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M h 2020 THE UK’S NO.1
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Monty on
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March 2020 gardenersworld.com 3

Contents WE LOVE...
March 2020
We love March 6
Expert’s choice: anemones 12
GW TV is back!
Full Monty 17 Monty and the team return
Have your say: readers’ letters 19
and we learn what’s coming
Over the fence 20
Clippings: news and views 24
up at Longmeadow this year
DO IT NOW
Frances Tophill’s speedy pot recipes 42
Alan kickstarts spring gardening 48
Enter our Gardens of the Year
competition 89
What to prune this month 90
BE INSPIRED
Gardeners’ World TV returns 30
Monty on making a meadow 36
Special report: the peat debate 56
Carol shares summer plant combos 60
Joe Swift explores garden therapy 66
River tours to top European gardens 70
A houseplant style guide 77
Real gardens a courtyard sanctuary 82
On test: cordless mowers 95
30 A behind-the-scenes look at the
new series of Gardeners’ World
GROW HEALTHY
Your complete tomato grow guide 103
Grow your own sugar alternatives 110
Crops to start now 115
77
Versatile
ways with
houseplants
WILDLIFE
What to look out for now 138
How to create a wildlife pond 141
Q&A
Gardeners’ Question Time 148
LAST WORDS
Crossword 155
Next month 176
Tales from Titchmarsh 178
What are your

42
Colourful
options if you go
56 peat-free?
containers
from Frances
4 gardenersworld.com March 2020

On �e cover offers
14
36
77 14
Echinacea is one
95 of six plants in our
103 free collection
FREE 36 brightly coloured perennials,

117 worth over £35, plus other offers 14
60
SUBSCRIPTION OFFER
42 12 issues for £44.99, plus signed
Cover photo: Monty and Nellie among
48 Alan Titchmarsh book 22
Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’, by Jason Ingram
SUBSCRIBER COMPETITION
Win a STIHL robotic mower 27
READER EVENT A talk and Q&A with
Monty at London’s Kings Place 41
TRAVEL Explore the Cotswolds
and meet Rachel de Thame 74
SAVE on colourful succulents 87
OFFER Unusual anemones 113
HOLIDAYS Tour the gardens of
103
Grow your
Provence with Adam Frost 129
SAVE 20% on exotic blooms 133
own tomatoes
SUBSCRIBE and save 31% 157
YOUR PLANNER
66 Joe Swift reveals how gardening

can boost your wellbeing
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/MANTONATURE, MARK SWALLOW; JASON INGRAM
50 THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

60 Plan your summer
colours with Carol Monty’s month 119
Flowers 122
Greenhouse 124
ON T E ST Alan’s job of the month 127
95
Our best buy
Adam’s essentials 128
Fruit and veg 130
cordless mowers Around the garden 135
36 Monty explores the environmental
benefits of growing wildflowers

We love March
for its harmonious performance
We March
“Marchons, marchons! Qu’un sang

impur, Abreuve nos sillons!” For some
reason, March makes me think of
La Marseillaise (the French national
anthem). I assume it’s the “Marchons!”
bit, which sounds like a decisive way
to greet the incoming spring. The
next part is a little less relevant –
about the impure blood of enemies
watering our ields. That may be a
step too far, although (bear with me
here) it could be a timely reminder
that this month we should think
about nurturing the young shoots
of plants. And that some mulch (with
a sprinkling of blood, ish and bone)
would do no harm at all.
Words by James Alexander-Sinclair
STAR OF THE MONTH

Muscari armeniacum
PHOTO: SARAH CUTTLE. LOCATION: BARBARA BROOKS/CHIDDINGFOLD
To continue the musical theme from the words above,

Muscari also spurs me into song, this time an Italian one.
This song (Nel blu, dipinto di blu), written and sung by
Domenico Modugno, found fame as the Italian entry in the
1958 Eurovision Song Contest. It goes on to wax lyrical
about the blue, blue sky, which is, as you can see, the same
glorious colour as the lowers of this exquisite grape
hyacinth. The little purple chap peeking out from the foliage
is a viola, with deep blue/purple hyacinths at the back.
Very easy to grow. Plant as bulbs in autumn, in borders and

containers. If happy it will self-seed, and clumps can be divided
when dormant in summer. Height x Spread 15cm x 10cm

EYE OF THE STORM
Keeping (loosely) to music, the narcissus was
named after a ludicrously vain Greek who spent
most of his time singing to his own re lection.
It did not end well, except that after his death
he was turned into one of the inest lowers of
spring, the daffodil. There are lots of varieties
(about 13,000), but this, the pheasant’s eye,
is one of the best. There is also an Alanis
Morissette song called Narcissus.
Narcissus poeticus recurvus

Plant as bulbs in early autumn. Highly scented and
excellent for naturalising in grass with snake’s-head
fritillaries (Fritillaria meleagris). H x S 35cm x 10cm

We March
DAISY DAZZLER
There is one very famous carol about ivy
and a few songs with daisies in them
(Bicycle Built for Two, for a start). This daisy,
however, is quite a party girl – hence the
very saucy soubriquet ‘Pomponette’. Her
pink attire stands out brilliantly, especially
alongside the (dare I say?) slightly dull ivy.
Bellis perennis ‘Pomponette’

Deadhead to prolong flowering and prevent
self-seeding (offspring usually revert back to simple
daisies). Full sun if possible. H x S 20cm x 20cm
Variegated ivy (Hedera)

A stalwart evergreen, equally happy edging a
windowbox as climbing a fence or providing
excellent ground cover under trees. Can run
a bit wild, so be careful. H x S 8m x 4m
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; JASON INGRAM

SHADY LADY
Ah. I’m a bit stuck for musical metaphors here.
Pulmonaria is commonly known as lungwort,
so I suppose it could draw attention to the
importance of breath control while singing?
No? Okay, then let’s just talk about how useful
this plant is as a bit of shady ground cover.
It will happily spread around and bring joy to
the tricky areas under trees. It also provides
very useful early food for bees.
Pulmonaria angustifolia
Remove any old, dead leaves to keep neat.
Propagate from seed or by dividing plants
after flowering. H x S 20cm x 20cm

We March
THREE IN ONE
Forgive me for this one, but “Maybe its because
am-el-anchier, that I love gardens so” (to the
tune of Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner).
Appallingly bad puns aside, this is one of the
very best trees for a small garden, as it gives
three rousing crescendoes. First these amazing
flowers in spring, as the young leaves emerge,
followed by edible berries in summer, then, to
finish off, spectacular autumn foliage colour.
Amelanchier lamarckii
Propagate from seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
in summer. Grow in full sun for the best autumn
colour. Works well as a multi-stemmed specimen.
H x S 8m x 4m
PINK PERFECTION
This is easier: think plush drawing rooms,
Verdi and the opera La Traviata, which is
based on La Dame aux Camélias (a book by
Alexandre Dumas). Courtesans, tragedy, love
and regret. A suitably grand and dramatic
analogy for this majestic shrub: camellias
are glossily evergreen with spectacular
flowers in every shade of pink, white and red.
This one is remarkable for its semi-double
blooms and pointy petals.
Camellia japonica ‘Yours Truly‘

Evergreen. Best in acid or neutral soil – grow in a
large pot if your soil is alkaline. H x S 1.5m x 1m

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Anemone nemorosa ‘Vestal’ A. ranunculoides
A ring of white petals surrounds a ruff Steadily creeping plants carry upward-
of shorter ones to create illuminating facing, yellow flowers above prettily
blooms. Height x Spread 20cm x 20cm divided leaves. H x S 15cm x 20cm
PHOTOS: GETTY/TONYBAGGETT, ERHARD NERGER, YKD; JASON INGRAM
A. x lipsiensis A. nemorosa ‘Royal Blue’

Gold-centred, pale-lemony flowers open Deep-blue, starry flowers with yellow
above fresh-green foliage as the roots centres open later than most and spread
creep around shrubs. H x S 10cm x 15cm vigorously in shade. H x S 15cm x 20cm
Spring anemones
r May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Planting
12 g . m March 2020
We March
E x pe � ’s
c h oi c e
Spring anemones
Mass plantings of these pretty early
bloomers spread to create the perfect
ground cover, says Graham Rice
One of the most delightful features of the spring

garden is the low tapestry of early flowers that
are at their peak in the shade before tree and
shrub cover closes over. Hellebores and primroses,
epimediums and pulmonarias, erythroniums,
dwarf bulbs and more are all knitted together
by the low, steadily spreading growth and
upturned flowers of woodland spring anemones.
These enchanting relatives of the tall and vigorous
autumn essentials, sprout mainly from brittle runners
to present neat, ferny foliage topped by upturned
flowers in a range of soft and bolder colours.
Once most snowdrops have finished their bloomng
season, these anemones nudge around other spring
perennials and bulbs, and intermingle with them to
create an intimate embroidery of colour, to then fade
away for summer.
By contrast with the sun-loving Mediterranean
anemones of late spring and summer, these enjoy
dappled shade. And as summer approaches the
foliage dies back and they disappear, so it pays
to mark their sites to avoid planting something
else into their dormant root balls. Simply allow
neighbours to arch over into their space.
P Happiest in dappled spring sun and

summer shade.
P A free-draining humus-rich soil suits them
best. These early anemones will take summer
drought but not waterlogging.
P All are hardy anywhere in the country.
P Make more by carefully lifting the roots in
late summer and autumn, pulling them apart
and replanting immediately.
P Mulch in autumn, but no more than 3-4cm deep.
P Take care not to damage the roots after
they’ve died down in summer.
P Where to buy edrom-nurseries.co.uk, 01890
771386; kevockgarden.co.uk, 0131 454 0660;
rvroger.co.uk, 01751 472226
A. blanda ‘Charmer’ PLANT DIRECTORY Choose varieties

Low, ferny foliage carries 4cm-wide blooms in vivid of spring anemones to suit you and your
rose pink with golden eyes. Naturalises well in garden by using our plant finder at
partial shade or even in grass. H x S 10cm x 15cm gardenersworld.com/search/plants

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2SO` Tcbc`S U`SS\Ÿ\US`SR
growers, plant protectors
O\R \Obc`S \c`bc`Sà
I leave this place for you.
When you leave a gift in your will to

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protecting it for the next generation.
Where you choose to support is up to you,
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To request your free gifts in wills guide visit:

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It’s useful for us to know where you heard about leaving
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© National Trust 2020 Registered Charity No. 205846 © National Trust Images / Rob Stothard
ty
We March
T
Gard
Mon
I don’t get out much. I often go for days grandson if you do not happen to have
when I don’t leave the garden, save to walk a hillside available for such a thing.
the dogs. But the other day I did go out to lunch How, then, do you translate the right-on
with friends who introduced me to the concept ‘wokeness’ of planting thousands of trees,
of ‘cathedral thinking’. You may be aware of or miles of hedges, or a few beautiful oaks
this, but just in case you haven’t come across that start to soar into magnificent specimens
it before, the argument for cathedral thinking is 30 years hence, if you happen to have a normal
that just as medieval cathedrals took hundreds (smallish) back garden attached to a normal
of years to build – involving generations of (smallish) house and want to enjoy your garden
craftsmen devoting their entire lives to the task, and life right now and not spend a fortune in
despite having no chance of seeing the finished the process? By thinking and acting bigger than
work – so we should plan and participate in our lives, beyond the restrictions and
work that benefits future generations and the constraints of our garden, our street and the
world at large, rather than ourselves and our limited world that inevitably we all inhabit. Even
own narrow interests and lifespans. if most people are not as reclusive as I am, an
The conversation came about as I was telling awareness that we’re all connected and part of
my friends about the three-acre wood that we the bigger world is a huge liberation and means
planted last month. We’ve called it George’s that sometimes we can think big – cathedral
Wood because it is intended for him, my big – in our own backyards.
grandson – and his grandchildren – rather than The vast majority of plant sales in this country
my son and his wife, let alone Sarah or myself. are annuals, bought in plugs or trays, to
What that does not account for, of course, is the brighten up a strip of border or a few pots in
intense pleasure in both doing it and of spring after a long winter. That is fine – to a
watching it grow from day one. While I have point – but it is not the answer to any of the
never planted a small wood before, I have questions we all need to be asking, however
planted a thousand ash trees to coppice for small or modest our gardens or budgets. It just
firewood (all afflicted with ash die-back now) means thinking a little differently. Stop thinking
and a good mile or two of hedging, so I know of the garden as somewhere where all the
that seeing a tiny sapling becoming a young planting is splayed out around the edges,
tree is a deeply rewarding experience. but which occupies every square inch. That
probably means ditching the lawn, but then
An awareness that we’re all lawns are mostly dull and indulgent.
As well as a tray of annuals to cheer us up
connected and part of a bigger we can all plant trees. Not big trees but whips
world is a huge liberation or little saplings that will take 50-100 years to
grow into large trees and as much as 300 years
I have also made a garden – Longmeadow – to reach maturity. Almost every garden is big
that is now entering its 29th year. In modern enough for at least one tree and many will take
gardening terms, if not exactly cathedral, that a surprising amount more. Grow plants from
is certainly church thinking. It is long enough seed. Not just veg and annuals but trees, shrubs
not just to see long-term plans come to and herbaceous plants that’ll take a while to
maturity, but also – and this has been the look like much at all. Even, and this is not so
most interesting thing – to see them become much cathedral thinking as pop-up chapel
something different, to evolve as they aged thinking, get into the habit of planting bulbs that
into something I had not planned or expected. won’t flower for six months. Forget the make-
Sometimes this has been a good thing, over mentality. If we want to change our world
sometimes bad, but in every case it has then we have to grow cathedrals in our gardens
taught me more than I knew there was to by thinking big and acting small.
PHOTO: JASON INGRAM.
learn because the lesson has come through

slow change – and that cannot be taught from
a book, screen or classroom. By definition, you
cannot quickly create that experience any
more than you can plant a wood for your
MONTY ON TV Monty and the rest of the Gardeners’ World team will return to our screens
with a brand new series on 20 March, 8.30pm. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMontyDon

SKIMMED
MILK
TASTES
LIKE *Comparative test results with 208 consumers of semi-skimmed milk.
SEMI
We March
Have our say

The view from ur side of the fence
Salts of the earth

Forces of nature I felt compelled to
I both agree and disagree with Monty’s write and applaud
perspectives on man-made habitats the homemade
(The Full Monty, February issue). As someone herbal remedies feature
whose profession has led me to experience (February issue). This is a
mental health problems, I commend any part of gardening that’s been
company that uses nature in the workplace lost over recent generations. This Christmas, we
to promote a better quality of life. mixed rosemary and bay leaves from the garden
However, instead of resorting to into bath salts to give for presents. It was so
extravagant creations such as Amazon’s enjoyable rediscovering the garden in this way.
Spheres in Seattle, companies should perhaps Kirsten, by email
provide small-scale integrations of nature
in the workplace, such as rooftop gardens,
community allotments or vertical green walls. Nature study
Becci Deakin, Birmingham I was delighted to
read the nature
I agree with Alan’s view on the importance of interested? Governments need to make nurturing for
reviving our connection with the Earth (Tales the right decisions about the environment, youngsters report
from Titchmarsh, February). But before we so that we all care about it and give nature (Clippings, January
can do this, more people need to start the respect it deserves. And if parents don’t issue) but was
tending gardens and discover the real life in show an interest in the natural world, then disheartened by the
there. You can’t force people to connect with children need to be inspired at school. omission of post-
nature, however, so how do you get them Lisa Joynes, Hampshire primary children in the study. When I read about
horticulture in the media, it seems to focus on
primary-age children, when all young people
need this connection with nature. One could
Growing passion Help for hedgehogs argue that secondary school students need it
Alan’s memories of childhood cacti collecting I was shocked to read this quote in Save our more with the pressure of exams and a growing
(Benefit of the drought, February issue) were hedgehogs (February issue): “Any hedgehog out mental health crisis. I am a secondary-school
delightful. I, too, started with a sixpenny during the day is probably in trouble and should teacher and our students run a great gardening
(2.5p) purchase from a jumble sale, gradually be taken to a Wildlife Rescue Centre”. If there is programme. It is so important for their wellbeing
extending my display with more pocket-money no obvious injury or sickness, you should leave and confidence, and teaches an appreciation
purchases and the kindness of other collectors. hedgehogs alone. In early spring, they could be of the environment. If they are not taught this,
I was fascinated by nature’s geometry, looking for food to feed their young, and if you how will they be motivated to care for it?
the colours and their exotic names. remove one from its habitat that could mean Patrick Kirwan, London
The plants tolerated my occasional the young would die.
childish neglect and rewarded David Cain, by email
This month’s prizes
my care with vibrant

yet delicate flowers. Tiggywinkles, the UK wildlife hospital All letters published this
I have no doubt they says:You should take any hedgehog found month will receive an
were a precursor outside in the day (except ones obviously elho leaf light care,
to my current passion pregnant) to a Wildlife Rescue Centre. worth £49.99 (plant and
for gardens and Chances are, they are sick. If you are unsure pot not included). To
allotments, and hours of whether a hedgehog needs help or not, view, elho’s full range of
blissful greenhouse pottering. contact your local wildlife rescue centre. products, visit elho.com
Jill Flatt, North Yorkshire For more info, visit bit.ly/hedgehog-help
Wr!e to us at
Have your say, Gardeners’ World Magazine, Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT or email letters@gardenersworld.com
In association with
and you could win a prize. Letters or emails submitted may be edited for publication. *Prizes can be sent to UK addresses only.
CROSSWORD ANSWERS (see p155) ACROSS 1 Asparagus 7 Chit 8 Palms 9 Oca 10 Noir 11 Netting 12 Iberis 13 Syringa 17 Isaac
19 Arnica 20 Friable 22 Forest 23 Sheeps DOWN 1 Alpines 2 Pilot 3 Russian 4 Georgia 5 Scandens 6 Sibirica 14 Yarrow 15 Irises
16 Graft 17 Irish 18 Cress 21 Bee

We March
O ve r the fe n ce
Isn’t it time to ban pesticides and weedkillers from gardens?
How realistic is chemical-free gardening for most of us, even in these environmentally-conscious times?
Alan Gray is a writer, broadcaster Charles Dowding is a pioneer of

and the owner of East Ruston organic, no-dig gardening, and
Old Vicarage – a large garden sells fresh produce from his market
that is open to the public on garden, Homeacres. He is also a
the Norfolk coast. writer and broadcaster.
@alan_gray_erov @charles_dowding
S T
hould I spray my garden with noxious his needs careful handling, with gardeners
chemicals? In recent years this decision has having to deal with myriad problems such as
become difficult, especially as sustainability aphids, couch grass and potato blight. And
becomes ever-more important. And although I while I welcome any ban on synthetic poisons,
often feel I should use less, when a garden like ours is it also needs to be backed up with information and
open to the public can I expect people to pay to see holes advice. How should gardeners react when things go
in leaves caused by marauding molluscs? I think not! wrong? Fortunately, there are solutions.
However, today we use far fewer slug pellets than we Aphids, for example, can be reduced by watering both
ever have, favouring instead the use of soot saved from the roots and affected leaves. They
our chimneys and scattered around possible victims – are prevalent in spring when new Allotmenteers who
an old tip from Granny! The downside is that this needs
frequent renewal, but it is organic, sustainable and it
hatchings occur before predators
arrive. Insecticides applied to
adopt no-dig are seeing
works. For infestations of flies, and there are many, we aphids in spring are likely to kill how undisturbed soil
use SB Plant Invigorator, a
If I spray, I do so with
their first predators (ladybirds grows fewer weeds
pesticide and plant food etc) before they can build up a
without the neonicotinoids a feeling of guilt, and population – then the gardener is on a treadmill
so harmful to pollinators. of needing to spray repeatedly.
Our large garden, with its quite right too as there Cultural control helps; for example, broad beans
gravel pathways, needs a are alternatives sown in November and overwintered have fewer
residual weedkiller if the blackfly than those sown in March and April. When
paths are to remain clean, so we resort to one containing plants are in full flower you can pinch out the tops
a germination inhibitor, saving on both time and cost. where aphids would land, to minimise damage. And
Pernicious weeds can be a problem – bindweed, couch soil moisture helps – aphids like plants stressed by
grass, creeping buttercup and ground elder are some of a lack of water and fertility.
the worst. The latter appeared in the roots of a bought-in Seeds sown at their respective best times, and soil
box hedge. Today the hedge has gone, thanks to the in full health, are key measures in reducing insect
continual infestation of fungal box blight – the regular problems. Mulch your soil with organic matter and don’t
spraying of 200m of box hedging took too much in time disturb its plethora of organisms, and they’ll continue
and cost, and the threat of box tree caterpillar is ever working to help plants grow healthily. Allotmenteers
present. However, we now have residual ground elder to who adopt no-dig are seeing how undisturbed soil grows
deal with – I spot weed it with a killer containing fewer weeds. In ornamental borders with established
glyphosate to be sure of complete eradication. plants, you can control a lot of weeds simply by placing
Conventional pesticides are dangerous to our fragile cardboard on top, held down with a little organic matter.
environment, not least to beneficial insects. So, if I spray, Just cut the cardboard to fit around your plants.
I do so with a feeling of guilt, and quite right too as there Some problems are more difficult, I admit – like weeds
are alternatives. Here at East Ruston we’ve an increasing in gravel paths – but, on the whole, there’s a chemical-
organic outlook on the kind of controls we use. free solution to all garden pests, problems and diseases.
Have your say Do you feel guilty about using chemicals in the garden but think there’s no quicker option?
Or is it vital that we use organic controls? Email or write to us at the addresses on p19

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Clippings Our roundup of �e mon�’s
lat�t gardening news and views
New way to control

squirrels and help trees
Grey squirrels
Most seed and potting compost
can damage or
currently on sale contains peat
even kill trees by
gnawing the bark
Dobbies delays
plan to go peat free
Dobbies, the UK’s largest gardening
centre chain, has confirmed that it
will be going peat free ‘as soon as
we can’. In early January, the firm
announced that it would be going
peat free by 2021, but a few weeks’
later it retracted this statement.
Dobbies tells us, “We are in
discussions with all our growers
to ensure that we will be able to
show a year-on-year reduction in
the use of peat in their composts
Special feeders were and meet the [current Defra] 2030
trialled that only deadlines.” See p56 for our update
greys can access on peat use in the UK.
An oral contraceptive that would stop grey will be an effective, less labour-intensive, non- Hedgehogs
squirrels breeding is being trialled by the Animal lethal method for managing grey squirrels.”
and Plant Health Agency, part of Defra. The Trials carried out by the UK Squirrel Accord in
need your help
National Trust has announced that if the trial is collaboration with the British Association Hedgehogs are now found in fewer
successful, it will start using it on its sites in the for Shooting and Conservation show that the locations across the UK, and this
next couple of years. The Woodland Trust also amount of squirrels taking food from feeders number has been steadily declining
tells us that it would consider using it too. means that volunteers can deploy the since 2008, according to a new WORDS: MIRANDA JANATKA. PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/ DANCHOOALEX, JAX;
EXPERIMENT BOOSTING THE POPULATION OF NATURAL HELPERS, GARDEN ORGANIC

Squirrel damage to trees is contraceptive to huge numbers at a time. update from the People’s Trust for
a major hurdle in government The National Trust tells us Endangered Species (PTES)*. This
*LIVING WITH MAMMALS UPDATE 2019, PTES; **RESULTS OF 2019 MEMBERS’
and public bodies’ ambitions Grey squirrels that, “We recognise that wildlife news confirms findings in our survey
to plant up to 50m trees per control is an issue that many (February issue), which revealed that
gnaw the bark
ISTOCK/KESINEE KHAIKAEW; MARIANNE MAJERUS; DAVID TIPLING
year by 2025. Grey squirrels people feel strongly about, and nearly half of respondents hadn’t seen
gnaw the bark of various of various some people are ethically a hedgehog in their garden in the past
broad-leaf trees to reach the opposed to the killing of any year. The PTES tell us that to help
nutritious sap. Greys also
broad-leaf trees animal for any purpose. We have hedgehogs we need
contribute to the decline of native red squirrels, a responsibility to balance such considerations “gardens to be
as they outcompete them for food and habitats. with our obligations to look after the land and connected by natural
The grey squirrel contraceptive can currently buildings in our care… Fertility control applied routes and holes in
be administered to trapped animals by injection, in conjunction with culling is most effective at fences and walls.”
but a version is being developed that can be eradicating or reducing densities of grey squirrels Take part in the
mixed into food and placed in feeders that only low enough to mitigate most of the economic next Living with
greys can access. The UK Squirrel Accord, and environmental problems they cause.” Mammals survey
a partnership of government agencies and The National Trust has committed to plant online from
forestry bodies that is fundraising for the 20 million trees in the next 10 years. 30 March, by
research, tells us, “Hopes are high that this Find out more: nationaltrust.org.uk visiting ptes.org

We March
Attract hoverflies, with aphid-eating larvae,

by growing early-flowering sweet alyssum
Floral aphid control

Sweet alyssum is the best plant to grow
to beat aphids naturally, reveals gardening
charity Garden Organic, following recent
trials**. The flowers of this popular bedding
plant (Lobularia maritima) attract hoverflies,
whose young eat aphids. Other plants such
as coriander, buckwheat, phacelia and
fennel also scored highly at attracting
hoverflies, but bloom later than sweet
alyssum, which starts at the beginning
of June, making it the most effective.
Built to withstand drought conditions, this garden in Brassica and lettuce aphids had shown
East Anglia has received the first ever Beth Chatto Award peak populations in June, and black bean
by the Society of Garden Designers, recognising its focus on aphids in July, with aphid numbers falling
environmental impact. Samphire is a private garden in Suffolk, in August. For more on natural, organic
designed by Sue Townsend. Find out more at sgd.org.uk pest control gardenorganic.org.uk
Making friends at Chelsea

TV and BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball will encourage the public to make friends
through gardening. She’ll do it by helping to create and plant the RHS Garden For
Friendship at the Chelsea Flower Show, which runs 19 23 May. The garden will be
designed and built in collaboration with designer Jo Thompson and revealed on
the BBC coverage from 17 May. Zoe Ball said, “I love the idea of a community creating
green space. It’s the perfect plot for meeting other folk while sharing plants and tips.”
De-railing wildlife conservation? Construction of HS2

A petition by the Wildlife Trusts calling on the Prime may have an adverse
Minister to rethink the new High Speed 2 (HS2) railway effect on barn
has received over 66,000 signatures. The Trusts’ report owl nesting and
What’s the damage? Why HS2 will cost nature too much foraging sites
claims that 33 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, protected
by UK law, will be significantly impacted or risk being lost.
Nikki Williams, from the Wildlife Trusts, says, “We’re asking
the Prime Minister to act now – the fate of hundreds of
treasured wild places, and the wildlife that depend on them,
is in his hands.” As the petition has over 10,000 signatures,
the Government is required to respond. An HS2 spokesperson
told us, “The number of sites presented in this report as
being ‘at risk of loss or significantly impacted’ simply isn’t
accurate… We’re delivering an unprecedented programme of
tree planting and habitat creation alongside the new railway.”
Read the report at wildlifetrusts.org/HS2-report
March 2020 25
We March
News in brief
1 2 3 4 5
VISIT SPRING AMONG THE TREES GARDEN SAVED

FLOWER COLLECTIONS A new exhibition exploring FROM CLOSURE
Find the UK’s National our relationship with trees The Salutation Gardens
Collections of your opens at London’s in Kent, designed in 1912
favourite plants PLANT HEALTH Hayward Gallery this HARM TO MOTHS by Edwin Lutyens, has
on the new online map Dame Helen Mirren is month. The works include Findings reveal that blue been saved from closure
from Plant Heritage. supporting plant health as paintings, sculpture, and LED lights are more by its head gardener and
plantheritage.org.uk she narrates a new Defra installation, video and attractive to moths will re-open for the 2020
video about the plant photography. 4 March to than orange ones, season on 29 February
disease Xylella. 17 May. Tickets from £10. so are more harmful until the end of October.
bit.ly/ southbankcentre.co.uk to them when used the-salutation.com/
helen-mirren-xylella in outdoor lighting. gardens
bit.ly/harmful-lights
My gardening world:
Jekka McVicar
Known as the Queen of Herbs, Jekka and
her family run an organic herb farm near
Bristol. Following her teenage years in
a rock band, she launched her career
with plants more than 30 years ago.
Author of nine books on herbs and
62 Chelsea gold medals, Jekka is the National treasures at
RHS’s Ambassador for Health and
Wellbeing. New courses at Jekka’s
Gardeners’ World Live
Herb Farm start from April, including See Mary Berry as she joins Alan
cookery and growing plants with Titchmarsh on the BBC Gardeners’ World
children. For details, visit jekkas.com Live stage on 20 June at the NEC. Tickets
are selling fast, so bag your seat for £4
How did you first fall when booking your entry ticket (see pages
in love with herbs? 28-29 for booking details). Subscribers also
When they saved my life! I was in Crete, Tell us about your garden have the exclusive opportunity to meet
aged 17, having just left my rock band. There are Irish flagstones in the middle of Mary Berry that day – turn to page 3 for
A fish dish left me with acute food poisoning, the garden that we took out of the house details of how to enter this competition.
so the owner of the tavern gave me dittany when we first moved in. There is a border
of Crete (Origanum dictamnus) to drink on full of plants that I swapped for other plants
the hour every hour. It made me better, at the Chelsea Flower Show, so it is a real
and I still grow it today. mix. The garden is very naturalistic and
wildlife-friendly – I only ever weed when
Who influenced your gardening? something gets out of control.
My mum had a great herb garden and my
grandmother wrote cookery books with Do you worry about people
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/NURPHOTO, IAN REDDING; JASON INGRAM
wonderful titles like Lovely Food and More eating the wrong herbs?
Food For Pleasure. My grandmother was Yes, I tell people not to just believe what
Hungarian, but more ‘English’ than the they see online. I worry about the dangers
English – you had to be when coming of eating both edible flowers and herbs.
over here back then. As a rule of thumb, I say follow nature. If a Small flowers cope
How did you first get into
plant is milky, smells horrid or is covered in
hairs, don’t eat it. If in doubt, don’t eat it.
better with weather
growing your own plants? Small and simple flowers have
When I was eight years old, Mr Bell (who Would you still be in a rock band shown better resilience to flooding and
would help my mother in the garden) if you were not growing herbs? drought, according to a new study by
showed me how to take rosemary cuttings. I hope not – it’s for young people. I listen the University of Sheffield and Royal
I thought it was absolutely magical, the way to music according to my mood – Bob Dylan, Horticultural Society. Different types
all the cuttings I had just put into the ground The Rolling Stones, Afro Celt, Schubert, of primula were tested, with the most
turned into new plants – my mother wasn’t Debussy – but not in the garden. The birds resilient being the common primose.
pleased though! provide me with all the music I need there. Find out more at bit.ly/
resilient-primrose

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EXPERT ADVICE · INSPIRATION · SHOPPING · KNOW-HOW
18 - 21 June 2020 | Birmingham NEC
Your Show is back!

