GUIDE TO A BETTER GARDEN

Spring GARDEN GOALS

We’ve gathered the best hints and tipstohelpyousucceedthisseason

1POTTED HYDRANGEA As they grow to just 1m in height, we’d recommend the small cultivar H. serrata to make the perfect statement in a container on a patio. Use composted bark-based compost or John Innes No 3 and keep well watered.

2

Lush lavender

This popular aromatic shrub thrives in a sunny spot in free-draining soil, and is best planted in spring. After flowering in late summer, clip off spent flower stalks and about 2.5cm of leaf growth (don’t cut into woody stems) to encourage new growth.

3

SUMMER BULBS

For colour and scent later in the year, plant summer bulbs in spring when the soil is warming up. Our favourites include gladioli, lilies and alliums. They need good drainage and humus-rich soil. Add plenty of grit and leaf mould to improve the soil and provide moist, yet free-draining conditions.

4POTS

MADE OF PAPER

It’s a great feeling when you know that something you’ve used to help your garden bloom will eventually rot away to nothing. Starting off seedlings in pots made of paper or coir (fibre from coconut husks) means that you can plant the growing plants directly into the soil, where the pots will biodegrade naturally within a few months.

5DRY GARDENS For saving water as well as time, a dry Mediterranean-style garden is a great option. The best plants to grow through gravel are Dianthus (try ‘Flashing Lights’, shown here), and Helianthemum, also known as rock rose, which flowers through spring and summer. 6 AMAZING Also known ACERS as the Japanese maple, acers put on a show-stopping display of autumn colour. They are slow-growing and so perfect for a patio pot. Plant with ericaceous soil, avoiding soil-based compost, which can be too heavy.

7

Wild lilies

Lily-of-the-valley, a native fragrant woodland plant is perfect for ground cover in shady areas. Buy the plants in spring and leave to spread quietly under trees and shrubs, or beneath rose bushes for an informal cottage garden feel. They like well-drained, leafy soils, and pretty much take care of themselves.