Time for bedding Fresh compost, a good feed and water, water, water is the advice from Kieran Gallagher of Cardwell Garden Centre
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atching the transition in nature during the change from winter to spring is one of life’s little pleasures that we get for free. For various reasons, I missed it this year. One day I was walking my dog and noticed there were leaves on the trees and wild bluebells lending a vivid splash of colour to an otherwise green hillside. Our gardens are growing so fast just now that it is easy to take your eye off the ball. Perhaps weeds grow out of control or maybe you become so focussed on the garden work itself that you fail to appreciate the beauty of your own endeavours. Your garden will certainly need some of your attention over the coming months. Any risk of a hard frost has almost certainly passed, but cold nights are still a possibility. Very soft or young bedding plants, and some fruit and vegetables, may benefit from some protection if a cool night is forecast. This is one reason to buy quality plants to begin with. Here at Cardwell we grow a lot of out own bedding plants in our on-site nursery. These plants are grown and matured in large glasshouses and are carefully exposed to the elements a little at a time. By doing this, we are able to control the hardiness of the plants, in other words their resistance to cold snaps.
28 | West End Life – June/July 2019
The vast majority of the plants that we have to buy in from other growers come from long term partners across Scotland. They use similar methods to ourselves to make sure that the plants are ready for your garden. Planting your summer bedding in fresh compost really is a ‘must do’. Old compost will have lost nutrients that are vital to your bedding plant’s success. Any old compost you have can be used to top up beds and borders, so it need not be wasted. Compost is cheap, much cheaper than it used to be. Even the top brands like Miracle Gro and Levington can be found on special offer in many garden centres, so my advice is that new compost is a worthwhile annual investment. Beware of buying any compost that appears too old. Faded packaging and water logged bags are a common sign of old stock. Finally water, water and water more. Water your bedding plants every day in warm weather, twice if it is particularly hot. This is especially true of tubs and baskets and it is best to water first thing and/or last thing so it is not done in direct sunlight. And do not forget to water the grass in dry spells. Our lawns take a lot of punishment all year round, but caring for it now, whilst it is growing, will really toughen it up. I hope you all get the opportunity to enjoy your gardens this summer.
@westendlife