16 minute read
HOW TO HOUSE YOUR HOUSEPLANT
Advertisement
Alliums do best in a sunny spot. Dot this onion relative through the border and wait for its round, starry globes to appear on strong stems
A bulb for every location
In this period of garden dormancy, it’s time to hunker down with the mail-order bulb catalogues and plan for a colourful and exuberant 2022, says Elly West, as she recommends some of her favourites.
It’s a quiet time right now, when the majority of the garden is going to sleep for the winter, dying back and needing little attention apart from some clearing and sweeping up of dead leaves. Days are shorter, not to mention colder and wetter, so it’s a great time to hunker down with the mail-order bulb catalogues and plan for next year. Autumn is prime time for bulb planting and it’s one of the easiest and most reliable ways to guarantee a spring that’s full of exuberant colour.
One of the best things about bulbs is their versatility. Whatever the size, aspect, style or soil type of your garden, there are bulbs to suit. And there’s very little effort involved. I love the fact that you just pop them in the ground in autumn, forget about them, and then there they are in in a few short months, pushing up through the soil, full of promise. Choose carefully and these harbingers of spring will brighten every corner of your plot, whether it’s a shady area under a tree, or a container by a sunny front door. There are bulbs that suit shade, sun, meadow, woodland, sandy or damp and heavy soils. They can provide scent, colour, attract wildlife and make a statement. And if you plant them now, a pack of dry bulbs is a fraction of the cost of the same plants potted up and growing in spring. Plus there is a lot more choice when you buy them in autumn.
Dry shade is one of the trickiest spots in a garden – areas at the base of a wall, or under trees. However, there are many bulbs that originally hail from woodland zones and can cope well with these conditions. Aconites, snowdrops, anemones, cyclamen and erythroniums are all well-adapted to gloomier spots where they are protected from summer sun. Grow them in groups and let them naturalise under trees and shrubs. Don’t be stingy with your planting – the more the better – then sit back and wait for them to go forth and multiply, creating a carpet of colour.
At the other end of the spectrum are hot, sunny borders where the options are wide. By its very nature, a bulb is well-adapted to deal with summer drought, storing all the starches, proteins and energy safely inside in a dormant state until conditions are right for growing. Most daffodil, tulip, crocus and hyacinth species are native to areas with a Mediterranean climate where they have wet winters and hot, dry summers. Alliums are among my favourite for latespring blooms, and these onion relatives do best in a sunny spot. Dot them through the border and wait for their round, starry globes to appear on strong stems, pushing up through the new, fresh growth of perennials such as geraniums and Alchemilla mollis.
Some bulbs will rot over winter in damp soils. I never have high expectations for my tulips, and plant new ones each year as they don’t seem to come back reliably on my clay soil. Any extras surviving from previous years are then a bonus. However, there are others to choose from that grow naturally on the edges of rivers and streams, or in damp meadowland, so look to these if you have poor
drainage. Bluebells, camassias, martagon lilies and snake’s-head fritillaries will thrive on moist soil. Narcissus ‘Tete-a-tete’ is a cheery yellow miniature daffodil that will grow just about anywhere and doesn’t mind some damp, or shade for that matter.
If you’re planting up containers of spring bulbs, then it’s much easier to create the conditions that they like. These moveable feasts can be tucked away until they start to flower, then placed in a prominent spot where you can see and enjoy them, such as next to a front door or a flight of steps. Miniature irises (Iris reticulata), en masse in shallow bowls, are always a winner for me with their jewel-bright purple-blue flowers, but again I treat them like annuals as they don’t seem to come back reliably year on year. I also like growing tulips in containers, particularly if I’m trying new, interesting varieties, and there are certainly plenty to choose from, with frilled, parrot, goblet and double peonyflowered cultivars in nearly every colour imaginable. (Except for blue – not sure why!) I want them where I can see them and where they’ll have the most impact.
Bulbs are also a great way to experiment with colour. While we might favour a calmer and more refined palette later in the year, somehow the first splash of cheery yellow with a swathe of daffodils is more than welcome after a dull winter. Red is another colour that’s not for everyone, but a pot full of red tulips makes an elegant statement and provides warmth and brightness that is guaranteed to lift the spirits.
So, if you haven’t bought any bulbs yet, there’s still time to treat yourself and get some in the ground before winter. There’s always room for these parcels of promise in any garden and when they start to flower next spring, and hopefully for many springs to come, you’ll be pleased you made the time and (minimal!) effort. n • ellyswellies.co.uk
Plant of the month: Colchicums
Also known as autumn crocus or naked ladies, these beautiful autumn-flowering corms offer sturdy goblet-shaped blooms in shades of white, pink and purple, from September onwards and into November. The flowers appear on bare stems with no leaves, hence the common name, giving them an unusual yet elegant appearance that’s a foretaste of spring (which is when the leaves appear). Colchicums naturally occur in damp meadows, and suit fertile, moisture-retaining soil and a sheltered spot that gets sun for at least half the day. As with other bulbs and corms, avoid cutting the leaves off – as the foliage dies back it will feed up the corm for the following year. ‘Waterlily’ is a stunning variety with double purple-pink flowers that look similar to water lilies. Colchicum autumnale is native to the UK and has pale lavender-pink flowers. All look good under deciduous trees or naturalised through a lawn.
