Bents Beautiful Gardens 2023

TOP OF THE POTS

Colourful container combinations

BEE HAPPY

Create a pollinator-friendly flower border

LOVELY LAWNS

the easy way

BEAUTIFULPLANTS BEAUTIFULPLACE

You’ll be glad you went to Bents

Springisspringing andI’m sure I’mnot alonein loving thelongerdaysand warmer weather. It reallyisthe season to be enjoying thegarden. Andwhether that’s thestart of alfresco entertaining or planningsomeplantingwe’re here to help make your springtime even more special.

Andwhilstmyown family continuestoplanfor the future -aftercelebrating our85thanniversary last year -itisour widerfamilyofcolleagueswho strive to deliverthe very best customerservice on adaily basis, making sure each andevery visittoBents is onethat surprises anddelightsatevery opportunity.

We hope youdiscovermorechoice than ever before whilst experiencing thesamefamilyfriendly atmosphere ourcustomers have always enjoyed.

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Spring 2023

magazine means a plant or product that is new to the garden centres in the Tillington Group this year. It may have been trialled previously in other markets. Productsfeaturedareseasonal,stockmaybe limitedandissubjecttoavailability.Datesandpricesarecorrectattimeofgoingto press,butpricesmaybesubjecttochangeduetoongoingdisruptioninthesupplychain

ConsultanteditorAIleen Scoular PhotographyKaren JacksonPhotographyandFilm;JackSpicer Adams; Selecta One;RTamblyn,JRichmond,APsarra,MBarnes, MHughes-Jones,NCattlin,Avalon.red,TChriss, AGlen EBrown, Thrillerfillerspiller,BotanyVision/Alamy StockPhoto; HWeide,Seven75,AFertl, LKing,ODimier,Nahhan,AlpamayoPhoto, JHDahlstrom, MFischinger AOtzen,Haoliang BxmasAdyna/GettyImages; ZNapier TGainey Visions,MHughes-Jones, JGlover,RWareham,EJanes NovaPhotoGraphik/GAPPhotos; SyngentaFlowers; NicholasYarsley;Malerapaso,DaisyDaisy/iStock; GeorgiMabee, MarkLord.Illustrations3DrenderedvisualsbySamuelNorth samuelnorth.com

Beautiful Gardens

PRETTY AS A PEACH

We love this trio of gorgeous roses. ‘Magic Harlequin’, an unusual blend of pink, apricot and orange, and magenta-pink ‘Belles Rives’ are both bush roses ‘Peach Melba’, the UK’s Rose of the Year for 2023, is a compact climber which repeat-flowers from late spring to the first frost. May-Oct

GROW THE BEST

Plants in this magazine, and in store, labelled AGM have been given an Award of Garden Merit (AGM) by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) because they perform particularly well

Annual Perennial/biennial Flowering shrubs

INTO ACTION

Spring

CHECKMATE

If you’re short of spring flowers, why not tuck some potted snake’s head fritillaries into your beds and borders? Grow these cheerful chequered blooms in cool, moist soil, alongside miniature daffodils and dwarf tulips Mar-May (AGM*)

THINK PINK

If you’re after a plant for the front of a spring border, a rockery or a patio container, pretty Parahebe ‘Pink Delight’ is perfect. Growing to only 30cm tall, the dainty pink spring flowers are complemented by neat semi-evergreen foliage Jun-Sept

TRUE BLUE

Add a flash of electric blue to your patio pots with this unusual climber called Sollya ‘Ultra Blue’. Grow up an obelisk or against a trellis panel to enjoy the nodding azure flowers, then move the container to a frost-free location in winter. Jun-Sept

AFRICAN QUEENS

Watch out for new varieties of Streptocarpus in store this spring Also known as ‘cape primrose’, these pretty houseplants originally came from South Africa. They flower for several months at a time, in shades of purple, pink, blue and white. May-Oct

Turn to page 48 for more houseplant inspiration

‘Peach Melba’

‘Magic Harlequin’

‘Belles Rives’

30cm Patio Planter

Round & Square Lead Effect Planters (available in 2 sizes)

35cm Varese Medium Planter

40cm Varese Low Planter

50cm Patio Trough Planter

Cherry | Dove Grey | Slate Grey Cornflower Blue | Lavender

Cherry | Dove Grey | Slate Grey Cornflower Blue | Lavender

Granite | Dark Brown | Alpine Grey

Granite | Dark Brown | Alpine Grey (Saucers sold separately)

FOR ALL SEASONS Scent

Beautiful flowers become all the lovelier with the addition of scent. Here’s how to bring fragrance to your garden or patio from March to November

Beautiful Gardens

Gardening appeals to all our senses. Textured foliage is pleasingly tactile, while water and nature provide the soundtrack. But scent can completely transform the experience of being outdoors. Plants with a distinctive scent help to attract beneficial insects, while fragrance can also boost your mood and support wellbeing. Many scientific studies have shown that scent enhances human emotion more than any other sense, and fragrance can be a powerful memory trigger. This is because scents are processed in

an area of the brain which is also linked to emotion and memory. Fragrance usually comes from flowers – on shrubs, climbers, herbaceous perennials and even annuals – or the leaves of aromatic Mediterranean herbs. For most people, scents such as rose and lavender are very relaxing, while more heady fragrances, such as jasmine, cloves or mint, can feel exciting or energising. So, if you want your garden or patio to truly make you feel good, grow plenty of scented plants that flower in different seasons.

