spring/summer 2016 planting instructions planting instructions book 1 spring/summer 2016 bulbs in...

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planting instructions

BOOK 1

SPRING/SUMMER 2016

BULBS IN THE GREEN PERENNIAL & BIENNIAL PLANTS ROSES CLIMBERS SHRUBS CONSERVATORY PLANTS

KITCHEN GARDEN PLANTS

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bulbs in the green

Bulbs in the greenThis means that the bulbs are sent out in active growth, with their leaves on. It is the very best and most successful way to plant these varieties.

Anemone blanda Plant your anemone blanda as soon as they arrive in full sun or partial shade and in moist but well-drained soil (add grit on heavy soils). These look their best planted en masse in grass or on the edge of a shrubbery or woodland. If the soil is unsuitable they can be grown in containers. Mulch with plenty of leaf mould over winter to retain moisture and prevent frost damage.

Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley) A native wild flower of woods and moist, shady banks, Lily of the Valley has one of the most incredible scents. This is why they were traditionally planted around the old outside privy, often a slightly shady place. That’s where you’ll still often find them, thriving quietly in the same place for over a hundred years.

When planting in the garden, the best thing to remember about Lily of the Valley is that it is a hardy native bulb which grows in our open woodland, so bear that in mind when choosing your planting site, finding it a place in light shade with a moist soil, with plenty of organic matter added in. Soak your plants well on arrival and plant straight out in a moist, shady or partially shady spot. It has long, thong-like rhizomes which should be laid out horizontally, just under the surface of the soil 5-7cm deep. Space them about 20cm (8in) apart. Water them in well and give them a mulch of leaf mould or good garden compost.

After the leaves have died down, give each plant a mulch of leaf mould in the autumn. After three to four years you can divide the clumps and replant to spread them into other parts of the garden.

These can also be forced in pots and containers as houseplants. You can dig some up from the garden in early autumn to force inside in the winter and early spring. Use a loam-based compost with extra grit added, ⅔ compost, ⅓ grit. Stand the container in a cool greenhouse or cold frame until January, then bring them into the warm (18-21°C). Keep them well watered and stand them in trays of damp pebbles, so that they are always surrounded by moist air. Keep them in a cool room.

contents2 Bulbs in the green

Anemone blanda to Hyacinthoides non scripta

4 Perennial & biennial plants Acanthus to Veronicastrum

13 Roses14 Climbers

Akebia to Wisteria

15 Shrubs Choisya to Viburnum

16 Conservatory plants Gardenia jasminoides and Jasmine

16 Kitchen garden plants Asparagus to Strawberries

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bulbs in the green

Eranthis hyemalis (Aconites) Plant your aconites as soon as they arrive. These are ideal planted below deciduous trees, with partial shade in winter and spring, and deeper shade once the leaf cover closes. They thrive in moist but well-drained soil.

They dislike root disturbance and will gradually form a total late winter and spring carpet under trees and shrubs. They die down and disappear by summer. Leave them to spread undisturbed, best divided whilst still ‘in the green’.

Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrops) Plant your snowdrops as soon as they arrive. Whilst they prefer dappled shade, they also do well out in the open. Snowdrops thrive in reliably moist, well-drained soil, rich in organic matter, so add plenty of well-rotted manure, leaf mould or garden compost to the soil prior to planting.

Plant your snowdrops at the level that they were planted before they were lifted, which you’ll see from where the leaves turn white. This will be at a depth of about 10cm. Space them about 10cm apart. For natural-looking drifts, cast the bulbs across the planting area and plant them where they land. Divide regularly and spread them out.

Hyacinthoides non scripta (Bluebells) Bluebells flower from late April to May, filling our woods with their incredible flowers and fragrance and providing nectar for moths, bees and butterflies.

Plant your bluebells as soon as they arrive. Choose an area of dappled shade, ideally under a deciduous tree. English bluebell bulbs thrive in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter so add plenty of well-rotted manure, leaf mould or garden compost to the soil prior to planting.

Plant your bluebells at the level that they were planted before they were lifted, which you’ll see from where the leaves turn white. This will be at a depth of about 10cm, spacing them about 10cm apart.

For natural-looking drifts of bluebell flowers, cast the bulbs across the planting area and plant them where they land. They will gradually self-sow and naturalise over time. You can lift and divide or just leave them to get on with it.

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perennials & biennials

Perennial & biennial plants When you have chosen the best planting site for your plants, mark out the position with a plant label or empty pot – to make sure you space them correctly. Remove plants from their pot or wrapper and soak them in a sink or wheelbarrow full of water for twenty minutes if they are dry. Dig planting holes deep and wide enough so that the roots are covered. Firm the soil down around each plant and water well.