With Gardeners’ World back on our screens, we’re
gearing up for a spectacular show in Birmingham
this summer. It’s your chance to see the Gardeners’
World TV presenters and Magazine team in action,
be inspired by Show Gardens, shop for quality
plants and gardening kit, and enjoy a great day out.
Book tickets today and join us there!
The presenters LIVE!

Your favourite presenters will step off the screen,
onto the stage, including Monty Don, Carol Klein,
Frances Tophill and Adam Frost. See the BBC Two
TV team filming at the Show on Thursday 18 June for
Friday’s episode.
Readers get 20%* off tickets − quote GWR5

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Lights,
camera,
GARDEN!
am looking forward with enthusiasm
It’s not long before our
to the start of the new decade at
Longmeadow. I have always regarded
regular Friday night fix is
my relationship with viewers as a back, on 20 March. So we
process of sharing my own love of the garden
and the process of caring for it, and this catch up with Monty to
includes my mistakes and failures, as well
as my successes. discover what he has in
This year there will be no dramatic
transformation – at least none planned at the store for Longmeadow
moment – but I do have a large new woodland
project, to plant under and around existing
Photos by Jason Ingram
mature trees. There will be a certain amount
of tweaking and remodelling of different
areas of the garden and, as always, the desire
to grow what I love as well as I can, and enjoy
all the sensual and aesthetic pleasures of the
garden throughout the year – while accepting
that nothing ever goes smoothly to plan!
There is no question that the overriding
concern facing us all is climate change, and
gardeners are on the front line of this, both in
perceiving its effects and in being able to take
action to respond in a meanin l
way. I see climate change as
growing and constant the
throughout this and futur
series of Gardeners’ World
Longmeadow is certainly
getting wetter and warme
and we are having t
modify our plantin
accordingly – and learnin
as we go.
But it’s not all serious – I’ll be
sharing the joys and pleasures
(with occasional tribulations) of my own
garden, with the aim of inspiring everyone
to create their own perfect havens.
O Turn the page to take Monty’s insider tour

of Longmeadow. And on p34, discover from the
programme producers what’s coming up in
this year’s series of Gardeners’ World.

TV special 2020
Monty will take you

through the seasons
at Longmeadow in
this year’s series of
Gardeners’ World,
sharing his tips and
passion for gardening

My guide to Longmeadow
Take Monty’s tour
Monty will sow of his private garden
more wildflowers
in the Orchard
and discover what’s
Once open copse,
to create a haven set to change in the this area will be
for his bees home to a new
months to come woodland garden
BEEHIVES
ORCHARD
ORCHARD BEDS
HEN
HOUSE MOUND
FRUIT
GARDEN
WRITING GARDEN
THE ORCHARD a or COPPICE
change. The fruit trees remain, although our
apple harvest last year was the worst for a
long time. The rambling roses I planted a
few years ago are now coming into their
CRICKET PITCH
own. The real change, though, is in the grass.
Last year we re-seeded it with wildflowers, WOODEN
including yellow rattle, and planted tulips,
GREENHOUSE
PHOTOS: JASON INGRAM; MARSHA ARNOLD. ILLUSTRATION: SCOTT JESSOP
camassias and many more daffodils. It will FAMILY VEG PLOT

COPPICE
become an important area for spring beauty
and wildlife – not least the bees that live at
the far end. See p36 to find out more.
THE VEGETABLE GARDEN remains

PARADISE
the bedrock of my gardening activity. I have
COMPOST GARDEN
been growing vegetables since I was a small
BINS
boy and cannot imagine not doing so. As you
read this, we will have sown many seeds,
with many more still to follow. The lovely, WILDLIFE
rolling carnival of a prolific, well-stocked NEW VEG GARDEN
vegetable garden is under way, advancing GARDEN
into spring and summer.
Veg growing is THE PARADISE

Monty’s first love GARDEN was the grand
Inspired by Monty’s
in the garden project for 2019 and, as it
travels, the Paradise
enters its second year, I will
Garden reached
have to respond to changes
peak colour in July
as the plants grow. The four
main ‘Evereste’ crab apple
trees have been replaced
with ‘Comtesse de Paris’,
which is more upright,
while I am looking forward
to the roses becoming
bigger and more dominant.
32 gardenersworld.com
TV special 2020
THE COPPICE is our biggest THE JEWEL GARDEN needs new

project for 2020. The area leading plants and fresh ideas throughout the year
from the Jewel Garden to the Writing to retain its dynamism and vitality. Climate
Garden is going to be planted as a change has really altered what grows well
woodland garden. This might not here, in terms of the balance of colour and
seem to be a major change, but in form. So we’ll be introducing new plants to
fact it involves a completely different adapt to the changes, all within our jewel
way of managing the hazel, with a palette of colours. One major change we
huge amount of planting in what is have to deal with is the demise of the box
mostly dry shade. As any gardener hedging (which also affects the Cottage
soon finds out, this soil type is Garden), but I have learned elsewhere in
probably the biggest challenge of all! the garden that even if we have to remove
it all, this is not so much a disaster as The Jewel Garden at
an opportunity for exciting change. the heart of Monty’s
garden will, this year,
see big changes
TREE
FERNS Frogs may be
POND
spawning by the
time the cameras
GRASS BORDERS LONG DAMP
return in spring
WALK GARDEN
JEWEL GARDEN
COTTAGE GARDEN
THE POND AREA has spent

much of the winter flooded,
TOPIARY but it can get surprisingly dry in
NIGEL summer. So I plan to make a new
bog area at the back, which will
SPRING GARDEN involve some landscaping and
excavation, but should result
in a much better and more
dramatic display throughout
the summer months.
HEATED HERB
GREENHOUSE GARDEN
Monty is putting
in more plants to Herbs in full sun
support wildlife have thrived, but
at Longmeadow less so on the shady
side of the plot
POTTING
SHED
THE HERB
THE WILDLIFE GARDEN is still a
GARDEN will see work in progress – in
the pond enlarged and particular, the shady
shifted slightly, with side, which is now
the planting around it home to a grove of
increased to maximise foxgloves. I am still
insect activity, in trying things out and,
particular. This is part to be honest, not sure
of a gradual process to about the best way to
make Longmeadow as go with it. But that is
wildlife friendly as all part of the process
it can possibly be. of making a garden!

TV special
h
Winkworth Arboretum and make
plants for free with Carol Klein
Coming up this year

Executive producer Gary Broadhurst reveals what’s in store for the presenters,
and viewers, in 2020 – so tune in from Friday 20 March to watch the stories unfold
Friday 20th March is the spring equinox. Not throughout the year, and garden historian be sharing expert tips and advice on the right
only does it herald the end of winter and the Advolly Richmond, who debuted on the plant and right place for it in your home.
beginning of spring, it’s also the start of a brand programme in 2019, will explore the fascinating We’ll also be meeting people around the
new series of Gardeners’ World. It’s been a heritage of some of our more unusual gardens. country who want to share their home-growing
long old wait and by this point in the year every The eagerly awaited hour-long episodes passion on their allotments and seeking out
gardener is chomping at the bit to get outside kick in at the start of May with a special show gardeners who have created extraordinary
and sink their hands in the soil. So, every Friday celebrating spring. These longer programmes gardens in challenging spaces.
night, Monty and our team of expert presenters give us the opportunity to do so much more. We know from our mailbag and social media
will be back to share their knowledge and In addition to all the essential practical advice following how much last July’s wildflower
passion to inspire our viewers. appropriate to the season, we’ll be digging special struck a chord with our viewers – and
With 26 hours of gardening TV in the pipeline, deeper into the bigger issues – from plastic biodiversity and the environment will remain
we can’t mention everything, but highlights to peat – that affect us all as gardeners. themes throughout this year, culminating in an
include Adam Frost giving us updates from his Lots of our viewers are limited on space, or hour-long show in October that’ll celebrate our
garden in Cambridgeshire. He’ll also be may not have a garden, but this doesn’t mean wonderful trees in all their glory. Trees are at
travelling around the UK getting involved in they can’t be green fingered. Our love affair the heart of many a garden design but they
some of the country’s most beautiful and with houseplants shows no sign of fading, have a much more vital role to play in our
innovative gardens and meeting the dedicated so across the year we’re going to be featuring future, which is something we’ll be exploring
gardeners who are responsible for them. a series of films focused on the fun of indoor in this special programme.
Carol Klein’s joy of horticulture will shine growing. As the popularity of houseplants
through as she reveals her top propagation tips increases, so does the range available and we’ll GET IN TOUCH!
The programme makers would love to hear from
grow-your-own enthusiasts wanting to show off
am Frost and Frances Tophill (left) their allotments, and creative gardeners who’ve
hare planting tips, and historian Advolly transformed challenging plots into beautiful
chmond (below) explores garden heritage spaces. Go to the programme web page (see
below), after 20 March, for contact details.
New series 2020

Gardeners’ World returns on Friday
20 March, for 30 minutes from 8.30pm.
PHOTOS: BBC; JASON INGRAM
Hour-long programmes start from

Friday 1 May. Check the
BBC programme page
for updated timings in
your area, at bbc.co.uk/
gardenersworld
34 d . m March 2020
Make a
ren c e .
diffe odland
e a rc h Wo ea
S b e c o m
s t j o i n to
Tru f ro m £4
r
membe th.
a mon
Trees.
Our unsung heroes. Our life
preservers. Our climate change
warriors. Big, small, urban, remote:
woods are an oasis, a sanctuary, an
escape. The Woodland Trust plants trees
and protects woods to create
havens for wildlife all over the UK.
With your help we can
do even more.
The Woodland Trust is a registered charity, numbers 294344 and SC038885. A non-profit-making company limited by guarantee.
Registered in England No. 1982873. 14320 01/20
Wildflowers such as
field scabious grow
happily among grass
ast summer we started a new another raft of daffs – this time old
project at Longmeadow that I pheasant’s eye daffodil (Narcissus poeticus,
suspect passed under the radar for see p.8). The wild daffodils were first planted
most viewers, even though we at least 20 years ago and have spread very
filmed every aspect of the process so far. The slowly – the first year we had just nine in
truth is that there was barely then (and even flower – while the old pheasant’s eye were
now) anything to see at all. Yet it involves a added about 10 years ago. But a display of
dramatic, long-term change that is both daffodils or crocuses, snowdrops, fritillaries
really exciting, potentially beautiful and or any other flowering bulbs growing in
PHOTOS: GETTY; JASON INGRAM
horticulturally fascinating. grass, however divine, do not constitute a

This was the beginning of the process of wildflower meadow, although they do make
converting the orchard to a wildf lower a superbly beautiful addition to one.
meadow. As I write this, the wild daffodils A wildflower meadow is, in fact, a complex
(Narcissus pseudonarcissus) are budding up thing – tricky to get right as part of a garden.
Choose a bare, cultivated area to start your and will soon be flowering and, in about a However, it has been a popular element of
wildflower meadow and rake it vigorously month’s time, these will be followed by many gardens for the past 20 years or so and,

monty on wildflowers
Wild about
meadows
Monty reveals how to create a patch of
wildflower meadow – something that
not only adds beauty to a plot, but also
supports a rich habitat packed with
pollinators, birds and mammals
I am delighted to say, is becoming more and its biggest problem. Too little and it is not
enticing and relevant to gardeners. Long may
A wildflower meadow a meadow – which may not be a bad thing.
that continue because, as well as being a project involves dramatic, I visited a wonderful expanse of wildflowers
thing of extreme beauty, it is also a superb long-term change in Italy that was entirely composed of
environment for encouraging every kind of annuals and was freshly cultivated and
wildlife into your garden – from pollinating ready-made seed mix, to provide you with reseeded each year, so effectively that it
insects to mammals, amphibians and birds. the kind of display that you want in the kind became a wildflower border. But too much
So it is more important than ever to really of position you have. You can buy mixes for grass – which is nearly always the problem –
understand what a meadow actually is, what shade, heavy soil, light soil, pollinators, late and it will always crowd out and overcome
it can be in our gardens, plus how to create flowering, early and so and so forth. This can all but the most robust of wildflowers, which
and look after one. become a permanent feature that will then, effectively, become weeds – like the
There are two starting points for a rapidly colonise, with grasses that will grow hogweed has become in the past few years in
wildflower meadow. The first is an area of alongside that mix and be managed in the the orchard at Longmeadow.
bare, cultivated soil. This has to be sown same way as the second method – which is to So the first goal has to be to impoverish the
with wildf lowers (of which more in a start with an established area of grass. grass. This, by default, will improve the
moment), usually in the form of a bought, Grass is both the essence of the meadow wildflowers that you have and make it easier

Leave a wildflower
meadow unmown
until August
Yellow rattle
Height x Spread 35cm x 20cm
for others to establish. It is a virtuous circle. Flowers Jun-Sep
The conventional advice used to be to reduce
Wildflowers really need
the fertility of the soil, even recommending to set mature seed before
removing a layer of the topsoil with a digger if they can be cut
need be. But in my opinion there is neither
Field scabious
need nor advantage in doing this because Here is the slightly tricky bit. Timing is
H x S 60cm x 30cm
there is a magic plant that will do most of the critical. The word ‘meadow’ is as significant
F Jun-Oct
work for you. This is yellow rattle (Rhinanthus a part of the equation as ‘wildflower’. While a
minor), the ‘meadow maker’. It is an annual pasture is an area of grass to be grazed,
with a pretty flower composed of pale yellow a meadow is a hayfield, where the grass is
bells of petals hanging off a central stem. grown as a crop to be cut and gathered and
These then become translucent seedheads stored for winter feed. A farmer tries to cut
and, as the seeds within mature, they dry the hay when it still has a high level of
and rattle in the wind – hence the name. But nutrition but is dry enough to store well. The
the really important thing about yellow rattle later it is cut, the less nutritional it is, but the
is that it is semi-parasitic on grass. It does not better it will store, so the compromise is to
kill it or even harm it much, but it does quite try and cut in good weather, sometime
aggressively restrict its growth. So any area between mid-June and mid-August.
of grass that has yellow rattle growing in it
will behave as though the soil has been Getting the right result
impoverished. Job done. The other great However, w ildf lowers add a layer of
virtue of yellow rattle is that it self-sows very complexity, because you do not want to cut
well, so if you can establish a few plants them until they have set mature seed and
initially you are sure of a constant supply this varies from species to species – with
thereafter – as long as you treat it right. yellow rattle being ready around mid-July,
but scabious often ideally left well into
September. In practice, leave the grass uncut
until some convenient point in August
and you will not go far wrong. But you really
must leave it alone until then. Do not cut it
at all between the appearance of the first
bulbs – probably early February – and that Bird’s foot trefoil
August cut. You can then mow it weekly if H x S 25cm x 25cm
you so wish – and effectively that is what F May-Sep
a farmer does by grazing the regrowth
(‘aftermath’) throughout the autumn and
winter months.
Finally, you must treat your cut grass like a
farmer and gather it up and take it away,
although rather than make it into hay it is
PHOTOS: GETTY; JASON INGRAM
probably more practical to compost it. This

will stop the mown grass from biodegrading
down and enriching the soil, which will
invariably be to the advantage of the grass
and the detriment of the wildflowers.
A well-managed meadow can contain a huge When you make the initial late-summer
variety of flower species cut it is important to scalp the grass as short

Red clover Meadow buttercup

H x S 25cm x 25cm H x S 60cm x 30cm
F May-Sep F May-Aug
Monty’s 10 essential wildflowers
Common knapweed
H x S 45cm x 30cm
F Jun-Sep
Red campion Rough hawkbit Lady’s bedstraw Wild carrot

H x S 70cm x 30cm H x S 50cm x 20cm H x S 30cm x 30cm H x S 90cm x 45cm
F Apr-Jul F May-Oct F Jun-Sep F Jun-Oct

Sowing a meadow
Wildflower meadows need only poor
soil to thrive, so choose the poorest areas.
O Rake the soil vigorously, using a really
sharp rake or cultivator, tearing into it.
O Select seeds by your soil type and
aspect – whether full sun or part shade
– and when you want the meadow to
flower, whether spring or autumn.
O Mix your seed with fine sand in a bowl,
so you can see where you’re sowing,
then broadcast according to your
supplier’s instructions.
O Tread the seeds in, so there’s direct
contact between the seed and ground
– this mimics the hooves of cattle to
push the seed into the ground.
Where to buy
! Emorsgate Seeds 01553 829
028, wildseed.co.uk
! John Chambers 01423 369 730,
johnchamberswildflowers.co.uk
! Landlife Wildflowers 01205 281
Broadcast the seed, then 902, wildflower.co.uk
tread it into the ground
as you possibly can, to the extent that you Wildflowers are like a By the way, the yellow rattle does not have to
expose patches of bare soil. Immediately be sown in huge quantities – it made up just
after gathering all the cut grass is also the moving tapestry as they do five per cent of this mix and, in my
best time to sow wildflower seed, although if not flower all at once experience, self-seeds and spreads rapidly.
you are starting now it is perfectly fine to As well as the existing narcissi we have
begin the process any time in March. Give the soil and ideally be pressed into it firmly – included Camassia leichtlinii ‘Alba’, Allium
your existing grass the shortest haircut which of course happens in a field when the nigrum and the tulip ‘Spring Green’, which
possible, rake up the grass, moss and farmer lets animals in to graze a week or two will intensify and add range to the spring
overwintering thatch and don’t worry how after mowing it. bulb display. Spring bulbs are particularly
messy it looks (in fact the more earth visible We already do this on the cricket pitch at good added to a wildflower meadow because
the better) – and then sow your seed mix. Longmeadow and the orchard will now the foliage can be left to die back at its own
Most wildflower seeds, including yellow follow the same regime. There is no reason pace and is masked and absorbed by the later
rattle, need to be in contact with the soil why you could not do this with either your flowers and grass all around it. The result is a
to germinate. Sprinkling seed onto mown lawn, however big or small, or strips of grass mix of bulbs that are mostly non-native, but
grass is unlikely to work at all. It must touch flanking a mown path, which we also do in good for pollinators earlier in the year, and
various parts of this garden. It is adaptable native wildflowers that succeed them and
and not dependent on size – as long as you will f lower successionally from May to
follow t he hay-meadow management September. It is worth remembering that all
procedure I’ve just described. your wildflowers will not flower at once. It is
So much for management, which applies a rolling, moving tapestry that is likely to be
to whatever your choice of wildflowers. That at its best visually from mid-June to mid-July,
selection can be as proactive as you like. We but having as long a flowering period as
have been making a meadow on another possible is best for pollinating insects. !
field for the past 10 years and have added no
plants or seed at all. It began when we
Monty on TV
noticed one solitary yellow rattle plant, and
just by using the hay management it is now Watch Monty’s visit to Highgrove,
PHOTOS: MARSHA ARNOLD; JASON INGRAM
filled with a wide range of flowers, including where he learned about their
three types of orchid. In the garden, however, wildlfower meadow and the
we have sown a special pollen and nectar Coronation Meadow
wildflower mix with 22 different plants, initiative started by HRH
including wild carrot, viper’s bugloss, lady’s The Prince of Wales.
Monty is turning his grassy orchard into a bedstraw, common knapweed, bird’s foot bit.ly/monty-highgrove
wildflower meadow to encourage pollinators trefoil and red clover, as well as yellow rattle.
NEXT MONTH Monty shares how to grow perfect herbs all summer and why they’re so essential at Longmeadow

offer READER EVENT WITH MONTY DON
LAST FEW
PLACES
AVAILABLE
Join Monty in Chelsea Week

for an exclusive event
Thursday, 21 May 2020
Monty reveals Life at Longmeadow,

behind the cameras, in this special
talk and Q&A at Kings Place, London
BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine invites

you to enjoy a special event in the company of
Gardeners’ World lead presenter, Monty Don.
Monty will take time out of his busy Chelsea
Flower Show schedule to share tales from a
life of gardening and reveal what really goes on
behind the scenes at Longmeadow, his private
garden and location for the nation’s longest- Nigel and Nell
running gardening television programme. The The Hall One stage lending a hand
evening will be introduced by magazine editor,
Lucy Hall, who will also lead the Q&A session Monty in the Kings Place on
with Monty at the end of his talk. Jewel Garden Regent’s Canal
The venue for the evening is Kings Place,
a multi-arts venue, with a critically acclaimed
programme, just a few minutes’ walk from
London’s Kings Cross station and underground.
PHOTOS: JASON INGRAM; NICK WHITE
THURSDAY, 21 MAY 2020

O Doors open 7.30pm
O Talk starts at 8pm (approx. 45 minutes,
followed by a 15-minute Q&A)
O Ticket price: £30 (please add £3
per transaction booking fee)
A pay bar will be open on the night
020 7520 1490* bit.ly/KingsPlaceMonty

Terms & Conditions A booking fee of £3 per transaction applies to bookings made online or via the phone. *Please quote Gardeners’ World Magazine. Opening hours vary. All information on www.kingsplace.
co.uk/your-visit. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. In the event of cancellation, all bookers will be refunded.

Erysimum ‘Super
Bowl Mauve’ x 3
Dianthus
‘Peach Party’ x 3
Senecio cineraria
‘Silverdust’ x 3

spring pots
Spring
There’s nothing quite like plants to appear, you can make
early spring – daffodils swaying everything brighter and more
in gentle, cool breezes, cheerful in an instant with a
crocuses creating intricate trip to the garden centre.
carpets of golds and purples, Choose a nice pot, some
and trees aglow with delicate compost and the all-important
blossom. A huge part of the joy plants, usually for very little
of being a gardener is watching money, and you can quickly
these seasonal ebbs and flows. create a splash of pizzazz
instant
However, the reality of spring is right outside your door!
often a lot rainier and murkier
than the picture I’ve painted! Frances Tophill is a horticulturist
But instead of waiting for and regular presenter on
the weather to clear and the Gardeners’ World.
Bring some early season cheer

with these simple container recipes Perennial Erysimum
‘Super Bowl Mauve’
created by Frances Tophill is the star of
this container
Viola ‘Blue Blotch’ x 3
Timeless terracotta
Using a traditional terracotta threes: three Dianthus ‘Peach
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/CHRIS BURROWS.
pot, I have tried to evoke a Party’, which can also live for
classic country style with years in a sunny position in
pastels in shades of purple and the garden, three Viola ‘Blue
pink. Erysimum ‘Super Bowl Blotch’ and three Senecio
Mauve’, which stands at the cineraria ‘Silverdust’.
centre, can go on to live happily Position This container will
in your garden, giving you (and love a sunny spot. The gentle
Terracotta pot, pollinators) joy each spring. design will look harmonious
34cm x 35cm, £8, Around that central feature, its anywhere in the garden
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spring pots
Pure and simple

If you’re in doubt about sprightly Saxifraga ‘White
creating a multi-coloured pot, Pixie’. All of these plants, apart
try sticking to a single colour. from the annual ranunculus,
And remember, there will can be planted out once
nearly always be green they’ve filled the pot, and
present, too, which gives a placed around the garden in
great opportunity for bringing a sunny, free-draining spot.
the whole arrangement Position Think carefully about
together with foliage. where to position this pot and
Here, I have used Mexican try to place it in a spot where
feather grass (Stipa the early morning or late
tenuissima), which contrasts afternoon light will light up
superbly with the bold those blooms as it shines
Ranunculus ‘Maché’ and the through them.
Ranunculas ‘Maché’ x 1
Stipa tenuissima x 1
Saxifraga
‘White Pixie x 4
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE.
White planter, 30cm x

42cm, £20. For similar,
try homebase.co.uk

spring pots
Black and gold

Have fun and experiment uplifting. The gold is created
when planting containers – with Erysimum ‘Rysi Copper’,
they’re a small-scale way to yellow violas and bronze carex
try out bold and interesting (sedge). The green foliage cools
plant combinations and colour it all down, while the black-
mixes. If they work well in a pot, glazed pot provides the drama.
you can then recreate them on Position The plants in this pot
a larger scale in a border. will live happily in sun or partial
This gold and black design shade. Place it (or even two) by
is modern, glamorous and the door for a bold statement.
Step by step
1 Fill the container, up to 2cm

from the top, with a good
quality, peat-free, multi-purpose
compost. Water well.
2 This is designed to be looked at

from the front so place the
erysimum and carex off-centre at
the back, and violas at the edges.
Bronze carex x 1
Erysimum ‘Rysi Copper’ x 1
3 If you are filling two pots, you

would now repeat this, but in a
mirror image, then fill any gaps with
compost and firm in the plants.
Yellow violas x 4
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE
Black egg pot, 38cm x

39cm, £54.99, apta.co.uk
4 Place the containers where
they will make the most impact
and water them well to settle
NEXT MONTH Easy spring show-stoppers for the patio the compost around the roots.