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Clusters of tiny pink flowers produce an intoxicating scent in early spring.

Prefers dappled shade.

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Compact and highly scented, this dwarf rhododendron is happy in sun or shade where its gleaming white flowers herald the start of spring.

A compact azalea with pretty two-tone flowers, colourful autumn foliage and a very powerful scent.

A petite variety of the classic English lavender, with scented leaves and aromatic flower spikes.

H: 50cm;

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With the feathery ‘ruffles’ typical of French lavender, the familiar fragrance from the flowers and leaves can help you relax or sleep

H:

Clusters of deliciously scented peachy-pink flowers make this relatively compact azalea a lovely addition to a mixed border in dappled shade.

H:

June

The dainty snow-white flowers bloom all summer long, releasing a clove-like fragrance when planted in a sunny pot or border.

H: 30cm; Jun-Sept

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Trachelospermum jasminoides (AGM*)

Although the flowers look similar to jasmine, this climber keeps its glossy leaves all year round and has an intoxicating scent.

H: 8-12m; Jun-Sept

Lonicera

A vigorous honeysuckle, with an exceptional fragrance, creamy-yellow summer blooms, and small red berries in autumn.

H: 4-8m; Jun-Sept

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Rose ‘The Countess of Wessex’

A modern shrub rose from expert grower Peter Beales, the elegant layered blooms are highly scented. Ideal for pots or borders

H: 1.2m; Jun-Nov

1 Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’

H: 1-1.5m; Feb-Mar

Rhododendron ‘Tinkerbird’

H: 80cm; Apr

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Azalea ‘Northern Hi Lights’

H: 1.2-1.5m; May 4

Lavandula stoechas ‘Papillon’

60cm; May-Sept

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Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ (AGM*)

Jun-Sept

Azalea ‘Chanel’

1.5m;

7 Dianthus ‘Memories’

‘Scentsation’

NON-STOP FLOWERS

Beautiful Gardens

WONDERFUL wallflow s

Loved by foraging bees, pastel-hued wallflowers create a feast of early spring colour

Perennial and biennial wallflowers are the perfect plants to kick off the growing season. The small spikes of ruffled blooms are gently fragranced and, once in bloom, they flower for several months from March onwards – especially if you snip off the fading flowerheads. The individual four-petalled flowers are also very pollinatorfriendly. Erysimums provide butterflies and bees – especially bumble bees – with a welcome source of pollen and nectar in spring before many other flowers appear. They can be grown in full sun or dappled shade, and they’re equally happy in pots and borders. The shorter varieties that we’ve shown here are particularly suitable for containers as they only grow to around 45cm tall.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR WALLFLOWERS

Choose a sheltered spot in full sun or light shade, in well-drained soil or peat-free compost – wallflowers don’t like wet, heavy soil

Water wallflowers in pots when the compost is dry, but don’t let the roots get waterlogged

Prune the whole plant back to half its size after flowering finishes – this will help to maintain a neat shape and encourage fresh foliage

Erysimum Poem Lilac

Erysimum Leya Orange and Purple

Erysimum Leya Lemon Glow

Erysimum Leya Purple Glow

Erysimum Leya Orange Glow

Beautiful Gardens

DESIGN A BORDER FOR w dlife

Attract more bees, butterflies and birds to your garden with our suggestions for a wildlife-friendly border

Making your garden more appealing to wildlife doesn’t mean letting it go completely wild. Simple changes like letting your lawn grass grow longer between cuts, leaving small gaps in your fence for hedgehogs to pass through, and planting more nectarrich flowers can make a big difference to the creatures that live in, or travel through, your garden. Here, we’ve put together an easy-to-grow collection of border plants that look beautiful and keep garden wildlife safe and well, too. Add nesting boxes, a bee hotel, a bird feeder, and a few log piles from fallen twigs and prunings, and you should have a border teeming with wildlife.

Beautiful Gardens WILDLIFE BORDER

HOW TO ATTRACT MORE WILDLIFE

Don’t worry about wildflowers in your lawn – bees love clover flowers, and finches peck on dandelion seeds. Plant hedges for nesting birds – hedging plants with berries or hips also provide valuable food in winter. Choose organic plant feeds, and weed your pots and borders by hand.

Combine plants with different-shaped blooms, that flower from early spring through to winter

Find a wide range of wildlife products in store –including bird feeders, nesting boxes and bug hotels

A small copper butterfly on a scabious (left); a goldfinch with spring blossom (below)

OUR WILDLIFE BORDER PLAN

Verbena bonariensis H: 1-1.8m June-Sept

Helleborus ‘Glenda’s Gloss’ H: 40-50cm; Dec-Mar

Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Splash’ H: 30cm Mar-May

Buddleja davidii ‘Empire Blue’ H: 1.5m-2m. June-Sept

Pulmonaria ‘Blue Ensign’ H: 30cm Mar-May

Hebe ‘Celine’ H: 40-50cm; July-Aug

Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Cream’ H: 60-70cm. June-July