Acanthus Soil and site Sun or partial shade, deep fertile, well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 60cm apart. Once established it is very difficult to move plants so correct positioning is vital. Division 3-4 years. Special requirements Deadhead after flowering. a June-September. H.1-1.2m S.60cm

Achillea Soil and site Full sun, moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Deadhead after flowering to promote new blooms all summer. Division 3-4 years. a June-September H.50-80cm S.40cm

Aconitum napellus (Monkshood) Soil and site Sun or partial shade. It grows best in cool, fertile, well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Special requirements Plant in deep hole with lots of organic matter and do not allow to dry out between waterings. All parts are toxic if eaten and may cause skin reaction so wear gloves when handling. Division Every 2-3 years. a June-September. H.75-100cm S.30cm

Actea Soil and site Partial shade in fertile moist, humus rich soil. Good in damp shade. Spacing plant 50cm apart. Special requirements Poisonous if eaten. Do not allow to dry out. Division 3-4 years in late autumn. a September-October H.1-1.2m S.50cm

Agapanthus (African Lily) Soil and site Likes rich, well-drained, moisture retentive soil in a sunny site. You can also plant these in large tubs/containers incorporating plenty of horticultural grit. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Feed with a high potassium fertiliser, such as comfrey pellets, monthly from spring until flowering. Overwinter with a dry mulch, like dahlias. If you are far north, we recommend growing these in pots so that you bring them out of the frosts for winter. Protect against slugs and snails. Division Every 3-4 years. Extra notes Excellent cut flowers and lovely seed pods too. a July-September. H.90cm S.30cm

Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) When you receive your plants Pot them on into a 9cm or larger pot and keep protected from any late frosts. Only plant out when the frosts are over in your area. Soil and site Any well-drained soil in sun or part shade in a sheltered place. Add plenty of grit to the planting hole, plus plenty of organic matter at their roots. Spacing Plant 60cm apart. Special requirements Stake these plants so they don’t collapse in the wind or rain, and keep picking the flowers or deadheading. The best way is to pull them rather than cutting. This will leave plenty of room for the next generation and give you a more productive plant. Mulch well over winter. Division Every 2 years. Extra notes If you have a greenhouse, it is well worth growing alstroemeria inside too. Pot them up into generous 5 litre pots and keep them frost free.

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Once they start to shoot in spring, feed and water well and they’ll give you an almost continual flower harvest. Pull from the root and they will continue to flower for months. Arrange with a drop of bleach in their flower water, and with new water every 4-5 days, they’ll last 3 weeks in a vase. a May-October. H.70-100cm S.60cm

Anchusa azurea (Bugloss) Soil and site Any well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Special requirements Deadhead to prolong flowering. Do not move once established. Division 3-4 years. Extra notes Flowers are good for cutting and are edible. a May-July. H.90cm S.45cm

Anemone hupenhensis (Japanese Anemone) Soil and site Full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Special requirements May aggravate skin – wear gloves when handling. Deadhead to prolong flowering and discourage self-seeding, cut back in spring. Division Every 3-4 years. a July-September H.1m S.75cm

Angelica archangelica Soil and site Moist well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Works well at the back of a herbaceous border. Spacing Plant 1m apart. Special requirements Mulch deeply in dry conditions. Don’t allow to dry out. Deadhead after flowering to prevent it from self-seeding, or leave to self-sow. May need staking. a June-September H.1.5-2m S.1m

Angelica gigas (Purple Angelica) BIENNIAL Soil and site Moist but well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter added. Thrives in sun or partial shade. Spacing Plant 60cm apart. Special requirements This is a dampland plant, so give plenty of water in a drought. Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Division It is a short-lived perennial, but will self-sow so you will have plants every year. Extra notes Good for the back of a border. a May-August, but excellent seed pods after that. H.1.5m S.60cm

Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ (Cow Parsley) BIENNIAL Soil and site Well-drained soil in full sun, partial shade. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Cut off flower stalks to prolong foliage vigour and reduce possible over self-seeding. Protect from slugs/snails. Division Doesn’t normally require it. Extra notes Choose only the darkest purple plants to self seed – plants without the distinctive colour will not mature true to the cultivar. a May-July. H.80-100cm S.30cm

Aquilegia (Granny’s Bonnet, Columbine) Soil and site Plant in a moist, but well-drained soil in full sun or shade. Ideal for east or north-facing bed. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements These may be short-lived, but should self sow. Division Don’t normally require it. a May-July. H.60cm S.45cm

Asplenium Soil and site Partial to full shade in humus rich, moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Remove any dead or damaged fronds to the base as necessary. Ensure plant is kept moist during first summer and mulch well. H.60cm S.40cm


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Aster Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Allow good spacing between plants to aid air circulation and help prevent mildew. Division Every 2-3 years. a July-October. H.50-70cm S.40cm

Astrantia Soil and site Full sun, partial shade in humus rich, moist, fertile soil. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Deadhead after flowering to promote new blooms and to prevent self-seeding. Division 3-4 year. a June-August H.50-80cm S.30cm

Bergenia Soil and site Full sun, partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil but tolerant of poor, dry soil. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Remove any older brown or damaged leaves in spring and remove flower spikes once they have faded. Division 3-4 years after flowering or in the autumn, remove centre of clumps and re-plant newer sections. a April-June H.30-45cm S.40cm

Centaurea montana Soil and site Full sun, partial shade in a moist but well-drained soil Spacing Plant 50cm apart. Special requirements Deadhead to encourage more flowers. Division 3-4 years. a May-July H.20-50cm S.50cm

Crambe cordifolia (Greater Sea Kale) Soil and site Good for coastal location. Full Sun or part shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 1m apart. Special requirements Deep rooted, it is very drought tolerant, but plants dislike being moved so plant out in final position. Cut back the plant to ground level in autumn and apply generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the plant in spring. Division Every 3 years. a June-July. H.80-130cm S.130cm

Delphinium Soil and site Full sun or dappled shade, suitable for most soil types. Spacing Plant 60cm apart. Special requirements Allow good spacing between plants to help prevent mildew. Best in groups of 3 or more. Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Cut back after first flowering for a second flush. Division Every 2-3 years. a June-July and August-September. H.1.5-1.7m S.60cm

Dianthus ‘Mrs Sinkins’ and ‘Green Trick’ Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position, best on a neutral to alkaline soil. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Do not plant too close to other plants where air movement might be restricted. Feed regularly with rose or tomato fertiliser, and keep as moist as possible, although they do tolerate dry weather. Cut right back when the main stem has finished. Division Not applicable. a June-July. H.30-50cm S.40cm

Dictamnus Soil and site Full sun, partial shade in warm, well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Special requirements Cut down to the ground in the autumn. Division 3-4-years or when necessary. a June-August H.60-100cm S.45cm. Caution: skin irritant in sunlight.

