTORY NATURE ANIMALS

GUIDED TOURS

SPRING AT THE PALACE

THE BISHOP'S PALACE & GARDENS, WELLS, SOMERSET

www.countrygardener.co.uk

01749 988 111 WWW.BISHOPSPALACE.ORG.UK 25

Bishop’s Palace a focal point as it celebrates 800th anniversary Bishop’s Palace in Wells has a busy schedule of spring and early summer events in a hectic time for the Somerset venue which celebrates 800n years since the beginning of the building’s construction.

Easter Holiday Family Trails run from Saturday, 4th April through to Sunday, 19th April when families can enjoy the spectacular gardens using a baby themes trail.

On May 1st and 2nd there’s a Palace Pageant with a dramatized performance of the history of the palace and its residents ending on Sunday 3rd May with a Celebratory Evensong at Wells Cathedral.

Daily tours of the 14 acres of stunning tranquil gardens are organised daily from 31st March taking place at 11am and 2pm for a Palace and Chapel Tour and then 12 noon and 3pm for a tour of the gardens.

Bishop’s Palace, Wells BA5 2PD

PLANT BARGAINS GALORE AT HPS ANNUAL SALE AT MONKTON HEATHFIELD The Hardy Plant Society Somerset Group will be hosting their popular Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, 25th April at West Monkton Village Hall, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, TA2 8NE (half a mile up the road from Monkton Elm Garden Centre), from 10 am to 12.30pm. A variety of stalls, run by specialist nurseries and member growers, will be selling a selection of quality locally grown hardy plants, including some rare and unusual varieties, at competitive prices. Entry will be £1 and refreshments will be available to purchase. The hall has ample free parking on site.

Bowood House combine history of stunning garden beauty You can discover the rich and fascinating history of Bowood House and the Lansdowne family, set within 100 acres of beautifully landscaped ‘Capability’ Brown parkland. Surrounding the Georgian House is the Italian-inspired Terrace Garden, the Private Walled Garden and the herbaceous border, all radiating colour throughout the seasons. Children can enjoy the adrenaline-fuelled Adventure Playground featuring a life size pirate ship.

The Woodland Gardens, a separate attraction on the estate, offer breath-taking vistas of colour and beauty.

Only open for the flowering season (Mid-April to early June) the gardens covers over 30 acres and are awash with bluebells, azaleas, magnolias and rhododendrons.

Bowood House and gardens, Derry Hill, Calne SN11 0LZ www.bowood.org

‘The perfumes, the peace, the beauty...’ ‘The most magical gardens I have ever visited’, ‘Scrummy soup and cake!’

These are some of the comments from appreciative visitors to the spectacular 24-acre Lukesland Gardens, Ivybridge. Tucked away in a woodland valley on the edge of Dartmoor (just 10 minutes off the A38), Lukesland’s noted collection of rare trees and flowering shrubs provides a spectacular show of colour in the spring. The Addicombe Brook at the heart of the garden is criss-crossed by a series of charming and unusual bridges over pools and waterfalls. With home-made soup and cakes served up by the family in the newly extended Old Billiard Room and free entry and a trail for children, these gardens have something for everyone. Dogs are welcome on a lead. Spring openings are on Sundays, Wednesdays and Bank Holidays, 11am to 5pm and from 22nd March to 10th June.

For further details call 01752 691749 or go to www.lukesland.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ lukeslandgardens

Burrow Farm Gardens hosts Easter Sunday Spring Plant Fair The 13 acres of gardens at Burrow Hill Farm at Dalwood near Axminster is host to a Spring Plant Fair on Easter Sunday, 12th April.

A dozen selected nurseries from the southwest will have high quality, value for money plants for sale.

The £1 entrance is taken off entrance to the garden if you do go around the garden. Free entry for RHS members. The East Devon gardens include sweeping lawns and colour themed planting in the idyllic countryside between Axminster and Honiton. There is colour throughout the year from the spring flowers FT_CountryGardener_154x118mm_Mar20.qxp_Layout 11/03/2020 through to the stunning azaleas and rhododendrons. Make a date to visit in1late summer14:04 to seePage the 1new Anniversary Garden created to celebrate 50 years of the gardens.

Burrow Farm Gardens, Dalwood, Axminster, East Devon EX13 7ET Tel: 01404 831285

TOUR MONET AND VERSAILLES AND YORKSHIRE GARDENS THIS SUMMER There is still time to book two really special garden tours this summer which have original itineraries and great value - with some fun thrown in. Country Gardener magazine has joined forces with Floral Tours, the Bath based garden holiday specialists to launch affordable tailor made package holidays for passionate gardeners. Both tours include a professional tour manager.

Floral Tours Right people, right place, right time

Specialising in tailor-made floral and horticultural tours

We can take you to some fabulous horticultural destinations

Tour 1 - Country Gardener Monet and Versailles Tour, two of the most famous gardens in the world with also a trip to Parc le Bagatelle on the western outskirts of Paris in the Bois de Boulogne Quarter. Two dates - 11th to 15th June and 9th to 13th September five days and four nights by Executive Coach, flight option available. 4★ Hotel on a B&B basis FROM £679 PP Evening meal options are available.

Evening meal options are available. A reduction for National Trust and RHS members.

To book call Floral Tours on 01225913106 or email tours@floraltours.co.uk and you will receive a booking form to complete. Remember to quote Country Gardener.

Tours include

• Floral Tours are working in partnership with The Country Gardener to offer readers two tailored tours for 2020: The Monet and Versailles Experience 11–15 Jun 2020, 9–13 Sep 2020 The Delights of Yorkshire 15–19 Jul 2020 If you would like to join us on these tours please call Pat at Floral Tours.

• Keukenhof – Holland 21 Mar –10 May 2020 • Beervelde Garden Days – Belgium 8–10 May 2020, 9–11 Oct 2020 • Les Journées des Plantes – Chantilly, France 15–17 May 2020, 9–11 Oct 2020 • UK Garden Tours and Events n 3 The only UK group travel operator that specialises purely in horticultural and floral tours n 3 Top quality at a great price

Tour 2 - Country Gardener Yorkshire Tour 2020. 15th to 19th July 2020 five days four nights by Executive Coach. 4★ Hotel on a half board basis FROM £497 PP

26

Visitors enthuse about the delights of Lukesland Gardens

n 3 Over 25 years’ experience focused on the ‘floriculture’ sector

Contact us or visit the website for more details tel +44 (0)1225 913106 email info@floraltours.co.uk www.floraltours.co.uk

Country Gardener

April Fairs 5th April

Evenley Wood Gardens, Northants NN13 5SH

19th April

The Old Rectory, Quenington, Nr. Cirencester, GL7 5BN

Old Court Nurseries & The Picton Garden The Michaelmas Daisy Specialists since 1906

Order your plants now for delivery in May. ORDER ONLINE or catalogue available by request.

www.rareplantfair.co.uk Please visit our website for full details of admission fees and times of opening.

West Kington Nurseries West Kington, Nr Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 7JQ Tel 01249 782822 www.wknurseries.co.uk

MASSIVE PLANT SALE!

Book now for 2020 Packing Shed Events

“Probably the largest plant sale in the West!”

SUCCULENT SUCCESS 1/2 DAY WORKSHOPS 14th or 15th June, FERNS FOR BEGINNERS STUDY DAY 27th July & ECOLOGY IN THE GARDEN DAY 'BUGS, GRUBS AND MORE' 24th August.

Please get in touch for more details.

• Huge range of plants • Bargain Prices • Professional advice • Refreshments

Garden Open Saturday 4th & Monday 13th April 11am-5pm.

Admission £4.00 in aid of the NGS

APRIL 25th & 26th Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 10am-4pm

Free Entry

Over £2,700 raised last year for local charities

Tel: 01684 540416 www.autumnasters.co.uk Old Court Nurseries, Walwyn Road, Colwall WR13 6QE

www.countrygardener.co.uk

27

HEALING HOUSEPLANTS Hampshire gardening authority Richard Lilford is convinced houseplants improve concentration and productivity, reduce stress levels and boost your mood.

So which houseplants might you opt for?

We all know plants are not just for the garden.

PEACE LILY

Those of us who love indoor plants do not need experts to tell us that people spending time cultivating plants have less stress in their lives.

This striking plant is not only beautiful, but it can also improve air quality by up to 60 per cent in your home.

Then there are the genuine health benefits.

When you breathe, your body takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This opposite pattern of gas use makes plants and people natural partners. Adding plants to interior spaces can increase oxygen levels. At night, photosynthesis ceases, and plants typically respire like humans, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.

Plants also remove toxins from air –up to 87 per cent of volatile organic compounds every 24 hours, according to research. Compounds include substances like formaldehyde (present in rugs, vinyl, cigarette smoke and grocery bags), benzene and trichloroethylene (both found in man-made fibres, inks, solvents and paint).

Modern climate-controlled, air-tight buildings trap these compounds inside. Research has discovered that plants purify that trapped air by pulling contaminants into soil, where root zone microorganisms convert these compounds into food for the plant.

Improving Health Adding plants to hospital rooms speeds recovery rates of surgical patients, according to researchers at Kansas State University.

Compared to patients in rooms without plants, patients in rooms with plants request less pain medication, have lower heart rates and blood pressure, experience less fatigue and anxiety, and are released from the hospital sooner.

It’s a good plant to have in bathrooms as it can help reduce mould spores and absorb harmful vapours from alcohol and acetone.

Peace lilies do best in shaded areas and the soil should be kept slightly wet at all times.

BOSTON FERN Boston ferns are one of the best air purifying plants around and are ideal in homes where humidity is a problem.