Buddleja davidii ‘Black Knight’ H: 1.5m-2m. June-Sept

Primula veris H: 25cm April-May

Geranium ‘Kelly Anne’ H: 30-40cm. June-Sept

Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Purple’ H: 60-70cm. June-July

Aquilegia Spring Magic ‘Rose and White’ H: 40cm May-July

Helleborus ‘Anna’s Red’ H: 40-50cm; Dec-Mar

Helleborus ‘Molly’s White’ H: 40-50cm. Dec-Mar

Buddleja davidii ‘Pink Delight’ H: 1.5m-2m. June-Sept

Aquilegia Spring Magic ‘Navy and White’ H: 40cm May-July

At home in your garden

At Forest, we know the joy of gardens. Everything we produce has been designed to help you create agarden that you’ll enjoy for years to come. From beautifully crafted traditional classics to contemporary decorative features and structures –everything is manufactured to look good and last.

Beautiful Gardens

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Ceanothus brings a dash of West Coast chic to any garden, with colourful, pollen-rich flowers and glossy leaves

If you’re searching for an evergreen shrub with eye-catching late-spring flowers, ceanothus is hard to beat. It originates from California so it loves a warm, sunny spot. The small glossy leaves can vary from dark green to variegated varieties like ‘Lemon and Lime’ which has contrasting splashes of creamy yellow, but the clusters of flowers are usually an intense sapphire-blue. Choose a spreading

variety, like C. thyrsiflorus var. repens for planting above low walls; a more compact type like ‘Skylark’ for containers; or a traditional upright variety, such as ‘Puget Blue’ or ‘Concha’, to add impact to a bed or border. But whichever ceanothus you choose, the pollinating insects in your garden will appreciate the pollen from the flowers, and any berries that appear in autumn will be enjoyed by garden birds.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR CEANOTHUS

Plant in spring in well-drained soil or peat-free compost

Choose a sunny, sheltered position

Allow enough space – check the label for the ultimate size

Lightly trim your ceanothus after flowering to maintain its shape

Feed in early spring, with Sulphate of Potash, and mulch around the base

*Plants labelled AGM hold an Award of Garden Merit (AGM) from the RHS

‘Skylark’ (AGM*)

COMPACT

C. thyrsiflorus var. repens (AGM*)

‘Concha’ (AGM*)

‘Puget Blue’ (AGM*)

‘Trewithen Blue’ (AGM*)

‘Lemon and Lime’

Beautiful Gardens CONTAINERS

PICK POTS of the th

Almost any plant can be grown in a container, so you can be endlessly creative when filling your spring and summer pots

The wonderful thing about container gardening is that the combinations are limitless. And there’s no need to wait until summer bedding plants arrive: you can start right now, by combining pretty-leaved perennials with colourful shrubs and herbs, then add seasonal annuals and flowering perennials in a few months’ time to transform the look of your containers all over again. To get started, all you need is a large pot (we have a wide selection in store), a bag of peat-free compost, slow-release plant food, and three or four plants. Once you have a combination that you’re happy with, pop your pot in its final location, and water well.

VIBRANT TONES FOR SUN

This sun-loving plant combination is all about contrasting colour tones – the dramatic leaves of a purple-leaved Heuchera pop against the variegated foliage of Hebe ‘Celebration’ Add silvery-grey lavender, like ‘Munstead’, and the dainty scented flowers of Nemesia ‘Confetti’ and you have a medley of dusky purples and pinks, freshened up with zesty lime-green. Combine in a white pot, to enhance the colours, and position in full sun.

MORE PLANTS FOR A SUNNY POT

Geum ‘Mrs J. Bradshaw’ (AGM*)

Heuchera ‘Apple Twist’

Heuchera ‘Boysenberry’

Heuchera ‘Black Pearl’

Heuchera ‘Wildberry’

RHS Flora Glazed Bluebell pot 37cm Dia., £49.99

Nemesia ‘Celebration’

Hebe ‘Golden Pixie’

Hebe ‘Rose Sparkler’

Nemesia ‘Confetti’

Heuchera

Hebe ‘Celebration’

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’

1 Choose the correct type – specialist peatfree composts are now available, including soilbased recipes with added John Innes, ericaceous compost for acid-loving plants, and moisture control options for tubs and baskets.

2 Add some garden soil, if you have it – peat-free compost can be light in texture,

TASTY HERBS FOR PICKING

If you don’t have space for a herb garden, you can create the same effect in a large planter or trough – like this clever wheeled indoor/ outdoor design. Fill it almost all the way to the top with peat-free compost, then choose a selection of aromatic herbs that you like to cook with Most culinary herbs don’t grow very large, so you can plant them fairly close together Water well, when you initially plant them, then water again whenever the compost feels dry.

GET THE BEST FROM PEAT-FREE COMPOST

so adding garden soil will help to retain moisture in a container It will also make the pot heavier, to help avoid tall plants blowing over.

3 If your plants are likely to be in the pot for some time, add some plant feed – either as slowrelease granules when planting your container, or as a liquid feed later.

For example, Westland Boost has been formulated to suit peat-free compost, and is easy to apply, diluted in a watering can.

4 Avoid over-watering – the surface of peat-free compost can look dry when the compost below is still moist. So, check the compost below the surface, to avoid waterlogged plant roots.