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Dierama pulcherrimum (Angel’s Fishing Rod) Soil and site Sheltered position with full sun in a humus-rich but well-drained soil. Heavier clay soils and lighter sandy soils should be improved by incorporating well-rotted organic matter. Spacing Plant 50cm apart, they don’t like to be crowded. Special requirements Water well in dry summers and apply a general purpose fertiliser in spring. Need very little pruning as they are semi-evergreen, but old, unsightly foliage can be cut away in the spring if necessary. Division They resent disturbance so leave until really congested before dividing in spring. Do not allow the corms to dry out. They may take 1-2 years to establish and flower freely again. a July-August. H.1-1.5m S.50cm

Digitalis (Foxgloves) BIENNIAL Soil and site Best in acid, humus-rich moist but well-drained soil in semi shaded area (but will grow in most conditions – height may be affected). Spacing Plant 30-40cm apart. Special requirements Allow good spacing between plants to aid air circulation and help prevent mildew. Division Not applicable – sow new every year. a May-July H.1-1.2m S.60cm

Echinacea Soil and site Full sun in well-drained or moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Dislike disturbance so try to avoid moving plants and avoid overcrowding. Deadhead to prolong flowering. May benefit from dry mulch during the winter. a June-September H.60-90cm S.50cm

Echinops Soil and site Sun or partial shade in any well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Division In early spring. Special requirements Cut down to the ground after flowering to prevent self-seeding. a August-September. H.50-100cm S.50-100cm

Epilobium Soil and site Full sun, partial shade in moist, but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 50cm apart. Special requirements May be invasive so choose position carefully. Deadhead to prolong flowering and prevent self-seeding. Division 3-4 years. a July-Sept H.50-100cm S.100-150cm

Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican Fleabane) Soil and site Can be grown in most well-drained soils (or paths and walls) in full sun or part shade. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Very tolerant. Division Every 2-3 years. a April-November H.30cm S.30cm

Erysimum (Wallflower) BIENNIAL Soil and site Rich, well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Mulch well in summer to prevent water loss. Division Propagate from cuttings. a April-July. H.30-60cm S.40-50cm

Euphorbia (Milkweed, Spurge) Soil and site Well-drained soil in full sun or shade. Likes a moist soil and will take light shade. Spacing Plant 40-60cm apart. Special requirements Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Caution: Wear gloves when you plant this, the milky sap can irritate your skin. Division Every 2-3 years. a February-July (depends on variety). H.40-150cm S.40-60cm (depends on variety)


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Geranium Soil and site Moist, but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Spacing Plant 40-60cm apart (or 1m apart for ‘Ann Folkard’). Special requirements Cut to the ground after they finish flowering, for hopefully a second flush of flowers. Division Every 2-3 years. a May-August. H.30-60cm S.40-60cm (or 1m for ‘Ann Folkard’)

Geum Soil and site Full sun in well-drained, moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Division 3-4 years. a May-Sept H.20-50cm S.40-60cm

Gillenia Soil and site Partial shade in soil that is acid to neutral, moist but well-drained. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements May need staking, good for autumn colour. Division 3-4 years or when clumps become congested. a May-August H.80-100cm S.60cm

Helenium (Helen’s flower, Sneezeweed) Soil and site Fertile, moist, well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Special requirements Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Division Every 2-3 years in autumn or spring. a July-September. H.1.25m S.45cm

Helianthemum Soil and site Full sun in well-drained soil, good in a gravel garden. Spacing 45cm apart. Special requirements Tidy up after flowering. Division As necessary. a June-August H.15-25cm S.20-30cm

Helianthus Soil and site Full sun, in well-drained, moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 50cm apart. Special requirements May need staking. Cut back after flowering. Division 3-4 years in spring or autumn. a June-October H.1-2m S.50-100cm

Hellebore orientalis Soil and site Moist but well-drained soil in dappled shade. Spacing Plant 40-50cm apart. Special requirements Add organic matter when planting. Watch out for snails and aphids. Remove all leaves to the ground before flowering to prevent disease. Division Every 3-4 years. a late January-April. H.40cm S.40-50cm

Hesperis (Dame’s Rocket) BIENNIAL Soil and site Well-drained, light soil in full sun or partial shade. Spacing Plant 40-60cm apart. Special requirements Deadhead to prolong flowering, but leave some seed heads to self seed and naturalise. Division Not required (biennial). a May-early August. H.90cm S.40-60cm

Hollyhocks (Alcea) Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 50cm apart. Special requirements Hollyhocks do have a tendency to rust; Bordeaux mixture will keep this at bay. Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Division Every 2-3 years. a June-August. H.2m S.50cm

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Hosta Soil and site Partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Special requirements Use slug and snail barrier from early spring. Remove spent flower heads after flowering. Division As necessary. a June-August H.50-90cm S.45cm