They are said to offer real health benefits to those who suffer from dry skin, dry noses or sore throats. These symptoms can often be side effects of highly air-conditioned indoor spaces, so for many people this plant is a good one to have in the office.

LAVENDER As well as smelling amazing, lavender is well known for its stress-relieving benefits.

Having a lavender plant in your bedroom can help you sleep better. It also has a calming effect which helps soothe anxiety and alleviate depression.

Starting with the proper conditions is essential for successfully growing lavender. It thrives in direct sunlight, but you need to be careful not to water the plants too often. Only do so when the soil is nearly dry. Prune every year immediately after the flowers bloom.

GERBERA The gerbera daisy is known for producing oxygen at night, so it is another good one to keep in your bedroom.

SNAKE PLANT Also known as ‘Mother-InLaw’s Tongue’, this yellow tipped plant is great at removing harmful toxins that naturally build up in the home. It releases oxygen at night so is a good plant for your bedroom to help you get a better night’s sleep. Buy a few and place them around your house for optimal air purification. Great for novices, this is another plant that is hard to kill. It that prefers bright light, but also thrives in darker areas, and doesn’t need watering.

ALOE VERA Not only does Aloe Vera look stylish, these succulent plants purify the air from formaldehyde and benzene, two chemicals commonly found in household products. The gel inside the

The Dutch Product Board for Horticulture commissioned a workplace study that discovered that adding plants to office settings decreases fatigue, colds, headaches, coughs, sore throats and flu-like symptoms.

• Houseplants continue to be one of the major gardening stories of 2020.

• Last year sales in indoor plants rose by 16 per-cent - the third year in a row to show substantial growth according to the Garden Centre Association.

• Houseplants have struck a chord

28

leaves is famed for its healing properties and can be applied to minor cuts and burns, including sunburn.

It has also been said to help treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Aloe Vera love the sun, but go brown if they get too much of it, so it is best for them to be kept away from direct sunlight.

It could be especially beneficial for those who suffer from the disorder sleep apnoea, where breathing stops and starts during the night.

ROSEMARY Having a rosemary plant in your house is great for a number of reasons. It enhances certain flavours when added to cooking and is a source of iron, calcium and vitamin B-6. For centuries it has been used to improve concentration and memory, but it also has antioxidant and antiinflammatory qualities, can help boost the immune and circulatory system and alleviate muscle pain.

Rosemary loves to be placed in a spot of bright sunlight. Avoid over-watering and remember to trim it after it flowers.

with the younger generation and are now seen as a vital part of home décor and accessorising.

• There is also the health factor.

• Home owners are increasingly aware that plants are good for wellbeing and that the right indoor plants can reduce susceptibility to stress,

Country Gardener

allergies, asthma, fatigue, headaches and respiratory congestion.

• Snake Plant, Peace Lily and Aloe Vera are constants in the top ten of UK houseplants.

• The Money Tree (Pachira aquatic) is set to be the trendiest houseplant of 2020.

PLANTS AND ACCESSORIES

Time to breathe new life

into your garden Spring is a special time in the garden for many reasons. There is so much to do and it is easy to get preoccupied with day-today jobs to get the garden tidied, planted, dug raked and many more tasks.

Most gardeners will have a priority of wanting to take stock and make sure they refresh their garden with something new.

It‘s a once a year thing and the beauty about gardening is it goes on giving you a chance to add -plants shrubs or trees which can bring a fresh look.

It certainly can become a challenge to find new accessories or some inspiring new plants, something special.

The answer for many of us is a local specialist nursery or garden centre which will yield rich pickings of things in bloom that offer that instant impact.

Where should you shop? Specialist nurseries are always worth supporting because they grow plants you will not find elsewhere – be they pelargoniums, alpines or ferns, roses or camellias – and the advice you’ll get is first hand and reliable. They also offer great value and you can share the passion they have for the plants they grow.

They should be your first port of call.

They are nurserymen, many specialising in either a specific varieties or ranges of plants and their knowledge is second to none.

So as spring starts to change gear we’re delighted to offer you some options of where to buy that something special.

Gardener’s Blacksmith helps to really show-off your plants To make the most of a fabulous plant, you want and need to show it off. Well-designed plant supports and structures can add enormously to the look and enjoyment of your garden. It’s like fine tailoring or haute couture - what’s underneath can make the final result sensational. This is where The Gardener’s Blacksmith comes to your aid and where Jonne Ceserani and his wife Tricia have set up a business providing a range of well priced, practical supports that really work.

Plant supports should retire into the foliage while displaying the plant to best effect. Circular supports and short towers do the job for perennials, roses and delicate shrubs. Half hoops work well for plants along walls and the front of borders.

Towers will support two or three roses for a heady display of flowers, intertwining with clematis, honeysuckles and other climbers.

The Gardener’s Blacksmith stocks a range of standard supports and makes to order for your special plant.

Tel: 07770 720 373 jonne@jonne.co.uk www.thegardenersblacksmith.co.uk

A new season is a time for gardeners to become excited and ready for action but also a time to try something new and the chance to turn to specialist nurseries and garden centres for their help stocking up with new plants, new accessories and new looks

Koirin, the rhododendron and azalea specialists Koirin, Rhododendron and Azalea specialize in rare and unusual varieties including old varieties from family collectors such as Waterer and The Rothschild family of Exbury. The nursery produces their own plants from their own cuttings. They have over 800 varieties of plants including many scented varieties of deciduous azaleas and rhododendrons.

They have been established for over 20 years and the nursery is a total of three acres and in the spring is an abundance of colour from hot fiery reds, orange and yellows to all the pastel colours you can think of. The nursery also supplies a planting service and watering systems and free advice.

Koirin, The Rhododendron & Azalea Centre, Woodlands, Verwood Road, Nr.Verwood, Wimborne. BH21 8LN Tel: 01202 824629 Email: enquiries@azaleacentre.co.uk

Japanese maples to long for at Barthelemy & Co Barthelemy & Co ,near Wimborne in Dorset was established by a French nurseryman almost a century ago and the Skinner family now specialise in propagating and growing acer palmatum – or Japanese maples as they’re known.

Throughout spring, summer and autumn the delicate foliage of the acer presents exquisite shadings of Mother Nature’s gold, pink, purple, green, yellow, orange and red. Acers are a delightful addition to anyone’s garden, giving an aura of peace and tranquillity. The ten acre nursery at Stapehill has a huge collection of Japanese maples to choose from and expert staff are on hand to help select the right variety and to offer advice about caring for the trees in future. Over 100,000 Acers are produced at Barthelemy and Co every year approximately 15,000 - 20,000 of them are grafted named palmatum varieties, as one of the largest specialist growers of their kind you can be sure of a great product and excellent service.

PERRIE HALE PROMOTES SMALL TREES TO ADD STRUCTURE TO YOUR GARDEN

Barthelemy & Co, 262 Wimborne Road West, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 2DZ. Tel: 01202 874283 www.barthelemymaples.co.uk

Perrie Hale Nursery is a family business known for its quality UK grown stocks of hedging plants, shrubs, ornamental, broadleaf and conifer trees, top fruit and soft fruit.

Small trees are a wonderful way to add structure, flowers and attract wildlife to a garden and choosing carefully can result in year round interest.

Rowan trees have a long season of interest; ‘Olympic Flame’ has an upright form, it has large frond-like leaves that turn vivid shades of orange/red in autumn. It also produces clusters of white flowers followed by shiny red berries which are great for the birds.

Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’ bears deep pink flowers on the stems before deep red/ purple heart shaped leaves emerge. It also has fantastic autumn colour. You can also add interest by choosing trees with attractive bark such Acer Griseum, Betula utilis var. jacquemontii ‘Knighthayes’ or Betula albosinensis ‘Kansu’.

When you chose your trees, check the conditions it will be planted into as well as the eventual height and spread of the tree, visiting your local nursery can be a great source of inspiration.

Contact Perrie Hale on 01404 43344 or email faye@perriehale.co.uk or online at www.perriehale.co.uk Perrie Hale Nursery, Northcote Hill, Honiton EX14 9TH

Northcote Hill, Honiton, Devon, EX14 9TH Tel: 01404 43344

'Growing in Devon since 1957' Growers & suppliers of native & ornamental trees, shrubs & hedging for: • Native, Formal & Evergreen Hedges • Screening • Woodland • Amenity • Wood Fuel • Gardens Now stocking a large range of ornamental trees & top fruit Call us for friendly and expert advice for species selection, planting & tree protection.

We can also provide a planting & maintenance service.

5% READER DISCOUNT online or call quoting CG5 by 30/4/2020 Call us for friendly and expert advice • Delivery available

Email: faye@perriehale.co.uk www.perriehale.co.uk

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29

10% discount aders, for all GYO re ional ot om pr r te enSupporting Supporting Great British Gardens Supporting British British Gardens Gardens ilGreatGreat Oa code GY pr

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Plant Supports (UK) Ltd have the largest range of Plant Supports within the UK. All handmade in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire. Made by Gardeners for Gardeners.

Everyone needs a pair of

Plant Plant Supports Supports (UK)(UK) Limited Limited is(UK) a is family-run a family-run business business Plant Supports Limited isbusiness a family-run with a passion for gardening and we aresay proud to say withwith a passion a passion for gardening for gardening andand we are we are proud proud to say to we manufacture high quality products we manufacture we manufacture highhigh quality quality products products in Britain, in Britain, in Britain, Backdoorshoes® are lightweight, waterproof, durable and ideal for slipping using British materials. using British materials. on when you need to go outside. We also have added to our range waterproof, using using British British materials. materials. stylish, versatile Chelsea Boots available in many different colours.

With over 30 backdoorshoes designs we are sure there will be something for everyone on your list this year!