Pittosporum ‘Bannow Bay’

Rose ‘Lots of Kisses’

Salvia ‘Fashionista Pretty in Pink’

Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’

Senecio ‘Silver Feathers’

Adding slow-release feed to a pot of Nemesia

RECYCLED PLASTIC

Vivo Matt Long Planter with Wheels 80cm, £110

Thyme Sage

Rosemary

Lemon balm

Oregano Marjoram

French lavender

English lavender

Beautiful Gardens

CONTAINERS

POTS OF

Find a wide variety of pots in store all year round

FANTASTIC FOLIAGE FOR SHADE

Glossy leaves and pale-coloured flowers lighten and brighten a shady corner. Although the plants we’ve chosen here are all green, their leaves are very different shapes and textures which brings the combination to life. Start with a ‘hero’ plant towards the centre of the pot – we’ve used Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’ – then tuck other plants around it until you achieve the effect you want Here, we’ve combined an evergreen fern called Asplenium scolopendrium,the trailing perennial Vinca minor, a lime green-leaved Heuchera and the white-flowered Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride’.

MORE PLANTS FOR A SHADY POT

Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride’

Ranunculus ‘Golden Yellow’

Cyrtomium fortunei (AGM*)

Ranunculus ‘Magic Red’

Dryopteris affinis (AGM*)

Ranunculus ‘Magic White’

Ranunculus ‘Magic Pink & Peach’

Hosta ‘Ki Ren Jyaku’

Polypodium vulgare

Polystichum setiferum (AGM*)

Vinca minorTiarella ‘Raspberry Sundae’ (AGM*) Viola ‘Heartthrob’

Asplenium scolopendrium (AGM*)

Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’

Heuchera

Vinca minor

Vibia Campana Round 47cm Dia., £44.99

Vinca ‘Illuminations’

CHOICE

THE BEAUTY OF WASTE

Beautiful Gardens EVERGREEN SHRUBS

FOREVER GREEN

The most exciting gardens contain a combination of plants to provide continuous interest all year round – including evergreen shrubs for height, drama and impact. Not only do these attractive shrubs keep their leaves all year, they also create the perfect backdrop to other flowering plants. They make fabulous screening plants, beautiful focal points and

many can be grown in containers. Most evergreen shrubs require little maintenance, apart from an occasional trim to maintain size and shape. They will, however, appreciate a yearly feed and a mulch around the base of the plant to suppress weeds. Here, we’ve chosen some all-time favourites with eyecatching leaves, interesting shapes or attractive flowers.

Planting some evergreen shrubs in your garden is a simple way to instantly add shape, colour and impact

Sun Part-shade Shade Flowering shrubs *Holds an Award of Garden Merit (AGM) from the RHS

FABULOUS FOLIAGE

1 Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Azura’ (cider gum) H: 4-8m.

2 Photinia x fraseri ‘Carré Rouge’ H: 2.5m

3 Photinia x fraseri ‘Pink Marble’ (AGM*) H: 2.5-4m.

4 Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Irene Paterson’ (AGM*) H: 1-1.5m.

SEASONAL FLOWERS

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PERFECT FOR POTS

8 Hebe ‘Golden Pixie’ H: 60cm May-Aug

9 Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Pompom’ H: 1.2m

10 Hebe ‘Devotion’ H: 50-60cm. May-Aug

11 Hebe ‘Dark Secret’ H: 60cm. May-Aug

DRAMATIC SHAPES

12 Cordyline australis (cabbage palm) (AGM*) H: 1-8m.

13 Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia) (AGM*) H: 2.5-4m

14 Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan palm) (AGM*)

H: 12m+

LOVED BY BEES

Rhododendron ‘Graziella’ H: 1-1.5m. May-Jun

6 Rhododendron ‘Monsieur Marcel Menard’ (AGM*) H: 1.8m May-Jun

7 Rhododendron ‘Polar Night’ H: 1.5m. May-Jun

Foodie Delights

With a choice of delicious dining destinations, we’ve got choice in abundance And if you love eating in as much as dining out, then our Food Hall and Cook Shop provide all the inspiration you need.

Little Adventures

Our Indoor Beach and Outdoor Play Area were created with adventure in mind Let the little ones use their imagination to create escapades of their own.

FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE

Discover the beauty of Bents… where there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopper’s Dream

Our high-street shopping experience ticks all the boxes with great names and designer brands throughout the Centre From Barbour and Seasalt to Jacuzzi and Lakeland we’ve got it covered.

Family Time

Take on the dinosaurs and pirates together at our Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf Or take a stroll through Windy Bank Woods before enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal at The Fresh Approach Restaurant.

Inspirational Events

From fashion showcases and gardening workshops to cooking demonstrations and special events for the little ones, our calendar of events is full of fun for all the family.

Pet Perfection

Take time out with your four-legged friend at our popular Pet Café, a coffee for you and puppacino for them. And look out for our dog breed walks where they can meet new friends along the way.

BEAUTIFUL PLANTS. BEAUTIFUL PLACE. YOU’LLBEGLADYOU WENTTOBENTS

Springisinthe air andthe garden is definitelythe place to be.

We’ve been passionateabout gardeningever sinceAlfredand Margaret Bent plantedtheir first rosesover85years ago, andsince then we’veworked hard to make your shopping experience as easy andenjoyable as possible.