Kniphofia rooperi Soil and site Full sun in a deep, well-drained, fertile soil. Plant on a slope or add plenty of grit. Spacing Plant 50cm apart. Special requirements Remove flower stems after flowering. Trim back any winter damaged foliage in spring. Dislikes winter wet. Division As necessary in late spring. a August-September.H.1.2 S.50cm

Lamium Soil and site Partial to full shade in well-drained, moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 30-40cm apart. Special requirements Cutback after flowering to encourage new growth. Division 3-4 years. a April-July H.15-60cm S.30-45cm

Lantana ‘Calippo Tutti-Frutti’ Soil and site Full sun with free-draining soil or compost in pots and containers. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. To keep this plant over winter it must be kept in a frost free area. Extra notes Berries and leaves can be toxic if eaten. a May-first frosts. H.25cm S.30cm

Lavandula (Lavender) Soil and site Very well-drained soil in sunny position. Lavender is also excellent for pots. Spacing Plant 50cm apart. Special requirements Think Provence when you’re choosing the site – lavender likes a good baking. Prune mid-August. Division Propagate from cuttings. a June-August. H.60cm S.40-50cm

Liriope Soil and site Partial to full shade in moist but well-drained (preferably acid) soil. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Shelter from cold winds in colder areas. Cut down to ground level in spring to promote fresh growth. Division 4-5years. a August-November H.40cm S.40cm

Lupinus (Lupin) Soil and site Full sun, part shade in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Deadhead to prolong flowering. Watch out for aphids and protect from slugs and snails. Division Every 3 years. a June-July. H.80-100cm S.30cm

Lysimachia clethroides (Gooseneck Loosestrife) Soil and site Full sun, partial shade in moist, but well-drained soil. Spreads so allow space when planning position. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements May need support. Division Spring every 3-4 years. a July-September. H.60-90cm S.30cm

Mathiasella Soil and site Full sun, partial shade in well-drained, moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Protect from wet, cold conditions – plants may suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in colder areas. a April-June H.1m S.60cm


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Matteuccia Soil and Site Partial to full shade in moist, acidic soil. Spacing Plant 1.5m apart. Special requirements Remove dead fronds when necessary. Division Spreads slowly, when necessary divide in spring. a Evergreen H.1-1.5m S.1.5-2.5m

Matthiola incana (Stocks) BIENNIAL Soil and site Full sun and sheltered, moist but well-drained, ideally lime-rich soil. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Cut back after flowering. Susceptible to aphids and flea beetles. a June-September. H.45-80cm S.30-40cm

Meconopsis Soil and site Sheltered, partial shady spot with neutral to slightly acid, moist but well-drained soil, enriched with leaf mould or humus. Grows best in areas with cool damp summers. Spacing Plant 50cm apart. Special requirements Cut down to the base in late autumn. Division When necessary. a June-July H.80cm S.40cm

Melianthus Soil and site Full sun in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Shelter from cold, drying winds and provide a dry mulch in winter to protect from winter wet. Spacing Plant 1.5m apart. Special requirements Can be grown in a container and moved undercover during the winter. Division Not necessary. a Evergreen or maybe herbaceous in cooler areas when foliage will appear again the next summer. H.1.5 -2m S.1.5 m

Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ (Catmint) Soil and site Full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Cut back lightly after flowering for second flush. Cut back hard in autumn for vigorous new growth in spring. Division Every 2-3 years. a June-September. H.50-100cm S.40-80cm

Papaver orientale (Oriental poppy) Soil and site Moist, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Cut to ground after flowering and the leaves will quickly again to form a backdrop for other plants in the bed. Division Every 2-3 years. a June-July. H.75cm S.40-75cm

Penstemon Soil and site Full sun, partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Special requirements Deadhead to prolong flowering. Leave old-growth on over winter for protection and prune in late spring when new shoots appear. Division Every 3-4 years in spring. a July-October H.50-70cm S.40cm

Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’ Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 75cm apart. Special requirements Cut back in March and mulch well. Division Every 2-3 years. a July-October. H.75cm S.75cm

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Phlox Soil and site Moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Spacing Plant 75cm apart. Special requirements Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Don’t let them dry out and ensure good air circulation. Division Every 2-3 years and propagate from basal cuttings. a July-October. H.80-90cm S.40-75cm

Pimpinella major ‘Rosea’ Soil and site Well-drained soil in sun or shade. Spacing Plant 50cm apart. Special requirements Dislikes a wet site. Will self-seed. Division Every 2-3 years. a May-July. H.40-60cm S.40-50cm

Polygonatum Soil and site Full or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Cut back in late autumn. Division When necessary divide in spring. a May-June H.1m S.40cm

Primulas and Polyanthus Soil and site Grow these in pots or plant them in the garden in light shade and good drainage. They like to be protected from rain in the winter and full sun in the summer. Spacing Plant 20cm apart. Special requirements Re-pot after flowering into new, well-drained, gritty compost – 4 parts loam-based John Innes no 2, 2 parts leaf mould and 1 part grit. Top the pots off with grit. Division Every 2-3 years. a February-May. H.10-20cm S.20cm

Pulmonaria (Common Lungwort) Soil and site Moist soil in partial shade. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements They do not like to dry out. The first sign that they are unhappy is mildewed leaves, so keep them watered. Deadhead after flowering and remove old leaves. Will self-seed. Division Every 2-3 years. a April-June. H.30cm S.30cm