To see our full range visit www.backdoorshoes.co.uk

For details or to For details or to order order visit visit For For details details or to ororder to order visit visit

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or call 01584 781578 or call or call 01584 01584 781578 781578

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Plant (UK) Ltd. Skipperley, Rochford, Tenbury Wells, PlantPlant Supports Supports (UK) (UK) Ltd.Supports Skipperley, Ltd. Skipperley, Rochford, Rochford, Tenbury Tenbury Wells, Wells, Worcs Worcs WR15 WR15 8SL Worcs 8SL WR15 8SL

Chrysanthemums Direct

THE RHODODENDRON & AZALEA CENTRE Visitors Welcome Mon-Fri 9.00am-4.30pm all year round Sat 10.00am-4.00pm Apr-May

LARGEST RANGE OF RHODODENDRONS & AZALEAS IN THE SOUTH Koirin, Crossroads Nursery, Woodlands, Wimborne, Verwood Road, Dorset BH21 8LN (Near Verwood) Mail order available

Tel: 01202 824629

enquiries@azaleacentre.co.uk www.azaleacentre.co.uk Sorry, we don’t accept credit/debit cards

Holmes Chapel Road, Over Peover, Knutsford, Cheshire. WA16 9RA

Telephone: 0800 046 7443 sales@chrysanthemumsdirect.co.uk 2020 Catalogue available online now or, contact us to receive your FREE paper copy.

The widest range available in the U.K. with over 420 cultivars, including a choice selection of hardy garden (Korean) varieties, plus many others suitable for the garden or exhibition.

www.chrysanthemumsdirect.co.uk

JAPANESE MAPLES Acer palmatum varieties

THE GARDENER’S BLACKSMITH www.thegardenersblacksmith.co.uk jonne@jonne.co.uk 07770 720 373

We produce and grow the largest selection available in the UK. Plants are pot grown and suitable for garden, patio or bonsai.

Send SAE for descriptive catalogue.

Visitors welcome Mon-Sat 9am-1pm & 2pm-4.30pm Barthelemy & Co (DCG), 262 Wimborne Rd West, Stapehill, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 2DZ

Tel: 01202 874283 enquiries@barthelemymaples.co.uk www.barthelemymaples.co.uk

Artist blacksmith specialising in garden supports, art, structures and furniture. Commissions welcomed.

30

Country Gardener

Sugar ’n’ Spice new style camellias from Trehane Nursery Camellias have been a feature of British parks and gardens for more than 200 years, and there is a tendency to associate the name with large, blowsy, colourful, spring flowers. However, breeders are constantly seeking new varieties from hybridisation of different camellia species, and recently there has been interest in those with smaller, simpler flowers, often scented. One such is the camellia ‘Sugar ‘n’ Spice’, bred in New Zealand, which has dainty, light pink, semi-double flowers produced prolifically from February to April. With a compact, upright habit, it would be equally at home in a pot on the patio, or in the garden border, and on a warm day you may detect the light fragrance from its flowers. ‘Sugar ‘n’ Spice’ is available, along with many other unusual camellias, from specialists Trehane Nursery near Wimborne.

Trehane Nursery, Staplehill Rd, Wimborne. BH21 7ND 01202 873490 www.trehanenursery.co.uk

Chrysanthemum lovers look no further Chrysanthemums Direct are part of a long-established family firm, growing and selling a wide range of chrysanthemum plants. They offer the largest number of varieties, covering many popular types of chrysanthemum, available to growers in the UK. These include a choice selection of hardy garden (Korean) varieties from National Collection holder Judy Barker. As well as offering a mail order service, they exhibit and sell at all the top flower shows around the country. All the plants sold have been grown on their nursery in Cheshire, from clean stock.

They also grow bloom chrysanthemums for the cut flower market, many of which go to a large retail chain.

HOW TO...

A new Country Gardener series providing practical and detailed explanations of how to deal with a range of gardening tasks and problems

HOW TO ENCOURAGE

children

TO ENJOY GARDENING

Children love getting their hands mucky, so gardening can be the perfect activity to do together that will help them learn more about nature whilst having fun.

A great way to get started is to plant quick-sprouting seeds, so that impatient little ones can see the results of their hard work without much waiting around!

www.chrysanthemumsdirect.co.uk

BACKDOORSHOES BUILD DESIGN RANGE WITH CHARITIES IN MIND With every design telling a story, Backdoorshoes’ new Hedgehog design will both raise money for Iford Meadows Hedgehog Rescue, Bournemouth and delight hedgehog-loving customers.

The design is based on photographs of hedgehogs that the centre was nursing back to health. Backdoorshoes has also recently collaborated with Marwell Zoo and feature an Amur Leopard on their new ‘Leopard Clogs’, again, a donation is made to Marwell Zoo for every pair sold.

Backdoorshoes were created to solve the problem of how to make quick trips into the garden without getting soggy socks or fiddling with boots or laces.

Made of a foam EVA formula that won’t crack or perish, with removable washable insoles, they’re waterproof, lightweight, durable and comfortable.

The range of unique, vibrant designs continues to expand, with new ideas always being suggested. Ladies’ designs are available in UK sizes 3 to 8, while the men’s Chunky Tread range comes in sizes 8 to 14.

For more information visit www.backdoorshoes.co.uk

Plant Supports a family business supporting gardens Plant Supports (UK) Ltd is a family-run business and has been supporting great British gardens, thousands of gardeners and lots and lots of plants.

They supply garden trusts, societies, palaces, stately homes and the general public – from novice gardeners to knowledgeable professionals. You can call them to be sure you are selecting the right Plant Support for your garden. Every garden is unique, so if their website doesn’t have all the answers, call Tina on 01584 781 578 who will be more than happy to assist.

Plant Supports are proud to say that they manufacture high quality Steel Plant Supports in Britain, using British materials.

Visit www.plantsupports.co.uk

Sunflower, cress and salad seeds provide really easy results and are a simple way to explain the process of planting seeds and seeing the rewards.

Once you’ve mastered step one, herbs such as basil and mint or vegetables such as tomatoes and lettuce are a fantastic next step.

Planting in the garden is a great way to stimulate your child’s senses of touch, sight, sound, taste and smell – soft flowers, bushes and plants that rustle, strong smells and bright colours all help to enrich your child’s experience of gardening.

Sensory plants can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs and sensory impairments, as it encourages them to explore and enjoy the garden.

If your little one really loves getting out and about in the garden it can be helpful to get a set of child-friendly mini-tools that they can hold and use by themselves.

Having a little watering can, rake, trowel and spade can really help build your child’s sense of independence as well as their physical movement and fine motor skills.

So the theme is success which is the best motivator. Encourage children to have a garden space of their own, but work with them to ensure success.

Most of all, go out and enjoy the garden together!

31

How to sow an annual cottage border It’s not difficult to make this dream a reality, especially if you have a passion for plants. The aim, for any garden, is to have something of interest from spring through to autumn, but cottage gardens reach their peak of beauty in midsummer.

For a contemporary cottage garden with style, you won’t go far wrong, if you plant hardy geraniums and delphiniums alongside roses and shrubs such as lilac, lavender and wisteria.

A cottage-style border should be a great source of cut flowers.

So sprinkle a few seeds of hardy annuals, which if routinely cut

will come again, like pot marigold, love-in-the-mist (Nigella), larkspur, sweet peas and Californian poppies in between perennials, which reliably come back year after year.

Maximise the potential of annual sweet peas by training them up wigwams to give borders a focal point.

Hollyhocks are the mainstay of the traditional cottage garden, where their tall stems, which are clothed with striking single blooms in white, light-pink, pinkish-red, magenta and burgundy, are grown in the baking, thin soil against sunny walls. Hollyhocks are biennial and should be sown in June or July to flower next summer.

Aquilegias, which are known as granny’s bonnets, and columbines are also unsurpassed in giving borders a cottage- garden feel.

Use them liberally to fill the seasonal gap between the last of the spring bulbs and the main flush of summer perennials.

Use your memories of your old granny’s garden to help create your planting list. She would have grown lupins, phlox, peonies, campanulas and foxgloves in generous beds, and pinks as edging.

In a small garden, simply give your existing lawn a bit of flower power with a scattering of spring and summer-flowering annuals like cornflowers and poppies.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR GARDEN RABBIT FREE It isn’t easy but there are ways you can limit the damage done by rabbits.

The end result may not be 100 percent rabbit proof but it will limit the damage being done.

Fencing and netting are two key weapons in the battle.

For young or small plants, you can lay chicken wire directly over plants to keep rabbits from reaching tender leaves. To protect larger plants, use chicken wire to form a cylinder large enough to prevent animals from reaching the foliage. Anchor edges of the wire for best results. Bird or deer netting works well to protect seedlings or young plants. Simply place netting over plants and anchor the edges. Use chicken wire with one-inch or smaller mesh. Fencing should be at least two feet high to prevent rabbits from jumping over.

To keep them from burrowing under, bury at least three to six inches -the deeper the better and bend the buried portion away from plantings.

Be sure to inspect fencing frequently to make sure rabbits haven’t created an opening.

You should also work on creating a garden that will suffer the least amount of damage when they pass through.

Rabbits are timid creatures that will not hang around where they do not feel safe.

A rabbit will try anything once, especially when it comes to tender new growth.

A final consideration is to choose plants that are unappealing to rabbits. These include plants that are highly aromatic, prickly, leathery or poisonous.

By growing plants they dislike, or placing such plants next to the ones they do like, you may discourage feeding. Plants rabbits tend to avoid include: Vegetables: asparagus, leeks, onions, potatoes, rhubarb, squash, tomatoes.

• Flowers: cleomes, geraniums, vincas, wax begonias.