Creating theperfect garden is like followingarecipe, finding theright ingredientsand knowinghow to put them together.Wehave thehighest qualityingredients andyears of expertisetoensureyou getthe very best advice to achieveyourdesired look.Whether youwant aready-madesolution delivereddirecttoyourgarden or an abundance of greatideas to create yourself,we’ve gotitcovered.

GOT AGARDENING QUESTION OR JUST NEED ADVICE? ASK OUR RESIDENT EXPERT.

Simon OURGARDENINGGURU

Homegrown by us, loved by you

COLLETTE’SFULLOF BRIGHT IDEAS FORADDING SEASONALCOLOUR.

ColletteOURSEASONAL COLOURSPECIALIST

IT’S TIME TO EMBRACE YOUR OUTDOORSPACE AND HERE AT BENTS WE’VE GOTEVERYTHINGYOU NEED TO GETYOUR GROWNON…

1 Home GrownPlants

Over 60% of allthe plantswesellare grown right hereatBents’ very ownon-site nursery. Daily deliveries to our plant area ensureyou always buyfresh,healthy plantsattheir peak

4 ContainerBoutique

Discussyour ideas andcolour schemes with theexpertsinour Container Boutique andrelax as they create abeautiful container just foryou.

2 No Hassle Guarantee

Allour homegrownhardy plantscome with afive year,nohassle guarantee to grow, apromise whichisextendedto10years forour be inspired members.

3 Expert Advice

Frombrightideas forhangingbaskets and containerstoestablished plantsfor bedsand borders, ourhorticultural specialists canoffer expert help andadvice foryour garden

5 Home Delivery

We wanttomakeyour shopping experience as easy andenjoyable as possible so forlarger plantsand treesour home delivery service might be just theticket

6 Browse incomfort

Ourall-weather Open Skies GlassHouse is brimmingwithstunningideas andis the perfectplacetobrowseour extensiveplant collection in comfortcome rain or shine

TIMETOLIVE ALFRESCO

Take atable,pullupafew chairs, adda parasol then throwinafew cushionsand you’ve gotthe startofabasic setting foroutdoor entertaining.

But if you’re in search of somethingalittlebit out of theordinarythenavisit to Bentsand achat with ourOutdoor Living expertscan help create aspace that is full of styleand completely irresistible. We have oneofthe most extensive outdoorliving collectionsinthe region,all on show readyfor you to tryout,testand treatyourself. Andweunderstandall theelementsinvolvedincreatingyourperfect alfresco environment, from statementfurniture piecesto finishingtouchesaswellasthe full rangeofWeber products in ourexclusiveWeber Worlddepartment. Remember… cookingalfrescoisn’t all aboutthe BBQ. Pizza making continuestobea bigtrend for2023with cookingsolutionsfromOoniand Gozney sure to be abig hitinthe garden this year.

be inspired members enjoysomuch more

Our new appisthe perfect place to keep up to date with all your exclusive member benefits, personal rewards and surprises, as wellasall your storereceipts. Whether youwanttosign up to become anew be inspired member, update yourexistingdetailsorget areplacement card,download our brand newapp today.

Once downloadedthe app becomes your digital be inspired cardplus so you’ll never leave home without it or missout on anyofour treats.

Simply scan our QR code login or registertoday.

MICHAEL BRINGS THE SIZZLE WITH THE HOTTEST GRILLS &BBQSAROUND.

Michael OURBBQ BRAINBOX

DECORATEYOUR Gwithaggregates ARDEN

£6.99 each or 3BAGS FOR £16

OFFERS END 31stMay 2023

£9.99 each or 2BAGS FOR £15

£4.99 each or 2BAGS

£9

£8.99 each or 2BAGS FOR £15

£9.99 each or 2ORMORE £7.99

TOUGH LANDSCAPE FABRIC SUITABLE FOR DRIVES, PATHS, BEDS &BORDERS

LIVING THE OUTDOOR LIFE

Above left: Somerford deluxe recliner set with ceramic-top coffee table and footstools

£1,399

Above right: Somerford ceramictop dining table (2.4 x 1m)with eight high-back armchairs

£3,699

Right: Somerford six-seat circular dining table (1.4m Dia.)with lazy Susan (60cm Dia.), highback armchairs and parasol (3.4m x 3.4m)

£2,599

The best modern garden furniture is designed to be stylish, comfortable and – perhaps most importantly –weatherproof. Take our smart Somerford collection, for example. It combines powder-coated aluminium and a smooth weave finish with sustainable seasonproof cushions – the result is a range of shower-resistant, easy-clean designs to suit gardens of any size. The fresh new colour is equally appealing – the soft tones of ivory and café au lait bring to mind long, hazy days spent dining and relaxing on sunlit Mediterranean terraces.