Rosemary Soil and site Light, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Spacing Plant 50cm apart or in at least a 2 litre pot. Special requirements Deadhead after flowering. Prune regularly to avoid woody appearance. Division Not Necessary. a May-August. H.75-100cm S.75cm

Rudbeckia Soil and site Full sun in moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Deadhead to prolong flowering. Division 3-4 years. a August-October H.90cm S.45cm

Salvia Soil and site Full sun or partial shade in a well-drained soil Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Deadhead to prolong flowering and cut back hard after first flowering. Division 3-4 years in spring. a June-October H.1-1.2m S.40cm

Scabious Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 40-50cm apart. Special requirements Pick or deadhead to prolong flowering. Division Every 2-3 years. a June-October. H.50cm S.40-50cm


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Tellima Soil and site Partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil but can cope with dry soils. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Cut back flower stems once faded or leave to encourage self-seeding. Division 3-4 years in spring. a May-July H.60-80cm S.30cm

Tiarella Soil and site Sheltered partial to full shade in moist but well-drained soil, can cope with poorly drained soil. Spacing Plant 20cm apart. Special requirements Cut back flowering stems once faded. Division 3-4 years. a May-July H.30cm S.20cm

Verbascum Soil and site Prefers poor, alkaline, well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements In fertile soil the plants grow very tall and may need staking. Division Most will self-sow. a May-July H.60cm S.40cm

Verbena bonariensis Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Will self sow. Division Short-lived perennial, so not applicable. a July-November. H.1.5-2m S.40cm

Veronica gentianoides (Gentian Speedwell) Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Keep picking or deadheading for longer flowering. Division Every 2-3 years. a June-September. H.75cm S.30cm

Veronicastrum (Culver’s Root) Soil and site Moist, well-drained soil, especially loamy clay in full sun or part shade. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Special requirements Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Division Every 2-3 years. a June-August. H.1-1.5m S.50-100cm

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Verbena bonariensis

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roses

RosesChoose a site that gets at least 50% of the day in the sun. If you are replacing old roses with new roses, remove as much of the old soil as possible and replace with soil that hasn’t grown roses before (the old soil will grow anything else apart from roses). Dig a hole big enough to accommodate the roots and place a handful of bone meal at the bottom, mixing in with the soil. Place the rose in the ground and backfill with topsoil that has been enriched with organic matter (garden compost, manure or a proprietary rose and shrub compost). Make sure the graft union (stumpy bit) is at, or slightly below, soil level. Water well. Feed and mulch in spring.

As a general rule, use climbers on walls, fences, pillars and pergolas, and ramblers will grow into hedges, trees, over large arches and may also be used on pillars and pergolas.

Climbers – ‘Madame Alfred Carriere’ Soil and site Full sun and sheltered site, moist well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 3m apart. Special requirements To avoid an unsightly tall plant with a few flowers at the top and nothing below, train to grow horizontally (fan out). Stretch wires out horizontally, at 60cm height intervals, securely along the wall or fence, and bend the rose over, attaching it to the wire with string or raffia. After a time, the stems trained horizontally will throw up vertical stems; use the strongest verticals arising from the base and/or the middle of the plant to train along higher wires to create another tier if required. Prune the remaining vertical stems to one centimetre from the horizontal stem during September-October. a June-September. H.3-4m S.3m

Ramblers – ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’ and ‘Rambling Rector’ Soil and site Full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 2m apart. Special requirements Prune at the end of summer. Extra notes Vigorous ramblers suited to training through trees. ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’ a May-June. H.9m S.9m / ‘Rambling Rector’ a July-September. H.6m S.6m

Shrubs – ‘Burgundy Ice’, ‘Constance Spry’, ‘Felicia’, ‘Graham Thomas’, ‘Penelope’, ‘Rose de Rescht’, and ‘Tuscany Superb’, Soil and site Full sun or partial shade, moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 1m apart. Special requirements Prune February-March. Deadhead to encourage bud production. a June-September. H.90-120cm. See individual varieties on our website for spread.


Rose ‘Burgundy Ice’

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climbers

ClimbersAkebia Soil and site Sun or partial shade in any moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 3m apart. Special requirements Dislikes being moved so choose site well. Prune after flowering to keep them to the space available, removing as much from the longer shoots as necessary. a March-May H.10m S.3.5-4m

Clematis Soil and site Well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade (full sun for the borderline tender armandii), with lots of organic matter added to the planting position. Try to shade the roots of clematis if possible. If planted on a wall, lean a tile over the base and roots; if planting in a border, shade the roots with other plants. The smaller growing clematis, eg alpines and modern hybrids, do well in large containers with at least 45cm depth and width. Special requirements Water well to settle in. All clematis will need support on a wall or in the border over which it can climb. See individual varieties on our website for flowering times, heights and spreads. Pruning Encourages strong growth and prolific flowering. If you leave them to their own devices they can become a tangled mess with bare stems at the base with flowers way up higher than you’d like them. Pruning Group 1 C. armandii and montana varieties. No need to prune them, tidy after flowering. Pruning Group 2 Prune in February and after first flowers in early summer. Pruning Group 3 C. ‘Prince Charles’, ‘Bill Mackenzie’, ‘Royal Velours’, ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ and C. durandii. Prune in February, cut hard back to 75cm.

Hydrangea petiolaris (See p.15 Hydrangea paniculata except for Special requirements) Special requirements Prune immediately after flowering only to keep to its framework, otherwise only remove dead stems. Keep pruning to a minimum.