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Give your garden
the shot in the arm
it needs to lift your
spirits and spur your
plants into giving
their best

spring action plan
Alan’s spring
action plan
With winter over it’s time to get your garden in shape for
the year ahead. Whatever time you have to spare, Alan
has the best advice to get you on track for perfect results
ncouragement – that’s what we your beds and borders to see what has
need at this time of year. Not only made it through the winter and what has
the encouragement to get out failed. Haul out the failures and mark any
there, but the feeling that by gaps with canes and (if you really want to
doing so we are making a difference – be organised) make a list of the plants you
improving the view and giving our plants fancy to fill them. Keep an eye open, too,
the impetus to do better than ever. Winter for any plants that have outgrown their
is an unforgiving season, but without it we situation. Move them to a different spot
would not have the chance to start again. now just before growth starts, and not only
Gardening in the tropics might be a warmer will they grow away with less check than if
exercise, but it lacks the variety created by a the job was left until later, but you’ll also
cool, temperate climate. The prospect of an have time to replace them with something
unchanging outlook in which spring played more suitable before t he season gets
no part would fill me with dread. It’s time to properly underway.
stop finding excuses for staying indoors. If your ground is frozen or soggy then,
Get out into the fresh air instead and start yes, you’ll have a good reason to delay, but
making a difference. the quicker you act when it comes to
replacing and moving your plants then the
Start your action plan quicker they will establish themselves and
But what should you do now to give your the longer you will have to enjoy them in
garden the shot in the arm it needs to lift their new home. And don’t worry if you’re
your spirits and spur your plants into giving pushed for time – I’ve got tasks for even the
their best? For a start you can scrutinise busiest gardeners.
Replace spent plants

with new specimens
before the season
gets underway Get on with planting as soon as possible so plants have time to establish

Sow seeds now
to give them a
good start –
it’s a quick job
An hour to spare Plant summer-

P Sow seeds in a greenhouse, woolly appearance is gone and P Pressure-wash the patio flowering bulbs
on a windowsill, or, when the the whole thing looks loved – not only will it look so much such as Galtonia
ground permits, outdoors where again. If your lawn is small you better, it will also be less slippery. candicans
they are to grow. Hardy annuals can probably get it edged within Anyone who has ever come a
such as pot marigolds (calendula) the hour, too. If you re-cut your cropper on a flagstone terrace
and nasturtiums are tough little lawn edges just once a year, knows that there is no more
plants that give colour in summer now is the time to do it. certain way of breaking a hip
for very little effort and expense. P Deadhead daffodils – whatever your age!
P Plant summer-flowering – it may seem like a bit of P Cut back dogwood and
bulbs such as galtonias, the a fiddle, but it saves them shrubby willows now. Prune
smaller varieties of gladioli and from producing unwanted these back hard to within a
lilies. Position them in gaps seeds and it makes a clump few centimetres of the ground.
between border perennials. of daffs or narcissi look so Mulched with compost or
P Mow the lawn – it’s amazing much fresher than when the manure, they will grow fresh
what a difference this makes faded flowers are left to go stems to provide good bark
to the garden. Suddenly, that crisp and brown. colour when winter arrives.
spring action plan
An afternoon to spare Provide supports, such

P Prune clematis, cutting the P Mulch beds and borders with as this obelisk, for
plants back to where the new, chipped or composted bark to clematis to cling to
silky shoots are emerging. Make seal in moisture and help keep
sure they have supports to cling down weeds throughout the
to – obelisks or trellis, or even growing season. Alternatively,
large shrubs – and give them use well-rotted garden compost.
a good feed. A feed followed by a mulch
P Move shrubs that have will power up your borders.
outgrown their space, digging P Provide supports for border
them up with as much root as perennials. They may not need

possible and replanting them in them yet, but if twiggy pea sticks
earth enriched with compost or or wire hoops are put into place
manure. Reduce the top growth now around peonies and suchlike,
by about a third, unless doing the stems will grow through and
so would ruin their shape. mask them as well as preventing
P Prick over beds and borders the plants from flopping over.
with a fork, working in a good P Prune rose bushes by cutting
sprinkling of blood, fish and bone hybrid teas to around knee height
meal. This past winter was very (leave floribundas a little higher).
wet, and much nutrition will have Cut back the shoot tips and
been washed away – the fertiliser remove a few older stems
will replenish it. from shrub roses.
Pruning back clematis

to their young,
emerging shoots
shouldn’t take too long
Month 20XX gardenersworld.com 51

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spring action plan
Take the plunge

and invest in a
greenhouse that
can be installed
in a day
Divide your
perennials and
A whole day to spare
replant every ! Dig up and divide perennials of blood, fish and bone meal
three years – there comes a point when can be applied with a wheeled
an entire bed or border needs distributor during a mild spell.
to be cleared and a new planting ! Prepare a greenhouse site
scheme established. Don’t – if you’ve always wanted one

keep putting it off by just and kept putting it off, make
replacing this or that. Have it happen in 2020! Site it in
a total clear-out every three a sunny spot and buy as large
years, then divide and replant a greenhouse as you can afford
everything. You’ll be astonished and accommodate. One thing
at how virtuous you feel and is certain – however huge
how fresh your garden looks. it may seem, you will fill it.
! Overhaul the lawn – you can ! Make a gravel garden,
scarify it with a wire tooth rake perhaps to replace a block-paved

to remove thatch and moss, front yard. Two strips of paving
then mow and edge it. A dressing are all that is necessary to park

spring action plan
a car, and low-growing carpeters

such as thyme, chamomile, rock
roses and similar hummock-
forming plants can be established
either side. You’ll enjoy the view
so much more, the likelihood
of flash flooding will be reduced
and you’ll be doing your bit for
wildlife and the environment.
! Start making a garden pond
– it is great for wildlife. Site it

in an open spot, not underneath
a tree, and make it as large as
possible and 45-60cm deep.
Line the hole with sand and
add a butyl liner, making the
edges with large stones or logs.
See our Wildlife Project on
p141 for a step-by-step guide
to making a pond.
! Make a new lawn from turf.
Now is a great time to do so,
but check the quality of turf
before you buy and make sure
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; PAUL DEBOIS

you can lay it within a couple
of days of its arrival, otherwise
it will start to turn yellow.
Discover over 50 ideas for

how to boost your garden
this month in our What To Do
Now section, from page 117
In a few hours you

can make a pond
to draw wildlife
into your garden
Lay new lawn turves

within a few days of their
arrival, otherwise they
will turn brown
NEXT MONTH Alan shares his secrets for successful small-space gardening
Are you ready to
cut out peat?
Marc Rosenberg and Sally Nex report on gardening’s biggest debate
rit ish gardener s have been Rural Affairs (Defra) welcomes media – a much more informed
g row i ng pla nts i n peat for the recommendations and will debate is needed.”
decades. High-quality, reliable publish a new peat strategy W hen we sur veyed
and inexpensive, it’s one of later this year. readers in 2018, we found
nature’s finest growing media. You’ve Environment Minister over a third of you (36 per
probably used it yourself for sowing seeds, Z ac G old sm it h s a y s cent) were using peat,
potting on cuttings or planting into ordinary gardeners have mainly for seed sowing,
containers. Most bagged composts contain a part to play in the efforts potting on young plants
at least some peat, and the vast majority of to reduce peat usage: and in larger containers.
plants you buy are grown in it, too. “There are two things you Each compost type
But fewer than one in five
But t he U K ’s g r ow i n g b a nd of can do: one is not to buy the reacts differently
readers actually preferred
eco-conscious gardeners believe digging up stuff, and I know that’s quite to watering
using it to alternatives: 64 per
peat bogs for compost is an environmental h a rd,” he told p o dc a s t er cent said they only slightly
crime. About three million cubic metres of Jonathan Sheppard on Tory Radio. preferred peat or had no preference.
peat is harvested each year to use in bags of “The second is to badger – Defra needs to “I would like to see more good-quality peat-
garden compost. Natural England (a public hear from people that they feel very strongly free and low peat content compost at good
body that works to protect the country’s about this issue.” prices,” said one reader. Some reported bad
natural environment) estimates we’ve lost The charity Garden Organic backs the experiences with peat-free composts:
more than 90 per cent of the UK’s lowland call for a total ban. Its Head Gardener, “I tend not to find lumps of chipboard or
peat bogs, destroying an irreplaceable Emma O’Neill, explains: “Peat is an broken glass in peat-based compost,” said
habitat and letting loose locked-up carbon, important defence against climate change one reader.
which contributes to global warming. – peat bogs are the largest and most efficient
The government agrees. Back in 2011 it set carbon store on earth, locking away 10 Acceptable alternatives
a voluntary target for garden centres to times more carbon per hectare than any As we head into the spring gardening
banish peat by 2020, and underlined it in its other type of ecosystem.” s e a s on , t he Hor t ic u lt u r a l Tr a de s
25 Year Environment Plan, published in But landscape architect Bunny Guinness Association (HTA) says peat still makes up
PHOTOS: PAUL DEBOIS; GETTY/MARK SWALLOW.
2018. But that deadline passed with little believes that UK carbon emissions from 56 per cent of the overall content of compost
change among garden centres or producers. p e a t e x t r a c t i on a r e ‘s t a t i s t i c a l l y sold to gardeners (GW Clippings, November
Compost manufacturers may now face insignificant’. And, she says, substitutes are 2019). But t hat f ig u re is fa l l i ng as
harsher measures. The Committee on more expensive and may have a higher manufacturers blend peat with substitutes
Climate Cha nge, which adv ises t he carbon footprint anyway. “UK horticulture such as coir, composted bark or wood fibre
government, has recommended an outright and its use of peat is a tiny part of a big to make ‘peat-reduced’ composts. Keith
ban on selling peat – including the 68 per problem and does very little to contribute to Nicholson, Marketing Director of Westland
cent of our peat which is imported, mainly global warming when compared to our Horticulture, says that, by total volume, his
from Ireland and the Baltic States. The other daily activities. People are being company “is using over 70 per cent of
Department of the Environment, Food and misled by factoids appearing on social non-peat materials across our growing

peat debate
media range” and aims to deliver “around 80

per cent peat reduction” by the end of 2020.
Garden centres are also following suit.
How to grow with peat-free composts
Mike Lind, MD at Monkton Elm Garden “Not all peat-free growing superior nutrient provision fertiliser when it is not
Centre, told GW both his garden centre and media are the same,” says over time. Wool-based needed, for example, in
The Gardens Group of garden centres, the RHS’s Mark Gush, who products, for example, autumn and winter.”
r u n by Ga rden Cent re A ssociat ion says gardeners must “get to release more nitrogen as Garden Organic’s Emma
Chairman Mike Burks, are close to being “50 know” peat-free options. they decompose compared O’Neill says: “in general,
per cent peat-reduced across their ranges”. “Bark-based products will to peat. Others, like wood- peat-free may require more
Some a re goi ng f u r t her: t he Roya l hold less water than peat- based media, will need attention to watering. Many
Horticultural Society (RHS) now sells only based ones and have good feeding with nitrogen coir-based products have a
peat-free compost in its plant centres, while drainage properties,” he fertiliser a little sooner than dry, coarse texture. They
garden centre chain Dobbies is planning to says, “while wool-based peat-based.” He says that may look dry on the surface
ditch peat totally, “as soon as we can”. DIY media can store water because organic materials but are damp farther down,
retailer B&Q now sells its Verve peat-free effectively. Generally, the like wood fibre decay faster so check by putting your
compost cheaper than peat-based. “We coarser the medium, the in the ground, boosting soil finger down into the
continue to work hard to develop better easier it will be for water to biology and improving compost. Peat-free mixes
quality peat alternatives and to educate penetrate the surface, but structure, peat substitutes tend to need watering little
customers on the benefits of using them,” the less total water it will are generally good for soil and more often. Don’t let
said a B&Q spokesperson. hold in comparison to peat.” and plant health, as long as them dry out or they can
But sales of totally peat-free composts The RHS says most plants are not deprived of become hard to irrigate as
remain low: in 2015 (the most recent official growing media contain nutrients. “The main thing,” water runs off the top. If this
figures available) they accounted for just nutrients but Mark points he adds, “is to apply less happens, soak the whole pot
nine per cent of the market. A big factor out: “Some alternative fertiliser, but a little more in a bucket of water to let it
is the high prices, relative to peat-based ingredients to peat have often. And to avoid applying draw-up moisture.”
compost s. Steve Ha r per, Sa les a nd
Marketing Director of compost company
Bord na Móna explains why peat-free company is trying to do it cheaply and uses a and all of the National Trust’s gardens and
mixes can cost more: “It’s the cost of raw lot of g reen waste t hat hasn’t been plant sales areas.
materials. Peat alternatives are two to six composted properly it will ‘rob’ nitrogen But most nurseries still rely on peat.
times the price of peat.” from the soil. So you need to buy from a good Matthew Soper, ow ner of Hampshire
Quality has also been an issue. One source.” In fact peat-free composts have Carnivorous Plants, near Southampton,
ingredient in particular, green waste, is i mpr ov e d s o muc h t he y re g u l a rl y says any thing else is a compromise.
notor iou sl y v a r ia ble, t houg h more out-perform peat-based in trials – the only “If you’re new to gardening, peat-free
sophisticated peat-free blends are now issue now, Catherine says, is sourcing composts are a good way to put people off,”
ironing out the problems. “There is a legacy,” enough non-peat materials. he says. He’s tried peat-free alternatives but
admits Catherine Dawson of peat-free Some high-profile growers have also gone says his plants “survive, but don’t thrive”.
compost specialist, Melcourt. “There are peat-free, including Jekka’s Herb Farm in New research projects and campaigns are
still some bad ones out there, but if a Bristol, the Beth Chatto Gardens in Essex, backing the switch to peat-free. The RHS

peat debate
Your peat-free buying options

Here’s GW’s pick of compost and a specialist Westland with the new Bio3,
peat-free compost brands. bulb compost. a peat-replacement
If you can’t find these at technology that’s the result
your local garden centre, FERTILE FIBRE coir-based of a £35 million investment.
don’t be afraid to ask – the multi-purpose compost
customer is king! that’s beaten many peat- NEW LEAF this utilises
based composts in trials green waste collected by a
BULRUSH PEAT-FREE – you won’t find it in garden Belfast recycling company,
includes composted bark centres, but they’ll deliver. NWP, into multi-purpose
and clay, mixed with Forest compost. Only available in
Gold – woodchips injected GROWISE PEAT-FREE Northern Ireland.
with extra nutrients. Irish manufacturer Bord na
Móna took over popular SYLVAGROW Melcourt’s
CARBON GOLD coir-based peat-free brand Vital Earth peat-free compost range
mix containing biochar, a and kept the blended green now includes grow bags, an
‘super charcoal’ that locks
up carbon. The range
waste formulation. ericaceous compost, and
this year a new tub and
Peat is
includes one of the few HAPPY COMPOST new for basket compost too. an important
peat-free seed composts. 2019 from Bord na Móna; defence against
includes all-purpose VERVE PEAT-FREE B&Q’s
DALEFOOT Blended from compost and specialist challenge to peat-free climate change
bracken that is rich in mixes, with an ericaceous pricing is cheaper than peat- Garden Organic
potash and wool from version under development. based composts: it’s based
Herdwick Sheep. Range on coir, composted
includes a peat-free seed NEW HORIZON recently bark and
compost, ericaceous revamped by owners green waste.
says its trials have shown that peat-free a voluntary ‘traffic light’ label
composts of “bracken, wood-based or green rating compost from green
waste support better growth of most plants (sustainable) to red
in comparison to peat-based growing (environmentally damaging).
media”. RHS Head of Horticultural and The GMI hopes to launch it on
Environmental Science, Mark Gush, says: compost bags in ga rden
“Some specialist acid-loving plants are still cent res nex t yea r. T he
understood to prefer peat. The RHS will soon scheme is being led by Bord
start trialling more carefully formulated na Móna’s Steve Harper, who
peat-free products on specialist plants, such says developing products to
as carnivorous and ericaceous plants.” match the performance of
Anti-peat campaigners have turned to peat needs more t ime :
social media to get the message across. The “If we ban peat and replace
organisers of #PeatFreeApril want gardeners it with something that
to ditch the peat for a month and choose proves less responsible,
sustainable alternatives instead. Organiser we’ll be in the same
Sally Morgan says many gardeners aren’t position as we’re
even aware there is peat in the compost they no w i n w it h
buy. “By the end of April we’d like everyone cars. We were
to be able to go into the garden centre and told to swap DISCOVER MORE Read more about
find a peat-free option,” she says. from petrol to peat alternatives on our website, at
diesel to emit less gardenersworld.com/plants/
Green lights for green options ca rbon, but we’re alternatives-to-peat/
Peat-free substitutes are now coming under now being told to switch back to
the spotlight. The Growing Media Initiative petrol as diesel particulates are bad
(GMI) brought compost manufacturers for our health. We need to make the move
rou nd t he table w it h ga rden i ng
organisations, like the RHS, to respond to
[to peat-free] when we fully understand
all raw materials.”
Have your say
the government’s 2020 deadline. It’s spent Friends of the Earth is against the traffic To contact Defra with your views, email
a l m o s t 10 y e a r s r e s e a r c h i n g t h e light labelling scheme – its Senior Nature
PHOTO: GETTY/MARK SWALLOW.
defra.helpline@defra.gov.uk.
environmental impact of every ingredient in Campaigner Paul de Zylva says: “We don’t And tell us what you think about peat-
your potting compost, weighing up the need another confusing labelling scheme. based composts – is a ban overdue or do
carbon cost of shipping coir from Sri Lanka, It’s simple: peat-free compost is 100 per cent you feel you can’t garden without peat?
for example, against the environmental peat-free, full stop. If that means having an Let us know by getting in touch via the
damage caused by peat extraction. The outright ban then that’s fine because the usual contacts on page 19.
result is the Responsible Sourcing Scheme, voluntary approach has clearly failed.” !

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bedfellows
Whether you have dry or damp conditions, in sun or
shade, Carol Klein explains how to combine suitable
plants for your site, with four tailored planting guides
her e ar e many sor t s of plants to grow. If they haven’t evolved
r e l a t i o n s h i p s w i t h i n a to live in the conditions we can offer
g a r d e n , n ot l e a s t t h a t them, then no amount of planning or
between the garden and the inspirational ideas will persuade them
gardener. Everyone feels differently to live with their neighbours.
about theirs – we all have our own
priorities and, if you’re anything like Know your plot
me, those priorities are constantly To t hat end, I’ve focused on four
changing. Gardening is such a highly commonly found garden situations,
creative process, especially at the all of which I know well, as we have at
ornamental level, when you’re mixing Glebe Cottage: dry, sunny and well
together perennials, grasses and bulbs, drained; damp and/or boggy; shady;
perhaps with shrubs and trees too. and meadows. The latter is a generic
Unlike painting a picture though, term for open sites where most plants
which in most cases doesn’t change would thrive, which roughly equates to
once the artist puts down their brushes, a typical garden border.
the pictures we create with our plants It ca n be dif f icu lt to resist t he
are in a constant state of flux. Leaves temptation to impulse buy. I’ve often
grow bigger, change form or texture. done it myself, and sometimes it works
Flower buds appear, blooms open, then out happi ly. But not a lways. You
they fade and set seed. may end up with a
T h is is su rely t he First learn which pla nt t hat doesn’t
most joyous aspect of su it you r g row i ng
gardening, much of it plants thrive where, cond it ion s. Ju st
planned but always then start putting because you li ked
subject to an element the look of it on a
of unpredictability. them together sa les table doesn’t
Initially, we plan mean it will like your
what we plant, although some of us plan garden and do well there. It’s a shame
more than others ! For some it’s a if the plant will only ever struggle to
cerebral process, working out what survive, especially when there are so
should go with what. Others have a more many others to choose from that would
experimental approach, giving ideas a love to live in your site.
whirl while being happy to alter them. The first step is to learn which plants
We can change things around, but will thrive where. And the fun begins
plants don’t generally like to be moved when we start putting them together.
too often. They prefer to get their roots The st yle of ga rden we create is
down, and any movements they make ultimately governed by the plants
themselves are usually very gradual. we choose, how they are combined and
Still, there is one element that we our underlying growing conditions.
must all take into consideration, before But don’t look on this as a limitation –
aesthetics and personal preferences there are almost infinite possibilities
– the situation in which we want the and plenty of room for self-expression.

carol’s borders
Fill a border with

plants that all like
similar conditions
and they’re sure to
make harmonious
neighbours
Carol’s back
Carol and the Gardeners’
PHOTO: SARAH CUTTLE
World team return to

our screens when
the new series starts
on 20 March, 8.30pm.

Carol’s perfect combos for...
Star plant: astilbe

A damp delight The soft feathery flowers of
P Candelabra primulas
are among the most colourful
Many gardens have areas that are wetter than astilbes bring a unique grace plants for a damp garden. Tier
the rest, either constantly damp or mainly after to the damp garden. When after tier of flowers, in various
heavy rain. Luckily, there are plenty of plants growing in a suitably damp site, vibrant shades, ascend tall,
that have evolved to enjoy dipping their toes their shiny foliage is a useful straight stems that add
in damp ground or even standing in water. They foil for hostas and irises. But structure too. Primula japonica
are often lush and bold, making a striking it’s their flowers that are their has a host of different colour
contribution to the garden. real charm. White-flowered ranges and P. bulleyana offers
In this texture-rich combination, plants live both ‘Professor van der Wielen’ welcome yellows and oranges.
in and alongside water. Astilbes flourish, their dark is elegance personified. P Irises There are irises from
shiny leaves will be topped in summer by fluffy every kind of habitat, including
flowers. Meanwhile they make a splendid contrast ...three more to plant several that like damp
PHOTOS: JASON INGRAM
to the dainty white ‘butterflies’ of Ranunculus P Rheum palmatum is an conditions. The most elegant
aconitifolius and the upright stems of candelabra ornamental rhubarb with huge and desirable has to be the
primulas with their whorls of vibrant pink flowers. leaves and a tall flower plume. Japanese water iris (Iris ensata),
The huge, fresh green leaves of skunk cabbage It needs plenty of space. ‘Ace with velvety purple flowers.
(Lysichiton) provide a dramatic contrasting feature. of Hearts’ is a smaller version. This usually needs acidic soil.

carol’s borders
A shady haven
Most of us have shade in our gardens, which presents a great
opportunity to combine some very special plants.
The main colour in all gardens is green, particularly in shady
areas. Foliage is predominant and we rely on leaf texture and shape
to bring interest and variety. Here the dominant centrepiece is the
hosta, the size of its leaves emphasised by their white margins. The
white theme is reinforced by the large white flowers of the aquilegia
and the delicate froth of the aptly named foam flower (Tiarella
cordifolia). The wavy leaves of lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis),
with their attendant dew drops, make the perfect foreground,
teamed with the asarum’s small, dark green, shiny discs.
Star plant: hosta evergreen forms, especially

Substantial leaves are an Epimedium versicolor, are
important element when vigorous yet handsome.
combining plants, and hostas P Brunnera Although plants
are a classic foliage plant for with silvery foliage usually
shade. You can choose from need a sunny site, Brunnera
a vast range of leaf shapes, macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ loves
colours and sizes. Variegated shade. Its heart-shaped silver
leaves with white edges are leaves add sparkle from April,
particularly striking. and it has pretty forget-me-not
flowers through to November.
...three more to plant P Campanula latifolia Most
P Epimediums Dry shade shade plantings rely on foliage,
can be a tricky situation, but sparks of colour are always
but epimediums provide welcome. Our native broad-
an effective and appealing leaved bellflower loves shade
solution. They mix well with and combines well with ferns
other shade lovers and the and other shade lovers.
A sun lovers’ paradise

Many beautiful plants from mountainous regions and sea
shores are perfectly at home in full sun and well-drained soil.
Although at Glebe Cottage we always prefer to go with the flow,
we have built a big raised bed, edged with a dry-stone wall, for
plants that need excellent drainage and as much sun as the British
climate affords. There we grow various varieties of pulsatillas,
Geranium sanguineum, Eryngium bourgatii and Cyclamen coum.
We combined these with a sprinkling of drought-tolerant grasses,
including feathery Stipa tenuissima and more tender pennisetums.
Plants that cope with sun and drought are indispensable in most
gardens. In this pretty combo, hummocks of thrift (Armeria maritima)
rise above clouds of pink and white erigeron daisies. On the far left,
eryngiums are growing up to add a spiky contrast to the soft carpet.
Star plant: erigeron Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Nana’

A few decades ago this little or the more substantial
Mexican daisy, Erigeron A. ludoviciana ‘Valerie Finnis’.
karvinskianus, was seldom P Geranium sanguineum
seen outside Devon and Our native bloody cranesbill
Cornwall, where it thrives in thrives on thin soils or even
dry stone walls. But now it’s sand. Choose flower colours
often seen much further north, from pale pink to vivid magenta.
in warm sunny spots. It flowers P Eryngiums Many sea
from June to the first frosts, hollies hail from mountainous
self-seeding freely, and regions, where they’ve evolved
combines well with everything. to cope with thin soil and
blistering summer heat.
...three more to plant Eryngium bourgatii and its
P Artemisias These silver- many varieties have silvery
leaved sun lovers cope well bracts, flowers and stems
with drought. Try dainty little that turn brilliant blue.

carol’s borders
A mellow meadow Star plant: achillea

White-flowered yarrow, our
... three more to plant
! Knautia macedonica Closely
compact and easy-to-grow stipa.
Its fountain of fine, soft blades
In most garden borders, conditions native achillea, loves to mingle related to scabious (most of are bright green at first, gradually
are similar to those of meadows. So with grasses and other perennials which also make excellent border changing to soft beige over the
they’re an ideal place to grow a mix in our meadows. But as these plants), this accommodating summer, as its fluffy flower
of grasses, perennials and bulbs. valuable habitats are fast perennial is attractive to both plumes go to seed. It creates
Here, flat-headed achilleas, in disappearing, this charming gardeners and pollinating insects a wafty, wispy, laid-back feel.
peach and apricot hues, make a soft wildflower is now more likely alike. Its rounded heads of rich ! Astrantias Forming clumps
understorey for fiery helenium daisies to be seen on roadside verges. crimson flowers, on tall swaying of long-stemmed, pincushion
with their brown velvet centres. The Numerous varieties of achillea stems, appear for many months, flowers in shades of pink, white
feathery grass Stipa tenuissima have been bred, in yellows, rusty followed by bobbing seedheads. or ruby red, astrantias are shown
wanders throughout, unifying the reds, oranges and other hues. ! Stipa tenuissima Grasses to best effect in mixed company.
planting. Forms and textures vary, These are perfect in naturalistic, are essential in any meadow- They prefer moist or substantial
PHOTO: JASON INGRAM
but the colour is harmonious and prairie-style borders, woven with style planting, and none mixes soil, so dig in plenty of garden
warm, creating a gentle, lilting effect. swaying grasses and bold daisies. better than this beautiful, compost before planting.
NEXT MONTH Carol celebrates dahlias and chooses her favourites for every situation

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My recipe for
wellbeing
When Joe Swift designed a oratio’s Garden is a national
cha rit y t hat ma kes ga rdens
hospital garden for spinal- specifically for patients at NHS
spinal unit centres. It aims to
injury patients, he didn’t deliver a garden to each of the 11 centres
realise it would be his most in the UK and has so far completed four.
I was already aware of the positive benefits
important work to date. He that the first two gardens (in Salisbury and
reveals how we can all learn Gla sgow) were hav i ng on pat ient s’
wellbeing and recovery, so when I was
something when gardening asked to design the third, at the National
with wellbeing in mind Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville
Hospital, I didn’t think twice.
I was daunted by the responsibility,
but also excited to turn my design skills
and experience to a space that would Joe’s design transformed
meaningfully impact on many people’s an underused space into
lives. Spinal injury patients spend months, a beautiful, relaxing and
sometimes years, in hospital. The interiors accessible oasis for
are understandably sterile spaces, so a patients and their visitors
garden can be the perfect antidote – a haven
in which to spend important time, either
alone or with family and friends.
The site at Stoke Mandeville was very garden building for year-round use, with
tricky – exposed, sloping, impractical and a kitchen and heating. I wanted a water
uninviting. I never saw anyone using it feature, to provide sound and movement,
during my site visits. Small level changes or and outdoor lighting, so the garden could
bumps can be extremely painful to spinal be used in the evenings and winter months.
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; MARK LORD; JOE SWIFT
patients in wheelchairs and beds, so a huge

amount of soil (2,000 tonnes) had to be Design process
excavated and retaining walls built to A lso on the list was a greenhouse for
make it pancake flat and fully accessible. growing and overwintering plants. Patients
My brief was quite loose – to design a would be involved in some aspects of
beautif ul, versatile garden w it h bot h gardening for therapy, but we would have
intimate and larger areas where patients a head gardener and plenty of volunteers
could gather in various sized groups. The to keep it in good shape.
Beautiful stone walls create raised beds that views from inside the wards were important I spent weeks fine tuning the design,
bring the tactile planting within easy reach and there would be an architect-designed working out how I could sinuously join the

gardening for wellbeing
Gardening butterflies, bees and other out into your garden. So

insects. Add bird feeders, maximise the views from
for therapy plants with berries, and indoors. Improving the
Try these five simple ways bird baths (at Horatio’s, I had composition looking out
to enhance your garden dips carved into boulders). through your windows
and your wellbeing. will bring your garden
3 Tickle the senses into play all year round.
soft curves to combat the straight lines of 1 Create privacy Choose plants and features
the interior and make the L-shaped plot Adding tall plants almost to engage all the senses. 5 Make it accessible
feel graceful and elegant. These shapes all the way around a small Tactile plants, wood and All Horatio’s Gardens are
would in turn define the structural lines of seating area will create a stone for touch; scented designed for easy access to
the retaining walls, the surface layout and sense of haven or escape. and aromatic plants for the key areas, encouraging
the integrated water and bench features. It helps to turn the focus smell; edibles for taste; patients to get close to the
When it came to plants, a hard-working inwards, encouraging textural and colourful plants plants. In your own garden,
palette for all four seasons was required. contemplation, relaxation for sight; and tall rustling make sure your favourite
Some would create areas of privacy, others and conversation. grasses and trees (and/or plants are positioned where
would form eye-catching compositions running water) for sound. they can be seen, smelled
when viewed from inside, through the ward 2 Encourage wildlife or touched easily, perhaps
windows. How the plants looked from To make a garden feel alive, 4 Create a view in pots, on tables, in raised
wheelchair- and bed-height was a major choose nectar-rich plants There are many times when beds, beside pathways
consideration too. I chose a selection of and create habitats for you might not be able to get and at the front of borders.
trees, shrubs, grasses, perennials and

Follow Joe’s Calamagrostis
acutiflora ‘Karl
planting guide
Foerster’ x 1
My design in a pot
I designed this container Part-fill a 45cm pot with
display to capture the
essence of my Horatio’s
1 compost. I’ve used a 50:50
mix of peat-free compost and Gillenia
Garden – not an easy task, loam, with added grit, as all trifoliata x 3
but I think I’ve managed it! the plants like good drainage.
It’s ideal for planting now, Soak the plants in a
and features a mix of grasses
and perennials. These are
2 bucket, then place them
in position, working from the
used repeatedly across many back. I put the calamagrostis
of the planting areas at Stoke in first. Tease out the roots
Mandeville, to bring harmony. if they’re tightly packed.
They work well together, Add the gillenia and lotus
introducing a soft, billowing,
airy feel. Every in-patient is
3 in the middle, then the
three erigerons near the
given a potted lotus seedling front, to billow over the edge.
(it freely self-seeds) when Fill any gaps with more
they leave the hospital – it’s a
significant moment, so I had
4 compost and firm down
gently. Water thoroughly,
to include one here. and place in a sunny spot.
1 2
4
3
2
4
1m
2 4
4 4
2m
Erigeron
karvinskianus x 5 45cm terracotta pot
or in a border...
This scheme also works well in a border with free-draining soil.
Full sun is best, although the plants will tolerate a little shade.
Spring is the perfect planting time. Weed the area first, then dig
in leafmould or garden compost (nothing too rich). Stand all the
plants in position before planting, to get the spacing right.
The border is easy to look after – just clip the lotus as required
to keep it compact, cut the calamagrostis and gillenia to the
ground in early spring, and add a leafmould mulch each spring.
Plants used
1 Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ x 1
2 Gillenia trifoliata x 3
3 Lotus hirsutus x 1
4 Erigeron karvinskianus x 5
1 2
gardening for wellbeing
The garden is fully accessible, so patients who

are in bed can still enjoy its therapeutic beauty
spring and summer bulbs, which hopefully

makes the garden feel alive all year round.
Some of the trees have interesting bark
(Prunus maackii ‘Amber Beauty’), some have
fabulous autumn colour (amelanchiers
and gingko), and there’s a winter-flowering
cherry to cheer up those short dark days.
Shrubs were chosen for their year-round
structural qualities (Pittosporum tobira
Lotus hirsutus x 1
va rieties a nd clipped yew) or w inter
scent (Lonicera purpusii ‘Winter Beauty’,
sarcococca and fragrant viburnums).
We planted thousands of spring bulbs,
including tulips, camassias and daffodils,
to deliver cheery colour early in the year.
Climbers such as clematis, star jasmine,
Akebia quinata and Virginia creeper clothe
the contemporary slatted fence, and in
summer masses of perennials and grasses
tower above eye level to sway in the breeze.
The garden now feels alive with birds,
bees, butterf lies and other insects, and
many patients have commented on how
therapeutic and life changing it is to be out
in the fresh air surrounded by nature.
The garden is a resounding success – the
feedback has at times been overwhelming.
To see patients and their loved ones enjoying
and engaging with the space I designed is
both humbling and extremely rewarding.
It’s the most important garden I’ve ever
designed and it’s been a huge privilege to
be involved with Horatio’s Gardens. l
To find out more about Horatio’s Garden