• Herbs: basil, mint, oregano, parsley, tarragon.

How to protect your gardens from slug and snail damage The first task is to be realistic. Slugs are so abundant in gardens that some damage has to be tolerated.

They cannot be eradicated so targeting control measures to protect vulnerable plants, such as seedlings and soft young shoots on herbaceous plants will give the best result.

Firstly, our solutions to this age-old problem for gardeners are all non chemical. And secondly you won’t be surprised to read that the harder you work at the problem the better results will be. But first the biological control. ‘Nemaslug’ is specific to molluscs, with no adverse effect on other types of animal, and is available in the form of a microscopic nematode or eelworm that is watered into the soil. The nematodes (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita) enter slugs’ bodies and infect them with bacteria that cause a fatal disease.

Now for the hard work which is another way of 32

saying you need to put the hours in.Torchlight searches on damp, mild evenings can be very rewarding in keeping the slug and snail population down. Hand pick them and dispose in a nearby field or patch of waste ground.

Some birds, frogs, toads, hedgehogs, slow-worms and ground beetles eat slugs and these predators should be encouraged in gardens.

Barriers, thought to repel slugs, include rough or sharp textured mulches and substances thought to be distasteful or strong smelling. Copper-base barriers have been shown to repel slugs in some studies.

Country Gardener

Many larger slugs primarily feed on decomposing organic matter such as dead leaves dung and even dead slugs. In the compost heap they can be a valuable part of the composting process.

Cerney House Gardens A Romantic English Garden in the UK Cotswolds

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33

REVAMPING

your border

The odds are that lots of our borders need some revamping as we go into a new season.

Even borders that have been planted within the last four or five years will need reviewing and revitalising. It needn’t be too daunting a task if you follow some golden rules

Our borders are the backbone of the garden. It doesn’t matter whether they frame the outside of the garden or are more central to the plot but it is where most of our plants grow.

surprised just how quickly you can restore the sense of space in your garden, but you may also encourage some plants to revive and grow more healthily in future.

It is also an area which gives us the best opportunity to express our gardening skills.

REMEMBER THE LOOK JUST IN FRONT OF THE BORDER

The chances are after another tough winter too many borders will need a lot of attention but there are tricks to help you vastly improve existing borders.

The good news is that with some planning and preparation and good planting, borders can be revitalised to give year-round interest.

Neglected borders can be daunting just to gaze upon, the thought of tackling the overgrown mass of weeds, thorns, unpruned shrubs grass can be disheartening.

There are many reasons why a border can become neglected. However, with patience, effort and a systematic approach, you can initiate eye-catching improvements.

Before you even reach for your tools, accept that transforming a border which has gone past its sell by date is going to take time – and lots of it.

Dispel any notions of performing miracles in time to enjoy the summer evenings in a few months time to gaze upon your efforts. Look on it as a longer process.

A step-by-step approach, dividing the border into manageable sections, will foster a sense of achievement and recognisable progress that will spur you on.

PRUNE EVERYTHING Bushes and shrubs which you need to stay in your border should be pruned thoroughly, even if they appear to have little life left.

Not only will you be pleasantly

Show garden borders are like the fashion pages of a magazine.

They are stuffed full of plants that have been prinked and perked to perfection.

Only planted for a few days at a time, they’re jammed together and treated as if they’re in intensive care.

If you’re planning to plant a border, don’t worry about whether it will look as good as a show garden. That’s not real gardening.

HOW TO PLANT A BORDER FROM SCRATCH

Neatness in front of a border makes a big difference

A manicured lawn in front of a border can make a difference to the overall look in your garden and can transform a neglected garden. Cut the grass initially with a strimmer, as close to a length that can be mowed as possible, water it and leave for a few days (preferably in warm weather). Next, cut it with a conventional lawnmower and scarify the entire lawn to remove all weeds (the lawn may look dreadful at this point). Apply a suitable fertiliser, being careful to follow the instructions carefully. In time, you’ll have a healthy, attractive lawn, free from weeds and moss, which will be a valuable feature in your garden.

SHOW GARDENS AREN’T REAL Don’t be distracted by show gardens as you plan your dream border. They are there to give you ideas and inspiration, not for you to copy.

Phlox is a big impact shrub in any border

Think about the width and density of the plants as well as their height. This is important when you are planting a major revamp.

Borders used to be planted with the tallest plants at the back. You put towering 6ft blooms at the back and tiny flowers at the front.

Now it’s fashionable to have most of the planting at the same height.

Whichever you choose, you need to give your plants the space to grow sideways. If the label says that the width is ultimately 30cm, you need to make sure it has 15cm on either side before you plant its mate.

But also think about how airy or dense each plant is, before you plant a border. One idea is to plant some phlox in the middle of a new border, with some verbascum behind.

Patience is needed when planning your border - it is a two or three year plan

Three golden rules

USING PERENNIALS IN A BORDER Many perennials take more than a year to reach their best so many herbaceous perennials won’t look their best the year you plant them.

Acanthus mollis ‘Rue Ledan’

They’ll be better next year. After that they’ll go on looking good for a few years. So don’t be discouraged if they don’t look interesting when you buy them.

The wonderful Acanthus mollis ‘Rue Ledan’, for example, will take three years to find its feet, but will then just get lovelier DON’T OVERCOMPLICATE THE BORDER Try to keep to just six types of plants when you plant a border.

It’s very difficult to stick to six, but the main point is that drifts or clumps with lots of the same kind of plants are more effective than planting just one or two of each plant.

Plant in groups of threes or fives is the standard garden advice but increasingly it’s a question of planting in fours and sixes, as one plant often fails.

Spring is still the ideal time to plant a border.

But the beauty of container-grown plants is that you can plant many of them in the summer as well. If you are planting your border in the summer, make sure that you water it regularly.

Your new plants won’t have established their root systems yet.

It’s not generally a good idea to plant a border in the winter. The soil may be too wet or cold.

ADD HEIGHT WITH SEE THROUGH PLANTS Traditional border designs sees plants layered up in tiers like theatre seats and while this is classically correct you can also build the same feeling by adding more tall see-through plants.

Light elegant species like ornamental grasses can come in to their own. Verbena bonariensis and Salvia uliginosa are ideal and work perfectly in this situation. Their leggy form and small footprint

1

Most borders are in the shade for some part of the day and it may make all the difference between planting shrubs and plants which either like the sun or the shade.

Verbena ‘Buenos Aires’

mean they can be slotted in between shorter plants in the middle of the border. They add weight without bulk and allow you to see surrounding colour and from through them.

CHOOSE PLANTS WITH A LONG SEASON OF INTEREST Unless you plan it correctly a revamped border can peak in one season and leave you feeling the job was not done correctly when it comes to autumn or even early winter. So check when plants look good and how long they will be influential in your border. Carefully chosen perennials can provide a long season of interest.

The perennial wallflower Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’ can bloom almost all year and the orange Geum ‘Totally tangerine’ offer months of colour.

2

KNOW YOUR SOIL TYPE Even if you have done it before get yourself fully up to speed with what your soil is like. If the soil is gritty and not sticky it’s likely to be free draining and Mediterranean plants are the order of the day. If your soil is wet and heavy then it is likely to be clay affected and roses and hardy geraniums might be the answer.

The reality is most soils are a mixture of the two, which allows you to use a wide variety of plants. A pH testing will give you a good indication of what you are dealing with and further help choosing the right plants.

Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’

3 Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’

TAKE TIME TO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH SUN YOUR BORDER GETS

CLEAR THE DECKS FOR ACTION There is no point in starting to revamp your border if you haven’t cleared weeds and unwelcome plants. Then improve the quality of the soil by digging in organic matter.

A VERY QUICK GUIDE TO COMMON MISTAKES Wrong plant; wrong place

Before you buy a plant make sure it will suit the light levels and soil. So always read plant labels and do research.

Don’t scatter gun

Avoid your border becoming messy by repeating plants throughout the border.

Plant for the seasons

Get the most from your border by including evergreens for year round interest. You can always add in bulbs and long flowering annuals and perennials to give you a seasonal burst of colour.

No dominant plants

Avoid the ‘blockbuster’ plant which though it might seem a good idea at the time will spread rampantly though the border and bring lots of regrets with it. Mint, Japanese anemones and canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) will all take over the border. www.countrygardener.co.uk

35

READERS STORY

My delights of enforced bird watching

Last March Country Gardener reader Malcolm Knight fell off a ladder while he was trying to declutter the gutters in his Devon home. He smashed his ankle and after various complications was consigned to long periods of sitting in his chair watching the birds in his garden.

Suet and more suet is the key to attracting woodpeckers to your garden

Someone rather annoyingly said to me the week I came home after the second operation on my broken left ankle that there would be a time I would look back on all this and find something positive about it all.

That meant checking feeders were in the right place.

Not too far from trees or bushes (so birds can make a short flight to safety), but not too close either – predators like cats can use low shrubbery as cover before launching an attack!

Difficult to still see that sometimes but it has been no small thing to see how over a period of weeks my wife and son decided to do all they could to make our garden much more of a haven for birds for me to enjoy whilst having to literally put my feet up.

Like a restaurant or cafe proprietor, we learnt what our visitors wanted Choosing the right food is important. Some birds are picky eaters, while others are much less choosy. Identify your garden birds so you can tailor your birdfood menu.

I have always loved seeing birds in our smallish village garden but the enforced chair time I was facing with my feet up in a heavy plastic caste got us all thinking what more they (under my supervision) could do to attract more birds in the spring and summer.

If you’re putting out food for your garden birds, it’s crucial to keep feeders, baths and tables clean. Birds can catch diseases from each other, but you can help reduce the risk by cleaning up and making sure there aren’t too many leftovers!

