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Email : info@klondyke.co.uk
Email : info@klondyke.co.uk
Some plants you just can not resist touching, such as the soft grey furry leaved Stachy's Lanta (Lambs Ears), or the wonderfully tactile grasses such as Stipa Tenuissima or Pennisetum. The flowers of the Bottle Brush plant (Callistemon Spp) are also irresistable. Just brushing past a plant of Lemon Verbena ( Aloysia Triphylla) emits the most refreshing lemony fragrance and it also makes a lovely herb tea.
After the flush of spring colours note where plant combinations could be improved to fill gaps in the borders at this time. Hydrangeas, Hardy Fuchsias, Lavatera, Liliums, Echinacea, Hardy Geraniums and Penstemons could help to solve the problem.
To keep fresh supplies make regular sowings in 15cm pots using Multi Purpose compost, of Rocket, Parsley, Coriander, and Basil. Transplant some into the garden and use the remainder straight from the pots. Feed weekly with Magi-Grow fertiliser to keep a good supply of healthy leaves.
Any bare soil in the borders or vegetable garden with well rotted compost after the rain. This will help to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture as well as improving soil structure. There are several products to choose from in the garden centre including recycled green waste, Farmyard Manure and Bark products. Gravel can also be used in alpine borders or 'dry' gardens especially with borders.
Select from our wide variety of bedding plants in 13cm pots which will allow you to fill containers and gaps in the border through the summer. Select from Impatiens, New Guinea Impatiens, Gazania, Triploid Marigolds, Cosmos, Celosia, Dianthus, Solenostemon ( Coleeus) and Rudbeckia and Osteospermum.
Biennials can be sown now for colour next Spring. Sow direct in short nursery rows in the garden or in seed trays. Varieties include Wall Flowers, Sweet William, Canterbury Bells, Foxglove, Bellis and Myosotis. For dried seed head sow Honesty (Lunaria).
With staggering increases in fuel prices it is now very important to source locally grown plants and products that we use in the garden. Timber products are sustainable so where possible select wooden containers, furniture, bird boxes and feeders, wood fibre mulches and use hand tools where feasible. Leave some areas of the lawn unmown to encourage bio-diversity and save on fuel. Cut only twice a year in June and September. Plan to plant more trees and shrubs this Autumn.
Regularly sideshoot tomatoes and spray flowers with water to aid setting. On female cucumbers once the stem fruits have been cropped stop laterals after 2 leaves and remove tendrils to allow good circulation around plants.
- Sow winter flowering pansies in trays or modules for Autumn planting.
- Protect Brassicas from caterpillars by covering with fleece or 'enviromesh' to prevent butterflies egg laying.
- Keep deadheading and feeding containers and hanging baskets with Phostrogen or Tomato Feed for a brilliant display.
- Sow 1m rows of salad leaves every 3-4 weeks for continuity of supply.