Note, Colchiums are highly toxic if ingested.
The Old Church House is a handsome period property believed to date back to the 16th century and is not listed by English Heritage. The current vendors have lovingly renovated and extended the property to offer comfortable accommodation arranged over 2 floors.
The property is approached via a 5-bar gate to a spacious gravelled area providing parking for numerous vehicles.
The ground floor accommodation comprises a spacious, open plan kitchen/dining/family room with contemporary bespoke burr elm units and island with marble work surfaces offering a wow factor and 5 sets of glazed French doors creating a continental feel and comfortable space for modern living.
There are 3 reception rooms including; a formal sitting room with triple aspect, sash windows, working shutters and a handsome stone fireplace; a dining room with a grand stone fireplace and family room/study with a range of bespoke bookshelves. To complete the ground floor accommodation there is a practical utility room and cloakroom.
The wealth of period features continue on the first floor. The principle and guest bedrooms benefit from luxury en suite facilities, in addition there are 4 further double bedrooms and 2 luxury shower rooms.
Externally the gardens have been beautifully landscaped and provide secluded areas to enjoy the sun, manicured lawns and a bountiful array of mature shrubs and planting.
This is a very special property and to fully appreciate it a viewing is recommended by the sole agents Cobb Farr.
Church Hill, Beckington
• Substantial period property • Contemporary burr elm kitchen with Aga • Principle bedroom suite with luxury shower room and walk-in wardrobe • 5 further bedrooms • 3 flexible reception rooms with a wealth of period features • Beautiful, professionally landscaped garden totalling 0.42 acres
£1,850,000
Belvedere, Bath
£325,000
A smart generously proportioned Grade II listed one bedroom ground floor city apartment, centrally located in a sought-after position and enjoying beautiful far reaching views to the rear.
• Large double bedroom • Attractive drawing room • Generous well fitted kitchen/breakfast room • Well-appointed bathroom • Ideal central location
Hortsmann Close, Bath
£375,000
A well-proportioned purpose built 3 bedroom apartment with the benefit of a lift and private parking space and set within this high quality development on the Weston side of Bath.
• 3 bedrooms, 1 en suite • Spacious living room • Private parking space • Lift access • Attractive communal gardens
MARDAN, BATH’S BESPOKE REMOVALS AND STORAGE COMPANY, DEVELOPS NEW TALENT
Mardan have a wealth of experience within the removals and storage industry, spanning over 30 years, ensuring customers have a stress-free and seamless move. Mardan are family run and bespoke with the experience, knowledge, skills, equipment and capacity to complete removals of any size; locally, nationally for domestic or commercial customers.
Marcus, Mardan’s founder, has always held fast, with confidence, to his belief that he can deliver a high standard of removals, exceeding that of his competitors. Marcus knows to do this he must have trust and confidence in the skills of his staff, which he does. So when a new office position was required within Mardan instead of recruiting externally Marcus looked to develop a team member which he already had extreme confidence in and who he knew would develop into the role seamlessly, Nik. The role would include; liaising with customers, completing quotes, emailing quotes, planning the removals diary, logistics and managing the storage yard. Nik, had worked with Marcus within removals for over 10 years having a strong knowledge of all aspects of removals and with the skills necessary to lead a team from Mardan on removals. Nik has risen to the challenge and is thriving. Marcus and Nik work extremely well as a team thus ensuring all customers have a personalised service and a positive move experience. Both Marcus and Nik enjoy completing the physical removal and Marcus truly believes that to do the ‘office’ role well it’s important to continue to complete removals, thus maintaining the in depth knowledge developed throughout their earlier careers. Marcus and Nik are able to be flexible with their roles and keep their ‘hand in’ the hard physical work of removals.
Mardan continue to grow their self-storage facility, offering safe, secure and reasonable storage to upward of 100 domestic and commercial customers.
“We used Mardan following a recommendation from a friend. They moved us in and out of storage and then into our renovated house. I would highly recommend them. The service was super efficient and the guys were quick, polite and courteous. Nothing was too much trouble and all of our possessions arrived safe and sound”
Emma Webster, Moon Client
Mob: 07899 847857 Tel: 01225 317645 www.mardanremovals.co.uk
DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL MOVERS • packers • STORERS • SHIPPERS
St Peters, Devizes 25 highly specified homes with stunning views of the Kennet & Avon Canal. Show home open.