It has proven to be a real joy and we have moved from being a garden where there was a good number of birds to it being what my son calls a bird ‘Piccadilly Circus’.

Every gardener knows if you provide the proper habitat, including food, water, shelter, and a place to nest, you will be rewarded with a garden with plenty of birds, who in return will entertain you with song and help keep the insect population under control.

But we decided to take it to the next level.

The first task was to do some research to find out which birds we could expect to spot in our garden.

We compiled a list on whether or not birds are ground feeders, the kinds of food they eat, the shelter they need, the nesting sites they prefer, and their choice of water sources.

Here’s what we found and put into operation.

Birds are creatures of habit, so we weren’t disheartened if our brand-new feeders didn’t attract visitors straight away. Be patient, we thought and think like a bird to see if we should do anything differently.

36

It’s not all about food – water is important, even in cold weather. As well as laying on drinks for your guests, a simple bird bath will give birds somewhere to bathe.

Think of your garden as a mini-nature reserve – it doesn’t have to be scruffy, but lots of little things add up to give nature a home.

Last summer was a delight for me sitting in a chair with binoculars marvelling at the goldfinches, blackbirds, great tits, woodpeckers, starlings, sparrows, jays, wrens, goldcrests and many more The greater the number of options, the greater the number of birds is what we found. I am now back on my feet and thankfully our garden is a still a haven for birds. It costs us money but worth it My message is don’t expect overnight success in attracting birds. They are wild creatures and not always easy to predict. They check out your landscape, evaluate its merits, and decide whether it’s safe to stay in the area.

Once they’ve settled in however they become real friends.

Country Gardener

Top: Water is often as important as food in the garden Middle: The positioning of feeders is critical Bottom: A safe haven is always an attraction

Planting guides for April BEETROOT Beetroot is an easy crop to grow, making it ideal for beginners. It will grow in any fertile, well-drained soil and also does well in containers. Follow the spacing on the packet and thin the seedlings to about 10cm when they are around 3cm high.

Harvest when the beets have reached golf ball size.

COURGETTES, MARROW, SQUASHES, CUCUMBERS AND PUMPKINS

The APRIL dilemma!

The weeks and weeks of rain in February and into March may pose an even bigger question mark this spring on how quickly gardens will dry out and when you can get sowing April is a tricky month for deciding whether to sow or not.

The temptation is to tear open your new seed packets and get plants off to an early start.

But outdoors may still be risky. Unless we are lucky with a really mild spring then temperatures might be too low to guarantee that the seeds will germinate.

In many cases it is wiser to sow just a few advance handfuls of seeds in pots or modules kept indoors on a windowsill or in a greenhouse. You can then gradually harden them off next month and get them safely planted out in June.

You can always follow up with additional sowings as the weather warms up.

Think about quantities when you sow – not many of us want or need 30 cabbages all ready at the same time. It’s far better to sow smaller quantities at weekly or fortnightly intervals, so you have a succession of crops coming to fruition.

You can sow hardy herbs outside now too, including chervil, chives, parsley, borage and fennel. In the greenhouse, start off summer savory, sorrel, dill and lovage for planting out when things are warmer. If you have a heated propagator you could start basil and coriander seeds now too.

Brassica seeds transplant when around 15cm tall.

Leek seeds transplant when about pencil thickness, but they can wait longer before being moved.

Cover the seedbed with fleece or fine enviromesh where necessary to protect seedlings from cabbage root fly, leek moth or allium leaf miner.

Brussels sprouts

•

Sprouting broccoli

April action plan

•

Autumn cauliflowers

•

Kale

Tomato seedlings

• Make sowings under glass of cucumbers, pumpkins and sweetcorn; also aubergines, tomatoes, peppers, salsify, French sorrel and Swiss chard.

• Continue sowing Brussels sprouts and cauliflower; sow main crop carrots, second early and main crop peas, beetroot, red and summer cabbage, leeks and turnips.

• In warm areas or sheltered gardens make a first sowing of French beans towards the end of April.

• Prepare trenches for celery.

The earlier they get going the better. Probably the best value for money vegetables we can grow so worth sowing under cover in April.

Leeks

LETTUCE Should be well under way by now so plant in relays to keep you going through the season. Take care when transplanting.

CELERIAC

An outdoor seedbed is useful for raising transplants of crops that don’t mind root disturbance. Generally it is used for autumn and winter brassicas, such as cabbages, Brussels sprouts, kale and sprouting broccoli, and for leeks. These vegetables are in the ground for many months, so to make best use of space, start them off in a separate seedbed. They can be sown at much closer spacing than at their final planting.

•

LEEKS

Keep an eye on the weather – April can still be chilly – and keep some fleece or clear plastic polythene handy to put over crops if needs be.

Sow in a seedbed to transplant

Leeks

Courgettes, marrows, squashes, cucumbers and pumpkins are known as curcurbits, and can all be sown in the same way – in individual five cm pots, under cover. Plant outside once the danger of frost has passed (cucumbers often do best in a greenhouse).

Celeriac needs a long growing season for an autumn/winter harvest, so sow now, under cover.

Transfer the seedlings to individual pots when they are large enough to handle.

PEAS Peas are easy to grow and can be harvested early in summer, making them a welcome early crop. You can sow them direct outside, but they are a favourite snack for mice – if these are a problem, sow them indoors and plant the plants outside when they are 15cm tall. Alternatively, sow in guttering and transplant the whole row of seedlings into a trench when they’re ready.

RADISH This fast-growing crop is easy to grow and is a good ‘catch crop’, growing on empty ground that is waiting for other crops, or between slower growing crops.

Sow direct outside, every three to four weeks, for a continuous supply throughout summer.

SPINACH • Plant out globe artichoke suckers.

• Plant second early and main crop potatoes; earth up early potatoes.

• Plant up grow-bags.

• Make an asparagus bed. www.countrygardener.co.uk

Spinach can be sown directly outside in April; if it’s chilly, cover with fleece. Spinach needs lots of moisture and protection from slugs and snails.

SWISS CHARD Swiss chard is a beautiful crop for a sunny or partially shaded spot and can be sown directly outside in April.

37

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READERS LETTERS

Have your say...

Letters from Country Gardener readers. We welcome brief letters on any gardening topics.

Write to Country Gardener, Mount House, Halse, Taunton, TA4 3AD or email editorial@countrygardener.co.uk

Finding peat free compost is difficult Why is it so hard to find peat free compost? Two of my local garden centres put it at the back of their displays behind everything else and there last week there was one bag of peat free to every 50 of composts with peat. The cost is also higher which annoys me as it should be at least equal. Maybe us gardeners should campaign for a tax on peat.

Carolyn Monahan Southampton We need an initiative on plastic pots I manage a community garden in Somerset where we sell plants in plastic pots, however we try and work at this by encouraging people to return then and we offer a small discount 5p off their next purchase, However we still get far more than we can use and the councils won’t recycle them resulting in a growing mountain – something which I would imagine every gardener experiences.

I understand the latest estimate is that there are 500 million in circulation each year. I have tried endlessly to contact recycling companies in the area (North and West Somerset) and the feedback is very negative. The answer from them seems to be that any recycling schedule they tried to set up were abandoned when companies charged high fees for the service. It seems biodegradable pots are not sufficiently durable for mass retail resale and reuse and are rarely accepted by municipal composting facilities. As the introduction of a plastic bag scheme had resulted in a dramatic reduction of usage I wonder if a similar initiative would work for plastic pots.

Chris James Williton

HOW GARDENING TURNED MY LIFE AROUND Eleven years ago at the age of 45 my life came crashing down when I became seriously ill with severe clinical depression. A year later I struggled with the thought that I ought to get back to work. I knew I could never go back to my old stressful job, which involved commuting travel and stress. So what could I do?

My friend’s mother suggested that I try gardening. The idea appealed to me. I had a very low skill base in terms of knowledge but I loved the outdoors and have never been afraid of hard work. So I read everything I could about gardening over a few months and started when I was asked to tidy up and put a garden to bed for winter. It was the dreariest October but for the first time in months I became motivated and keen to tackle the task ahead of me. It was overwhelming but I started digging, raking, hoeing and pruning. I didn’t realise it at the time but this was the start of my new gardening career. I am outside in the fresh air on my own and looking after gardens.

I now have seven gardens I look after and I have learnt so much in the space of a few years.

Gardening has done a lot for my general health as well. I feel stronger, have less of those worrying palpitations and my arms and legs have strengthened.

My income is down of course. I earn about one twentieth of what I did before but then I have adapted. I no longer have a car, I take public transport, eat the fruit and vegetables I grow and am normally so tired that my sleep patterns have returned. My life seems to have recovered and when I read your magazine my friend said STAR I should share my experiences with LETTER you as I am sure there are many more who would benefit from making a change. It takes courage but my sanity has been restored and I now live a far Denise Hilton wins a stylish more peaceful and rewarding life.

Haws metal watering can for her

Denise Hilton Plymouth

star letter of the month.

Banana plant success

IN PRAISE OF IVY

A few years ago when I was living in Exeter I bought a banana plant from my local garden centre. It was large and the only place for it was in my bathroom. Year after year I cut the suckers off and tried to grow them on without success. Imagine my surprise when the old plant suddenly produced flowers and fruit. Sadly the fruit grew only to half an inch but nevertheless I can still say I have grown bananas. I have moved to Cornwall and kept on trying but never have been able to repeat that Exeter success.

I would like to say a few words in support of the benefits of ivy in the garden. I have it growing everywhere - up walls, trellises and fences, all my garden posts, trees and in hedges of course. It is home to

Peter Legge Bodmin THE CHANCE TO BE MYSELF Your news piece about therapy of gardening struck a bell with me. My garden is a sanctuary. There I can recharge my batteries but the real therapy is the chance to be myself. Most of us gardeners work alone giving us the chance to think through problems at the same time as seeing the results of our labours.

blackbirds, robins, wood pigeons, wrens and a surprisingly a large colony of sparrows.

