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Lobelia seeds are fi ne as dust

Crumble lumps of compost

Lobelia is a trailing star of pots and rockeries, says Ruth

LOOKING out at winter’s slategrey skies, it’s hard to recall the blue skies of summer. They may still seem a long way off, but you can lift the seasonal blues by preparing for warmer days, including sowing seeds for summer colour. This week’s free seeds from Mr Fothergill’s are for Lobelia ‘Sapphire Trailing’, a joyful half-hardy annual that produces rivers of cobalt-blue blooms. The plants are perfect for containers, hanging baskets and rockeries, and

will thrive in sun and light shade. Get them going in pots or seed trays in a heated propagator or warm windowsill, or wait until later in spring (though they will still need to be sown undercover as they are only half-hardy). Tiny lobelia seeds are as fine as dust. Large clumps of compost hinder germination, so sieve or crumble it first. Sowing is easier if you mix the seeds with a little horticultural sand before sprinkling. Alternatively, lift and tap the seeds with a damp fingertip or matchstick.

1Fill a pot or tray with fresh seed compost, sieving it first if you find lumps or breaking the lumps up between your fingers.

2Dampen the compost with tap water. Always use fresh water to avoid contaminating the seeds and compost with pests or fungal spores.

AG’s Val Bourne will give a talk on snowdrops at Hever Castle on 8 February

8: Snowdrop Trail Walk and Talk with Val Bourne: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG. ✆ 01732 865224; hevercastle.co.uk 8: British Iris Society Early Spring Show: RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB. ✆ 0845 6121 253,  rhs.org.uk/ gardens/wisley 8: Designing with Plants: RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 8ET. ✆ 0845 265 8071,  rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall 8-9: Early Spring Show: RHS Garden Hyde Hall 9: Lawn Care: RHS Garden Wisley 10: RHS Member’s Gardening Advice: RHS Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate, North Yorks HG3 1QB. 0203 176 5830,  rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr 11-28: Sumptuous Snowdrops: Barnsdale Gardens, Barnsdale Ave, Exton, Oakham LE15 8AH. ✆ 01572 813200,  barnsdalegardens.co.uk 13: Success with Houseplants: RHS Garden Wisley 14: Compost Clinic: Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS. ✆ 020 7352 5646,  chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 14: RHS Member’s Gardening Advice: RHS Garden Harlow Carr 15-23: February Half Term –Whatever the Weather: RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Rosemoor, Torrington, Devon EX38 8PH. ✆ 0203 176 5830,  rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor 15-23: Half-term Family Fun: RHS Garden Harlow Carr

DOUBLE HELLEBORUS RARE AND USUALLY EXPENSIVE

HELLEBORUS BRING A MAGICAL TOUCH TO YOUR GARDEN WHILE OTHER PLANTS SLUMBER

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BUY 3 OF EACH

£1 A PLANT

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Double Ellen Red

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CLUSTERS OF FULL BLOOMS UP TO THREE INCHES ACROSS will glisten in the winter sunshine , dancing in the breeze above a collar of evergreen glossy foliage. In medieval times Helleborus were said to be good for breaking bad spells and curses so were often planted next to the front door, today they are known for their unsurpassed winter beauty and a plant lover’s dream to add cheer throughout the winter. This rare collection of beautiful varieties defy nature by surviving the coldest winters and also grow extremely well in difficult areas of the garden including planting alongside trees and shrubs. Deer and rabbit resistant. Easy to grow and maintain in dappled shade with moist but well-drained soil. Growing to a height of 35cm (14") making them perfect for flower beds or containers. Fully hardy perennials. Your order is covered by our No Quibble Guarantee and will be confirmed together with a copy of our latest catalogue. Your young plants will be delivered within 14 days.

ORDER •

ONLINE hayloft.co.uk •

PHONE 0844 335 1088 QUOTE AG0620

SEND THE COUPON TO: Hayloft Plants, FREEPOST RTGR-JAGJ-JETG, Pensham, Pershore WR10 3HB AG0620

NAME & ADDRESS PLEASE SEND ITEM CODE PRICE QTY TOTAL 6 PLANTS (1 of each) YPHEL06-AG0620 £12

18 PLANTS (3 of each) YPHEL18-AG0620 £18

P&P (UK ONLY) £4.95