Lonicera (Honeysuckle) Soil and site Rich, well-drained soil with roots in shade, but climbing up into sun. You can plant them on a north face of a wall. Add plenty of organic matter to planting hole. Special requirements Mulch every autumn or winter and keep the plant well watered in its first year. Will need support on a wall or in the border over which it can climb. a May-August H.3m S.50cm

Solanum jasminoides Soil and site Rich, well-drained soil with roots in sun or shade. Needs a sunny, sheltered position. Special requirements Will need support on a wall or in the border over which it can climb. In early spring, prune about a third of older stems back to ground. a July-November. H.4m S.3m

Wisteria Soil and site Full sun or light dappled shade in fertile, moist well-drained soil. When planting, select a position that has the roots in a shaded spot but the top growth in the sun against a wall or fence. Dig a large hole and fork the base, incorporating large amounts of organic matter. Top dress and feed the plant’s base in the spring. Special requirements Wisterias flower from flowering spurs that form on the stems. To encourage the development of the spurs, train your wisteria so that the side shoots and branches are horizontal, eg onto a wire secured to a wall or fence. Naturally as they grow wisteria stems turn clockwise in a circling motion resulting in a coiling to secure its new position. This fact is worth remembering when training your plant to a new wire as twisting the stems in a anti clockwise

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shrubs

direction will cause the plant to waste a great deal of energy and time untwisting and retwisting itself. Pruning Wisteria needs pruning twice a year to keep it in its allocated space and to encourage flowers. Summer pruning (July or August): cut back the whippy green shoots of the current year’s growth to five or six leaves after flowering. Winter pruning (January or February): cut back the same growths to two or three buds to ensure the flowers will not be obscured by leaves. a May-June. H.9m S.5m

ShrubsChoisya Soil and site Sheltered position in full sun, partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 1.5m apart. Special requirements Prune after flowering to encourage re-bloom. a April-May and September H.1-1.5m S.1.5m

Cotinus Soil and site Full sun, partial shade in well-drained, moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 1.5m apart. Special requirements Lightly prune in late winter/early spring or for larger foliage hard prune in early spring. a July-August H.2.5-4m S.1.5m-2m

Daphne Soil and site Sheltered position in full sun, partial shade in a well-drained soil. Dislikes root disturbance so pick a site well. Spacing Plant 1m apart. Special requirements Prune lightly after flowering, remove any dead, damaged or diseased stems. a January-April H.1.5m S.1.5m

Eleagnus Soil and site Full sun in well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 3m apart. Special requirements Prune after flowering in mid-summer and add mulch to base of shrub. a May-June H.4m S.3m

Hydrangea paniculata Soil and site Non-alkaline, moist, fertile soil. Plant in a cool, semi-shady part of the garden, avoid exposed east-facing sites, where cold winds may damage young spring growth, and also avoid dry, sunny spots. Work plenty of organic matter into the soil prior to planting. On lighter, sandier soils, feed in early spring with a flowering shrub fertiliser. This should be enough for the season, and should not be necessary on richer soils. Too much feeding can encourage excessive soft, leafy growth, with plants less likely to develop flower buds and more at risk from frost in colder winters. Special requirements Remove dead wood in spring, however, this species flower more prolifically when hard pruned. Each spring, cut back last year’s stems to the lowest pair of healthy buds, creating a low framework of branches. This usually results in a pruned framework of no more than 25cm high but, if more height is required, cut to about 60cm tall. a July-September. H.2.5m S.2.5m

Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’ (Mock Orange) Soil and site Well-drained, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Will tolerate any reasonably fertile well drained soil, including chalk. Special requirements Prune out flower stems after flowering, remove older wood to base in winter. a June-July. H.1-1.5m S.1.5m


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conservatory plants

Syringa Soil and site Full sun, partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained neutral soil. Spacing Plant 2.5m apart. Special requirements Prune lightly immediately after flowering, remove any dead, damaged or diseased stems. a May-June H.2.5-4m S.2.5-3m

Viburnum Soil and site Will tolerate most soils other than very wet soils, being well suited to chalk soils. Avoid planting in extremely dry conditions or exposed, cold areas. Special requirements Pruning is not always necessary in the first few years. In many cases, pruning just after flowering but before the setting of seedpods is sufficient. If frost is imminent in your area, you should put off pruning so as not to damage new growth. Typically, once established viburnum shrubs should be trimmed back about a third of their size each year. Most pruning is done for shaping purposes only. a May-June. H.3-4m S.2.5-4m

Conservatory PlantsGardenia jasminoides (Cape Jasmine) Soil and site Best grown in a light room or conservatory but shaded from direct sun to avoid scorching and wilting of the leaves. A west-facing window sill is ideal. Night temperatures should remain as far as possible between 15-18°C (59-65°F) with a day temperature of 21-24°C (70-75°F), as fluctuations can damage flower buds. Move to a south facing window of a heated conservatory in winter with temperature of 16°C (61°F) if possible, although 10-15°C (50-59°F) is acceptable. Grows best in ericaceous compost. Special requirements Grows best in high humidity so stand the container on tray of pebbles or gravel and keep moist, with the water level slightly below the surface of the gravel. Mist the leaves frequently in hot weather, but not when in flower as water on the flowers may discolour them. Keep the compost moist, but not saturated. Reduce watering in winter but do not allow compost to dry out between watering. Use rainwater where possible, and always at room temperature. Use a high nitrogen liquid feed every week in spring and summer and feed with a balanced fertiliser with trace elements every five to six weeks throughout the winter. a June-August. H.90cm