As for snails I have a pair of thrushes which come in and seem to polish them off. My garden would be a much poorer place without ivy and I consider it to be much maligned. It does on the other hand I agree need to be kept under control.

Mary Toomey Porlock

Hannah Collingbourne Salisbury

40

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Discover the stunning views at Marwood Hill Gardens, 20 acres of private gardens with lakes in North Devon.

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The gardens are a wonderful haven in which to relax and enjoy the impressive collections of plants, shrubs and trees and experience the views and peaceful atmosphere.

www.kitchengardenplantcentre.co.uk

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Specialist Plant Sales At Marwood, we aim to provide something a little bit different, something which you can take home.

Tel: 01271 342528 | www.marwoodhillgarden.co.uk Marwood Hill Gardens, North Devon EX31 4EA

FOXLEY ROAD NURSERIES

Annual & Container Plants Vegetable & Herb Plants

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Pygmy Pinetum NURSERY & GARDENS Shrubs

HUGE RANGE of hardy plants, seasonal bedding, fruit and vegetable plants grown on site

HANGING BASKETS, SUMMER BEDDING & YOUNG VEGETABLE PLANTS: Orders being taken now

LANDSCAPING, PLANTING PLAN and PLANTING services available

FRIENDLY, EXPERT ADVICE always on hand

Orders Taken ~ Local Delivery

Delivery service available National Garden Gift Vouchers

Tel: 01666 822171 www.foxleyroadnurseries.co.uk Foxley Road, Malmesbury, SN16 0JQ

Coventry Road, Guy's Cliffe, Warwick

Early flowerers for spring interest, including magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas

Roses

Fragrant and Colourful and including David Austin varieties

Perennials and Alpines Old favourites and specials

Trees

Ornamental and Fruit - All bursting into bud and flower

Vegetable plants

Our usual large range from cabbages to stripey tomatoes

Bedding plants

New varieties arriving each week

Summer flowering Bulb Collection and fresh Spring Bedding

T: 01926 492273 info@hintonsnursery.co.uk www.hintonsnursery.co.uk www.countrygardener.co.uk

Cannop Crossroads, Nr Speech House, Royal Forest of Dean, Glos. Tel: 01594 833398

www.pygmypinetum.co.uk 41

RHS Malvern Spring – READY TO INSPIRE FOR THE HOTTEST TICKET ON THE HORTICULTURAL CALENDAR, YOU NEED LOOK NO FURTHER THAN RHS MALVERN SPRING FESTIVAL Set at the foot of the Malvern Hills, RHS Malvern Spring festival which runs from Thursday, 7th May to Sunday, 10th May is set to be another inspirational gardening event.

The four day annual show is supported by headline sponsor, boutique travel company Great Little Breaks and will play host to inspirational RHS Gold Medal winning show gardens, top-quality specialist plant and floral exhibitors in the beautiful Floral Marquee and expert advice from some of the UK’s top gardening and food personalities.

Seen by many as the official start of spring and the largest RHS show outside of London, the festival this year is themed around ‘Wanderlust and Wonder’, and green-fingered visitors can expect a whole host of horticultural highlights.

Created by the very best in the business, the show gardens at RHS Malvern are a real treat for any visitor. In 2020, seven gardens will be on display, all hoping to win a prestigious RHS medal. Designers will also be on hand to answer questions from visitors and share their very best hints and tips.

The talented designers and growers have drawn their inspiration from a myriad of sources including rural France, using nature to escape the modern day world and the theatre of plants as they create gardens based around the festival’s theme.

Show Garden favourites Peter Dowle and Villaggio Verde will return once more, as well as Gloucestershire-based Graduate Gardeners who last appeared at the festival in 2018.

Other returning faces include Lichfield designer Karen Tatlow, who will be supporting her local hospice with a garden containing an art installation of metal sunflowers. Fourth generation RAF serviceman Martyn Wilson, who in 2018 created the RAF 100 garden that is currently a permanent 42

feature at the showground, will this year be creating a commemorative VE Day garden to celebrate its landmark 75th anniversary.

Making their RHS Malvern Spring Festival debut this year are Jane Scott Moncrieff and Sadie May Stowell.

The length of four Olympic swimming pools, the Floral Marquee at RHS Malvern Spring Festival is the most oversubscribed on the RHS Flower Show circuit and this year will be home to 68 exhibits.

From Dumfries to Devon, 67 nurseries will make the journey to Malvern to display their best blooms in the hope of being awarded the coveted RHS Gold Medal.

New for 2020, the Malvern Hills will be alive with the sound of music, with two spectacular evenings of performances. On May 8, the 54-piece English Symphony Orchestra led by Lesley Garrett will perform a special VE Day commemorative concert, and on May 9, BBC Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley will host her very own Garden Party as she plays music throughout the decades, chosen by the show’s special guests.

Making a welcome return to the festival is gardening national treasure Alan Titchmarsh, who will be joined by a stellar horticultural line-up including BBC Gardeners’ World personalities Carol Klein and Joe Swift, alongside RHS Malvern show ambassador Chris Beardshaw, horticulture expert and author Sarah Raven and celebrity florist, writer and broadcaster, Jonathan Moseley.

BBC Radio 2’s resident gardening guru, Terry Walton, will also make a comeback, as well as former Blue Peter gardener, Lee Conelley - better known as the ‘Skinny Jean’ Gardener.

Advance tickets for day entry to the RHS Malvern Spring Festival are now on sale, with prices starting at just £20 for RHS and Three Counties members, or £22 for the general public (plus 75p transaction fee).

Children under 16 go free. Group tickets are also available.

For further information visit www.rhsmalvern.co.uk or call 0844 811 0050.

Country Gardener

RHS MALVERN SPRING FESTIVAL Thursday 7th May to Sunday 10th May Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire www.rhsmalvern.co.uk

THE EXPERT LINEUP INCLUDES: Joe Swift; Sarah Raven; Alan Titchmarsh; Chris Beardshaw & Carol Klein (Clockwise from top left)

www.countrygardener.co.uk

43

The Lychgate Cutting Garden Alex Eastlake looks at a new cutting garden which is setting a new standard when it comes to growing unusual varieties

Tucked away in the undulating folds of the Devon hills, safe from the bustle and hum of busy town life and the pressured pull of everyday duties is The Lychgate Cutting Garden. It’s a place to wander waist-deep in meadow flower, and to be free to imbibe the pleasure of the senses.

The flower beds sit in the beautiful South Hams, Devon countryside and are designed to provide a good selection of blooms and foliage throughout the growing season from May to September, as the goal is to reclaim some of the more unusual flower varieties, which are disappearing from modern, easy keep gardens today.

The garden came to life in the near-cloudless summer of 2018. Having completed a qualification in horticulture at the nearby Bicton agricultural college, Laura Cole found herself with a head-full of flora, considering the direction her path ahead may take.

While studying, she’d taken a part-time position at Hill House Nursery - an independently run garden centre, not far from her childhood village. One late winter morning, while potting seeds in preparation for the spring, Laura and a fellow nursery worker got

talking about a fallow patch of land at the top end of the nursery.

It seemed such a shame for it to lay unused. Nestled beside a row of skyward-reaching Lombardy Poplars, the patch holds a view of the nearby chapel’s spire over the nursery’s shimmering glasshouses and slate-fronted tearooms. It got Laura thinking. It seemed like a perfect place for a cutting garden - an idea which had been germinating throughout her studies.

Laura approached Matthew, the owner of Hill House Nursery, with the idea. His enthusiasm, excitement and support for the project filled Laura with confidence.

The seed-thought had begun to take root and from there the idea grew.

In the early stages, Laura and her mother Mya took to the land, reclaiming the fertile soil from milkthistle and bindweed, nettle and clover.

She took ownership of a reclaimed shed and borrowed a polytunnel to shelter the less hardy plants. Once the ground works and practicalities had been taken care of, she began setting out rows for planting.

Inspired by the seasonal splendour of the nearby Garden House at Buckland Monochorum and the National Trust gardens at Cotehele, she began to sow a large selection of traditional and more unusual country flowers. She planted varieties which, she felt, have largely been lost from contemporary gardens.

Interspersed between Larkspur and Quaking Grass, she nestled Love-ina-Mist beside Calendula, Grannies Bonnets and Cornflowers. The overall effect is a striking pastoral portrait.

In May of 2018, Laura and Mya opened for business.

Initially visited by regular customers to the nursery, it wasn’t long before word spread and people from all over came to visit this unique piece of rustic splendour.

Photographs by Anaick Crozon 44

Being a few miles from Ashburton and Totnes - the nearest fair-sized towns – the gardens are an oasis of tranquillity. Laura quickly found great pleasure watching as people from all walks of life, having driven through the hedge-lined winding roads, step away from their lives and their worries. From the minute they took a small silver bucket to fill with flowers, she could see their stress fade, and as they took a moment to enjoy being among the blossoms, they began engaging and reconnecting with the natural world.

Country Gardener

As well as flower enthusiasts and passing folk keen to add a touch of rustic, locally sourced colour to their homes, the Lychgate Cutting Garden has quickly become a place to visit for weddings and other special occasions. The ceremony of bringing loved ones together to pick the flowers for a wedding, birthday, anniversary, graduation or any cause for festivity has proven to be increasingly popular.

It helps to create an atmosphere of celebration in the run-up to a family event. Availability permitting, Laura is able to help to make bridal bouquets, posies for bridesmaids, buttonholes.