– the charity, its gardens and ways you
PHOTOS: OLIVIA CHAPPLE; SARAH CUTTLE
can help – go to horatiosgarden.org.uk
Catch the new series

Joe and the rest of the Gardeners’
World team make a welcome
return to our TV screens
3 4 with the new series on

20 March at 8.30pm.

The pond at Monet’s
garden in Giverny,
replete with water
lilies, weeping willow
and the famous
Japanese bridge

river cruises
See Europe’s
gardens
by boat
Europe’s rivers have it all – whether you
want to tour Keukenhof with Carol and Joe,
take in Monet’s garden at Giverny or gaze
on the landscape that inspired Van Gogh
If you like visiting gardens restaurants, plus they often
but fancy seeing something include extra perks, such as
new, a cruise along one of complimentary wine at dinner
Europe’s mighty rivers might be and free guided tours.
just what you’re looking for. You don’t even have to board
Offering plenty of choice – a plane – just hop on Eurostar
from palace pleasure grounds to Paris for the Seine, or change
to smaller private gardens – trains for Amsterdam to explore
river cruises take the stress out Holland and Belgium.
of travelling, with no need to Turn the page for a selection
plan day trips or hunt out of our favourite garden cruises.
Cruise along the Seine, for garden tours with a difference
Cruise specialist Deborah Stone writes for several national

newspapers and travel magazines, and has seen many
of Europe’s grandest gardens while on ship excursions.

river cruises
Get up and Gogh Imperial adventures

Artists such as Vincent Van Gogh wildflowers, pink Burgundy and Provence’, Russia’s Peterhof Palace and its
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sunflower paintings come to life at cruises also available. ‘Picturesque South of France’, St Petersburg. Guided tours of
artist colony Arles, visit Camargue Find out more Amadeus River from £1,595*, (01223 568904, this and the equally grand
National Park – known for its Cruises’ eight-day ‘Treasures of lightbluetravel.co.uk). Catherine Palace and gardens
are offered from St Petersburg.
When to go May to October, when
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Find out more Emerald
Going Dutch Find inspiration
for colourful Waterways’ 12-day ‘The
The Netherlands’ Keukenhof Gardens is bulb displays Imperial Charms of Russia’,
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21 March to 10 May 2020, its 79 acres Travel’s 12-day ‘Imperial Waterways
are redesigned every year, with seven of Russia’, from £4,999* (0808 274
million bulbs planted among its spring- 4505; titantravel.co.uk); Vikings’
flowering shrubs and trees. Many river 13-day ‘Waterways of the Tsars’,
cruise lines offer similar itineraries, but from £3,095* (0800 319 6660;
Emerald Waterways’ ‘Holland & Belgium in vikingrivercruises.co.uk).
Bloom’ cruise includes a trip to Antwerp’s
botanical gardens – and its 10 April
departure will have Joe Swift and Carol
Klein on board for talks and a Q&A session.
When to go Cruises including Keukenhof
Gardens are mostly weekly departures in
April, when the flowers are at their best.
Find out more Avalon Waterways’
eight-day ‘Tulips of Northern Holland’,
from £1,240*, (0330 058 8243,
avalonwaterways.co.uk); Emerald
Waterways’ eight-day ‘Holland & Belgium
in Bloom’, from £1,695* (0808 163
7855, emeraldwaterways.
co.uk); Riviera Travel, eight-day The Grand Cascade
‘Dutch Bulbfields River Cruise’, of Peterhof Palace
from £1,699* (01283 888922,
rivieratravel.co.uk).
Monet’s delights
*ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON, TWO SHARING A CABIN. PRICES AND ITINERARIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
PHOTOS: PAUL DEBOIS; GETTY/LEONID ANDRONOV, BEATRICE S MARTIN RUEGNER, VLADISLAV ZOLOTOV.
Monet’s Garden at Giverny is
always delightful, with spring
Waltz along the blue Danube bulbs in April, iris in May, wisteria
Sailing the Danube between Lionheart was held hostage £1,240* (0330 058 8243, in June, water lilies in July, carpets
Hungary and Germany is a new- after the Third Crusade. avalonwaterways.co.uk); of nasturtiums in September PLEASE CHECK COMPANY WEBSITES FOR DETAILS, AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS
to-cruise itinerary, thanks to the When to go The season starts Crystal Cruises’ eight-day and dahlias in October. Giverny
exceptional cultural attractions of in late March, with many lines ‘Vienna to Budapest’, from £3,926* is the first stop on Uniworld’s
Vienna and Budapest. Many cruise continuing into December for (020 7399 7601; crystalcruises. ‘Paris & Normandy’ cruise along
lines offer trips to Schönbrunn the Christmas markets. co.uk); Tauck’s eight-day the Seine and its all-inclusive
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formal gardens, fountains, statues, eight-day ‘Danube Dreams’, from (0800 810 8020, tauck.co.uk). are included. You’ll see Giverny,
a botanic garden and a Palm House. the cathedral city of Rouen, the
In busy Budapest, don’t miss Normandy beaches, Honfleur,
the tranquil Japanese Garden Savour the views and the Palace of Versailles
on Margaret Island and further surrounding the with its extensive gardens.
upriver, take a walk in Austria’s vineyards of the When to go Return trips from
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Dreams’ cruise has a guided hike Find out more Uniworld’s
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the castle where Richard the uniworld.com/uk).

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Meet Rachel de Thame

on our Cotswolds tour
8 13 June 2020 – 6 days, 5 nights from £1,095
“I’ve known and loved the

Cotswolds and its gardens
for many years, and have
helped to create this
bespoke itinerary so you
see the best this tranquil
area has to offer. You’ll
visit private and historic
gardens, and enjoy the
company of Rachel, who’ll
share her story and beliefs
in the power of gardening
to transform
and heal. Join
us for a week
to remember!”
Lucy Hall
Sezincote Persian Paradise Garden
WHAT’S INCLUDED: YOUR COTSWOLDS TOUR

_ Five nights half-board at the four-star Our tailor-made itinerary through
Jurys Inn, Cheltenham the Cotswolds, famous for its rural
_ Two private dinners with wine, including charm, includes several gardens
a Welcome talk from David Hurrion and not normally open to the public,
In Conversation with Rachel de Thame plus informative talks by owners
_ All entry fees and garden tours and head gardeners. You’ll also
_ Lunch at Rodmarton Manor see behind the scenes at two
_ Cream tea at Bourton House, where Cotswolds institutions: Whichford
Rachel de Thame joins the tour Pottery and Daylesford Farm
_ BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Editor, Shop & Market Garden,
Lucy Hall, joins the tour 11-12 June with plenty of opportunities to
_ BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine shop, too. We’ll be based in
Associate Editor, David Hurrion, Gloucestershire’s Georgian jewel,
as tour leader throughout The long borders at Miserden the elegant town of Cheltenham.
To discuss further details of the tour,

or book your place, please call Find out more about the trip at
020 7553 6945 gardenersworld.com/cotswolds-tour

quoting RDTJAN20

rs
ene ’ Wo
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offer • Gardeners’ World travel offer • Gardeners’ World travel offer
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readers
BESPOKE
GARDEN
Ju
TOUR
Rachel de Thame Bourton House Knot Garden
Upton Wold Hidcote
_ GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS On to Upton Wold for a tour we are joined by Rachel followed by a private dinner
A guided tour at Rodmarton of this private garden that has de Thame – who lives in the with wine included.
Manor and its gardens is followed been literally carved out of Cotswolds, knows the garden On our final day, we visit
by a group lunch. Then we visit the limestone. well and will share with the Miserden Estate where we will
Eastleach House for a welcome We visit Rockcliffe Garden, group why it’s such an inspiration enjoy a welcome talk about the
PEOPLE PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; JASON INGRAM
talk and Q&A with the owner. where we will enjoy a private tour for her. We will also enjoy a estate, before a tour of the award-
Sezincote is a unique historic before following in the footsteps delicious cream tea! winning gardens.
home, evoking the Indian Raj, of the Mitford family to In the evening, the group Our last stop is the quirky and
where its creator once lived. Batsford Arboretum, will hear from Rachel unique Painswick Rococo
We will enjoy a private tour with a 56-acre arboretum and on the role of gardening Gardens. Designed as a pleasure
the head gardener. We move on to garden centre, and in our health and garden in the 1740s, it’s the UK’s
arguably the most famous garden home to the country’s wellbeing, as she only remaining rococo garden, still
of the area, Hidcote, where a largest collection of shares her experiences rich in follies and stories to explore
welcome talk by the head trees and shrubs. In Conversation – which will be brought to life on
gardener will share its rich history. At Bourton House David Hurrion with Lucy and David, the group’s private guided tour.
PLEASE NOTE: this is a busy itinerary visiting some sizeable gardens and involving a considerable amount
of walking, with little or no access to assistance. Please bear this in mind when booking this tour.
Terms & conditions: Holiday organised by and subject to booking conditions of Travel Editions Tours Ltd. Please note
all timings are approximate and may be changed. Joining instructions sent 10-14 days prior to departure. In the case
of unforeseen circumstances, experts may be substituted. Single visitors welcome at a supplement of just £195pp.
Insurance available: £30, up to 69 years old; £40, 70+ years old.

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houseplants
The tall-
stemmed
Beaucarnea
recurvata
with Aloe
erinacea and
Araucaria
cunninghamii
make an
unusual
focal point
Perfect
housemates
Matt Pottage, curator of I fell in love with houseplants while spending
time with my grandma and her seemingly
Collecting other cacti and succulents then
became my obsession, and I still own more
RHS Wisley, shows how endless assortment of scented pelargoniums than I know what to do with. Despite this, I find
(or geraniums, as she called them). However, it great fun perusing houseplants in nurseries
he grows houseplants the plant that really caught my imagination was and finding those I’ve never owned or grown
with style and flair. a Ferocactus emoryi, which she kept in her
greenhouse. I grow one of these in my office
before. They bring freshness and a sense of
style to my home, which, in turn, adds so much
otos by Sarah Cuttle to this day, and it’s a firm favourite. personality, colour and character. !

Be a houseplant rebel
• The most significant repotting. If they become
rule I have ignored for absolutely congested,
years while growing I don’t bother topdressing
houseplants is the much- with fresh compost.
repeated myth that pots Instead, I haul the plant
must have drainage holes. out of its pot, cut the
I often pot up my plants bottom 20 per cent off the
into alternative household rootball with a serrated
items that don’t have knife or saw, add new
holes in them. There is compost and feed, then
no better way to ruin pop it back in. The results
your furniture than an never disappoint.
overflowing plant saucer. • The major rule I do
• I give my plants obey is about natural light.
a liquid feed frequently No matter how cute a
during the summer, which succulent looks on your
means they never look dining table, unless your
hungry, and live happily room is flooded with
in the same pots for years excellent direct sun, it will
without the need for not want to be there.
Use household objects, like these scales, to keep tasty salads on hand for picking
A regular liquid feed ensures this aspidistra is always lush Suspend trailing plants such as rhipsalis, to allow the foliage to dangle
My tastes in plants have never followed now and find a space for it later’ approach, south-facing back room is like the Bahamas
fashion, and I have always been the odd one which I’m sure a lot of passionate plantspeople during summer. It means that as much as I’d
out by growing something variegated or with are guilty of. However, one of the most like to fill the house with cacti and succulents,
coloured foliage. I’m pleased to see a renewed important pieces of gardening advice I can the only places where they are truly happy is
appreciation from the younger generation for share regards light levels in the home. No against the sunny back room windows. Saying
these vibrant leaves, to the point where the matter how great a plant may look in a space, this, in the depths of winter they still look like
variegated Swiss cheese plant is a bigger if the light levels aren’t right, success is someone who has spent too long in a dark
celebrity on Instagram than any garden plant. unlikely. My tiny apartment in West London cupboard and needs a holiday.
I’m very much guided by my heart when it is north-facing, which results in a cave-like I adopt the less-is-more approach with my
comes to choosing plants, following the ‘buy it atmosphere in the front room. Conversely, the houseplants, meaning that each room isn’t

houseplants
An antique chair
is planted with
Zamioculcas
zamiifolia ‘Zenzi’
and Ficus pumila
‘White Sunny’
for a display
bordering on
the surreal
Houseplants bring freshness and a sense

of style to the home, which, in turn, adds so
much personality, colour and character

I choose
very tall plants
for the corners
of the room and
am not at all
concerned if
they almost
brush the
ceiling
A slender lady
palm (Rhapis
humilis) and
trailing variegated
Epipremnum
‘Njoy’ thrive by
a north-facing
window

houseplants
Get the look

Teacups and vases for spoil any surfaces below.
flowers are two of my In the grouping on the left,
favourite go-to containers the aloe and the living
for displaying houseplants. stones (lithops) sit next to
Vases usually offer a very sunny window and
excellent deep root runs, I only check them for
and teacups (especially watering every couple of
with saucers) provide no months, once the leaves
chance for moisture to start to wrinkle slightly.
Aloes and lithops love a sunny position, while these pots suit their differing needs
The staghorn fern (Platycerium wandae) gets space to spread its magnificent fronds Nephrolepis ‘Emina’ with three Cryptanthus bromelioides
heaving with foliage. However, when it comes remember as a small plant on the windowsill in the sky. Trailing plants look great on top of
to the size of these plants, I believe ‘more is when I lived at home with my parents. bookcases or mantelpieces, and while many
more’ and grow the ones that I know most I choose very tall plants for the corners people use indoor hanging baskets, I can’t
people would think were too large for their of the room, and am not concerned if they seem to find any that I like the look of. They
own homes. By having fewer, high-impact almost brush the ceiling. Conversely, I position remind me of something I made at primary
specimens, I can afford to splash out on nicer more bushy plants on the windowsills. Your school while being forced to ‘finger-knit’ when
pots. This pairing ensures they really are the houseplants must always be a picture of health, it was too wet to be outside at lunchtime!
statement pieces of the room. Some of my too nobody needs to see a houseplant
houseplants have lived with me for nearly hospital in your dining room! Should something Matthew Pottage is a writer and broadcaster
20 years and they’ve become home comforts. go pear-shaped with the care regime, or if with a keen interest in ornamental plants,
One such example is my ponytail palm a serious pest outbreak occurs, I reluctantly especially houseplants and conifers. He is
(Beaucarnea recurvata), which I vividly move casualties to the great compost heap Curator of RHS Garden Wisley. @matt.pottage
NEXT MONTH Matt shows how to make new houseplants for free

1
“We both felt
we needed a
sanctuary”
By turning a dank, concrete pad into a lush,
colourful courtyard, Gary McLaughlan
achieved finalist status in our 2019
Gardens of the Year competition
Garden size 4.5m x 3.5m
When Gary first laid eyes on the 1 Reclaimed tracery
tiny plot that he and his long-term panels and arched
partner Lindsey had inherited with windows (see p85)
their home, he became determined
to create the garden she had always
add to the sense of
a spiritual sanctuary
2
wanted, despite the odds. This design 2 Gary and Lindsey love
will inspire anyone with a compact sitting on the veranda,
area to realise its full potential. where they can admire
their achievements
What did the garden look like in all weathers
when you took it over? 3 The space is a
It was a concrete covered backyard masterclass in
surrounded by four, high, brick walls. sustainabilty –
It was damp, dingy, colourless, its structure
depressing and with no life at all. being comprised of
There was also an old shed in one upcycled old timber
corner, which took up a quarter
of the entire area.
Talk us through how you

created the various
garden elements.
With our space being so
small, I decided that I was
going to cram as much into
it as humanly possible.
I built the veranda using
reclaimed scaffold boards,
sleepers, driftwood and
Before
arched windows.

real gardens
The rock mound is very

impressive and is really well
PHOTOS: NEIL HEPWORTH.
planted – it gives the garden

a hint of the Orient!
Gardens of the Year judge, Diarmuid Gavin

GRAND IMPERIAL CITIES
Fascinating grand Imperial cities and high-speed intercity train journeys showcase the turbulent
history of Central Europe. Discover what turned these former Habsburg and Prussian cities into four
of Europe’s greatest destinations.
13 DA
FROMYS
£2,39
5
per p
erson
London Frankfurt Budapest Berlin
Vienna Prague London
Days 1-4. To Vienna Children’s Railway, a service operated by Day 13. Berlin to London
Your tour begins with an overnight visit Hungarian school children. Take a well- Bidding farewell to mainland Europe,
to the bustling city of Frankfurt, before earned rest on Day 7, which is yours to you begin your journey back by high-
continuing onto Vienna the next day. spend as you please. speed rail to Brussels, where you’ll join
From your base at the Marriott Imperial the Eurostar service to St Pancras
Riding School Renaissance, you’ll take Days 8-10. Exploring Prague International.
a tour of the city’s sights and sample its Travel to Prague, where you’ll explore
famously upmarket coffee and cake at Hradcany Castle, the largest medieval
the Schönbrunn Palace, before having complex in Europe, the 14th-century
time to explore on your own. Charles Bridge and St Vitus’ Cathedral.
Day 10 is free for you discover the city for 2020 DEPARTURES Tour code HUC
Days 5-7. Discovering Budapest yourself. 9 Apr £2,445 6 Aug £2,395

You continue by rail to Budapest, the 7 May SOLD OUT 13 Aug £2,395
jewel of the Danube. After an evening Days 11-12. To Berlin 21 May £2,495 20 Aug £2,395
spent exploring the city’ monuments, Berlin’s cosmopolitan outlook belies 28 May SOLD OUT 3 Sep SOLD OUT
beautifully illuminated against the night, its recent divided past. Take a tour of 18 Jun SOLD OUT 17 Sep £2,595
you’ll enjoy a tour around the neo-Gothic its main sights, including the iconic 16 Jul £2,495 1 Oct £2,495
Parliament building, the magnificent State Brandenburg Gate and a section of the 23 Jul £2,395 8 Oct £2,595
Opera House and Budapest Castle on Berlin Wall before spending the next day Standard class departures are also available,
from £1,995 per person. Please call for details.
Day 6. You can also take a ride on the exploring for yourself.
Fully escorted by Free Luggage 12 days in All tour excursions

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confidence, flight-inclusive holidays are ATOL or ABTOT protected, non flight-inclusive holidays are protected by ABTOT. Dates and prices are subject to availability. Prices shown are per person, based on 2 people
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real gardens
I was lucky enough to find a church

selling off their old tracery panels,
and we rescued some moss-covered
paving slabs from a neighbour’s
garden – they had been trying to
remove the moss for years! I covered
a barren looking rock mound in
moss and sedum – I remembered
seeing these growing profusely
on the industrial estates nearby,
so I thought I’d collect some. Initially
I received some curious questioning
from the estate owners, but they
look great in the garden.
What was the inspiration

behind the design?
I wanted to provide Lindsey with
the garden I knew she craved. She
told me about how much she loved
her childhood garden, especially
helping her dad with it. He sadly
passed away when she was 13.
They would catch frogs, plant trees
and even design friends’ gardens
together. After a recent tough
period, we both felt we needed a
sanctuary to give us some downtime.
Did you receive any help

with design or construction
of the garden?
I built the garden mostly on my own,
although my dad did pop over once
in a while to help me out with any
heavy lifting. Lindsey stepped in to
choose the planting and now she
! It’s impressive that such a small

space incorporates a pond, which
adds to its abundant biodiversity
" The garden intrigues with a rich
mix of textures: soft moss on
stone; spiky houseleeks on wood
"

real gardens
! Though the plot is carries out most of the plant care computer work. Lindsey is a pilates
largely in shade, the and gardening – she absolutely instructor so she likes to use the
two green walls adores ferns and mosses for their large bench area to plan her lessons.
receive partial sun texture and robustness. We couldn’t
and dazzle with a afford any professional help, What elements are
variety of forms and although we do steal the occasional you most proud of?
hues from plants like tip from watching Gardeners’ World. We both love the vertical living wall
campanula, scabious, as it has turned out rather well,
heuchera and ferns What were your biggest despite neither of us having a clue
" It also has fascinating challenges? about them! I had to research and
non-plant details like Our lack of gardening experience build it from scratch by bolting metal
found objects, retro was a big hinderance, as was the struts to the brick walls. I then
fittings and mosaics space we had to work with. Because attached galvanised fence mesh to
of the lack of sun, we had to select the struts, and fastened felt pockets
shade-tolerant plants such as ferns to the mesh. As these types of living
and mosses, and experiment with walls can be prone to drying out
what worked. I used the only two I installed a self-watering system
walls that receive partial sunlight which I also extended out to other
to build vertical green walls with planters, the green roofs and the
120 individual planting pockets, rest of the garden.
so that we could at least have an
interesting selection of plants here, Do you have a favourite
as well as on the planted green roofs. part of the garden?
The veranda is our favorite area as
" Do you spend much time

in the garden?
it allows us to view and enjoy the
whole plot year-round, no matter
The garden is used by us for a whole what the weather. We often head
host of activities, the most important outside, under the veranda, when a
probably being relaxation and storm starts, to sit back and enjoy
de-stressing. It’s an ideal place to the show. The garden probably looks
just sit and listen to the insects and at its best during a downpour as the
birds while looking over the plants moss looks even greener, plus ferns
and wildlife. I like to spend as much and other foliage glisten. In this fast-
time outside as possible, so will paced world, with brains overloaded,
complete any activity I can out here, it gives us a chance to just sit and
such as catching up on emails and be present in the moment.

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NOW OPEN
Gardens of the Year 2020 Could you and your garden be winners?
Does your garden make your
friends and family smile? If you
are proud of your planting and
delighted with your decking,
then we want to hear from you!
Our Gardens of the Year
competition 2020, sponsored
by Inspired Villages, is now open
and we’re looking for imaginitive
gardens created by our readers.
All gardens are eligible, from tiny
urban rooftops to rolling country
acres – just send in some pictures
and tell us how you made your
dream plot. Why not start getting
your garden ready to enter in 2020!
The prizes
All of our selected gardens win
a professional photo shoot
of their garden to appear in
BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine.
And, thanks to our sponsor
Inspired Villages, there are prizes
worth £10,000 up for grabs!
How to enter
Go to gardenersworld.com/
garden-competition by
15 June 2020. Upload photos
Frank’s garden won
and tell us, briefly, how you
Judge’s Choice and
created your garden.
we can see why – it’s
If your garden is selected for
a real labour of love
photography, you will be contacted
in June to arrange a date. See our
website for full terms and Winning the competition recognises all the hard
conditions. Good luck!
work I’ve put in – everyone should give it a go!
Our sponsor At Inspired Villages, 2019 Judge’s Choice Frank Bowdler
your health and happiness is at
the heart of everything we do,
so retirement can be and should be
the best years of your life. There are
villages located in Cheshire, Exeter,
Hampshire, Warwickshire and West
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; PAUL DEBOIS; JOE WAINRIGHT
Sussex, with one in development in

Kent, all offering a choice of homes
that can be adapted to your needs.
Each village has facilities including
a spa, wellness centre, bistro and
games room, plus a range of
activities such as gardening, Clever use of
gastro evenings and Zumba. space made this
A rooftop garden
garden a finalist
full of containers
wowed our judges

Your
PRUNING
MONTH
As spring arrives, it’s time to
prune evergreens, climbing
roses and borderline-tender
perennials, says Nick Bailey
Our gardens really spark back into
life this month. Bulbs are emerging,
perennials are producing fresh growth
and deciduous plants are sprouting
new leaves. As the days get noticeably
longer and the mercury rises, our
gardens and their inhabitants are
warming up for the season ahead.
In colder parts of the UK, there’s still
time to prune apples, pears and late
summer-flowering clematis (Group 3),
but in warmer areas it’s getting too late.
Climbing roses, hybrid teas and
floribundas are still fine to prune, but
the sooner the better, so they don’t
waste their energy growing leaves that
will be pruned off. Borderline-tender
perennials, such as penstemons and
phygelius, can be pruned too.
But the key plants to prune this
month are evergreens and shrubs that

flower on this year’s growth, such as
buddleias. Check them for birds’ nests
first, and leave alone if nests are in use.
Prune cherry laurels

annually to keep
them dense and
well shaped

your pruning month
Other plants to prune

March is one of the busiest months for pruning, with a wide range of trees, shrubs and other
plants, such as those featured below, requiring their annual prune.
CLIMBING ROSES Establish a balanced framework COTINUS AND CATALPA To get huge ornamental
of older stems, then shorten side-shoots by two- leaves, cut these shrubs back hard. They will
thirds to encourage abundant blooms in summer. re-sprout vigorously, even from old wood.
Cut back evergreens

TENDER EVERGREEN shrubs, such as
this variegated griselinia, are best pruned
in spring. Waiting until now should ensure
that the new growth triggered by the PHYGELIUS AND PENSTEMONS Now the worst WINTER-FLOWERING DECIDUOUS VIBURNUM
pruning won’t be damaged by hard frosts. of the frosts are over, cut top growth down to 15cm Remove a third of the oldest stems at the base
Evergreen hedging and topiary can be from the ground, to prevent them getting straggly. annually, so the shrub continues to flower well.
trimmed now to create a smooth finish.
With established evergreen shrubs,
a light natural-looking thinning out will
Don’t prune now
improve aesthetics, air circulation and
light levels beneath for other plants. Grapevines Sap pressure is currently very
high, so if you prune them this month they’ll bleed
profusely. This could weaken or even kill them.
Buddleja alternifolia Unlike the more familiar
B. davidii (see overleaf), this species blooms on last
Pruning Masterclass year’s wood, so prune after flowering in summer.
Weds. 25 March, Savill Garden Mediterranean shrubs Delay pruning the
From 10am-3.30pm more tender forms, such as French lavender and
Join BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine’s hyssop, until April, especially in colder regions.
Associate Editor, David Hurrion, and the
Prune grapevines This ensures that the subsequent re-growth
Keeper of the Gardens, John Anderson,
for a full day of activity. when dormant in won’t get damaged by late frosts.
£65pp (subscriber price) / £75pp (reader price) winter, so they Rambling roses Unlike climbing roses, these
gardenersworld.com/savill-garden don’t bleed sap bloom on stems produced the previous year, so
prune and re-train them straight after flowering.

your pruning month
Buddleja davidii
This popular buddleia species is best pruned Buddleia is a vigorous shrub and can be cut
in early spring, between late February and back hard annually, 50-100cm from the base.
early April. Pruning before it starts into growth This triggers the production of new stems
means it doesn’t waste energy growing new that will carry lots of butterfly-friendly
stems that are destined to be removed. blooms from July onwards.
Step by step
1 CUT BACK into the old woody framework of the

buddleia, aiming to leave it about 50-100cm tall.
With thick branches, make life easier by using a
2 MAKE YOUR CUTS just above a dormant bud
or new shoot. It’s not always easy to spot
dormant buds on old stems, but do your best. Prune
3 TIDY UP THE CUT STEMS – those under 1cm
thick can be chopped up and put directly onto
the compost heap. Thicker stems can be piled in a
clean, super-sharp, sickle-shaped pruning saw. Cut thinner stems with sharp secateurs and be sure to quiet corner of the garden, where they will provide
at a slight angle to ensure rainwater runs off easily. cut cleanly, so you don’t leave any snags or tears. food and shelter for many kinds of wildlife.
Top tip Use this method for...