A ‘lazy Susan’ feature in the centre of your dining table makes serving and sharing so much easier

Scatter cushions sold separately. See in store for more designs

Scatter cushions sold separately. See in store for more designs

Beautiful Gardens FURNITURE

Above: Buckland modular corner firepit set with adjustable ceramictopped square table and two benches (3 x 3m) £3,499

Below: Buckland two-seat sofa set with coffee table and two matching armchairs (3.35 x 1.8m) £1,999

Truro square parasol in Grey (3 x 3m), with side post and granite base £799

Below: Buckland lounger set with coffee table £899

The firepit can be converted to a regular table with a handy cover

Above: Palma low lounge set with matching coffee table that’s ideal for relaxing with guests – simply swap the end cushions around to instantly create two handy side tables and a comfortable footstool instead (2.5 x 2.5m) £1,699

Right: Panasol with sliding roof and LED strip lights – perfect for all-weather evening entertaining (3 x 3.5m) £1,199

drinks or casual dining (2.5 x 2.5m) £1,999

smaller spaces (2.5 x 2.4m) £1,749

STYLE AND COMFORT

Give your garden furniture even more personality with our fantastic selection of outdoor cushions. You’ll find a range of designs in store

Below right: Palma mini corner set with glass-topped table and two stools – a compact option that’s ideal for

Right: Palma corner set with glass-topped table and two stools – equally suited to

Being able to adjust the height of your dining table quickly and easily means you can use your garden furniture for a variety of occasions – from coffee after breakfast, through to casual dining in the evening. These lowmaintenance aluminium LIFE Timber lounging sets are also versatile, well-designed and easy to clean, and the smart cushions can be left outside all summer.

Beautiful Gardens FURNITURE

Above: Deluxe corner dining set with matching armchair and stool, adjustable table, and soft-touch, all-weather cushions (3.95 x 2.22m) Corner set £3,999, chair £599, stool £199

Right: Mini corner set with adjustable table – a stylish, space-saving option for small gardens and patios (2.22 x 2.22m) £2,899

Bottom right: Deluxe Lounge set with two-seater sofa, two armchairs and an adjustable table – a chic, minimal design for modern spaces

(3.6 x 2m) £3,199

cushions sold separately See in store for more designs

Scatter

Grillstream is the revolutionary system that makes barbecuing simple, using a patented technology to prevent flare-ups, in combination with a hybrid system for cooking on gas or charcoal (or both).

WHY DO FLARE-UPS MATTER?

Flare-ups are caused when fats and meat juices drop down onto a heat source and ignite Despite what many people think, these flames don’t equal “that barbecue flavour”; they just produce acrid smoke that taints the taste of whatever you’re cooking. Flare-ups also lead to uneven cooking, with the outside cooked and the inside potentially raw.

Grillstream’s dual grill system captures the fat and juices, and channels them into a collection tray = no mess, no flare-ups! Food is more succulent and more of the juices can evaporate, basting the food with added BBQ flavour.

EXPERIENCE HYBRID COOKING

Gas and charcoal in one, the hybrid system gives the convenience of both, allowing you to be flexible in your cooking so you can sear those steaks at a charring heat, or regulate a perfect temperature for roasting meats.

For gas-only cooking, simply switch on and begin. Alternatively, lift the grills to add some charcoal briquettes, then light the gas burners and wait for 15 minutes.Turn the gas off for 15 minutes and, by then, the glowing charcoal will be ready to cook on.

Marcus Bawdon, author of the outdoor cookbook Food And Fire, offers this tasty recipe for honey and chilli glazed duck breasts on a Grillstream:

Ingredients: 2 duck breasts with skin on, coarse sea salt and fresh ground black pepper (to season), 2 tbsp runny honey, 1 tsp chilli flakes.

Dry off the duck breast with kitchen paper and score the skin in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife (just cutting through the skin, not the fat). Season the duck breasts generously with salt and pepper.

To cook, set the grill to full heat on 2 burners and place the duck skin-side down for around 4-5 minutes to crisp up the skin.Turn the duck over and cook on the meat side for 4-5 minutes. Mix the chilli flakes into the honey and start glazing the duck breasts with a pastry brush.

To ensure that the honey doesn’t burn, turn the duck breasts over occasionally. Aim for an internal temperature off the grill (using a probe) of 60-65°C so that the meat is juicy and slightly pink.

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4 BURNER ISLAND (GIL46SS) WITH FOC DIGITAL THERMOMETER £1199.99

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Beautiful Gardens

LAWNCARE IN A CHANGING CLIMATE

Wet winters and hot, dry summers can be tough on grass. So, spring is the perfect time to repair and prepare your lawn

Resist the urge to feed your lawn in high summer – it’s better to apply grass feed in spring or autumn

FEED TO PROTECT

Feeding your lawn in spring strengthens its roots, and makes the grass more likely to bounce back after a summer drought. An all-inone product like Evergreen Complete nourishes the lawn, reduces weeds and removes moss – both of which compete with your grass for essential moisture and nutrients. Feed just before it rains, applying the recommended amount, or water in gently afterwards with a hose.

PREVENT WINTER WATERLOGGING

In spring, scarifying your lawn with a rake and using a lawn aerator (right) will help to improve drainage – not only does this prevent waterlogging next winter, it will also help summer rain reach the roots.

TOP TIP

Using a mulching mower or a mulch setting will also help to nourish your lawn

MANAGE IRRIGATION

Established lawns don’t need to be watered during very dry periods – the grass will recover when it rains again. However, areas of new turf or re-seeded patches must stay moist in order to grow. Target specific spots with Hozelock’s multi-spray gun or, for larger lawns, a hose cart and a long hose allows you to reach the right area without wasting water.