The Lychgate Cutting Garden is open from May to September and is staffed Thursday 11am-5pm and Saturday 11am-3pm. Hill House Nursery is open 11am-5pm everyday of the year excluding two weeks at Christmas.

For larger quantities or any queries please contact Laura on 07985 109251 or info.lychgate@gmail.com For more information on pricing and flowers please visit www.lychgatecuttinggarden.co.uk or www.hillhousenursery.com

How to make the most of your visit Visitors are supplied with a bucket(s) and snips and are advised to consider all of the flowers and foliage fully in order to be aware of what is available before cutting.

Once you have filled your bucket(s), your flowers will be wrapped ready for you to take home. It is also possible to purchase buckets for taking your produce away in.

You should wear suitable footwear in the garden and bring a raincoat if necessary!

Children are very welcome but need to be supervised at all times.

Dogs are permitted on leads within Hill House Nursery and gardens.

We suggest allowing time to enjoy not only the Cutting Garden but the Nursery itself along with the Tea Room also.

TIME OFF

Diary events from clubs and organisations

around the Cotswolds

Our hugely popular Time Off section is a regular free opportunity for gardening clubs, associations, societies and organisations to publicise their events to Country Gardener readers.

COMPILED BY KATE LEWIS Here’s a selection of gardening events to look out for during the next few weeks throughout the Cotswolds.

If you are a garden club or association looking to promote an event then please send us details at least eight weeks before publication and we will publicise it free of charge. Make sure you let us know where the event is being held, the date and include a contact telephone number.

We are always keen to support events and we will be glad to publicise talks, meetings and shows held during the year where clubs want to attract a wider audience, but we do not have space for club outings or parties. It is much easier for us if garden clubs could send us their diary for the year for events to be

March 21ST Black Pear Gardening Club ‘GLOUCESTERSHIRE NGS’ – COLIN OLLIE

24TH Hale and Woodgreen Horticultural Society ‘THE WINTER GARDEN’ – ANDY MANINDOE Hereford and District Fuchsia Association ‘NATURAL POND CREATION’ - RICHARD FISHBOURNE Details on 01432 2655744

4TH

11TH

Cottage Garden Society ‘PLANT FROM MY PEAT FREE NURSERY FOR THE COTTAGE GARDEN’ – JEFF SOULSBY Details on 01564 783475

Hardy Plant Society, West Midlands Group ‘CHOICE PLANTS’ – SIMON GULLVER Details on 07920 0003760

Lower Broadheath Gardening Society SPRING SHOW WITH CREAM TEAS Slimbridge Gardening Club SPRING SHOW www.slimbridgeegc.plus.com Wotton Gardening Club SPRING FLOWER SHOW & PLANT SALE Details on 01453 766104

25TH

5TH

Beckford & District Garden Club ‘THE POWER OF GARDENING’ – MARC MOLLANT Details on 01386 882661

Cheltenham Horticultural Society SPRING SHOW IN PITTVILLE PUMP ROOMS Details on 01242 691135

Clows Top & District Gardening Club MONTHLY MEETING Details on 01299 270475 Severnside Cottage Garden Society ‘FOUR SEASONS AND A FESTIVAL’ – ADRIAN JAMES

6TH Wilmcote Garden Club ‘PLANTS GROW IN DIRT’ – BOB BROWN Details on 01789 299721

Wickhamford Gardening Club SPRING SHOW AT THE MEMORIAL HALL Details on 01386 831002

Wyche and Colwall Horticultural Society ‘PELARGONIUMS’ – HEATHER GODDARDKEY www.wychecolwallhorticulturalsoc. wordpress.com

26TH

8TH

Downton Horticultural Society ‘TREES AND SHRUBS FOR WINTER COLOUR’ – MARCUS DANCER Details on 01725 511475

Blakeney Garden Club ‘THE GREAT GLASS HOUSE AT RHS WISLEY’ - NICK MORGAN Details on 01594 510706

Hucclecote Horticultural Society AGM & SPEAKER FROM THE RSPB Details on 01452 543573

30TH Lower Broadheath Gardening Society ‘SPRING HAS SPRUNG’ – SAMANTHA HOPES

April 1ST Cleeve Prior Garden Club ‘A WORM’S EYE VIEW OF THE GARDEN’ – RICHARD FISHBOURNE Details on 01789 772550

2ND Bretforton Garden Club A CELEBRATION OF BRETFORTON OPEN GARDENS Ettington Gardening Club ‘THE RESTORATION OF STOWE’ – BARRY SMITH Details on 07748 137395

included in the relevant issue of the magazine. Please send to Country Gardener Magazines, Mount House, Halse, Taunton TA4 3AD or by email to timeoff@countrygardener.co.uk We take great care to ensure that details are correct at the time of going to press but we advise readers to check wherever possible before starting out on a journey as circumstances can force last minute changes. All NGS open gardens can be found on www.ngs.org.uk or in the local NGS booklet available at many outlets.

Lechlade Gardening Club ‘WHAT’S IN STORE; INTERESTING PLANTS IN GARDEN CENTRES NOW’ – JIM TEAGUE Shipston and District Gardening Club ‘HIDE AND SEEK PART 2’ – PETER PREECE Details on 01608 666933

Hardy Plant Society Herefordshire & Mid Wales Group ‘AULDEN FARM – FROM CONCEPTION TO CHAOS’ – JILL WHITEHEAD Details on 01544 262795

14TH Cricklade Garden Club ‘SENSORY SENSATIONS’ – PAUL GREEN Details on 07900 242026 www.crickladegardenclub.org.uk Plant Heritage Worcestershire Group, Pershore College ‘BORDER AURICULAS’ – NIGEL HOPES Details on 01905 830370 Slimbridge Gardening Club ‘TRUG MAKING’ – CARL WOODMAN www.slimbridgeegc.plus.com

15TH Chipping Norton Horticultural Association ‘A PASSION FOR SEEDS’ – ROB AND DIANE COLE Details on 01608 643275 Berkeley Gardening Club ‘A SPRING VISIT TO JAPAN’S GARDENS AND COUNTRYSIDE’ – DUNCAN COOMBES Details on 01453 810607 Cookhill Garden Club ‘HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH GARDEN’ – CHRIS BEARDSHAW Mickleton Gardening Club ‘OF MEAD AND FLOWERS’ – NATHALIE MIGNOTTE Details on 01386 438696

16TH

North Worcestershire Fuchsia Society ‘ROSES’ – SIMON GULLIVER Details on 01905 640744

Bidford on Avon & District Gardening Society ‘UNUSUAL CLIMBERS’ – ANDY PEDRICK Details on 01789 268974

Winchcombe Gardening Club ‘AMAZE THE NEIGHBOURS’ – ROGER TURNER

Village Garden Club of Sevenhampton and District ‘BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE’ – MANDY BRADSHAW Details on 01242 821018

9TH Cheltenham Horticultural Society ‘DAVID AUSTIN ROSES’ – MERVIN REED Details on 01242 691135

10TH Blackmore Vale Bonsai Group MONTHLY MEETING Details on 01747 853475

Newent Gardening Club ‘ALLOTTED TIME – ALLOTMENT GARDENS’ – DAVID CROPP Details on 01531 820922

17TH Churchdown Horticultural Society BRING AND SHARE SUPPER & QUIZ Details on 01452 856951 www.countrygardener.co.uk

Gloucester Amateur Garden Society ‘SEASONAL COLOUR IN THE GARDEN’ NATALIE MIGNOTTE Details on 01452 419889

18TH Black Pear Gardening Club ‘TULIPMANIA’ – ALLAN WELLS

20TH Abbeydale Garden Club ‘ROCOCO GARDEN’ – DOMINIC HAMILTON Details on 01452 611868 Warwickshire Group of the Alpine Garden Society MINI SHOW AND AGM Details on 0121 7443129 Tredington and Stoke Orchard Garden Club ‘HERBACEOUS PLANTS’ – A J PEDRICK Details on 01242 680082 Warwickshire Group of the Alpine Garden Society MINI SHOW AND AGM Details on 0121 7443129

21ST Gloucestershire Organic Gardening Group ‘FLOWERS FOR HEALING’ – CAROLINE SHELDRICK Details on 07800 541277 Wotton Gardening Club ‘GARDENING FOR BEES’ – ALLAN WELLS Details on 01453 766104

22ND Beckford & District Garden Club ‘TEABAGS, BRAS AND TIGHTS’ – DARREN RUDGE Details on 01386 882661 Clows Top & District Gardening Club ‘THE DRY GARDEN’ – INGRID MILLINGTON Details on 01299 270475 Wickhamford Gardening Club AN EVENING WITH REG MOULE Details on 01386 831002

23RD Hucclecote Horticultural Society ‘VEGETABLES: CHOOSING THE CORRECT CULTIVAR’ – RICHARD BALDWIN Details on 01452 543573

25TH Mickleton Gardening Club SPRING SHOW

27TH Lower Broadheath Gardening Society ‘MURDER, MAGIC AND PLANT POTIONS’ – MARION STAINTON 45