A few popular shrubs have a nasty trick up Several other fast-growing garden shrubs will
their sleeves in the form of toxic sap (such as benefit from the same pruning technique as
euphorbias and oleander) or irritating hairs buddleia. This will trigger either fresh growth
(such as fremontodendron and phlomis). that will go on to flower later in the season
These may affect some people more than or cause plants to produce larger, more
others, but to be on the safe side it’s best Protect yourself dramatic leaves.
to wear waterproof gloves and long sleeves, from the milky sap ! Catalpa
and possibly protective glasses, whenever of euphorbias, as ! Cotinus
you prune and handle them. Wear a dust it can cause burns ! Hybrid tea and floribunda roses
mask too with plants that have irritant hairs. ! Sambucus
Buddleja davidii
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/DIFYDAVE
Calendar Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
PLANT
FLOWERS
PRUNE
NEXT MONTH Nick demonstrates how to prune a hardy fuchsia

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• Entrance to the Salvador Dalí

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relaxing Roses. Cruise to beautiful Cadaqués, explore magnificent Barcelona and
• Visit to historic Besalú
charming Figueres, basking in Catalan culture.
Days 1-2. London to Roses tour shows you the main sights including ROUTE
You meet your group and Tour Manager at Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished TO/FROM PARIS
Rail Discoveries’ dedicated Departure Office masterpiece, the stunning Sagrada Familia. CADAQUÉS
at St Pancras International today, before FIGUERES 6
Day 5. At leisure ROSES
boarding the Eurostar for Paris. In the French Enjoy another free day in Roses. If you wish, BESALÚ
capital, change trains and continue on the
visit the ancient, medieval city of Girona.
high-speed TGV to Figueres in Spain. At
Figueres, board a coach for the short journey One of the region’s true hidden gems,
to Roses. You have the day free on Day 2 to this compact city is filled with fascinating
explore Roses or you may prefer to relax on buildings and architecture.
the beach, enjoying the warm climate and Day 6. Figueres and Salvador Dalí
sunshine. This morning, travel by coach to Figueres, BARCELONA
Day 3. Cadaqués the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. Entrance to
Nights in hotel By Coach By Rail By Boat
Take a coastal cruise to Cadaqués around the fascinating Salvador Dalí Foundation,
the rugged northern headland of the bay. a large museum designed by Dalí himself,
As a protected National Park, the headland is included. Afterwards, you visit the town DEPARTURES AND PRICES
remains a beautiful stretch of untouched, of Besalú, with its magnificent 11th century
untamed coast between Roses and the pretty bridge. 2020
village of Cadaqués. Day 7. Return to London 28 May 20 £799 13, 21 Jun 20 £999
Day 4. Tour of Barcelona After breakfast, leave Roses by coach for 11 Apr 20 £879 5 Sep 20 £999
This morning, travel by coach to the Figueres and board the train to Paris, then 2 May 20 £929 26 Sep 20 £979
magnificent city of Barcelona. A guided connect with the Eurostar for London. 23 May 20 £999 10 Oct 20 £799
CALL TO BOOK OR REQUEST YOUR FREE BROCHURE
01904 730524 www.raildiscoveries.com As of 22nd January 2020
Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call
us. Book with 100% confidence, flight-inclusive holidays are ATOL or ABTOT protected, non flight-inclusive holidays are protected by ABTOT. Dates and prices are subject to availability. Prices shown are per
person, based on 2 people sharing. Prices may change prior to and after publication. Itinerary may differ depending on the departure date you choose. Terms and conditions apply. Please call for further details.
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cordless mowers on test
Cordless mowers
are light, compact
and easy to use
around the garden
ON T E S T
Cordless mowers
Lightweight, quiet and emission-free, cordless mowers are good for you and the
health of your lawn. Kay Maguire puts 16 models to the test to reveal our best buys
As the grass starts growing with a Although many models are still more ! Setup and storage We assessed
vengeance this month, a mower is an expensive than budget corded mowers, clarity of instructions, ease of assembly,
essential piece of kit for anyone with prices are falling, and most have batteries charge time and storage features.
a lawn and a cordless, battery-powered and chargers that can be used with a range ! Handling Includes comfort and ease
model is an increasingly popular option. of other tools from the same manufacturer. of use, height adjustment, weight, noise
Light and compact compared with To see what you get for your money, we levels, run time and whether the battery
traditional petrol models, cordless mowers tested 16 cordless mowers, ranging in price power level was visible
are simple to use, easy to manoeuvre from £175 to £750 (including battery and ! Mowing We looked at cutting width,
around the garden, and have none of charger, some of which have to be bought range of cutting heights, collection bag
the maintenance and servicing needs separately). They were all push operated capacity and features such as mulching.
or costs of corded and petrol models. and suitable for small or medium-large ! Value for money All the above points
Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion lawns. Each was unpacked, assembled and were considered, as well as any special
battery, which charges up quickly and then used to mow a range of grass features, quality and design, warranty
won’t lose power in storage, they are and terrains. We used the following and their recommended retail
also quiet and emission free. criteria to calculate our scores: price (RRP) including battery and charger.

Cordless mowers explained
Controls A simple push

button to start rather than
Handle Ideally adjustable tugging on a cord. May also
to suit different heights. have a battery charge
Most fold in half for easy indicator, eco mode or
storage, while some fold noise reduction.
down completely.
Battery housing
The battery slots into place
once charged. Some
are transparent, so you
can see the battery power
level as you mow.
Grass collector Collects

clippings, holding between
30L and 60L. Made of plastic
or fabric. some have a full
indicator that shows when Height of cut All offer a
it needs emptying. range of cutting heights,
typically between five
and seven, which should
be simple to adjust.
Cutting width Cutting

deck size varies from 30cm
to 47cm. Narrower decks
are easy to manoeuvre,
wider decks save time.
Safety key All have an isolator or safety key Lithium-ion battery Come in a range of Charger Charging can take 30-165 mins and
that needs to be inserted for the mower to voltage (V) and ampere (Ah) sizes, which dictate most models have fast chargers available at
start. Store away from the mower so children power and run time. Run times are in minutes an extra cost. Indicator lights show when the
aren’t tempted to start it by themselves. or the area they will cover on a single charge. battery is charging and fully charged.
96 gardenersworld.com October
March 2020
2019
BUDGET – UNDER £300
SCORE: 17/20 SCORE: 16/20 SCORE: 17/20

Flymo Mighti Mo 300 Li Cobra MX344OV Ryobi ONE+ RLM18X33B50
£174.99 Cut width 30cm Weight 9.9kg £219.99 Cutting width 34cm Weight 16.3kg £249.99 Cutting width 33cm Weight 8.1kg
Battery size 40V 2Ah Max. lawn size 250m2 Battery size 40V 2.5Ah Run time 40 mins Battery size 18v 5.0Ah Max. lawn size 200m2
(25 mins) Noise 85.6dB Warranty Two years Noise 92dB Warranty Two years Noise 96dB Warranty Three years
Clear instructions but 30L grass box assembly 35L grass box needs assembly. Folds for Easy assembly. Folds down for storage. Five
tricky. Folds for storage. Five cutting heights, storage. Five cutting heights – 25-75mm – but cutting heights – 25-65mm – but lever difficult.
25-65mm. Spare safety key. Light and quiet. handle stiff. Quiet and light. Battery power Mulching plug. 35L grass bag. Noisy. Mows to
120 mins charge time. indicator on handle. 85 mins charge time. the edge. 150 mins charge time.
Pros & cons Pros & cons Pros & cons
Easy to set up and fold down Easy to manoeuvre and folds for storage Light, easy to assemble and folds for storage
Quiet Quiet and light Cuts well with edging mode
Light and easy to manoeuvre Battery power indicator on handle Mulching plug
Battery hard to get in and out Height adjuster lever stiff and difficult to use Long charge time
Grass box hard to assemble Struggled with longer grass Height of cut lever flimsy and hard to adjust
Long charge time Assembly instructions unclear Noisy for the price range
Set up/storage Mowing Set up/storage Mowing Set up/storage Mowing

Handling Value for money Handling Value for money Handling Value for money

BEST
BUY

Gardena PowerMax Li-18/32 Worx WG779E Energizer 20V Lawnmower
£299 Cutting width 32cm Weight 9.3kg £199.99 Cutting width 34cm Weight 12kg £249.99 Cutting width 34cm Weight 9.9kg
Battery size 2 x 18V 2.6Ah Max. lawn size Battery size 2 x 20V 2Ah Max. lawn size Battery size 2 x 20V 4Ah Max. lawn size 200m2
230m2 Noise 87dB Warranty Two years 230m2 Noise 90dB Warranty Three years Noise 94dB Warranty Two years
Fiddly assembly, 30L grass box difficult. 10 cutting Easy assembly. Folds for storage. 30L grass Clear instructions and simple assembly. Folds
heights, 20-60mm; stiff central dial. Cuts to the bag ready-made. Six cutting heights, 20-70mm. for storage. 35L grassbag. Six cutting heights,
edge. 180 mins charge time. Cuts to edge. 120 mins charge time. 25-75mm. 120 mins charge time.
Light and easy to use Easy assembly and storage, long warranty Easy assembly and storage
10 cut heights and cuts to the edge Turbo and Eco modes Light
Batteries and charger interchangeable Robust, light and easy to manoeuvre Battery and charger interchangeable
with other tools in the system Battery and charger interchangeable with other Energizer 20V tools
Long charge time with other Worx 20V tools Struggled on longer grass
Tricky assembly and grass box Long charge time Long charge time
Stiff height-adjustment dial One handle height



BUDGET – UNDER £300 MID RANGE – £300-£500

Mountfield Princess 34 Li Greenworks G40LM41 40 Kärcher LMO 18 36 Battery Set
Freedom 48 £349.99 Cutting width 41cm Weight 18kg £349.99 Cutting width 36cm Weight 14.2kg
£289 Cutting width 34cm Weight 12kg Battery size 40V 2Ah Max. lawn size 800m2 Battery size 18V 5Ah Max. lawn size 350m2
Battery size 48V 2Ah Max. lawn size Noise 90.3dB Warranty Two years (three for Noise 96dB Warranty One year
250-400m2 Noise 91dB Warranty Two years battery and charger) Folds for storage. Four cutting heights, 30-70mm.
Assembly of 35L grass box tricky. Struggled on Assembly fiddly. Folds for storage. 2-in-1 function. 45L collection bag. Mulch or collect. Battery
longer grass. Six cutting heights, 25-75mm. Five cutting heights, 25-80mm. Collection or displays power in minutes. 143 mins charge time.
Collect, mulch or rear discharge. 62 mins charge. mulching. 50L grass bag. 60 mins charge time. Pros & cons
Pros & cons Pros & cons Adjustable handle height
Rear roller, anti-scalping plate, 3-in-1 function Lightweight, comfortable and folds for storage Light, manoeuvres well, mows to the edge
Comfortable to use Large collection bag Battery and charger interchangeable with
Battery and charger interchangeable with Battery and charger interchangeable other Kärcher 18V Universe tools
other Freedom 48 tools with other Greenworks 40V tools Only four cutting heights
Height of cut adjuster tricky Tricky assembly Long charge time
Grass box hard to put together No battery power indicator Awkward assembly

(((;; ((((( ((((; ((((( ((((; (((((
((((; ((((; ((((; ((((; ((((; ((((;
PREMIUM – OVER £500
BEST
BUY

Husqvarna LC247iX Honda IZY ON 416XB Stihl RMA 443C
£707.99 Cutting width 47cm Weight 24kg £650 Cutting width 41cm Weight 22.5kg £555 Cutting width 41cm Weight 21kg
Battery size 36V 5.2Ah Run time 20 mins Battery size 36V 4Ah Max. lawn size 365m2 Battery size 36V Max. lawn size 350m2
Noise 93dB Warranty One year Noise 91dB Warranty Two years Noise 92dB Warranty Two years
55L grass bag. Six cutting heights, 20-75mm. Came dealer assembled, but not the 50L grass Assembled by dealer. Mono handlebar design.
Battery power level on handle. Eco mode. box. Six cutting heights, 20-74mm. Battery power 55L grass box. Six cutting heights 25-75mm.
Warning light. 130 mins charge time. level on handle. Steel deck. 35 mins charge time. Eco mode. 165 mins charge time.
Comes assembled and folds flat for storage Fast charge time Folds flat easily for storage
Battery power level clearly visible on handle Battery power level on handle Useful grass box design
Cuts well Cuts and manoeuvres well, and good on slopes Quiet, light and easy to handle
App for service needs and run time Battery and char Battery compatible with Stihl cordless tools
Battery compatible with Husqvarna products No battery level indicator visible
Heavy ger interchangeable with other Honda Height of cut mechanism felt imprecise
Long charge time Universal Battery tools Long charge time

((((( ((((( ((((; ((((; ((((( ((((;
((((; ((((; ((((( ((((; ((((; ((((;

BEST
BUYS
BEST
BUY Best value
WorxWG779E £199.99
Easy to assemble and
use, and packed with
features for the price.
A great-value mower
that’s ideal for
smaller lawns.
SCORE: 19/20 SCORE: 18/20

Ego LM1701E Gtech CLM 2.0
£479 Cutting width 42cm Weight 25kg £499.99 Cutting width 42cm Weight 13.5kg
Battery size 56V 2.5Ah Run time 20 mins Battery size 48V 2Ah Run time 40 mins
Noise 95dB Warranty Five years Noise 96dB Warranty Two years
55L grass bag. Seven cutting heights, 20-80mm. Clear assembly instructions but handles are
30 mins to charge. Collect, mulch, rear discharge. awkward. 50L grass bag. Six cutting heights Best for extra features
Pros & cons 30-80mm. Cuts to edge. 60 mins charge time. EgoLM1701E£479
Easy to assemble and folds for storage Pros & cons A well-thought-out mower
Adjustable handle height for different users Fast charge time that folds and stores
Sturdy and easy to handle Folds flat for storage easily, has plenty of
Clear visibility of battery power levels Battery power level visible while mowing features and is easy
Battery and charger interchangeable Light, comfortable and easy to use to manoeuvre.
with other Ego Power+ tools Mows to edge A pleasure to use.
Wide range of cutting heights Assembly is time consuming
Short run time on battery supplied Feels less robust than others at similar price
Ease of handling Setting up/storage Set up/storage Mowing

((((( ((((( ((((; (((((
Cutting performance Value for money Handling Value for money
((((; ((((( ((((( ((((;
Best for bigger lawns

MakitaDLM460PT2£530
BEST Good features, with the
BUY most heights of cut, quiet
mode and mulching
option. Robust, with
an aluminium deck,
this is great value.
SCORE: 17/20 SCORE: 17/20

Makita DLM460PT2 John Deere R43B
£530 Cutting width 46cm Weight 27.6kg £750 Cutting width 43cm Weight 24.5 kg
Battery size 2 x 18V 5Ah Max. lawn size Battery size 40v 4Ah Max. lawn size 320m2
800m2 Noise 91dB Warranty One year Noise 96dB Warranty Two years Best for medium lawns
Mulching or collection. 60L grass bag. Ten cutting Dealer assembled. Collection, mulch and side Husqvarna LC247iX £707.99
heights, 20-75mm. Quiet mode. Battery power discharge. 55L grass bag. Seven cutting heights A well-designed mower that cuts
level on handle. 45 mins charge time. 22-80mm. Mows to edge. Lacks features for efficiently, handles well and
Pros & cons price. 120 mins charge time. has good features, including
Battery power level on handle Pros & cons Eco mode, warning lights
Fast charge time Adjustable handle height and app connectivity.
Ten cut heights Mows to the edge
Adjustable handle height Robust
Robust steel deck Height of cut imprecise
Heavy Long charge time
Assembly awkward for the price Heavy
Set up/storage Mowing Set up/storage Mowing

((((; ((((( ((((; ((((;
Handling Value for money Handling Value for money
((((; ((((; ((((( ((((;

Choosing your mower

Consider the following to help you choose the right cordless mower for you
Before you buy Check that everything you which is worth considering. Buying one robust
need is included. You may need to buy the model now rather than more mowers later
collection bag or a mulching plug separately, is good for your wallet and the environment.
and the battery and charger may not come as
part of the set. Budget brands are trickier to Weight Manoeuvrability is key with
experience hands-on as they are often display hand-push models, particularly if your lawn
only and bought boxed. Higher-priced mowers is large or slopes, or you need to carry
can be trialled at garden machinery dealers. the mower in and out of storage.
Assembly Premium brands are usually 3-in-1 mowing systems With some models,
available from a dealer ready to go, but budget you can choose from collecting clippings for
brands are often packed into small boxes to disposal, mulching them by shredding and then
limit transport costs and can take time to put dropping them onto the lawn to fertilise the Many batteries can also be used with other
together. Assembling handles and plastic grass grass, or discharging them whole back onto the tools within the manufacturer’s range
collectors can be particularly tricky. lawn. The last two options save time and the
strength needed to empty the collection box,
Lawn size Match the mower to the size of but mulching, which works by fitting a mulching
your lawn – ideally a fully charged battery will plug, only works if the lawn is cut regularly.
last long enough for you to finish the job. Most
mowers have a recommended maximum lawn Grass collector These vary in size and can
size, but this can depend on the conditions and dictate how often you need to stop mowing
user on the day. If your lawn is large, opt for a to empty the clippings.
mower with a wide cutting width to save time.
Height of cut Switching between cutting
Battery size Batteries, which varied from heights should be easy. A single lever that
18V to 56V and from 2Ah to 5Ah in our test, moves smoothly through the range is ideal.
determine the cutting power and run time of the
mower. Some mowers use two batteries so you Storage If storage space is tight, consider
can mow for longer, others have an eco-mode how easily the handles fold flat or if it can
that saves power. Many are part of a battery be hung or stood up vertically.
system, and the battery and charger can be
used with other tools helping you save money. Warranty The length of warranty varies, The size of your mower’s grass collector
and can also differ between the mower, will determine how often it needs emptying
Durability y The quality of materials can relate battery and charger. Some manufacturers
to the price. Budget models made from require the mower to be registered in order
lightweight plastic are unlikely to last for long, to get the longest warranty period. Suppliers
Cobra cobragarden.co.uk
Ego egopowerplus.co.uk
Energizer energizer-tools.com
Flymo flymo.com/uk
Gtech gtech.co.uk
Gardena gardena.com
Greenworks greenworkstools.eu
Honda honda.co.uk
Husqvarna husqvarna.com
John Deere deere.co.uk
Kärcher kaercher.com
Makita makitauk.com
Mountfield
mountfieldlawnmowers.co.uk
Ryobi uk.ryobitools.eu
Stihl stihl.co.uk
Worx worx.com
Many mowers MORE ONLINE See in-depth

can be folded to product reviews, Best Buy round-
store – great if ups and video Buyer’s Guides at
space is tight gardenersworld.com/reviews
NEXT MONTH Kay Maguire puts Dutch hoes to the test to discover our best buys

IL
RA HO
8 DAY
LID
Price
£1795
AY
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HAYLOFT PLANTS, MANOR FARM NURSERY, PENSHAM, PERSHORE, WORCESTERSHIRE WR10 3HB
growing tomatoes
Enjoy home-grown
tomatoes straight
from the vine
No plot is complete without this summer staple. Sally Nex explains everything you
need to know to ensure delicious, bumper harvests and how to avoid common pitfalls
You’re more likely to find skyrocketing they ripen properly you don’t have to stop there. alongside conventional
tomatoes in British gardens than here, too. Once you’ve enjoyed Juicy heirloom beefsteaks, meaty glasshouse ‘cordon’ varieties.
any other vegetable, with over the burst of flavour from a just- Italian plums and sweet little Training is simple: many are
60 per cent of us growing them, picked, home-grown tomato, cherry toms to pop in your kids’ grown as a single stem, so you
making them more popular than still warm from the sun, it spoils lunchboxes are all available in can pack plenty of varieties into a
PHOTO: JASON INGRAM
potatoes, strawberries and salads. your experience of shop-bought seed catalogues. Plant shapes are small space. But let’s also look at
It’s easy to see why: tomatoes ones forever. changing, too. There are hanging alternatives, because, as well as
are inexpensive to raise from Newcomers to growing your basket ‘tumbling’ types, compact conventional single-stemmed
seed, and as climate change own food will be familiar with ‘patio’ varieties for containers and cordons, I’ve put three other
sends summer temperatures round red salad varieties, but multi-stemmed bush tomatoes, methods through their paces.

Grow your free seeds
Subscribers to
BBC Gardeners’ World
Magazine get free Tomato
‘Maskotka’ seeds with this
issue – it’s a tumbling variety for
hanging baskets or pots that doesn’t
need training.
Fill 10cm-diameter pots with loam-based Scatter the seeds evenly on top, so
1 or peat-free seed compost. Level off the
top, gently tamp down, then water them
2 that each one is between 1-2cm apart.
Sow just a few more than you need so that
thoroughly and allow to drain. you aren’t swamped with surplus plants.
Cover with a 5mm layer of compost or Label each pot with the variety and
3 vermiculite and firm down gently. Give
the seeds a light water in – not too much,
4 sowing date. Keep the compost just
moist – a clear plastic bag will reduce drying
otherwise they’ll flood and all float to the side. out if you don’t have a propagator.
Keep warm (15-20°C) in a heated The seedlings will emerge between Handling them by the leaves rather
5 propagator, or place the pots on a bright,
well-lit windowsill (good light is essential,
6 seven to 14 days after sowing. Once
their leaves are large enough to handle,
7 than the stems (which are easily
crushed), replant each seedling in its own
otherwise seedlings will be leggy). gently tip the whole potful out. 8cm pot of peat-free, multi-purpose compost.

growing tomatoes
Tomato planting
Greenhouse toms
If your tomatoes are destined to Transplant potted plants
crop in a greenhouse, plant them into their final positions
into containers, growing bags or
the greenhouse border as soon
as the first tiny flower trusses
form. Choose a large pot, at least
30cm wide and deep for standard-
sized varieties, and fill with
peat-free compost.
Baskets, bags
and containers
Hanging basket varieties should
be planted into large baskets –
small ones will dry out too quickly,
especially in the height of summer
once temperatures soar and
root systems become extensive.
Planter-style growing bags will
provide the extra compost volume
needed to avoid drought-stressed
plants – these bags are also ideal
for patio growing.
Planting outside
Outdoor crops need hardening off:
once night-time temperatures are
reliably in double figures (this
generally occurs in early June),
move plants outside for the day,
then bring them back indoors at
night, for a week, before planting
outside permanently. Reduce watering in late
summer to intensify the
fruits’ flavour
Feed plants fortnightly

while they are growing
Secrets of success
Give tomatoes the If growing plants Automatic irrigation Add liquid seaweed Cut back on watering
warmest, sunniest and outside, choose early- will keep your soil fortnightly while plants from late summer to
most sheltered spot – fruiting types like ‘Shirley’, consistently damp. Link are growing. When the intensify flavours. Water
ideally, positioning them and bush varieties such as leaky hoses via a timer fruits form, switch to a just as often, but with half
inside a greenhouse or ‘Red Alert’ which produce to an outside tap or a potassium-rich tomato quantities to avoid diluting
a polytunnel. fruit sooner. water-butt pump. feed to boost trusses. the all-important sugars.

A CUT ABOVE
THE REST
CUT GRASS
WITHOUT
A CORD
OR FUMES!
Choose the power of petrol with none of the noise, smell or hassle.
Better for the environment and better for you.
With INTELLICUT™ technology and 6 height settings you can choose how
high or how low you want to go with an easy lever adjustment.
The Power Share range allows you to swap the 20V batteries with other
tools in the range.
Find out more at

worx.com
growing tomatoes
Tomato training
Four ways to train: these methods help to boost water and nutrient uptake, but which was best?
Single cordons
Best for Larger fruits.
Method The conventional
growing technique: tie each
tomato plant to a single,
sturdy cane, pinching out any
sideshoots that form to leave
one central stem.
Results While single cordons
produced fewer fruits than
the other methods, individual
tomatoes were larger – but
plants struggled in drought.
Tie your plant to a

cane to support the
central stem
Double cordons Earthing up

Best for High yields. Best for Strong growth. Lay young plants
Method Sink canes either Method Once plants are 40cm sideways in a trench
side of the plant. Tie the main high, strip off their lower leaves then backfill with soil
stem to one, then train the and wrap cardboard around the
first sideshoot onto the second stem to make a collar. Wrap string
cane. Remove other sideshoots around this cylinder to make it
that appear. secure, then fill it almost to the top
Results We had bumper harvests, with compost.
with almost twice as many Results By June these were the
tomatoes, though individual fruits biggest plants in the greenhouse.
were smaller. The plants also They weren’t bothered by drought
suffered in the hot, dry summer. and produced the first fruits.
Burying seedlings
Best for Drought resistance. tie it to a sturdy cane.
Method Remove the lower leaves, Results This method produced

then lay young plants sideways extra roots, resulting in noticeably
Use two canes to support Wrap the stem in cardboard in a 15cm-deep trench. Backfill greener foliage and an extended
the stem and a sideshoot and fill with compost with soil to bury the stem, then cropping season. Plants coped
gently bend the tip upright and better in high temperatures.

growing tomatoes
Tomato troubleshooter
Despite all best intentions, disaster can sometimes strike – here’s how to tackle problems
Look after your plants

and you‘ll enjoy
bumper harvests
Blight marks the fruits and makes Alternatively, you can release Fruit splitting is a result of midsummer. It lives in the soil and
them unpalatable. It’s worse in the biological control Encarsia fluctuating water levels. If you there’s no cure – so if your soil’s
damp weather, so grow in a formosa (a parasitic wasp) in flood plants their fruits will burst, infected, grow resistant varieties
greenhouse to keep leaves dry early summer. especially thin-skinned varieties like ‘Fandango’ or grow plants in
and avoid splashing the foliage. Blossom end rot is a calcium like ‘Sungold’. With summer containers or growing bags.
PHOTO: JASON INGRAM
Outside, grow blight-resistant deficiency, causing brown, corky downpours, it is hard to avoid
varieties like ‘Mountain Magic’. fruit bases. It’s caused by uneven this with outdoor tomatoes. GET MORE top tomato advice
Whitefly sap suck and weaken watering. Never let tomatoes Verticillium wilt is a nasty at gardenersworld.com/
your plants – grow French dry out and keep the soil damp fungal disease that causes plants tomatoes
marigolds nearby to deter them. throughout the season. to droop and die suddenly in

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visit: www.strulch.co.uk or call 01943 863610
Part 3
Grow your own

sugar alternatives
Looking to replace sugar in your diet, but still crave the sweet
taste? Alex Mitchell shows how with three homegrown crops
Who needs sugar when you can grow your own and process into delicious powders or syrups.
natural sweeteners? In the final part of my series on Some, such as calorie-free stevia or yacon, make
growing for wellness, I’m looking at crops that make straight swaps for sugar; others act as ‘extenders’
healthier alternatives to sugar. so you can reduce the quantity of sugar you add
As our waistlines expand, we are increasing our while cooking. Plant these now and sweeten your
risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart tea with a clear conscience.
disease. The good news is that there are steps we
can take, including cutting down on the white stuff. Alex Mitchell is a garden writer and author of
Try these crops that are surprisingly easy to grow five books on growing edibles. @alexmitchelleg
Yacon tubers taste

like an unripe pear
with the texture of
water chestnut
YACON
This perennial grown by the Incas syrup and use as you would runny Yacon alternative
looks like a bushy sunflower, but honey. It is high in an energy- If you can’t source yacon,
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/FRANÇOIS ANGERS
it’s what’s happening underground storing compound called inulin plant Jerusalem artichoke
that’s really interesting. Eaten raw, and, although you taste the tubers instead, as these also
the tubers combine the refreshing sweetness, your body doesn’t contain inulin, and are more
crunch of water chestnuts with digest it, which means it limits the readily available from garden
the flavour of an unripe pear, but impact on your blood sugar. Plant centres and via mail order.
you can also make them into a yacon in a sunny spot in fertile soil Position them in a sunny spot,
syrup, which although a ‘free’ and wait until the first frosts bearing in mind their height
sugar, provides only a third of the before digging up the tubers. (mature plants can easily
calories of sugar. Juice the tubers Sow Order plants now to plant reach 2m tall) and subsequent
then reduce it to a dark, sweet out as soon as they arrive shade-casting abilities.

grow yourself healthy
YACON SYRUP
You will need
V 500g yacon tubers,
washed and diced

V 2 tbsp water
Gently press the cubes of

yacon through a juicing
machine, discarding the
fibrous pulp. Pour the juice
into a heavy-based
saucepan, with a little water
added. Bring to the boil,
then turn down to a gentle
simmer and reduce by
two thirds to three quarters
in volume (skim off any
impurities floating on the
surface). Allow to cool
slightly, pour into sterilised
glass bottles and leave to
cool completely. Use within
five days, storing the syrup
in the refrigerator.
Check yacon tubers

to see if they are ripe
before harvesting

grow yourself healthy
Just pick a few

stevia leaves and SWEET CICELY
add immediately This easygoing perennial herb
to hot drinks will establish in most soils and
has delightful fern-like leaves
and white lace flowers. If you
chew the stems, flowers or
leaves, they are slightly sweet,
with a taste of aniseed. The
beauty of sweet cicely is its
ability to take the sourness out
of fruit while cooking, so you
don’t have to add so much sugar.
When cooking rhubarb or apples,
add a couple of tablespoons
of finely chopped leaves, stems
and flower heads. After cooking,
taste, then add sugar until
it is the required sweetness.
STEVIA Sow Order sweet cicely plugs
POWDER in spring or autumn, or sow
seed now in pots
Fresh stevia leaves are fun
to nibble for a sugary hit and Sweet cicely alternative
will slightly sweeten hot drinks, Angelica can be used in an
but the best way to process identical way to sweet cicely,
stevia is to turn it into a as it also contains the same
powder. Harvest the leaves aniseed-flavoured compound
and dry them in a dehydrator that reduces the sourness of
or very low oven until they cooked fruit. This stately plant
can be crumbled into a fine is a biennial, not producing its lofty
green powder. Then store in stems until the second year of
an air-tight jar. It’s powerful growth. Either grow it from seed
stuff – just a quarter of a and be patient if you need larger
teaspoon will sweeten tea. harvests, or buy as young,
one-year-old, plants.
Grow sweet cicely in moist, free-

draining soil, in dappled shade
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/ANNE GREEN-ARMYTAGE; TIM SANDALL
Suppliers
! Chiltern Seeds
STEVIA (for stevia and cicely)
The raw leaves of stevia, grown produce rooted stems that you sizeable kitchen machines so chilternseeds.co.uk
since early Aztec times in Mexico, can detach and grow on into consider storage before buying. ! Crocus (for cicely)
are almost 40 times sweeter than new plants the following year. Look to pay between £30 and crocus.co.uk
refined sugar but have no calories. Grow Order plug plants now. £250 for a food dehydrator. Most ! Jekka’s Herb Farm
It makes a great pot plant by the Best bought as plants since models work by simply pulling (for stevia and cicely)
back door over summer, planted seed is tricky to germinate warm air over mesh shelves. jekkas.com
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it bushy. Stevia is too tender to and powdering stevia, drying ! Sous Vide Tools ! Sarah Raven (for cicely)
leave outside over winter, so bring herbs, and creating fruit leathers sousvidetools.com sarahraven.com
the plant into the house – it will and vegetable chips. They can be ! UK Juicers ukjuicers.com