PROTECT IT FROM PETS

Dog urine can scorch your grass, leaving it less able to recover in hot weather. Repair badly damaged areas by cutting out the turf, and re-sowing with Miracle-Gro Patch Magic Dog Spot Repair – a 3-in-1 lawn seed product which neutralises urine burns.

Keep the area moist after re-seeding.

HOW TO GROW A MORE NATURE-FRIENDLY LAWN

Resist cutting your lawn too short – a height of 2.5-4cm encourages strong growth, and helps to conserve water.

Join

– if you’re concerned about your lawn looking

a

Clover flowers are a key source of pollen and nectar

bees

Beautiful Gardens

SUMMER FRUITS Tasty

The beauty of modern fruit trees and bushes is that you can grow your own tasty summer fruits, even where space is limited

Every garden, patio or balcony is suitable for growing some sweet, juicy fruit. Many modern fruit trees have been grown to suit smaller gardens or patio pots, while berry-bearing bushes are also perfectly happy in a large container in a light, bright spot. A fruit tree makes a lovely addition to a colourful vegetable patch, or it can be planted in a sunny border, with annual flowers and herbs growing at its feet. The benefits of adding a fruit tree or bush to your garden also span several seasons: from spring, when the blossom nourishes pollinating insects, through to tasty fruit for summer desserts, and fiery autumn leaf colour.

Blueberry ‘Alvar’

Compact and bushy, with sweet, juicy fruit

HO W TO… GROW A BLUEBERRY BUSH IN A POT

1 Use peat-free ericaceous compost

Half-fill the pot with peatfree compost – blueberry plants are acid-loving plants so they need an ericaceous compost.

2 Add slow-release plant food

MiracleGro’s Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron

Continuous Release feed also suits blueberries. Mix gently with the compost.

3 Position your plant in the container

Place the blueberry bush in the centre of your container. Gently twist from side to side until you’re happy with the position

4 Add more compost

Top up your container with compost, firming in the root-ball. The blueberry bush should be planted at the same level as in the original pot.

For bigger harvests, grow your fruit tree or bush where the spring blossom will be protected from late frosts

5 Find a sunny spot

Place the container in a sunny but sheltered spot, then water well (ideally with rainwater). Water regularly, whenever the compost feels dry.

William Morris pot 30cm Dia., £29.99

TO P TIP

early

Popular and easy to grow, with intensely flavoured fruit

Eat fresh from the tree, or use in pies and crumbles

A reliable variety, with tasty yellow-gold fruit

Easy to grow, with crip

and a generous harvest

Apple ‘Cox Self Fertile’ Juicy, aromatic and ideal

Apple Scrumptious® (AGM*) Award-winning, sweet-flavoured variety that ripens

Cherry ‘Stella’ (AGM*)

Pear ‘Concorde’ (AGM*)

Apple ‘James Grieve’ (AGM*) Versatile variety for eating, juicing and cooking

Plum ‘Victoria’ (AGM*)

Pear ‘Conference’ (AGM*)

flesh

Made in the UK from asustainable source,Charles Taylor Furnitureis supplied treated and assembled

Beautiful Gardens

VEG GROWING madeeasy

Growing your own edibles gives you fresh veg at your fingertips, and choosing grafted vegetable varieties is a surefire recipe for success

If you’re new to grow-your-own, and you don’t have space to raise your own veg from seed, grafted plants are a great way to start. Grafted vegetable plants are strong and healthy, and they’re specially grown to give you the best chance of success. The result is bigger harvests that often ripen earlier, too. You can now buy grafted vegetables in a variety of sizes, and grow them on in a large container or a peat-free grow-bag. But remember to keep your baby veg plants indoors, or in a greenhouse, until after the last frost. Here are some of our favourite grafted varieties for 2023.

Water regularly in hot weather, and feed weekly once flowers appear

TOP TIP

Tomato ‘Maestria’ Round and chunky, with intense flavour

Tomato ‘Sungold’ (AGM*) A tasty golden-yellow cherry tomato

Tomato ‘Gusta Mini Red’ A cherry type with sweet, juicy fruits

Cucumber ‘Baby Rocky’ An early variety with crisp, smooth skin

Chilli pepper ‘Big Devil’ Bright red chillies with a fiery flavour

Tomato ‘Shirley’ (AGM*)

A classic medium-sized salad tomato

Tomato ‘Supersweet’ A cherry tomato with a fruity taste

Sweet pepper ‘Maccabi’ The perfect pepper for salsa and salad

RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE

Houseplants can transform your home, and there’s a gorgeous plant for every location – from shady corners to sunny shelves

DID YOU KNOW?

Spider plants reduce levels of carbon monoxide, and unwanted chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde, in the air

The choice of houseplants has never been better, and we’re thrilled to offer an amazing range in store. Not only do these leafy wonders bring a touch of nature to modern interiors, houseplants have smart wellbeing benefits, too. According to the RHS, scientific studies have shown that plants help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels, lower your blood pressure, reduce feelings of

tiredness, and improve attention span – ideal if you work from home. Today’s houseplants provide welcome colour and texture, like a work of art, with exciting new varieties and dramatic foliage. And with the right plants, and a stylish pot cover to keep plant roots cool and moist, you can display these gorgeous greens all over your home. Here are our favourite houseplants for 2023, and where they like to grow.