Jasmine Soil and site Hardy enough to be grown outside on a sheltered wall as well as indoors. Sun, part shade but best scent in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Special requirements Jasmines are also sensitive to the dryness created by central heating. The best way to increase the humidity around your plants is to set plants in trays filled with pebbles or gravel. Add water to a level just below the tops of the pebbles (if the potting mix in the pots comes in contact with the water, the mix will draw water into the pot, which will cause the mix to become saturated, eventually leading to rot). Refill trays frequently to replace water lost through evaporation. Water only when the top half inch of the potting mix is dry to the touch; Jasmine won’t tolerate soggy potting mix. After flowering, give your plant at least 6 hours of direct sun and normal room temperatures. Feed every 2 weeks with a high-phosphorus liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Don’t fertilize in spring after the flowers fade, while the plant is resting. a June-August, flowers will open and last longer with cooler home temperatures. H.3-5m S.1m

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kitchen garden plants

Kitchen garden plantsAsparagus As a rough guide, ten established plants should yield about 3kg (7lb) of spears, over a six week period each year, for up to twenty years. I have thirty crowns, which produce enough for regular meals for our family of two adults and two children.

Planting out Plant in March or April. Prepare the bed by digging in well-rotted manure and, as asparagus likes free-drained soil, add grit if gardening on heavy clay. Remove any perennial weeds. Plant crowns 30cm (12in) apart, with 1m (39in) between rows. Dig a wide trench about 20cm (8in) deep and 30cm (12in) wide. Form a ridge of soil down the centre of the trench, about 10cm (4in) high. Place the crown on the ridge, draping the roots either side. Cover with about 5cm (2in) of soil, then add more soil as the stems grow, aiming to completely fill the trench by autumn. Keep well watered. Special requirements It is important to keep the bed free of weeds – they compete with the crowns – so mulch deeply with grit or compost in early spring. Harvest Do not harvest spears in the first year after planting, and only a few in the following year. After that, you should be able to cut lots of spears. When the crowns stop producing heavily, they are coming to the end of their natural season. Stop harvesting then and allow the ferns to grow. Give a high-nitrogen feed in early summer to encourage the ferns. Cut them to the ground in late autumn when the ferns are brown. Pests Watch out for asparagus beetle – a small yellow and black beetle with a red head. They and their buff-coloured grubs eat the ferns, sometimes defoliating them completely and so weakening them. Pick these pests off whenever you see them.

Blackcurrant Planting out Soak roots in a bucket before planting. Avoid planting them in frost pockets, as a late frost can damage the flowers and lead to a smaller harvest. Prepare soil well in advance, remove any weeds and add well rotted manure to site along with a generous handful of general purpose fertiliser. Dig a hole at least twice the diameter of the root ball, and place each plant at least 6cm deeper than it was previously to encourage new, vigorous shoots to develop from the base. Spread the roots out well and mix the soil from the hole with well-rotted organic manure. Firm it in well and water in. The main stems also need to be pruned to two buds from ground level (these buds should face outwards rather than inwards as that’s where you’ll want your fruit to appear). Harvest July. Maintenance Keep blackcurrant plants well watered during dry periods, particularly whilst the fruits are developing. Netting the bushes will help to protect the currants from birds. At the end of the first season, prune out any thin or weak shoots. In subsequent years prune out any damaged or weak shoots and remove approximately 20% of the remaining stems to create an open shaped bush. To grow in a container Choose a pot that is approximately 45-50cm in diameter. Ensure that there is plenty of drainage in the bottom of the container. Use a good-quality compost (John Innes No 3), or multi-purpose compost mixed with one-third by volume of grit. Feed regularly during the growing season and top dress every spring.

Chives Soil and site Full sun or partial shade, in well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 20cm apart. Special requirements Water regularly. Division Every 3 years. a June-October. H.50-60cm S.20-30cm


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Fig ‘Brown Turkey’ Planting out Prepare soil well, remove any weeds and add well-rotted manure to the site along with a generous handful of general purpose fertiliser. Avoid planting in to waterlogged, parched or frozen soil. Plant 20cm away from the base of a sunny south or south west facing wall or fence in moist but well-drained soil. Backfill, using enriched garden soil, or with John Innes No 3 compost. To grow as a fan shape make a support of wires horizontally along the wall or fence to train the fig onto. Harvest August-September. Maintenance In late March, cut out dead stems and weak branches before growth starts. Apply a general-purpose granular feed and mulch around the base of plants, with well-rotted organic matter, to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Once the figs appear, apply liquid tomato fertiliser every two to three weeks during the growing season, until they start to ripen. Water well during summer. Remove larger fruits that are not mature enough to ripen at the end of the season, leaving the tiny embryo fruits at the shoot tips, to ripen the following year. Protect wall-trained figs in winter, after leaf fall cover with insulation or fleece then remove the insulation in late spring after the risk of frosts. To grow in a container Figs do well in containers, choose a pot slightly larger than the one it arrives in and re-pot every two years in March using John Innes No 3 in a pot about 5cm larger each time. Protect during winter.