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March growing guide
We share what to sow and plant this month, for a healthy, nutrient-packed harvest
DO IT Key crops for March

now
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Aubergines SOW INDOORS
The purple pigment in the skin has protective HARVEST

benefits that may help maintain healthy brain Tip Pinch out the growing tip of the main stem when plants reach 30cm tall to encourage branching. For
function. Modern varieties are less bitter. the best crop, grow under glass. Sow 1cm deep Final spacing 60cm apart 75cm between rows
Broad beans SOW SOW
These are helpful for weight loss as they HARVEST

are a good source of protein and fibre which Tip To boost cropping, water well when plants begin flowering and again two weeks later. Harvest when
promotes a feeling of fullness after eating. beans are small and tender. Sow 5cm deep Final spacing 20cm apart 45cm between rows
Carrots SOW
Rich in beta-carotene, which is turned into HARVEST

vitamin A in the body and essential for vision, Tip Before sowing, dig over soil and remove any stones to prevent forking. If space is tight, grow round-
healthy skin and a robust immune system. rooted varieties in large pots. Sow 1cm deep Final spacing 10cm apart 30cm between rows
Celeriac SOW
With less than half the carbs of potatoes and HARVEST HARVEST
more bone-building phosphorus, celeriac Tip Don’t let plants dry out – keep the soil constantly damp and spread a thick mulch over the surface
makes a healthy, lower-carb alternative. to hold in moisture. Sow 1cm deep Final spacing 30cm apart 45cm between rows
Cucumbers SOW INDOORS
A hydrating food, enjoy your cucumbers with HARVEST

the peel on and the seeds intact to optimise Tip Sow the flat seeds on their side so they don’t rot. Provide support for plants to climb up. Pinch out shoots a
your intake of nutrients such as beta-carotene. few leaves beyond developing fruits. Sow 3cm deep Final spacing 45cm apart 45cm between rows
Parsnips SOW
Packed with sweetness, these make a useful HARVEST HARVEST

source of energising B vitamins, including Tip Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially in summer. This will help to prevent
folate for nerve and blood cell formation. thes roots splitting. Sow 3cm deep Final spacing 15cm apart 30cm between rows
Potatoes PLANT
A good source of potassium and fibre, which HARVEST

helps decrease the risk of heart disease. Tip Earth up the stems as they grow to get a bigger crop. Wait until the flowers open before digging up your
Potatoes are also a source of vitamin C. crop of tubers. Plant 15cm deep Final spacing 45cm apart 75cm between rows
Rhubarb PLANT PLANT
It supplies fibre to help maintain a healthy HARVEST

digestive system and is a source of vitamin K, Tip Remove old leaves as they die in autumn to expose the crown to frost. This helps to stimulate new stems
which supports wound healing. the following year. Plant level with soil surface Final spacing 90cm apart 30cm between rows
Strawberries PLANT PLANT
Sweet yet low calorie. One cup of strawberries HARVEST

(100g) contains all the vitamin C you need in a Tips: Plant so the crown is level with the soil surface – if you plant too high it will dry out, if you plant too
day, as well as other protective antioxidants. deeply it may rot. Plant level with soil surface Final spacing 30cm apart 60cm between rows
Turnips SOW
Add the leaves to a salad and enjoy the root HARVEST

cooked with a little olive oil or butter to Tip Sow small batches every two to three weeks for a continuous supply of tender and tasty young roots.
optimise your intake of fat-soluble vitamin K. Harvest when small and sweet. Sow 2cm deep Final spacing 15cm apart 30cm between rows
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WHAT TO
WHAT TO DO NOW | MARCH

DO NOW
This practical section is packed with advice from the Gardeners’ World team on… Q Lifting and dividing border
perennials Q Sowing sweet peas Q Making a speedy floral display Q Controlling greenfly Q Repotting pond plants
130 Harvest broccoli 121 Prune clematis
122 Take basal cuttings
135 Lay lawn turf
124 Use a propagator

PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; PAUL DEBOIS; JASON INGRAM
TURN THE PAGE FOR 50 THINGS TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH !

MONTY’S MONTH
A bounty of

Narcissus
‘Tête-à-tête’
and other
spring bulbs
brighten
Monty’s
potting
shed area
Monty’s month
March is irresistible. It can be like a irises, crocus, the first species tulips,
naughty child – throwing tantrums of muscari, chionodoxa, scillas – they are
snow and ice, gales and rain – often all all flowering strongly and even a few
in the same day. But just when your snowdrops linger into the beginning of
patience is wearing thin it charms you. the month. The days are getting longer –
It has to be exceptionally mild here at the clocks change at the end of the
Longmeadow for the ground to warm up month – and March, out of all the months
but the sun can and does shine. This is in the gardener’s year, is the one where
the month when bulbs really take charge, time presses most urgently. Winter jobs
growing and flowering regardless of the need to be finished along with sowing, WATCH Seasonal
video tips from Monty at
weather, adding an array and intensity of planting, getting that feel of soil on your gardenersworld.com/
colour that sweeps winter away. Daffodils, hands and just a little sun on your back. monty

MONTY’S MONTH
Plant out hardy salads

I sow my first salad crops in soon as they are ready. Being ‘ready’ vagaries of Mad March weather. They
January so that they are ready to is really a question of when they have get established for a week or two and
plant out in March. They are the developed a root system that is as big can be harvested throughout April
varieties and types best suited to and developed as possible without and into May – by which time less
cooler weather, such as rocket, becoming rootbound in their plugs, robust salad crops have had the
mizuna, some lettuce varieties and and the best judge of that is to same upbringing and are ready to
curly endive. The seeds are sown into extract a sample and see if the roots take their place.
seed trays and germinate on a are visible all round but not encircling.
heated bench in the greenhouse. I then plant them into a raised bed at VISIT
These seedlings are then pricked out about 15cm spacing, water them in gardenersworld.com/
into plugs, grown on, hardened off well and cover them with an open vegetable for tips on
how to grow salad veg
via a cold frame and planted out as ended cloche to guard against the
Cold-tolerant
‘Brune d’hiver’,
a compact,
hardy, French
lettuce (left),
is ready to
harvest in
May if plugs
are planted
in March

Cut back late-flowering clematis for masses of flowers this summer
Prune late-flowering clematis

March is the best time to prune early summer. So you can cut them
back late-flowering clematis. There hard at the end of winter and all
should be some healthy new last year’s growth will be replaced
shoots but there’s still plenty of and bear flowers from along its
time for it to grow good and strong whole length. When growing in
from a harsh pruning, to give you a a border up a support of bean
good display from late summer. sticks, it’s a good idea to replace
All the group 3 or late-flowering the sticks now if they are fragile.
varieties like Clematis viticella, or Finally, give each clematis a feed
C. texensis, produce their flowers and then a very generous mulch
on new shoots made in spring and to help preserve moisture.
Sow batches
BROAD BEANS of broad beans
DON’T FORGET
We don’t risk sowing our earliest over the next ! Cut back cornus and
months for a willow hard now, to
batches of broad beans long season bene it from colourful
of harvests stems in winter
outdoors as our clay soil is
too cold. Instead we sow ! Create drifts of
PHOTOS: MARSHA ARNOLD; GETTY/CHENGYUZHENG; JASON INGRAM
Anemone blanda by
under cover and plant lifting and dividing
established clumps
out the resulting
seedlings this month ! Start o f your sun lowers
in plugs indoors
when they are sturdy
! Plant early potatoes
with good roots. when the soil warms
Later this month
we’ll also sow WATCH
some seeds Videos and get tips at
gardenersworld.com/
fruit-veg
directly into the soil.
FLOWERS
Make a speedy Start off

flower display begonia tubers

It’s easy to create a colourful Start begonia tubers into growth
annual flower patch now. Annuals now, to bring colour to patio pots,
germinate fast and flower in just a hanging baskets and borders this
few weeks. Popular options include summer. Choose large, firm tubers
cornflowers, California poppies, and plant them hollow-side up,
love-in-a-mist and toadflax. There 10cm apart, into pots or trays of
are plenty more too, so do some potting compost. Cover them with
research and choose a colourful a 1cm layer of compost and water
selection for a long-lasting display. well. Place them on a warm
A whole annual border has great windowsill or in a greenhouse,
impact, but small pockets within a and shoots will soon appear.
border can also give a striking colour
boost. Weed and rake the sowing WATCH
area first. Then mix all the different Videos and get tips at
seeds with some dry sand. Sow gardenersworld.com/
seeds-bulbs
in rows, then weed anything that
germinates out of line – thin out
the seedlings as they grow.
FE FRIE
LI
WILD
ND
LY
Get lilies off to a good start in deep pots of loam-based compost
Pot up lily bulbs

Select large deep pots for growing 5cm apart, then cover with a layer of
lilies so you can plant several bulbs in compost equivalent to the height of
each. Part-fill the pot with rich loam- the bulb. Water well to settle the
based potting compost. Place the compost, then spread a layer of grit
Clear weeds, rake smooth, then bulbs on the surface, with the scales on the top to deter slugs. Lilies are Space begonia tubers 10cm
sow your annual flower mix pointing upwards. Space them about hungry, so feed regularly all summer. apart, hollow-side upwards
STEP BY STEP How to take basal cuttings

Many herbaceous plants in
pots and borders are currently
sprouting new shoots that can
be used as cuttings. These
include dahlias, heleniums,
asters, delphiniums and phlox.
Cuttings will root fast, with or
without heat. Water regularly
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; PAUL DEBOIS; JASON INGRAM
and they’ll be ready to plant

into borders this summer.
WORDS: EMMA CRAWFORTH; ROSIE YEOMANS
1 PUSH a knife down into the soil

to cut off a vigorous young shoot
from the outside of the clump.
2 REMOVE the lower leaves, cut any
large leaves in half, and pinch out
the tip. Trim to about 10cm long.
3 INSERT several cuttings around
the edge of a pot of gritty cuttings
1 2 3
compost, firm in, then water.

SNOWDROP CARE

Divide the
With snowdrops in clump into
pots, snip o f the smaller
sections, each
lower stems once with plenty
the blooms have of roots and LOOK OUT FOR
strong shoots slugs eating
faded. Apply a new shoots
liquid fertiliser,
Protect the new shoots
keep well watered of hostas, delphiniums,
and leave the lupins and many other soft-
stemmed perennials from
foliage in place slugs. Try natural deterrents
to feed the bulb. such as beer traps and
copper rings before
Move to a shady resorting to organic pellets.
spot over summer.
Give snowdrops
in the ground a Lift and divide border perennials
granular feed after Keep your perennials vigorous and Dig up the clump and pull it apart
flowering well by dividing clumps or cut it into several pieces with a
lowering. If they every few years. With fleshy rooted knife. Discard the old centre, then
are growing in a hostas, daylilies and red-hot pokers, replant or pot up the outer sections.
it’s best done in spring to avoid rot. Water regularly until well rooted.
lawn, don’t mow
until the leaves
Get new plants for
have all died back. free by potting up Cut down on plastic by sowing
the offspring of your in biodegradable loo roll tubes
border favourites
DON’T FORGET Sow sweet peas

! Cut down the spent Sweet peas have deep roots, so
stems of hardy are ideal for sowing into loo roll
perennials to make tubes. Stand several in a tray, tie
way for new shoots. them together so they stay upright,
then fill them with multi-purpose
! Plant new hardy compost. Sow two seeds per tube
perennials in your and press 1cm into the surface.
containers or borders Soak with tepid water, then place
on a warm, bright windowsill to
! Erect supports for your germinate and grow.
herbaceous perennials There’s no need to remove the
to grow through
Pot up self-sown seedlings tube when you plant the sweet peas
Many border plants self-seed them to grow. Then either pot them outside, as it will rot away naturally.
! Lift and divide spent readily and the new seedlings up or replant them straight into any
polyanthus, breaking should now be germinating. So go gaps in your borders. Handle them WATCH
clumps into individual in search of them, around the base carefully, holding by a leaf not the Videos and get tips at
crowns and roots of your plants or at the edges of the stem, keep as much soil on the gardenersworld.com/
basics
border where you wouldn’t want roots as possible and water well.
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GREENHOUSE
Once your
STEP BY STEP
Pricking out
seedlings have
germinated
you can move
seedlings
them out of the Move seedlings on into a
propagator and richer potting compost and
free up space give them more space to
grow by pricking them out
when they’re large enough to
be handled. Water and place
on an open bench to increase
the airflow around them and
prevent damping off. They’ll
be ready to plant into their
final spot by early summer.
Use a heated propagator

Install an electric propagator to are cheaper. Most seeds germinate Sophisticated versions come with
speed up germination and root at 15°C, but if you grow chillies and growing lights and humidity
your cuttings with more success. other exotics you will need to turn control. Whatever your choice,
Those with thermostats to control it up to 25°C. Propagators vary in you’ll need an electrician to fit HOLD the seedling gently by
1
the temperature are expensive to power but the wattages are not moisture-proof sockets and a flat the leaf and use a dibber to
buy initially, but the running costs much more than a light bulb. surface to sit the propagator on. free it from the compost – making
sure the root stays intact.
DON’T FORGET
! Start hardening off
seedlings of hardy
annuals by placing them
in a closed cold frame
! Continue sowing
summer bedding
flowers such as cosmos
and verbena
! Ventilate in good LOWER the whole root into a

2
weather during the day hole you’ve made with a
to save plants from dibber and firm it in gently without
exposure to extremes damaging the fragile seedling.
of temperature
! Take stem tip cuttings

from new growth on
your salvias, fuchsias
and pelargoniums
Greenfly feed on a plant’s sap and need to be removed frequently
WORDS: EMMA CRAWFORTH; ROSIE YEOMANS.
! Keep on top of watering

as the days warm up
Keep control of early greenfly
PHOTOS: PAUL DEBOIS; JASON INGRAM
and add liquid feed for

established plants Look out for the sticky, translucent nymphs that are easily missed.
clusters of greenfly feeding on your Follow the instructions on the
plants’ newest buds. They colonise product to the letter. It’s worth
WATCH early on in the greenhouse. Rub getting on top of them early to USE a fine rose on the
3
Videos and get tips at them off straight away and follow reduce the population, but keep watering can to water the
gardenersworld.com/ up with a wash of insecticidal soap looking out for them, particularly seedlings and soak the compost
greenhouse
or plant oil to control the young if you introduce new plants. to get water down to the roots.

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ALAN’S JOB OF THE MONTH
Starting dahlias

Thank goodness we’ve realised what
brilliant plants dahlias are after they fell
out of favour in the latter part of the 20th
century. But then we woke up to the fact
that when it comes to bold, bright colour
from midsummer until the frosts, they are
simply unbeatable.
Now is the perfect time to start dormant
tubers into growth – either those you’ve been
storing in a cool, frost-free place over winter,
or those now on sale in garden centres. By
giving them a head start in a coldframe or
greenhouse, you’ll have specimens ready for
planting out in May, after the last frost. You’ll
also be able to take cuttings from the new
shoots that emerge from the tubers.
Choose from pointy-petalled cactus
dahlias, big blowsy decoratives, neat little
pompons, and more. You’ll need only
minimal equipment – just a few pots, some
decent potting compost and a modicum
of heat. It really is as simple as that.
ALAN’S TOP FIVE DAHLIAS

‘CaféauLait’A raggedy decorative with cream-buff petals
‘Christopher Taylor’ Stunning cherry-red waterlily-type
‘Hayley Jane’ White semi-cactus with hot pink petal tips
‘Rhonda’ Elegant, tight pompons of palest lilac
Keep dahlias well watered, for tropical colour from midsummer to the first frosts ‘Susan Carey’ Large-flowered lemon-yellow semi-cactus
STEP BY STEP How to grow dahlia tubers

CHECK the tubers are firm, PLANT the tubers in peat-free PLACE on a bright windowsill GROW the plants on steadily,
1 2 3 4
with no signs of softness multi-purpose compost, or in a frost-free greenhouse. in bright light at temperatures
or rot, which is invariably caused either individually in large pots or Keep the compost slightly damp but no higher than 18°C – this will ensure
by a fungal disease. Cut away and several in a tray. Only lightly cover not soggy. Shoots will soon appear – they don’t grow too fast. Plant
dispose of any infected portions. the tubers with compost. to use a few as cuttings, see p122. outside in May, after the last frost.

ADAM’S ESSENTIALS
Planting
asparagus
Although asparagus is considered a delicacy,
it’s easy to grow. However, you must be
patient. After you’ve planted your roots, wait
at least a couple of years before harvesting,
and even then harvest lightly to begin with.
This gives them time to establish, leading
to large, juicy shoots when you come to cut
the crop. After that they will produce a crop
every spring for at least 15 years. Harvest
with a sharp knife when the spears are 15cm
high, cutting just under the soil.
Very little mainenance is needed: protect
against slugs and snails, keep weed free and
ensure there is good drainage. Only cut the
spears for two months each year, then allow
the ferny fronds to grow over summer, tying
back as needed. When they go yellow in
autumn, cut them back to just below the soil.
Adam on TV
Watch out for Adam Frost and the rest
of the Gardeners’ World team when
they make a welcome return
to our screens with a brand-
new series on Friday
20 March at 8.30pm.
Harvest asparagus to cook or eat raw when the spears are 15cm high
STEP BY STEP How to plant asparagus
SITE your asparagus bed on CREATE a 10-15cm-high ridge DANGLE the crowns over the WATER carefully, ensuring
1 2 3 4
free-draining soil. If you don’t of soil to sit the crowns on, to ridge so that they sit either you avoid disturbing the
have that, create a raised bed. Then protect them from waterlogging – I side of it, 30cm apart. Cover the position of the crowns. Top-dress
dig a 20cm-deep trench and fork sometimes add a little grit. Firm the roots with soil but leave the tips of with fertiliser in spring and mulch
well-rotted manure into the base. ridge in place so that it’s stable. the buds just sticking out. with organic matter every autumn.

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• La Louve, Bonnieux Provence and Saturday 11 July Travel to accompanies the group to a
• La Jeg, near Mt Ventoux the way it makes Provence by Eurostar and private garden in the Alpilles,
• Botanic garden, Ménerbes gardens feel. welcome dinner at the hotel designed by Chelsea gold-medal
• Pavillon de Galon, Cucuron I’ve been lucky with David Hurrion. winner James Basson. Group lunch
• Val Joanis, Pertuis enough to Sunday 12 July Visit to Aix-en- in St Remy (not included).
• Plus other private gardens design a garden Provence, birthplace of Paul Wednesday 15 July Visit Pavillon
in the region – including one in the region too, Cézanne. Then see the renowned de Galon for a tour and lunch
designed by Chelsea Gold- so it’s fantastic to flower market in Aix-en-Provence. (included). In the afternoon, the
winner James Basson Adam Frost be returning.” Afternoon visit to the Atelier de group visits the Val Joanis winery.
Cézanne, to see where the great Thursday 16 July Start the
artist worked. day visiting Le Jardin des Plantes
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Monday 13 July Visit to Le Jardin Tinctoriales, with lunch in the
✿ Return Eurostar standard ✿ Lunch in Bonnieux Botanique de la Citadelle, hilltop village of Gordes
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Mercure Cavaillon by Adam Frost on afternoon of where Adam joins Dame de Sénanque
✿ Welcome dinner on first night 13 July and morning of 14 July the group for and end the tour
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Adam Frost (exclusive to entrance fees walking to La visit to La Jeg
our group) including welcome ✿ Tour led throughout by BBC Louve. Evening sculpture garden.
drink and wine, and talk Gardeners’ World Magazine dinner and a talk Friday 17 July Depart
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local restaurant. village of Gordes stop in Lille.
To discuss further details of the tour, Find out more about the trip at
or book your place, please call
gardenersworld.com
020 7553 6945 /adam-provence
quoting MDJAN19
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FRUIT AND VEG
STEP BY STEP How to plant early potatoes in pots

Grow a crop of potatoes in a

container or specially designed
bag. Site it somewhere warm
if you can – they will soon
shoot, even outside, but keep
covering with more compost
to build up the cropping
capacity of the plants. These
hungry feeders must be
watered and fed regularly
to get a bumper crop.
1 MIX equal parts of general

purpose and loam-based
compost together, then mix
in some composted manure
or chicken pellets. Scoop this
rich mixture into the bottom
1 2
of the bag until it reaches up
to about 10cm in depth.
2 SPACE the tubers evenly on top.
Each tuber needs about 10 litres
of compost, so a large potato
bag can take three tubers.
Make sure the eyes or the newly
chitted shoots are facing up.
3 COVER with another 10cm layer
of the compost mix and firm
the surface. As soon as new
shoots appear, cover them
with more of your prepared
compost until the bag is filled
to just below the rim.
4 FILL a watering can with tepid
water and give the compost
a thorough soak. Use a fine rose
to avoid disturbing the tubers.
Water every day using this
3 4
method to be sure of a good crop.
DON’T FORGET
+ ! Plant asparagus
(see page 128)
plus Jerusalem and
globe artichokes
TOP TIP
A sudden cold spell could ! Keep harvesting any
ruin your crop, so invest in winter veg you still have
a cloche to place over your growing and clear the
plants when bad weather old plants ready for
threatens. Cloches will a di ferent crop
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; JASON INGRAM; TIM SANDALL
also warm up soil before

sowing, creating a warm Start harvesting purple sprouting broccoli from the central spear ! On sunny days, hoe o f
microclimate beneath annual weeds from the

them. In an emergency, soil. This is the fastest
leece works, too. Harvest early-season crops way to tackle them
Snip off the tender shoots of starts to open. Pick whole leaves of
purple sprouting broccoli, kale kale and remove the midribs before ! Tidy up strawberry
and kalettes. Sprouting broccoli is cooking. Kalettes can be snapped plants, removing dead
WATCH harvested from the central spear off from the leaf axils, a bit like leaves to make way
Videos and get tips at first, then down the stem as more sprouts. All can be blanched and for new leaves and
gardenersworld.com/ shoots develop in the leaf axils. frozen, but they’re never as good lowering shoots
fruit-veg
Crop them before the yellow flower as when eaten fresh.

Sow chillies, tomatoes, aubergines

Heat-loving chillies, tomatoes soak them in a tray of warm water. should germinate in about 10 days.
and aubergines can be sown now Sow five to each pot, then cover Prick them out into potting compost
20
MINUTES
that light levels are bright enough
to allow the seedlings to develop
adequately. Fill 9cm pots with seed
compost, firm the surface, then
with a thin layer of vermiculite
or some more compost.
The seeds need warmth to
germinate – 15-25°C is ideal. They
once the seedlings are large enough
to handle. This improves their
development into strong, stocky
plants ready for cropping.
TO SPARE
Check your herbs over
for those that may need
dividing (such as chives)
and those that are taking
over ground (such as mint
or marjoram). Divide up any
that are overcrowded and
give away spare portions.
Invasive herbs can be
chopped back or dug
up and replanted in
a pot to contain them.
STEP BY STEP
Divide hardy
herbs like mint
Split soft-stemmed herbs each
year to keep growth vigorous Sow chilli seeds in 9cm pots filled with propagation compost
– herbs like mint, chives and
marjoram are rejuvenated
with this method. Grow the
divisions on in pots or replant
Complete winter fruit pruning
back in the garden. Tidy up the last pruning jobs on Apples can still be pruned,
woody fruit trees and bushes that particularly trained forms where
are still dormant. Avoid cutting back spur-thinning to reduce the fruit
anything that has burst into growth, load on the tree will keep it in good
as this indicates a spring sap rise health. Trees can still have their
that could cause cuts to bleed. Avoid shoots tipped, but stick with small
fruit in blossom, too, as flowering cuts and don’t be tempted to use
takes maximum energy to support a saw. Follow with a top dressing of
and cuts will add to the stress. potash fertiliser, water and mulch.
TURN the pot upside-down, Plant rhubarb crowns now, but

1
then tap gently to knock the don’t harvest until next year
plant out of the pot and split it into
several pieces at the rootball.
Plant rhubarb
crowns
Choose an open spot away from
frost pockets, with moist but free-
draining soil. Plant the crowns
around 60cm apart, water in then
mulch around them with organic
matter. Allow the plants to grow
this year without harvesting – the
POT the divisions into small leaves they produce this summer
2
pots or cells filled with multi- will feed the plants ready for you
purpose compost. Firm in, water to take a modest but tasty harvest
and put in a coldframe to grow on. Cutting back last year’s shoots encourages more fruit formation next summer.

FRUIT AND VEG
GREEN MANURE Mulch fruit trees

Bare soil does not
Keep the ground beneath your

stay that way for fruit trees free of weeds and
grass so that rain runs straight
long. If you don’t to the roots and they have no
have a crop to competition from other plants.
Adding organic mulch, such
plant or sow in as well-rotted garden manure
it, then avoid or compost will help you to keep

the soil weed free, suppressing
weed invasion by germination of weed seed in the
sowing a packet soil. It will also lightly feed the tree,

condition the soil through worm
of green manure. action and help to preserve soil
moisture. Keep mulch a few
This will cover the centimetres away from the trunk.
ground in annual
seedlings, which
can be dug into
the soil later on,
adding fertility Pollinate fruit trees by dabbing the flowers with a small paintbrush
to the soil as well

as preventing Start hand-pollinating peaches,
nutrients being nectarines and apricots
Pollinate peaches, nectarines and
washed away apricots with an artist’s paintbrush
it into and around the middle
of all the flowers that are open.
by the rain. to improve the chances of setting It’s worth doing this over several Place mulch on top of moist
fruit when there is little insect days as more flowers open. It may soil, then spread it evenly
WATCH activity in early spring or when feel as though you are not doing
Videos and get tips at grown under protection. Gently rub much, but the tiny pollen grains are
gardenersworld.com/ the paintbrush into the centre of lifted off each flower and deposited
planting
one flower, then continue dabbing onto another as you work.
Y SAV
Sow vegetable
NE
seeds outside LOOK OUT FOR
MO
ER
Sow seeds of broad beans, HEDGEHOGS

Brussels sprouts, leeks, lettuce,
parsnips, peas, radishes, rocket, Do what you can to
spinach, spring onions and turnips encourage hedgehogs into
outdoors now. Prepare the soil your garden. Make a log pile,
PHOTOS: GETTY/LES STOCKER; JASON INGRAM

carefully first by ensuring it’s weed provide a drinking bowl and
free with a fine tilth and the surface ensure they can access your
raked. It’s easiest to sow in rows, plot through a hole at the
after dividing up your plot base of your fence or wall.
according to the recommended Hedgehogs provide free
spacings. Seed packets give control of slugs and snails, so
information on sowing spacing and if you must use slug pellets,
depth. Once the seedlings emerge only use ferric phosphate
you can start to thin them out in ones – check the label.
batches, arriving at the final
recommended spacing.
Remove all seedlings between
the rows as they will be weeds. You
will also be able to recognise weed
seedlings as they will look different
Sow seeds in rows, from your crop. Sowing directly
spacing them into the soil will save you money
according to the on compost and pots, as well as
packet instructions time watering when it’s rainy, but
do look out for slugs and snails.