STOCKISTS OF COUNTRY GARDENER Cotswolds Country Gardener is available free of charge throughout the area at the outlets listed below where we have included postcodes to make it easier for you to find them. You’ll find those highlighted in green advertising in this issue. For amendments to details or deliveries call Pat Eade on 01594 543790 email pateade8@gmail.com Alcester The Hiller Garden, B49 5PD Berkeley Kitts Green Nurseries, GL13 9PW Birdwood The Fairview Gardener, GL2 8AR Bisley The Green Shop, GL6 7BX Bloxham Bloxham Nursery, OX15 5EE Bourton-on-the-Hill Bourton House Gardens, GL56 9AE Bristol Henleaze Garden Shop, BS9 4NB Broadway Snowshill Manor NT, WR12 7JU Buscot Buscot Park NT, SN7 8BU Charlecote Charlecote Garden Store, CV35 9ER Charlecote Park NT, CV35 9ER Cheltenham Cheltenham Garden Machinery, GL50 3HU Dundry Nursery & Garden Centre, GL51 6SL Shurdington Nurseries, GL51 4TX Valley Roundabout Nurseries, GL51 6SJ Webbs Garden Centre, GL50 4SJ Chipping Campden Hidcote Manor Garden NT, GL55 6LR Tourist Information Centre, GL55 6HB Chipping Norton Applegarth Nurseries, OX7 5SY Cirencester Cerney House Gardens, GL7 7BX Dobbies Garden World, GL7 6EU Coleford Pygmy Pinetum Garden Nursery, GL16 7EQ Cotheridge Laylocks Garden Centre, WR6 5LP Earl’s Croome Nuyard Country & Garden Centre WR8 9DA Evesham Castle Nurseries Farm Shop, WR11 7RN

Chadbury Farm Shop, WR11 4TD Cotswold Garden Flowers, WR11 7EZ Ellenden Farm Shop, WR11 8LU Evesham Garden Centre, WR11 4TP Goll’s Nursery & Aquatics, WR11 8SN Farnborough Farnborough Garden Centre, OX17 1EL Gloucester Brockworth Garden Centre, GL3 4PU Dobbies Garden Centre, GL10 3DP Highfield Garden World, GL2 7PB Norton Garden Centre, GL2 9PU Gotherington Gotherington Nurseries, GL52 9QY Great Rollright

NEW

Wyatt’s Garden Centre, OX7 5SH

Highworth Highworth Hardware, SN6 7AG Huntley Forest Products, GL19 3EY Leaf Creative GL19 3EX Iron Acton Iron Acton Garden Centre, BS37 9XA Ledbury Newent Plant Centre @ Little Verzons Farm, HR8 2PZ Lower Slaughter The Old Mill, GL54 2HX Lydney Coinros Gardeners’ Nursery, GL15 6BU Malmesbury Foxley Road Nurseries, SN16 0JQ Malmesbury Garden Centre, SN16 9JL Malvern Grange Farm Nursery, WR13 6NT The Bran Tub, WR14 4QY Tourist Information Centre, WR14 2AY Mickleton Tops Plants, GL55 6PT Miserden The Nursery at Miserden, GL6 7JA

Moreton-in-Marsh Batsford Arboretum, GL56 9AD Fossweway Garden Centre, GL56 0DS Nailsworth Nailsworth Garden Machinery, GL5 5EX Tourist Information Centre, GL6 0DU Newent Roses Country Fayre, GL18 1DL 3 Shires Garden Centre, GL18 1DL Three Choirs Vineyard, GL18 1LS Trioscape Plant Centre, GL18 1HQ Pershore Alpine Garden Society, WR10 3JP Four Acres Nursery, WR10 3DY Pershore College Plant Centre, WR10 3JP Three Springs Nursery, WR10 3BX Powick

NEW

Link Nurseries, WR2 4NH

Pucklechurch St Aldam’s Nursery, BS16 9PY Ross-on-Wye Ross Garden Store, HR9 7BW Rushwick Roots of Rushwick, WR2 5TD Staunton Staunton Garden Centre, GL19 3QA Stratford-upon-Avon Fibrex Nurseries, CV37 8XP Hunscote Farm Shop & Nursery, CV35 9ES Stratford Garden Centre, CV37 8LW Swindon Greatfield Garden Centre, SN4 8EQ John Toomer Garden Centre, SN5 3LD Manor Garden Centre, SN2 2QJ Walfins Garden & Leisure, SN4 8EQ Tetbury Tourist Information Centre, GL8 8JG Tewkesbury Hoo House Nursery, GL20 7DA Tewkesbury Garden Centre, GL20 6EB

Editorial

Publisher & Editor: Alan Lewis alan@countrygardener.co.uk Tel: 01823 431767

Sown now and treated properly squash harvests are lavish and abundant. Squashes including pumpkins and courgettes are some of the fastest growing veg in the UK. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes from massive pumpkins to tiny patty pan squashes.

There are winter squashes, such as pumpkins and butternut squash and summer squashes, such as yellow crookneck, yellow straightneck, and scallop, which are harvested when immature.

Sow indoors in April and move outdoors in May after hardening off.

Keep the soil constantly moist by watering around the plants, not over them. As they need plenty of water, sink a 15cm (6in) pot alongside the plants when planting out. Water into this and it will help ensure the water goes right down to the roots and does not sit around the neck of the plant, which can lead to rotting.

Feed every 10-14 days with a high potash liquid fertiliser once the first fruits start to swell.

The fruit of pumpkins should be supported off the soil on a piece of tile or glass.

Three ways to ensure success Sow indoors Squash won’t germinate is if the soil is below 16 degrees C which often outside doesn’t occur until well into June.

You can start seeds off in late April under cover which extends the growing season by a precious five or six weeks.

Add dark mulches Laying dark coloured mulches around your plants will help to absorb heat in the daytime. Lay this down when you are transplanting seeds in June.

Use cloche coves Place rigid cloche covers or glass cloches over the earth a week before planting and keep in situ while the plants get established. This will dramatically speed up plant growth.

Time Off

Cath Pettyfer - Devon cath.pettyfer@countrygardener.co.uk Tel: 01837 82660

Lisa Cawkill - Dorset & Hampshire lisa@countrygardener.co.uk Tel: 01945 450784

Advertising Sales

Corina Reay - Cotswolds corina@countrygardener.co.uk Tel: 01823 410098

Design & Production

Pat Eade pateade8@gmail.com Tel: 01594 543790

Classifieds classified@countrygardener.co.uk

Gemma Stringer gemma@countrygardener.co.uk

Sam Bartholomew sam@countrygardener.co.uk Tel: 01823 430639

Kate Lewis timeoff@countrygardener.co.uk

Magazines

Thornbury Thornbury Garden Shop, BS35 2AQ Thornbury Library, BS35 2AA Upton Upon Severn Clive’s Fruit Farm, WR8 0SA Warmington National Herb Centre, OX17 1DF Warwick Hintons Nursery, CV34 5FJ Westbury on Severn Westbury Court Garden NT, GL14 1PD Weston Subedge Hartwell & Co, GL55 6QH Worcester Spetchley Park Gardens, WR5 1RS Worcester Garden Centre, WR3 7SW Wotton-under-Edge Eastwood Garden Plant Centre, GL12 8DA Tortworth Court Farm Shop, GL12 8HF

FOCUS ON... growing squashes

Ava Bench - Somerset ava@countrygardener.co.uk Tel: 01278 786139

Aidan Gill aidan@countrygardener.co.uk

Distribution & Stockists

Accounts & Payments

The Country Gardener magazines are distributed FREE at Nurseries, garden centres, National Trust Properties, open gardens, garden machinery specialists, country stores and farm shops in each county. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or made available in any form, without the written permission of the copyright holder and Publisher, application for which should be made to the Publisher. Unsolicited material: do not send or submit your only version of manuscripts and/ or photographs/transparencies to us as these cannot be returned to you. While every care is taken to ensure that material submitted is priced accurately and completely, we cannot be responsible or liable for any loss or damage suffered. Views and/or opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of Country Gardener or the Publisher.

Roses Country Fayre Garden Centre

CREATE AN INSPIRING DISPLAY WITH OUR BEAUTIFUL PLANTS

Choose from our huge selection of vegetable plants, fruit bushes, trees and herbs.

Ask our team for some seasonal gardening tips and helpful advice.

To Ledbury, Hereford

Postcode GL18 1DL

B4215 Ledbury Road

At Roses Country Fayre near Newent we have grown beautiful plants for over 40 years! Visit us to see a fantastic range of alpines, bedding and basket plants, many grown here at our nursery.

Nurseries

Cafe Rosie is going from strength to strength. Visit us and find out why so many diners are returning again and again.

A FAMILY RUN, INDEPENDENT CENTRE WE ARE UNIQUELY DIFFERENT. VISIT US AND SEE.

Ledbury Road, Newent, Gloucestershire, GL18 1DL

01531 821242

www.rosesgardencentre.co.uk DISCOVER FANTASY FOREST SOFT PLAY FOR CHILDREN!

B4221 to Ross, Gorsley

Newent

B4215 to Gloucester

Herefordshire’s Most Inspirational Plant Centre

Newent Plant Centre @ The Nest, Little Verzons, Ledbury

Tomato Festival Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th April LEARN HOW TO GROW TOMATOES Hundreds of plants available Free Talk each day at 2pm

We have thousands of Trees, Shrubs, Cottage Garden Perennials, Climbers, Roses.. all ready to plant now Vegetable Plants, Fruit Trees, Seeds... and some fabulous ideas for growing Vegetables in Patio Containers

Meander around our garden displays and be inspired to plant out your own garden

Over 100 varieties of Heuchera “Collectors Corner” of Unusual and Hard to Find Plants

Friendly advice always available from Mark and his team

Open 7 Days a week

A417 LEOMINSTER

Verzons Hotel HEREFORD

Trumpet Inn A4172 DYMOCK & NEWENT

A438

LEDBURY

Newent Plant Centre @ The Nest

Find us @ The Nest just 3 miles west of Ledbury

We sell and accept

Newent Plant Centre @ The Nest, Little Verzons, Hereford Road, Ledbury HR8 2PZ. TEL: 01531 670121 EMAIL: enquiry@newentplantcentre.co.uk

www.newentplantcentre.co.uk Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

RHS Gold Medalists