Gooseberry Planting out November-March. Great in poor soil. Prepare soil well, remove any weeds and add well rotted manure to site along with a generous handful of general purpose fertiliser. Avoid planting in to waterlogged, parched or frozen soil. Dig a hole at least twice the diameter of the root ball. Spread the roots out well and mix the soil from the hole with well-rotted organic manure. Firm it in well and water in. Space 1.2-1.5m apart. Harvest June-July, protect with netting. Maintenance In early spring of the first year after planting, select five main stems and prune them back to 15-20cm, removing all other stems from the base. Mulch the root area with organic matter, such as garden compost or bark chips, to conserve soil moisture. In late winter, feed with a balanced granular fertiliser, but avoid feeding the plants with too much nitrogen because this can encourage sappy growth, which is prone to gooseberry mildew. From the second year in mid-June to July, shorten that season’s new growth back to five leaves, except for those branches needed to extend the main framework. This pruning should not remove fruit, as fruit develops mainly on the older wood. In winter, remove dead wood and low-lying shoots. Then spur prune all side shoots by cutting them back to one to three buds from the base. Shorten branch tips by one quarter, cutting to a suitable outward facing bud. Watering is important, especially in early summer when the fruits are developing. A sudden wash of water applied after a prolonged dry spell will see berries swell quickly to split the skins

Raspberries These one-year-old standard canes will provide bowls of fruit every year (but not the first) for the next 8-12 years. Soak them well before you plant them and make sure their roots remain undisturbed as they become established. They are easy to grow and maintain – all you need is space.

Planting out Plant November-March. Prepare the ground well – they do not like poor soil, so dig in plenty of well-rotted manure. Make a solid support with a wire and post structure. Plant at 40cm (34in) intervals, with rows about 2m (79in) apart. Plant at a depth of about 6cm (2.5in),

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spreading the roots out. Prune the stem back to 25cm (10in). Harvest July-October. Maintenance Water regularly and get rid of weeds. In spring, mulch with a well-rotted manure. Summer-fruiting raspberries (‘Glen Ample’) should be pruned as soon as they have finished fruiting, by cutting back all the fruited canes to ground level and tying in the new canes. Autumn-fruiting raspberries (‘Autumn Bliss’) should be pruned by cutting all the canes back to ground-level at the end of the winter. Prune all canes again in the spring by cutting back to a healthy bud about 15cm (6in) above the top of the supporting wire.

Redcurrants Planting out November-March. Prepare soil well, remove any weeds and add well rotted manure to site along with a generous handful of general purpose fertiliser. Avoid planting in to waterlogged, parched or frozen soil. Dig a hole at least twice the diameter of the root ball, and place each plant at least 6cm deeper than it was previously to encourage new, vigorous shoots to develop from the base. Spread the roots out well and mix the soil from the hole with well-rotted organic manure. Firm it in well and water in. Space 1.5m apart. Harvest July-August. Maintenance Redcurrants bear their fruit on old wood. Prune bushes by removing diseased, damaged or old branches in February or very early March just before the buds begin to swell on a day when no frost is expected. Prune new growth back to two buds in early summer to keep plants compact. Leaders should be pruned to outward facing buds unless the branches are bending, in which case they then should be cut to upward facing buds.

Rhubarb When you receive your bare root rhubarb plants Plant in a pot of compost, with the growing point at or just below the soil surface. Grow them on for about a month until the roots have filled the pot well. Planting out Choose an open, sunny site with moist but free-drained soil, as it hates being waterlogged in winter. Avoid frost pockets as stems are susceptible to frost. Choose an area which has not grown rhubarb in the last six years. Rhubarb can also be planted in very large pots at least 50cm (20in) deep and wide. Special requirements Don’t harvest anything in the first season – mulch your plants (not too close to the crown) and let them grow and establish themselves well. Simply allow the sticks of rhubarb to die back in the first autumn. Spread organic compost around the crown in its dormant winter phase. If a stressed plant should run to seed in late spring due to dry and cold conditions, remove the flowering spike straight away. Harvest In the second season (12-14 months after planting), you can start picking when the leaves have fully unfurled and the stems are approximately 30cm (12in) long. Never take more than half of the stems at a time – over-cropping will reduce the plants vigour. Stalks are harvested by gently twisting the stems and pulling from the base of the plant. Remember: the leaves are poisonous to eat but can be safely composted with the rest of your garden waste. Division Lift and divide crowns every 5 or 6 years, between November and March while the plant is dormant. Use a spade to lift each crown, split into 3 or 4 pieces and replant separately. Make sure each piece has a healthy looking bud, which will become the growth point for next year’s new shoots.


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Strawberries Grow these in the border, in pots, in the veg patch or in the allotment. They are easy to grow and, after a smaller first crop, will provide abundant fruit for at least three years.

When you receive your bare root strawberry plants Immerse in a bucket of warm water and soak for 20 minutes so the roots can rehydrate. Planting out Choose a sunny, sheltered spot and dig in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. Plant 45cm (18in) apart with 75cm (30in) between each row. Dig your planting holes to the same depth as the lengths of the roots and twice as wide. Spread the roots out in the hole and refill the hole with soil, keeping the crown of the plant where shoots will emerge at soil level. Water after planting and mulch with straw or bark to help preserve moisture. Alternatively, they may also be planted through sheets of polythene which will help smother weeds, retain soil moisture and encourage early cropping by warming the soil. Special requirements Strawberries require regular watering throughout the growing season and ripening fruits can be netted against pests. Flowers may need protecting from frosts in spring. Pinch out runners as they appear if new plants are not required. Once the crop has been picked, cut out old foliage from plants, taking care not to damage young leaves. Clear away straw, foliage and debris from around the plants to reduce opportunities for pests and diseases to take hold. Feed with a balanced fertilizer. Harvest May-July, when fully ripe, complete with stalks. Use at once for best flavour.

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