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AROUND THE GARDEN
3 ways to maintain paths

Weed garden paths now before
growth gets out of control
and the path itself begins to
deteriorate. Typical path weeds
are seeded from lawns and
borders, dropped by birds or
washed in from pavements.
Some weeds, like annual
meadow grass, can be pulled
out easily from between cracks
in slabs, but deep-rooted
weeds must be tackled with
1 2 3
a weeding blade or hook.
You could resort to a flame HOE through or fork out weeds TARGET stained paving with a CUT back lawn edges next to
gun or use steam on large growing on gravel – pick up pressure washer – most will lift off your paving to stop the grass
areas, but even these won’t the debris as you go, then rake well but you may have to do the invading the path. Finish off
kill off deep roots. the surface level again. whole area to keep the colour even. the job with the lawnmower.
Laying lawn turf

The fastest way to get a lawn
established is to order turf and lay
it, now that the ground is warming
20
up. Prepare a level, weed-free site
and make sure you remove any old
roots or large stones in the area.
MINUTES Rake in some phosphate fertiliser
to aid root establishment and firm
TO SPARE the ground to avoid patches of
Walk over the lawn looking grass sinking later. Lay turf within
for perennial weeds that a day of delivery and work from
need digging out. These a board, tamping each piece down
will have long roots and as you go. Keep it watered until
low crowns so they can you see signs of growth.
survive the mower passing
over them. An old kitchen WATCH
knife is the perfect tool Videos and get tips at
for winkling them out. gardenersworld.com/
lawn care
VIEW FROM BEECHGROVE

DON’T FORGET
Planting onions " Chit your first early
Beechgrove Our success growing onions can potatoes, placing them
!
be a mixed affair, with onion fly and in a sunny, indoor spot,
onion white rot to contend with. to initiate stocky dark
We grow them from sets (immature green shoots
bulbs), and start some off in a cool,
frost-free greenhouse from mid " Regularly ventilate
March onwards. Sets can also be heated propagators
planted straight into the veg plot. and remove the lid when
Started in modules, their growth seedlings are up

rate is good when it is too cold to
plant them directly outside, and " Apply granular feeds to

they will still mature during our containerised fruit trees
BEECHGROVE WORDS: MAIRI RATTRAY
short growing season. Planting too and potted shrubs after

early or exposure to frost can also removing any weeds
BEECHGROVE GARDEN initiate bolting, as can fatter sets.
The TV programme is off air until Choose thinner, firm and healthy " Research and order
April, but the garden is tended sets. Use multipurpose compost nematodes so they can
over winter, ready to and push sets lightly into the be delivered at times
host the show from modules with the top half visible, Plant onion sets now, outdoors for optimum efficiency
spring to autumn. then water from the base. or in modules in the greenhouse

AROUND THE GARDEN
DON’T FORGET Remove netting

Create instant
" Continue applying spring colour, from ponds
planting pots of
organic mulch to areas Lift netting off your pond now
primroses and
of bare soil. This will before pond plants start to grow
pansies in beds
condition the soil and through it. Make sure you clear
and borders
keep weeds at bay off any leaves or debris first so
that they don’t end up in the water.
" Move evergreen shrubs, Next, release it from its fixings
watering them well or lift off the weights holding
afterwards while their it down around the edge.
roots re-establish Be careful to lift it up and off any
early-emerging plants. Remove
" Make more shrubs by rigid frames or roll up flexible
layering – pinning low netting, then clean and store it
shoots down to the soil somewhere dry for the summer.
" Cut out dead stems from

shrubs after the buds
have broken and you
can see them clearly
Fill gaps with bedding

Plant spring-flowering bedding the soil before planting and be
plants now to add some colour and careful not to plant over slow-
to fill gaps in the borders. A feature emerging perennials. Firm the
of spring gardens is the sweep plants in well, water thoroughly,
of colour from bulbs and small then mulch with garden compost.
perennials, like primroses, under
shrubs and among the emerging WATCH
shoots of later-flowering plants. Videos and get tips at
Choose pots of bulbs, primroses gardenersworld.com/
planting
and pansies. Use a trowel to loosen
Remove leaves or other debris
before lifting off pond netting
Lift and split pond plants to

rejuvenate and contol them
Repot your
pond plants
Lift congested baskets of plants
from your pond and split them now
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/JANSMARC; JASON INGRAM
when they are beginning to shoot

– this will both rejuvenate and LOOK OUT FOR NEXT MONTH
control their growth. Pond plants Blind bulbs
can escape from their containers ! Give your indoor ferns
and clog up the water when left. These are bulbs like a springtime boost
Wash the roots to see what to cut daffodils with leaves but
away and keep – the outer pieces no flowers. They need ! Monty plants out new
are the best. Pot them back into rejuvenation, so water hardy perennials
netted baskets with John Innes them well and add some
No.2 compost and dress the high-potassium feed until ! Find out how to look after
surface with large pebbles so the the foliage dies down mail-order plug plants
compost isn’t disturbed when they or lift and divide them.
are lowered back into the water. ! Tips for sowing carrots
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THE NAME FOXGLOVE is said to have arisen from a
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Excellent for cutting – lasting 7-10 days
in a vase, although you may not wish to deprive
the passing wildlife of a nectar-rich feast.
Deadhead as each flower is spent to encourage
more flowers and promote seed production for
self-seeding in the second year. Fully hardy and
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It’s all go! Birds are singing loudly from the rooftops – listen out for the
melodious song thrush and blackbird, which join the robin and great tit,
who have been in voice for a few weeks. Large bumblebee queens will be
flying close to the ground in search of a nest, and feasting on crocus
flowers (sometimes even sleeping in them overnight). Ponds are alive with
the sight and sound of mating frogs and toads. Listen out for squawks
(toads) and low, chirruping croaks (frogs). And look out for big, gelatinous
lumps of frogspawn a few days later, and toadspawn, which is laid in
ribbons around the submerged stems of pond plants.
Words by Kate Bradbury
The UK’s smallest vole, at just 8-12cm

in length, the bank vole is also the
most common and therefore the
most likely species to visit gardens.
Chestnut brown with a creamy
white belly, it has a rounded face,
small eyes and ears, and a short tail,
less than half the length of its body.
This sets it apart from mice, which
have bigger eyes and ears and a long
tail, and similar looking field voles,
which have even shorter tails.
Most active at dawn and dusk, Also be on the lookout for…
bank voles eat berries, seeds, P Newts eating frogspawn in your
nuts, leaves plus some insects pond, they’ll soon start to breed.
and earthworms, and can climb Shine a torch into your pond at night –
hedges and other plants to reach you might see males using courtship
fruits such as blackberries, apples rituals like ‘tail fanning’ to send
and rosehips. pheromones over to waiting females.
Breeding season starts now and P Brimstone butterflies, which are
goes on until October, sometimes some of the earliest butterflies to fly
longer if conditions are mild and in spring. See if you can distinguish
there’s plenty of food available. Bank the lemon-yellow male from the
voles dig a shallow burrow to make greenish-white female (above).
their nests, which they line with P Hairy-footed flower bees. They look
leaves, grass, moss or even feathers. like bumblebees but zip around like
They have five to six litters during hoverflies. The female is black with
PHOTOS:GETTY/ERIK AGAR, DAMIAN KUZDAK.
this period, with up to five young per orange legs and the male is pale
brood. The young are independent ginger. They feed on lungwort,
after around nine weeks. primrose, comfrey and dead-nettles.
Bank voles live for just 18 months,
with cats, weasels, foxes and other And don’t miss...
predators regularly taking them. Help scientists monitor climate change
They’re native to Britain but were by registering your nature and wildlife One of the UK’s 23,000,000
introduced (and have since sightings at Nature’s Calendar bank voles may show up in
naturalised) in Ireland. naturescalendar.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ your garden – as long as
there is lots of ground cover

wildlife

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wildlife project
When you first create

a pond the water may
look muddy, but this
will settle in time
Make a wildlife pond

In the first of Kate Bradbury’s new series of wildlife projects, she shares her step-by-step
guide to creating a pond that’ll bring a host of creatures to your plot. It’s easier than you think
A pond is one of the most beneficial habitats underlay, and plant directly into it. Over time, ! Mud from the hole you’ve dug – aim for
you can create in a garden. Virtually all garden the plant roots knit together and stop soil the subsoil, right at the bottom of the hole,
wildlife will use it – birds will drink and bathe in erosion, but the water may be muddy for a few which has fewer nutrients than topsoil and
it, amphibians, dragonflies, damselflies, pond months. Don’t worry – it’s perfectly normal. is less likely to cause algae to grow
skaters, water boatmen and a whole host of ! Pond plants – I used water forget-me-not,
other invertebrates will breed in it. Mammals You will need brooklime, hornwort, spiked water milfoil,
will drink from it, too. Every garden should ! Length of hose for measuring frogbit, water soldiers and marsh marigold
ALL PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE
have one and not just for the wildlife – ! Spade ! Pebbles, stones and logs to create a beach
they’re so much fun for us, too! ! Spirit level and long piece of wood to provide access and basking facilities
My pond is designed to look as natural as ! Fleece underlay, plus a second layer of
possible. The trick is to buy extra underlay underlay to place over the butyl liner DISCOVER more wildlife projects
and lay this over the butyl liner. You then add ! Butyl pond liner (use an online pond liner at gardenersworld.com/wildlife
a thick layer of mud (about 10cm) over the calculator to determine how much you need)

Lay the underlay in
Step by step 2 the hole, tucking

it into the corners,
especially in the
Follow Kate’s simple steps to deeper area. Where
necessary, fold over
create your own wildlife pond and weigh down with
smooth stones. Take
off your shoes if you
need to walk on it.
Don’t cut away excess
Use a hose to underlay just yet.
1 create the shape
of your pond on the
ground and then dig.
Aim for a depth of
45-60cm in the
centre, graduating to
30cm near the edge.
Keep the subsoil to
one side to use later.
Check the sides are
level using a piece of
wood and spirit level.
Use a spade to
5 add a thick layer
of mud over the
underlay and firm with
your feet. If the soil is
too dry, wet it a bit,
but avoid wetting it
too much as this job
can quickly become
messy! Make sure
the mud completely
covers the underlay.
Take marginal
6 plants, such as
brooklime and water
forget-me-not, from
their containers and
gently tease apart the
roots. Plant portions
of them directly into
the mud, all around
the edge. Pack the
plants close together.
wildlife projects
Again with your

3 shoes off, lay the
butyl liner over the 4 With your shoes
on, lay a second
underlay. Smooth out layer of underlay over
any creases and fold the liner. It helps if the
over where necessary, underlay is a different
but try to keep folds colour to the liner so
to a minimum. Use you can properly see
the stones that you what you’re doing.
used to secure the It doesn’t matter if
underlay to now you have to lay the
secure the liner. underlay in strips –
Check the liner totally just make sure you
covers the underlay. can’t see the liner.
Now it’s time to

7 add water, while
trying not to dislodge
any mud. If you can,
use rainwater from a
water butt. But if you
can’t do this then tap
water is fine, but as
tap water contains
more nutrients than
rainwater, you may
find you get algae
forming until the
plants have grown.
Add stones and

8 logs to the edge
of the pond to make
a beach. Add
oxygenating plants,
such as hornwort and
spiked water milfoil,
to the water. Finally,
cut the excess liner
and underlay from
the edge of the pond.
Use more mud to hide
any last bits of liner.
gardenersworld.com 143
wildlife projects
Corn marigold
look great beside
the pond and will
attract pollinators
Keep your pond
in tip-top shape
Initially, before the pond
settles, the water may turn
green. Algae feeds on
nutrients in the water, which
will eventually be absorbed
by plants as they grow. In the
meantime, remove algae with
a bamboo stick. Place it in a
bucket of water and swill it
around to dislodge any
trapped wildlife, which you
can then return to the water.
For the healthiest pond,
aim to have plants growing
across about two-thirds of
the water’s surface, although
eventually you’ll need to
remove some plant material
as the plants grow. Remove
leaves and other detritus
every autumn, and add more
mud if the underlay becomes
visible at the edges.
Wildlife pond essentials

Biodiversity is crucial for the environment, so to support the widest possible
range of garden wildlife, incorporate the following elements into your pond
! Shallow areas, where frogs can spawn,
birds can drink and bathe, and hedgehogs
can drink safely
! A dragonfly perch, which male dragonflies
will use to patrol the area. Use a large stone,
log or a long stick pushed into the ground.
Make it sturdy, as birds will use it too.
! A beach area made from stones, which will
stop plants growing at the edge and give you
THANKS TO MARSHALLS SEEDS FOR SUPPLYING THE PLANTS
a clear view of bathing birds.

! A good mix of oxygenating, floating and
submerged plants, plus marginals planted
into the pond edge. The more plants you
have, the healthier your pond will be.
! Hiding areas around the pond. These could
include a pile of stones, some large stones
or lots of low-growing plants that could
shelter wildlife, such as froglets, when they
first emerge from the pond in summer.
Kate Bradbury is a wildlife gardener, writer A sturdy perch positioned near the water will Make sure your pond has a sloping edge
and broadcaster. @Kate_Bradbury attract dragonflies and some birds to the pond to give creatures access and a basking area

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Q&
Your questions an
Edited by Emm
Planting trees
If you’re thinking about planting a
small tree in your garden, first let me
encourage you to do so and, secondly,
do it now. I say small tree because few
gardens are big enough for a large one
and it’s vital to choose appropriately
for your space. For ideas, visit
gardenersworld.com/20-small-trees,
then research size and other
characteristics carefully to find out
whether you’ll get flowers, pollen,
fruits and falling leaves.
Aside from aesthetic benefits, trees
bring wildlife, shade, noise reduction,
protection from pollution and carbon
capture to our gardens. While other
plants can do the same, trees often
do these things better and for longer.
But why is it important to plant now?
Trees planted in early spring have
a better chance of survival as they
can lose 80 per cent of their fine
roots during planting. Circumstances
vary, but an average 3m tree needs
90 litres of water a fortnight in
hot weather – so giving them two
bucketfuls of water every other day
in summer for the first two years is
recommended by nurseries. If you
won’t have time to devote to a tree
this summer, wait until autumn.
Emma Crawforth,
Gardenin Editor TOP TIP
Plant your tree in a
This month square hole. For more
PHOTO: SARAH CUTTLE
planting advice visit

148 Gardeners’ Question Time gardenersworld.com/
The BBC Radio 4 experts answer this plant-trees
month’s pick of readers’ queries
Contact us: email your questions to Q&A@gardenersworld.com or write in to We regret that we cannot
offer a personal garden
Q&A, Gardeners’ World Magazine, Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT advisory service.
GQT
Q Can I put woodchip
Our experts tackle your gardening problems,
including tree recommendations, how to
control bindweed and prevent rat invasions
Q How can I get

my cut-leaf lilac
boiler ash on our veg plot? to lower?
Terry, by email above 7 will help to ward off John Cullen, by email
clubroot disease. Most fruit will
A ANNE SAYS Ash contains benefit from the potash, but A MATTHEW SAYS Cut-leaf
phosphorus, potassium and don’t give ash to crops that lilac (Syringa laciniata) is a
micronutrients and, as long as prefer slightly acidic conditions, graceful plant. It needs full sun to
it’s only from untreated wood, like potatoes and raspberries. flower, which yours gets, but you
is safe to add to soil. It is alkaline, Quantity is an inexact science, also say it is only 60cm tall, which
so it would be best to carry out but try up to a couple of thin means it’s small and young, so
a pH test of the soil to establish layers each winter, applied immaturity may be part of the
a starting point. Many veg like on a still day and forked in reason. You may be overfeeding
a slightly alkaline soil of pH6-7. immediately. You can add thin After flowering, snowdrop foliage it, which encourages leafy growth
With brassicas, a pH of just layers to the compost heap, too. sends energy back to the bulb at the expense of flowers. Just
feed it once or twice in spring
with liquid tomato fertiliser.
Q When should
I cut back
snowdrop foliage?
Eric Smith, by email
A CHRISTINE SAYS Try to

leave it as long as possible, as
the foliage feeds the bulbs for
next year. If you really must cut
your plants back, wait at least
six weeks after the flowers fade,
once the leaves have turned
completely yellow. Removing the
foliage any earlier may reduce The heavy-cropping ‘Garey’s
the bulb size over a number of Eureka’ is ideal for small spaces
Test the soil’s pH balance after adding ash and keep up annual checks years and prevent flowering.
Q Can you PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; GETTY/NUTFIELDCHASE; CAROLINE HUGHES; JASON INGRAM
Q How can I get rid of duckweed recommend a

without harming my frogs? small lemon tree?
Pam Day, Bristol Mary, by email
back in. The weed you remove
A MATTHEW SAYS can then be composted. A ANNE SAYS Citrus ‘La
Duckweed can be a big problem To reduce any recurrence, Valette’, a lemon/lime hybrid, is
in garden ponds, as it spreads so there are a few things to try. In a recommended for its compact
rapidly in warm weather. The large pond you could add grass habit, hardiness, and abundance
best way to control it is to skim carp, which are herbivorous fish of flowers and fruit. The popular
it from the surface with a net. that eat duckweed. You could Meyer’s lemon (Citrus x limon
This shouldn’t upset resident also increase the level of shade ‘Meyer’) and ‘Garey’s Eureka’ are
frogs, and if you leave the weed falling on the water as this will both a manageable size and
at the side of the pond for a few hinder duckweed growth try respond well to pruning. I grow
hours, any small creatures that planting moisture-loving shrubs A pond offers rich biodiversity so the neat and productive Tahiti
have been scooped up can crawl such as ornamental willow. protect its residents when cleaning lime (Citrus x latifolia).

gardeners’question time
Christine Anne Matthew

Walkden Swithinbank Wilson
Garden writer A keen fruit, vegetable Garden designer
Christine appears on and houseplant grower, Matthew was curator
BBC1’s The One Show. Anne was formerly the of RHS Hyde Hall and
She is also a lecturer glasshouse supervisor Harlow Carr, and often
and tour leader. at RHS Garden Wisley. appears on television
Q Why did all my

Q Can you suggest three winter pansies
suddenly die?
small, bird-friendly trees? Ted Devlin, County Antrim
A CHRISTINE SAYS It is
Ruth Lovesy, Cambridgeshire
Betula ermanii ‘Kwanak difficult to say as you don’t
A ANNE SAYS Three trees of Weeping’ creates a focal describe any symptoms before
the same type with a shrubby point with its white, they died, such as colour change,
understorey might be easier on peeling bark mould or collapse. However, one
the eye than a mixture. Birch, potential culprit is pansy sickness,
such as Betula albosinensis, offer caused by a fungus-like organism.
seeds for birds and, although tall, Once infected, plants wilt and
tend to be narrow and cast little collapse, often having turned
shade. Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) yellow first. The flowers shrivel,
fruits at a time of plenty but the roots fail to grow and the stems
hard fruits of medlar, hawthorns break very easily at ground level.
(Crataegus) and crab apples, such If the same plants are grown in
as ‘Golden Hornet’, soften in late the same place year after year,
autumn for a bird feast. Reaching high levels of infection develop,
5m, the Cornelian cherry (Cornus preventing new plantings from
mas) produces clusters of tiny growing. So grow pansies or
golden-yellow flowers in early violas elsewhere. If planting in
spring and fruits in summer. pots, use fresh compost each
As an understorey, hazel is year. There is no chemical control.
readily coppiced to let in more You mention that pansies are
light, while holly provides shiny no longer grown in your local
evergreen foliage. If you dislike municipal bedding displays, so you
prickles, go for female Ilex x could ask your local authority’s
altaclerensis ‘Camelliifolia’, Q&A horticulturists if they’ve had this
although this will need a male TEAM problem with their plants.
if you want berries.
ANSWER
bird-friendly A MATTHEW SAYS The best
trees small trees for wildlife are those
that produce blossom in spring
followed by fruit, providing food
for a range of birds, invertebrates
and mammals. I’m a big fan of
crab apples, which can be very
compact (such as Malus sargentii)
and have superb blossom and
decorative fruits that last –
yellow-fruited varieties like
‘Golden Hornet’ last the longest. I
also love Amelanchier lamarckii
(see p.10), as it is one of the
earliest small trees to flower, and
bears edible red berries in early
summer. Our native hawthorn
(Crataegus monogyna) makes a
good small tree, with bountiful Replace soil every year to help
Amelanchier lamarckii has white blooms in spring and red berries in summer blossom and glossy haws. prevent pansy sickness

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Q Is it unusual
for an Aeonium Q Why are none of my
‘Zwartkop’ to daffodils coming into flower?
produce flowers? general-purpose fertiliser in
Faith Hammond, Caerphilly
Jenny, by email spring may help to boost growth.
A MATTHEW SAYS In borders, However, if your bulbs
A ANNE SAYS These tender daffodils can last for many years, produced no leaves, or just a few
succulents originally come from partly thanks to their cleverly straggly ones, this could be due
the Canary Islands. After a cool, adapted life cycle – flowering to the larvae of the narcissus
dryish winter, well-established in spring then retreating below bulb fly. These eat daffodil bulbs
plants growing in good light ground to avoid the heat from the middle out, leaving
sometimes produce impressive and drought of summer. In a soft, pulpy, excrement-filled
panicles of yellow flowers in early Drought may cause multiple containers, their lifespan can mess. To check for an infestation,
spring. I suspect yours enjoyed a flowering in hyacinths be reduced significantly, as dig up a few bulbs. If you find
sunny summer outdoors last year. potting compost will run out creamy-white maggots, then
of the nutrients and minerals you should dig up and dispose
Q What went that all plants need. So if your of all your narcissus bulbs, and
wrong with bulbs are in pots, a dressing ideally don’t plant new ones
of slow-release until the following year.
my hyacinths?
Carol Gross, by email
Q&A
A CHRISTINE SAYS You HOT
say in your email that you TOPIC
planted newly bought
hyacinth bulbs in autumn,
Bu lbs
but that they produced multiple
stems, rather than just one, with
Aeoniums are usually grown for only a few bellflowers on each.
their foliage but can bloom Looking at the photo of your
bulbs, they are of a good size,
which is what you need to get
Q How do I look them to flower. Multiple flowering
after my moth may be due to several reasons,
but I suspect the bulbs received
orchid’s plantlet? a check to growth at some stage
Daphne Cam, by email during the year before they were
lifted and sold. This may have
A MATTHEW SAYS been due to drought, which
Congratulations, your moth sometimes results in the main
orchid has become a mother! flowering bud aborting. Several
Also known as a keiki, this baby new flowering buds may then
is a clone, genetically identical be produced, which all go on
to the mother plant. Once it to flower as you have seen.
has formed several leaves and I hope this will not put you
roots, simply snip it off using off planting others again. Daffodils growing in pots need feeding to keep on flowering
secateurs and plant it into
specialist orchid compost.
Q Is there anything I can do to keep
rats from invading my veg plot?
John Bettney, by email The RSPCA website gives good
advice on deterring rats at bit.ly/
A ANNE SAYS The main health living-with-rats. Tips include not
threat from rats on a veg plot is putting raw food on compost
Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis), a heaps, storing animal feed in
form of bacterial infection that is rodent-proof containers, and not
caught from their urine in water or leaving out food for birds.
keiki
on wet leaves. They can also carry However, you say your rats are
salmonella. In theory, you could coming from a nearby chicken
eat the veg, as long as you cook it farm, so those measures may not
well – don’t eat anything raw or be effective. Rats are habit
The roots on this keiki lightly cooked – but I wouldn’t forming, so disturb and alter their Help deter rats by keeping meat
mean it can grow alone fancy doing so! environment as much as possible. and dairy out of your compost

Q Will tomatoes
grow in ericaceous
Q What is this oniony-
compost? smelling, invasive plant?
Barrie Stacey, by email Chris Rogers, Devon
A CHRISTINE SAYS Yes, A ANNE SAYS This is native

but I am not sure why you crow garlic (Allium vineale),
would want to do this, as this whose leaves resemble chives.
compost is designed for plants The foliage dies back by May,
that need acidic conditions. and flower stems often arise in Dig out the white, invasive roots
Certain nutrients are not readily summer. The buds are covered of bindweed in winter
available to the plants growing by a papery sheath, which falls to
in compost with a low pH, so reveal a rounded head of brown- Q How can I
they may develop phosphate purple bulbils (mini-bulbs) and
and potash deficiencies. I would often no discernible flowers. They control bindweed?
suggest sticking with traditional colonise easily, with bulbs below Andy, by email
compost for tomatoes. ground and bulbil heads above.
Getting rid of it isn’t easy, so I’d A MATTHEW SAYS I attack
harvest the leaves to use like bindweed with a combination of
Q How should I chives. Shade it out by adding regular hoeing, to remove the top
prune my Ballerina wide-leaved plants such as
hostas. Removing clumps by hand
growth as soon as I see it, and in
winter digging through the bed to
apple trees? is hard work – you have to dig remove as much root as possible.
Penny Redman, Isle of Wight Crow garlic produces multiple deep to remove the bulbs then Done with care, this can greatly
bulbs, making it a tricky weed replace them with clean soil. reduce its vigour and quantity.
A MATTHEW SAYS Ballerina
apple trees have an exceptionally
narrow, upright growth habit Q Help! Clay soil
– a single stem with almost no
sideshoots, which makes them
makes my lawn
ideal for small spaces. too muddy to use
Their shape is natural, rather Debbie Crick, Hampshire
than due to pruning or training,
which means that no specialised A CHRISTINE SAYS Poor
pruning is necessary – just follow drainage is common on clay soils.
the usual technique for apple Firstly, to tackle poor surface
trees, but as Ballerinas produce drainage and compaction, spike
shorter, less vigorous sideshoots, the lawn with a garden fork, then
be gentler with them. top-dress with sharp sand. Also,
stay off the grass when it is wet
or consider adding paving stones
in areas that are walked on a lot.
You say you have a lot of
worms, which will help to improve
soil drainage and aeration.
However, if the worm casts cause
additional mud, let them dry, then
brush them into the surface with
a broom. If your drainage problem
is at a deeper level, then consult
a lawn specialist about installing
a sub-surface drainage system.
Ballerina apple trees require As your lawn is only 7m x 3m,
only a light pruning Spike clay soil and top dress with sand to help reduce compaction it wouldn’t be a massive job.
Gardening on the radio

Ways to find more help
Gardeners’ Question Time
If you have a gardening problem, email the details (and your Enjoy a fascinating crop of listeners’
location) to Q&A@gardenersworld.com or write to Emma Listen to missed questions and answers
Crawforth at Gardeners’ World Magazine, Vineyard House, shows anytime, from the experts every
44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT. We regret that we cannot anywhere week, on BBC Radio 4,
offer a personal advisory service or guarantee a reply. using the BBC Fridays at 3pm, repeated
You’ll also find lots of pest and disease advice, along with creative Sounds app Sundays at 2pm. 92-95FM &198LW
and problem-solving projects, at gardenersworld.com/how-to

Preserving woodland
habitat is essential to
protect species such
as the tawny owl
HELP
PROTECT
their
homes
Become a member of the Woodland
Trust today and play your role in
giving our wildlife a future
W
e all need trees. They’re vital for us,
our children and grandchildren, for the
environment around us and, of course,
the wildlife – from rare red squirrels to tiny dormice When did you last
and spiky hedgehogs – that depend on woodland for see a hedgehog?
survival. But our woodland is at risk from a variety
of threats such as tree disease, development and the
effects of climate change .
If you want to help preserve this wildlife habitat, it
couldn’t be easier for you to make a real difference. For
just £4 per month you can join the Woodland Trust and
help save the nation’s woods and trees.
Thanks to its members, the Woodland Trust is doing
fantastic work. Since 1972, it has planted more than 43
million trees, every year it creates thousands of acres
of new woodland, and since 1999 it has saved more
than 1,000 ancient woods from destruction. These are ! Since 2000, the UK’s rural hedgehog
amazing achievements, but there is still so much more population has fallen by half*
to do to protect the UK’s wonderful woodlands. ! 11% of woodland species are at risk of
With your help, the Woodland Trust can continue its becoming extinct from Great Britain**
vital work, so the woods, trees and wildlife you grew up ! UK woodland butterflies decreased in
with can be preserved for future generations to enjoy. abundance by 50% since 1990†
Visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/GW to become a ! Almost a third of woodland birds are on
member today. the UK’s red list of conservation concern‡
IMAGES: iStock
These are shocking statistics, and habitat loss

and changes in woodland management are major
contributing factors. Over the past 100 years,
England and Wales has lost 90% of coppiced
woodland, hedgerows have been destroyed, and
774 ancient woodland sites have been bulldozed††.
Visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/GW to find Over 1,000 are under threat right now.
out how you can help hedgehogs thrive *The State of Britain’s Hedgehogs Report 2015 by the British
Hedgehog Preservation Society and the People’s Trust for
Endangered Species. **2016 State of Nature Report by the
Registered charity numbers 294344 and SC038885 Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. †2019 State of
Nature Report by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
‡Coppice Woodlands Research, forestresearch.gov.uk
††Ancient Woodlands Under Threat document, Woodland Trust.
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gardeners’ puzzle
Crossword
Put down your trowel, pick up a pen and Issue number 349
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LE
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ADVANCED, SUPERIOR GREENHOUSES IN ACCOYA AND ALUMINIUM

01978 810 103 • cultivargreenhouses.co.uk
Will your conservatory be THE UK’S MARKET LEADER BUY NOW PAY 2021
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Is your conservatory too hot in summer and freezing in winter? This fast,
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• Prevents UV fading • Eliminates external noise
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Marketplace
To advertise in the classified section call 020 7150 5155 Garden

Marketplace
Garden
GROW MORE AND EXTEND YOUR SEASON WITH THIS

WALK-IN NETTED BRASSICA/VEGETABLE TUNNEL
Walk-In Wonderwall® pat pen
An affordable alternative to polytunnels, yet more effective than cloches
• PREVENTS SLUGS AND SNAILS FROM ENTERING