PLANTS THAT… PURIFY THE AIR

These plants are brilliant at purifying the air indoors, which makes them ideal for a home office, a busy living area, or a bedroom They generally enjoy bright, but indirect light, and all except the aloe like their leaves to be misted regularly.

1 Aloe vera

Min temp: 15°. H: 30-75cm

2 Asplenium (bird’s nest fern)

Min temp: 10°. H: 50-90cm

3 Epipremnum (devil’s ivy)

Min temp: 10°. H: 50cm-2m

4 Chlorophytum (spider plant)

Min temp: 8° H: 30-50cm

PLANTS THAT… GROW ANYWHERE

You can put these versatile all-rounders almost anywhere They’re happiest in a light spot, out of direct sunlight, but they’ll also tolerate shade Avoid over-watering, and mist the dramatic leaves occasionally to keep them glossy and dust-free.

5 Ficus (ornamental fig; rubber plant) Min temp: 12°C H: 75cm-4m

6 Sansevieria (snake plant)

Min temp: 10°C. H: 40cm-1.2m

7 Monstera (Swiss cheese plant) Min temp 10°C. H:

PLANTS THAT… LIKE HEAT OR HUMIDITY

These lush-leaved plants are ideal for sunny kitchens, humid bathrooms, and light, bright living rooms. They all love having their leaves misted regularly, and need regular watering in summer.

11 Ananas (pineapple plant)

Min temp: 10°C H: 60-90cm

12 Calathea (prayer plant)

Min temp: 16°C. H: 30-50cm

13 Alocasia (elephant’s ear)

Min temp: 15-18°C. H: 50-80cm

14 Caladium (heart of Jesus) Min temp: 20°C H: 30-60cm

PLANTS THAT… TOLERATE SHADE

These hard-working plants can tolerate shadier locations like a curtained bedroom or a window-less hall, but try to avoid cold draughts Check the compost regularly, and water if dry, and give the leaves an occasional misting.

8 Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen)

Min temp: 16°. H: 35-60cm

9 Dracaena (dragon tree)

Min temp: 10°. H: 1-2m

10 Spathiphyllum (peace lily)

Min temp: 12°C H: 30-50cm

BEAUTIFUL

BEGONIA REX

NEW VARIETIES FOR 2023

Look out for a selection of lovely new Begonia rex varieties in store this spring – these handsome houseplants like bright, but indirect light, and just enough water to make the compost moist. Min temp: 10°

COMINGUP IN2023

The days aregetting warmer andlonger, so it’s time to shakeoffwhatremains of winter andget stuck into thenew season.Our events andactivitiescome in all shapes andsizes so you’re sure to findsomethingto keep youbusyand entertainedthisspringtime.

THE FA IR Y&D IN OS AU R TRAIL IN WEEPING ASH GA RDEN

Back for2023! Ventureinto ourenchantedWoodlandWalk whereahostoffriendlyfairies anddinosaurs areall waitingto be discovered.

EASTER EVENT S

APRIL 2023

HoptoitthisEasteratour Annual BigBunnyHop, just oneofthe many eggcitingeventsplanned forall the family.

INDEPENDENT STREET AR TISAN MARKET

11th-12th MARCH 2023

IndependentStreetArtisan MarketisreturningtoBents. Thisexcitingevent showcases thebestinlocal artisan food, drink andcrafts.

FOR MORE DETAILS ON TIMES, DATES AND BOOKING PLEASE VISIT BENTS.CO.UK

Ifyou’venot alreadyjoinedour socialnetwork then whynot become afan on Facebook, check us outon InstagramorfollowusonTikTok.

facebook.com/bentsgardenhome instagram.com/bentsgardenhome

tiktok.com/@bentsgardenhome

Please be aware that our events may be subject to change check bents.co.uk for more events and details.

GGSGRE0029

ACHOICE OFDINING DESTINATIONS

Fromthe simplicityofabarista prepared coffee to amedleyoftastesensationsofferedbyaselection of tapas, we offerachoiceofdelicious dining experiences.

So,whateverthe occasion,whether it’s breakfast with thefamilyinthe FreshApproachRestaurant, aquick coffeeand freshlybaked cake in Caffé nelVerde or aglassofwinewithatapas or two, we’vegot a destination just foryou.

Allthe food we serveismadehereevery daysowecan promiseeverythingwill be fresh, beautifullypresented andburstingwithflavour. Allour destinations are complemented by wonderful settings so youjust need to sitback, relaxand enjoythe occasion.

Monday to Friday 8.30am -5.30pm** Saturday 8.30am -5.30pm Sunday 10.30am -4.30pm***

*GardenCentreAssociation Catering Excellence Award 2022inthe North West

**Open timeschange seasonally -Check bents.co.uk for further information

***Our FreshApproach Restaurant opens on Sundays at 9.00am

BentsGarden &Home, Warrington Road, Glazebury, Cheshire WA3 5NT. 01942 266300.Check online for seasonal opening times. For the latest events and online shopping visit bents.co.uk

The PetCaféGolfCafé TapasBar

TheCaféBar

Caffénel Verde

TheFresh Approach