Introducing Peter Greatorex Unique Homes
Another estate agency in the area? Before you pass judgement, why not discover what makes this one as unique as the properties it sells.
We speak to the founder of Peter Greatorex Unique Homes, owner of The Apartment Company and Fine & Country Chew Valley, and a familiar face in the local property market, Peter Greatorex.
Why start another estate agency and now?
Over the seventeen years since launching The Apartment Company and selling only apartments, past clients would often ask if we could sell their houses. We stayed true to the niche concept of The Apartment Company but over the years we have run out of reasons to say no. As with all successful businesses, they take time to evolve and become established. The Apartment Company and Fine & Country Chew Valley are both in a great place, with our teams doing exceptionally well growing both businesses at a terrific rate. I therefore couldn’t resist the temptation to bring something new, unique and bespoke to the Bath market where I’ve operated for the last 27 years.
There is no bad time to launch a business if you have the passion, the right people and the right approach. We have longevity within our teams that gives our clients confidence; we provide exceptional service, marketing, and branding, and we are always exploring new opportunities and strategies.
Why is this estate agency unique?
Firstly, the way we operate. We will be very selective with properties we list and the buyers we register, and rather than taking a blanket approach, we’ll work with fewer quality homes and only qualified buyers which will help us maintain the very best level of customer service.
We know that buyers are always eager to hear about those properties before they appear online, and we also are acutely aware that not all sellers wish for their home to be listed publicly so we will be adopting and offering a more discreet form of selling our clients’ homes.
Secondly, we will be heavily investing in professional high-quality videos of our homes, hosted by Sharon and myself. We have had great success with video content across our other brands, particularly via social media where we have discovered new ways of reaching new focussed audiences. Our results have been incredible, and we are really excited about sharing our strategies with new clients.
Thirdly, our marketing presentation. We believe in producing beautifully crafted brochures to enhance a property’s appeal. Although the brochure won’t sell a property on its own, it does allow us to showcase the lifestyle and give a sense of what it’s like to live in a particular property. With high-quality images, floor plans and professionally written copy, including a seller’s insight, it does give our property marketing a natural uplift.
What makes a unique home?
It could be a cottage that has such an amazing and rare view that you are in awe; a period home with the most stunning original features that brings the past to life; or a contemporary build that is intriguing, where you don’t know what you will see next. We then share the story of that home in a way that immerses a buyer in the specific lifestyle the property has to offer.
Has the property market changed?
The market has changed massively throughout the pandemic, people have been re-evaluating their lives, they are wanting space, some are downsizing, many now need extra space to work from home or simply want to be closer to family. Priorities have been redefined, and buyers are looking not just for a home that works on a practical level but one that is that extra bit special.
Why use you?
Having my name above the door means I have something to prove, and I am determined to make this agency a huge success.
Our highly motivated team has over 50 years of local agency experience and a proven track record, selling within the premium and niche property markets.
We are all committed and driven to providing a supportive service, with exceptional marketing, great communication and also the required experience in negotiation to achieve the best possible results for our clients.
Above all, we understand what it takes to sell unique and beautiful homes, so if you’d like to find out more, please call Peter or Sharon on 01225 904999 today.
www.petergreatorex.co.uk
Andrewsonline.co.uk
Waller Gardens, Lansdown, Bath, BA1 OIEO £465,000
A modern, end of terrace home is situated in the new Ensleigh development in Lansdown. Featuring a spacious through lounge, a kitchen/dining room with French doors opening on to a patio. There are three bedrooms – en suite to master, and a separate family bathroom. Outside a rear garden and there are two allocated parking spaces. Energy Efficiency Rating: TBC
Camden
Andrewsonline.co.uk
Portland Terrace, Bath, Somerset, BA1 £550,000
This beautifully presented period home is situated on a pretty Victorian terrace close to the city centre, just behind The Royal Crescent. The accommodation is across three floors and briefly comprises of a spacious through lounge leading to stylish kitchen which leads to the rear garden, three double bedrooms and a bathroom as well as shower room. Energy Efficiency Rating: D 01225 809 868 camden@andrewsonline.co.uk To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk
Andrewsonline.co.uk
The Barton, Corston, Bath, BA2 £825,000
This is a delightful property in Cortson on the outskirts of Bath. Featuring fabulous kitchen/dining/living area which opens out onto the patio, four bedrooms, a bathroom and separate shower room. There’s an integral garage with garden room and lovely south facing garden. Energy Efficiency Rating: D
Bear Flat
Andrewsonline.co.uk
Midford Road, Bath ,BA2 £525,000
This property is a gardeners delight with a 114ft rear garden and plenty of space to the front to enjoy. Inside a living room with sliding doors opens through to an open plan kitchen /dining room, there’s a conservatory, utility, three bedrooms and shower room. At the bottom of the garden is a garage and parking space. Energy Efficiency Rating: TBC