• ALLOWS RAIN AND SUN TO PENETRATE
• NO BASE NEEDED (FIXES IN SOFT EARTH)
• EASILY DISMANTLED AND REPOSTIONED
• PROTECTS AGAINST PIGEONS
• EASILY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE
• PROTECTS AGAINST CABBAGE
WHITE BUTTERFLIES/CATERPILLERS
• EASY TO ERECT • EASY WEEDING
• EASY WATERING
• ALLOWS AIR TO CIRCULATE AND AT THE
SAME TIME PROTECTS FROM STRONG WINDS
Made in Britain, the frame
is constructed from a light BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER,
weight, durable, heavy duty NOT AVAILABLE IN ANY RETAIL OUTLET
PVC tube and is covered in
a Àne, heavy duty netting, Standard width 3.5m - height 1.9m approx 6’3”, 3m - £170
which means it is able to 4m - £195, 5m - £225, 6m - £255, 7m - £285, 8m - £315, 9m - £345
withstand very strong winds (plus postage) OTHER SIZES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
and harsh conditions.
www.walk-inwonderwall.co.uk
A unique, innovative and organic solution to most of your problems
CONTACT US WITH YOUR ENQUIRIES TEL: 01543 677531

OR VISIT WWW.WALK-INWONDERWALL.CO.UK

Marketplace
LARGEST RANGE OF Ferryman
GREENHOUSES
NATIONWIDE
Polytunnels Ltd RUTLAND COUNTY
Quality Polytunnels from £399
Replacement Covers
GARDEN FURNITURE
from the heart of England
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For expert advice call 01761 463102 Free Brochure and Advice
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www.isgreenhouses.co.uk Ferryman Polytunnels,
enquiries@isgreenhouses.co.uk Morchard Road, EX17 5LS
Plaisters Green, North Somerset BS40 8BH
Gardening Courses
Home-study
QUALITY, VALUE & SERVICE

• Benches and Tables • Workbenches • Pergolas
• Log and Tool Stores • Bin Stores ...and much more
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or 01409 220 777
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Or email: info@hccollege.co.uk
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Visit: www.woodpeckerjoinery.co.uk

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• Toughened safety glass

Two Wests & Elliott Established since 1975
Quality Equipment for Greenhouse and Garden

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• Rootrainer Racks � Greenhouse Shelving � Seed Tray Racks � Grow Lights � Propagators � Thermostats
Cold Frames � Cloches � Mini Greenhouses � Plant Supports � Ve etable Ca es � *DUGHQ $UFKHV etc.
Over the 45 years we’ve ave developed our own range

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40 page brochure Shop online at www.twowests.co.uk or call 01246 451077 for a fre
Ref: GWC2010, FREEPOST Crick, Northampton NN6 7XS www.garden-products.co.uk
Two Wests & Elliott (GW) Unit 4 Carrwood Road, Sheepbridge Ind Estate, Chesterfield S41 9RH
Wire Anchors on Concrete Posts & Easy Trellising

Quick & Easy Solution to fix wires to concrete posts
No drilling – simply clamp 2 halves together
Three sizes to fit most posts
Internal/External Corners, End Brackets, Pot Holders
Wire Anchor
Main stockist of Gripple Trellising System
FREE UK DELIVERY
Rivelin Glen Products

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info@rivelinglenproducts.co.uk
Wire Anchor fitted with
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Silky Fox Saws

Foxley Estate Office
Mansel Lacy
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Tel. 01981 590224
Fax. 01981 590355 Excellent
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¨�ƺȅǣɖȅ ³ɖȇ�Ȓɯƺ� All Seasons Premium

Heart Kernels Berry Suet Pellets
Customer Rating 4.8
12.55kg
£15.59
20kg
£22.45 12.75kg
LOWEST PRICES IN THE UK
25.10kg £14.79
(2 x 12.55kg)
25.5kg
3-5
£24.29 £28.29
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on all orders
Suet Fat Balls BRITAIN
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£21.79
(2 x 12.55kg)
£30.29
YOUR FIRST ORDER
Valid until 30th June 2020. No minimum spend
GW0320 *10% OFF offer ends 30/06/20. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer from Love Garden
Birds. Delivery charges apply for orders under £25 or less than 12.49kg or areas classed as out of
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Order from our wide range at www.lovegardenbirds.co.uk or call our team on 0345 200 5377 (9am-5pm Monday-Friday)
Living indoors
…outdoors
Timeless designs and handmade in the
finest timbers; a Chelsea Summerhouse
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or visit www.chelseasummerhouses.co.uk
Buy with 12 Months Interest FREE Credit

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payments of £406.25. Total amount payable
0% APR
£6500. Credit subject to status. representative

Marketplace
Garden
5 PREMIUM-QUALITY
“ 5 Premium-Quality, Highly-Fragrant ROSE BUSHES
‘Old English’ Roses... Flowering Non-Stop

For 6 Months Each Year! SAVE £20.00! ”
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.95
+P&P
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techniques for summer-long JUST
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5 Premium Bushes: Pink, Blush, Red, Yellow & Apricot ITEM CODE 100047 and normally incredibly expensive…
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TO ORDER NOW! or by post using coupon below to : Offer GW146 YouGarden, PO Box 637, Wetherby Road, York YO26 0DQ
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YouGarden (name & address on back) for £
Wetherby Road, York YO26 0DQ
Rose ‘Alinka’ YOUR ORDER DETAILS
Or charge my Visa / Mastercard / Maestro card:
Card Issue
Stunning floribunda rose with scorching blooms and Item Description Price Qty Subtotal No. No.
a light, delicate Classic ‘Old English’ Rose Collection – 5 Grower-Quality Start Exp Security
530022 £14.95 Date Date Code
fragrance. It forms Bare Root Bushes (1 of Each) Was £34.95 SAVE £20.00!
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My DOUBLE GUARANTEE to you! some of the latest products and selected offers by
post from other trusted retailers, charities, finance,
1 If you’re not totally happy with your or
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travel, FMCG and utility companies. If you do not
DON’T FORGET: Deduct 10% (10p in every £1) if you joined the YouGarden Club: refund in full.
wish to receive these, please tick here . Full details
SAVE £5.00! 2 Should any hardy plants fail to thrive th at YouGarden.com/Privacy. © YouGarden 2020.
JUST £7.99
Offer subject to availability and in the event that this offer is
oversubscribed, we reserve the right to send suitable substitutes.
Add PP&I £6.99
Delivery to UK only and a £6.00 surcharge will apply to the following postcode
areas: AB, BT, DD8-11, GY, HS, IM, IV, JE, KA27-28, KW,
PA20-80, PH19-50, TR21-25 & ZE. Images show mature plants. See website for
TOTAL
ORDER
we’ll replace free of charge.You just pay
Peter McDermott,
Head Gardener
AD
CODE GW146
Offer available while stocks last. © YouGarden Ltd 2020 images of plants as supplied, further product details and full terms & conditions. VALUE

Marketplace
SUPPLIERS AND GROWERS OF SEMI-MATURE & MATURE, ROOTBALL

& CONTAINERISED TREES, SHRUBS AND INSTANT HEDGING
From our Buckinghamshire nursery we are conveniently located to

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equipped vehicles.
With over 15 miles of Instant Hedging Troughs and more than 3,000
Pleached and shaped trees from Box Heads to Multistem umbrellas.
Contact Us: 01296 399585

sales@instanthedges.co.uk www.instanthedges.co.uk
Dog urine killing

your lawn?
STRESS FREE Green Peez herbal remedy
IRRIGATION KITS prevents brown patches on
EASY TO USE & SETUP the lawn caused by dog urine.
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easygardenirrigation.co.uk
Tel: 0845 127 9903
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MELROSE
Made by Roberts & Sheppey (Melrose) Ltd. Est 1880
Established 1984 18G MULTI-PURPOSE

Discover the Diversity SKINCARE STICK – £4.20
of Hardy Geraniums! ˋ˔ �˔˛˛ ˦˘˛˓˕˛˞˦˔� �˔˔˓ ˜˘˧˔�
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We stock up to 200 varieties ˕�˞˜ ˜˔ː˓˞˦� ː�˞ˤ�˓ ˣ˗˔ ˒˞ˤ�ˣ�˨ AND PAINFUL CRACKED HEELS
throughout the year Enquire at your supermarket
Free printed catalogue & emailed guide ˇ˔˔˓ ˕˞� ˓˘˕˕˔�˔�ˣ �˞˘˛ ˣ˨�˔� ː�˓ Af%@gmk] H`YjeY[q gj qgmj dg[Yd [`]eaklk
available upon request �˘ˣˤːˣ˘˞�� h`YjeY[q \]hYjle]fl&
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Contact Gary: 01684 770 733 ˗ː�˥˔�ˣ
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or 07500 600 205 Hah[g\](),.,,1gj^gj99@2%E=D)((:
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Gary@cranesbillnursery.com
www.cranesbillnursery.com melroseellamay@aol.com
Mail order service to the UK and Europe ʶ�˘ˣ˘�˗ˋ˘˛˓˕˛˞˦˔�ˁ˔ː˓˞˦ˇ˔˔˓�˒˞ˤ˚
www.melrose-skincare.co.uk

Marketplace
Lifestyle
SEPTIC TANK OWNERS... REDUCES
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producing, healthy, helpful little micro-organisms that set to work in their billions, to digest
waste and cleanse your entire septic system. :\P[HISL MVY HSS ZLW[PJ [HURZ
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Marketplace
To advertise in the classified section call 020 7150 5155 Lifestyle
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OWN A BESPOKE NATIONWIDE VERANDA TODAY
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Marketplace
Lifestyle
River Cruises to the BlueWater

Gardens of Europe
čĔđĎĉĆĞĘ
Combine your love of gardens with a relaxing cruise along the beautiful River
Seine in France, or the picturesque waterways of Holland and Belgium. There is
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wines and exceptional cuisine. Your cruises also include return flights from a
choice of UK regional airports, and are ATOL protected for your peace of mind.
Tulip Fields of Holland Impressions of the Seine

7-night fly-cruise from just £1955pp! 7-night fly-cruise from just £1895pp!
Departs Mar to May 2020 and Mar to Apr 2021 Departs Mar to Nov 2020 and Mar to Oct 2021
Celebrate spring on this cruise along the tranquil Dutch and Belgian Explore the enchanting gardens and artistic legacy of the River Seine on
YCVGTYC[U 6JKU TGIKQP KU C TKQV QH EQNQWT KP URTKPI YKVJ DTKIJV VWNKR ƒGNFU this cruise from Paris to the Normandy coast. Visit the hilltop Château
set amongst traditional windmills and meandering canals. Explore the de La Roche-Guyon, surrounded by beautiful gardens and offering
vibrant floral displays at the famous Keukenhof Gardens, and visit the sweeping views over the Seine.Discover the famous Japanese bridge
annual spring flower show, Floralia, at Château de Grand-Bigard. Enjoy a and water lilies in the gardens of Impressionist Claude Monet’s house
visit to a family-run tulip farm in the picturesque town of Hoorn, discover at Giverny. Stroll around the beautifully-landscaped formal gardens and
the medieval city of Bruges with its winding cobbled streets, and admire orangery at the spectacular Palace of Versailles. Spend a full day seeing
the UNESCO-listed windmills of Kinderdijk. the highlights of Paris, including the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens.
Highlights Your Cruise Includes Highlights Your Cruise Includes

s Keukenhof Gardens s 7-night full board cruise s Monet’s House and Gardens s 7-night all-inclusive cruise
s Floralia flower show s Return flights from the UK (except March and November) s Return flights from the UK
(except March) s Overseas transfers s Château de la Roche and s Overseas transfers
s Tulip farm s Complimentary wine, beer and soft Gardens s Unlimited complimentary drinks on
s Amsterdam drinks with lunch and dinner s Palace of Versailles DQCTF KPENWFKPI ƒPG YKPGU URKTKVU
s Sip and Sail Cocktail Hour s Paris and speciality coffees
s Ghent
s Captain’s Welcome and Farewell s Captain’s Welcome and Farewell
s Bruges s Rouen
Dinners Dinners
s Antwerp s Honfleur
s Guided shore excursions and s Guided shore excursions and
s Normandy Beaches entrance fees
entrance fees
s Complimentary Wi-Fi s Complimentary Wi-Fi
s Port charges s Gratuities onboard and ashore
s Port charges
Call 01756 706539 or visit www.BlueWaterHolidays.com

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Marketplace
To advertise in the classified section call 020 7150 5155 Lifestyle/Nursery
Venture outdoors with
Exclusive Sherpa Expeditions this
10% discount
Spring and enjoy an
H[FOXVLYH R� ZKHQ
you book a guided or
self-guided walking
or cycling holiday
by 30th April 2020.*
Quote ‘GW10’ when booking
*T’s & C’s apply, visit website for details
See the
bluebells
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0800 008 7741
sherpaexpeditions.co.uk
'$#&(-& 8.4-& 31$$2

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Growers of a wide selection
of fruit trees for all situations SQDDR EQTHS SQDDR BKHLADQR ODQDMMH@KR DSB KHRSDC HM
NTQ %1$$ ".+.41 !1."'41$
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Plant Supports
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Various Sizes and Styles !K@BJSGNQM BL SQ@MROK@MSDC
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3 Large £9.99
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(Fri-Mon) Sleeps 6, £450 Free Delivery on orders over £45 $K@D@FMTR DAAHMFDH BL ONS FQNVM { {
www.thehayloftholidaycottage.com
www.bespokeplantsupports.co.uk
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call 01227 860551 &QHRDKHMH@ BL ONS FQNVM { {
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QUALITY PLANTS DIRECT FROM THE GROWER. INDEPENDENT TRIALS CONFIRM US AS THE BEST +@TQDK BL A@QD QNNS { {
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Per 10 Per 50 Per 10 Per 50
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BEECH, GREEN 40/60cm transplanted
BEECH, GREEN 80/100cm transplanted
£12.60
£25.10
£60
£120
LAUREL, PORTUGAL 40/60cm in 2 litre pots
LAUREL, PORTUGAL 120/150cm rootballed*
£81.50 £384
£504.00 £2460
Holmes Chapel Road, ,HWDC -@SHUD 'DCFHMF BL SQ@MROK@MSDC { {
BEECH, GREEN 120/150cm transplanted £47.90 £228 LAVENDER, HIDCOTE 5/10cm in 1 litre pots £44.30 £210 /GNSHMH@ 1DC 1NAHM BL ONS FQNVM { {
BEECH, PURPLE 60/90cm transplanted £38.30 £186 LEYLANDII, GREEN 90/120cm in 2 litre pots £64.70 £312 Over Peover, Knutsford, /QHUDS &NKCDM BL SQ@MROK@MSDC { {
BEECH, PURPLE 120/150cm transplanted £87.50 £420 LEYLANDII, GREEN 150/175cm in 7.5 litre pots* £312.00 £1500 /QHUDS &QDDM BL A@QD QNNS { {
BOX, COMMON 20/30cm transplanted £26.30 £126 PRIVET, GREEN 60/90cm transplanted £21.50 £102 Cheshire. WA16 9RA /XQ@B@MSG@ 1DC "NKTLM BL ONSR bbbbb { {
BOX, COMMON 30/40cm transplanted £32.30 £156 PRIVET,GREEN 150/175cm rootballed* £420.00 £2040 0THBJSGNQM BL RDDCKHMFR { {
ESCALLONIA, PINK OR RED 40/60cm in 2 litre pots
GRISELINIA, LITTORALIS 40/60cm in 2 litre pots
£81.50
£69.50
£384
£336
QUICKTHORN (HAWTHORN) 60/90cm bare root
QUICKTHORN (HAWTHORN) 120/150cm transplanted
£14.30 £66
£33.50 £162
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GRISELINIA, LITTORALIS 90/120cm in 5 litre pots £189.50 £924 ROSA RUGOSA, RED OR WHITE 60/90cm transplanted £17.90 £84
HOLLY, GREEN 40/60cm in 9cm pots £38.30 £186 SPECIAL MIXED NATIVE HEDGING 60/90cm transplanted - £108 sales@chrysanthemumsdirect.co.uk 1NR@ B@MHM@ #NF 1NRD BL SQ@MROK@MSDC { {
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HORNBEAM 60/90cm transplanted £15.50 £72 SPECIAL MIXED NATIVE HEDGING 90/120cm transplanted - £138 1NR@ QTFNR@ BL SQ@MROK@MSDC { {
HORNBEAM 100/120cm transplanted £29.90 £144 THUJA PLICATA ATROVIRENS 60/80cm in 2 litre pots £81.50 £384 FDWDORJXH RQOLQH 12: 1NR@ QTFNR@ 1DC NQ 6GHSD BL SQ@MR { {
HORNBEAM 150/175cm transplanted £59.90 £288 THUJA PLICATA ATROVIRENS 150/175cm rootballed* £396.00 £1920 2D@ !TBJSGNQM BL SQ@MROK@MSDC { {
LAUREL, COMMON 40/60cm transplanted £38.30 £186 YEW, ENGLISH 30/40cm transplanted £38.30 £186 RU FRQWDFW XV WR UHFHLYH \RXU 2HKUDQ !HQBG BL SQ@MROK@MSDC { {
LAUREL, COMMON 60/80cm transplanted £52.70 £252 YEW, ENGLISH 40/60cm transplanted £41.90 £204
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LAUREL, COMMON 100/120cm rootballed* £233.00 £1104 YEW, ENGLISH 60/80cm transplanted £64.70 £312
LAUREL, COMMON 150/175cm rootballed* £588.00 £2880 YEW, ENGLISH 100/125cm rootballed* £324.00 £1560 )5(( SDSHU FRS\ 5HRHS NTQ &@QCDM "DMSQD NM VDRS NE !TBJHMFG@L ATS
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CARRIAGE £11.95, FREE ON ORDERS OVER £72 (Excl. Scottish Highlands/Islands and items marked*). The widest range available in the U.K. LNRS OK@BDR DWBDOS 2BNSSHRG 'HFGK@MCR (RK@MCR
ALL PRICES AND CHARGES INCLUDE VAT Tel: 01580 765600

THIS IS JUST A SMALL SELECTION, SEE OUR FULL RANGE OF OVER 1600 HEDGING OPTIONS AT with over 420 varieties.
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www.chrysanthemumsdirect.co.uk "@S@KNFTDØ1DPTDRSØ+HMDØØ

Marketplace
Nursery
Leading ÁRZHU EXOE
Summer Bulbs suppliers since 1961
Call: 01255 830181

or visit: www.kenmuir.co.uk
to request your Order direct online at
Bulbs in the green
FREE brochure
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www.dejager.co.uk %DUHURRWDQG+HUEDFHRXV3HUHQQLDOV
to get a 10% discount
Please quote GW20MA For a FREE Catalogue Tel: 01622 840229
SNOWDROPS
IN THE GREEN
SINGLE SNOWDROPS £9.50 PER 100 SINGLE SNOWDROPS £75 PER 1000
DOUBLE SNOWDROPS £14 PER 100 DOUBLE SNOWDROPS £120 PER 1000
ENGLISH BLUEBELLS £14 PER 100 DWARF IRIS £9 PER 50
1000+ different bare root hardy trees - shrubs -
CROCUS £12 PER 100 FRITILLARIA £9 PER 50 conifers - hedging - fruit - forest trees for garden,
MINIATURE DAFFODILS £10 PER 50 SNOWFLAKES £11 PER 10 farm & estate from nurseries at 850ft above
ACONITES £10 PER 50 ALLIUM PURPLE SENSATION £9 PER 15
HYACINTHS £9 PER 15 sea-level. Mail order our speciality.
CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED Call 015396 23246 for your FREE 130 page catalogue
P&P FREE – MAKE CHEQUES & POSTAL ORDERS PAYABLE TO: GW 03/20 Kirkby Stephen Cumbria CA17 4LX
ANGLIA BULBS, LORDS LANE, WISBECH, CAMBS PE13 4TU
PHONE 01945 410966 sales@weasdale.com www.weasdale.com
GROWERS OF TOP QUALITY BULBS IN THE GREEN

10 FREE Plicatus Warham (Snowdrop) with every £50 spend
50 100 500 1000
Single Snowdrops £5.50 £9.50 £42.50 £80.00
Double Snowdrops £8.50 £15.00 £70.00 £130.00
Elwessi Snowdrops £18.00 £32.00
Warham £20 PER 10
Leucojum Vernum (Snowflake) £20 PER 10
Winter Aconites £8.50 £15.00 £70.00 £130.00
www.bigplantnursery.co.uk English Bluebells
CYCLAMEN in 9CM POTS
£8.50
3 POTS £6.45
£14.00 £65.00
9 POTS £18.95
£120.00
Coum Mix Pink Coum Alba Coum Silverlaef

Hedrifolium Pink Hedrifolium Alba Hedrifolium Silverleaf
HELLEBORUS IN 9CM POTS £6.75 PER 3 POTS £19.50 PER 9 POTS
AN OUTTA SPACE SELECTION OF: Niger (Christmas Rose) LADY SERIES ORIENTALIS
HARDY EXOTICS PRIMULA IN 9CM POTS 3 POTS £4.35 9 POTS £12.90
Primula (Wild primrose) Black Barlow Millers Crimson
PALMS CONVALLARIS (Lily of the Valley) 3 POTS £7.50 9 POTS £21.00
Tete e Tete Narcissus £3.50 per 25 £6.50 per 50 £12.50 per 100
BAMBOO Single Snowdrops lifted in small clumps and sold in trays of 500 bulbs + per 1 tray £42.50
MAPLES ALL BULBS ARE FLOWERING SIZE INCLUDING FREE ONES.
TREES MANY MORE DIFFERENT BULBS ON OUR WEBSITE
SHRUBS DELIVERY IS JUST £3.50 UK MAINLAND ONLY. HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS £7.50
CHEQUE OR CARD PAYMENTS PLEASE WITH ORDERS
FERNS TEL NUMBER ESSENTIAL & EMAIL FOR SAFE DELIVERY
GRASSES Eurobulbs UK Ltd, 314 Smeeth Road, Marshland St James,

Wisbech, Cambs PE14 8EP
Tel: 01945 430009 • Fax: 01945 430303 • Email: info@eurobulbs.co.uk
Hole Street, Ashington, West Sussex RH20 3DE
ALL MAJOR DEBIT AND CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
e: info@bigplantnursery.co.uk
t: 01903 891466

Marketplace
To advertise in the classified section call 020 7150 5155 Nursery
30 Garden Ready Verbena bonariensis plants from

ONLY £11.95…
EW
Loved by bees and butterflies, these graceful
N
plants will add style to your summer border.
Award winning Verbena bonariensis is very much
in vogue for its tall stems bearing clusters of
tiny lilac flowers through the summer and into
autumn. It will add height and structure
to your garden borders and works
well planted along path edges.
It’s also fantastic for prairie-style
planting schemes and is a
super cut flower.
Hardy to half-hardy perennial
and is very drought tolerant.
B Supplied as Garden
Ready plants, measuring
approx. 10-12cm/4-5in
B Flowering from July until
the frosts
B A magnet for bees and
butterflies/moths and other
pollinators and can provide seed for your
garden birds
B Height to 150cm/60in
B Delivered from mid-June ready for
immediate planting out
30 Garden Ready Plants

for £15.95 OR
BUY 2 or more trays for ONLY
Less than 40p
£11.95 each SAVE £8! per plant! UK GROWN
100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE | Order online at woolmans.com/W2VRGW1

Or phone: 0845 658 9137 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 7pm weekends.
Calls cost 3p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge
Your Guarantee of Satisfaction Should any plants arrive in poor condition, we will
happily arrange a replacement or refund. We may ask for photos of damaged plants, products
or packaging so that we can inform our delivery and nursery partners.
Please post to: Woolmans W2VRGW1, Gazeley Road,
Name (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss)
Kentford, Suffolk CB8 7QB
Delivery Address
Postcode
Buy 2 or more trays for just £11.95 each!
Email Address Code Description Price Price Qty Subtotal
If you would prefer not to receive news of special offers or promotions tick this box � We will only share your email address with 1 tray 2 trays or
our delivery partners. more
Telephone 54278 30 Verbena bonariensis £15.95 each £11.95 each
(In case we or our delivery partners need to contact you about your order). Garden Ready Plants
I enclose my cheque made payable to Woolmans. Or debit my VISA � Mastercard � Postage & Packing £4.95
Card number:
FREE TOTAL AMOUNT
Valid from: Expiry date:

3 digit security code:
2020 Code W2VRGW1
(last 3 numbers on signature strip)
Catalogue
Name on Card
Spring 2020 FREE
out NOW!
Signature Date Chrysanthemum,
Ornamental Plant
Bulb Catalogue
&
P&P
on all orders
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telephone facebook twitter Order your Dahlias online!
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Next month..
April issue on sale 19 March
Expert advice
Enjoy fresh herbs this summer –

just follow Monty’s advice
Carol reveals her pick of

dahlias for every gardener
Small space special

Discover inspiring ideas to steal from real gardens!
Get your fuchsias in shape with
Nick ’s foolproof pruning guide
PHOTOS: TORIE CHUGG; SARAH CUTTLE; PUL DEBOIS; GAP/JO WHITWORTH; JASON INGRAM
Get the most from your small Create the perfect pots for tiny No room for water? Think again
space with Alan’s expert tips plots – just follow our easy recipes with Adam’s container pond Enjoy delicious harvests from
Joe’s simple crops in pots
PLUS P Hoes on test P Growing for flavour P Installing a bee hotel P Gardeners’ travel – best for blossom P Houseplants for free

FREE seeds
P Nigella and rudbeckia double seed pack – worth £4.85
P Easy-to-grow colour for summer – great for pollinators
P Join our Sow-Along Weekend as the GW team get sowing
Card & Guide 2020
Over
Y
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2020
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Coming up in
MAY
Your 2 for 1 Card
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Enjoy two adult price
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All part of our bumper
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Major gardens include Kew,
Eden Project and more
Save £££s on garden visits –
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FREE aquilegia also included nationwide
1,000s seeds worth £3.60
for every reader
of seed bundles
worth £17.95 just PPerfect for
for subscribers pollinators and all
up for grabs – other bene icial
bundles include garden insects
calendula,
cosmos, zinnias PSow in June for
lettuce gorgeous lowers
Enjoy 2 for 1 entry at
and more… next summer Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

And finally…
Tales from
Titchmarsh
Rewilding isn’t about letting go, says Alan, but about stepping
up and getting involved – no matter what size plot you manage
t is always dangerous
to take information too
Sensible owners had to do was sit back
and let nature do its thing – and
which may seem to have little
relevance to our own back gardens,
literally. Take the current and measured you will discover that careful but in one major way it does.
passion for ‘wilding’ – the management management of the landscape Each of us can ensure that
‘woke’ term (don’t get me was key to their success. our own little patch of land is
started…) for turning patches of the land is It’s something we can all do, accommodating to as many forms
of land over to nature. the way to a regardless of the size of our plots. of wildlife as possible, even if we
Great things have been achieved Do not imagine that just letting do grit our teeth at the prospect of
at Knepp Castle, in West Sussex, sustainable your patch of ground lie fallow will moles and foxes. But this does not
where Isabella Tree and Charlie future result in an upsurge of large blue mean leaving old fridges, car tyres
Burrell have worked wonders butterflies, corncrakes, bitterns and builders’ rubble littering the
on their 3,500-acre estate, and bee orchids. Isabella and place in the belief that the
encouraging many forms of Charlie didn’t just stop ploughing brambles that grow over them will
wildlife that had fizzled out due and sowing, sell all their cattle and play host to the birds and the bees.
to previous intensive farming sheep before turning their backs With a little effort we can create an
methods. Isabella’s book, Wilding, on their land and letting nature environment that is far more
is a great read and a fascinating take over. No; they investigated nature friendly thanks to
insight into how we really can the kinds of conditions likely to management rather than
make our landscape more nature encourage wildlife in their locale wholesale neglect.
friendly, as well as producing food. and managed the earth with those A friend of mine who is an
How heartening is it to read things in mind. They still have accomplished landscape architect
that turtle doves have made a cattle – impressive-looking long- summed it up nicely when he
comeback there, and that the horned beasts – and they explain explained that our native
butterfly count has risen – just two that permanent pasture that has landscape is at its richest, in terms
of the dozens of success stories a low density of livestock is even of biodiversity, when it is ‘in its
that show how opportunistic wild better at sequestering carbon than adolescence’. Left to mature, that
animals, birds, bees and insects the rainforest. Now there’s a thing landscape will eventually be taken
are. Given half a chance they will you don’t hear mentioned often... over by the most dominant
take advantage of circumstances Yes; I know that few of us possess species; other, weaker organisms
that are slanted in their favour. pasture for grazing, but this is just will fizzle out and fade away.
(I am, for the moment, turning one fact among many which goes The resulting mixture is poorer
a blind eye to moles and urban to prove that sensible and in terms of biodiversity, with
foxes. Stick with me…) Read measured land management is the a narrower range of lifeforms.
Isabella’s account carefully – way to a sustainable future. It is It stands to reason that the same
rather than just assuming from also worth remembering that is true in a garden. Grow as wide
headlines that all the around two thirds of agricultural a range of trees, shrubs, border
Knepp Estate land in the UK is unable to grow perennials, annuals and bulbs
crops other than grass for grazing. as you can – preferably with single
While some believe that a vegan flowers that have the pollen and PHOTO: JASON INGRAM. ILLUSTRATION: CHRIS MADDEN/EYECANDYILLUSTRATION
diet is an ideal scenario, it is nectar beloved of bees and other

not a practical proposition insects. Have hedges, not fences.
when it comes to Let just a part of your lawn grow
feeding a British longer. Make a wildlife pond. Stop
population of using chemicals and don’t be quite
around 67 so tidy when it comes to rotting
million. It soon leaves and ripening seedheads.
becomes apparent Garden thoughtfully, rather than
why we need to not at all, and your patch of earth
import so much will be richer as a result.
food. All of

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