GARDEN NOTES Seasonal Sensation Lilac
PRECIOUS METAL
There’s more to a great garden than just the plants, and it’s amazing how one or two items of well-designed ironwork – whether it be gates, railings, fencing, garden furniture or perhaps a piece of sculpture – can completely transform a space. West Tanfield blacksmith Adam Crane works with both traditional and state-of-theart techniques to produce beautiful bespoke metalwork. Whether you’re looking for innovative contemporary design or authentic period elegance, his painstaking creations can bring something genuinely unique to your garden or yard. To see a selection of examples of Adam’s work, visit adamcrane.co.uk
A Touch of Glass If you want to up your gardening game, a greenhouse is an absolute must. By starting off your seeds under cover in spring you’ll get a head start of several weeks, extending your growing season and ensuring a bountiful supply of veg and bedding plants later in the year. Off-the-peg greenhouses simply won’t suit everyone, especially if you have an awkward spot to fill. That’s where Wensleydalebased Castle Timber Buildings can help. Their team of experienced joiners can work with you to design a greenhouse that makes the best possible use of your site and matches the style of your garden perfectly. To find out more visit castletimberbuildings.com
With their stunning flower heads and intoxicating fragrance, lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) are one of the highlights of late spring and early summer – and they’re as popular with bees and butterflies as they are with us humans. Lilacs are available in a wide range of different colours, from snow white and cream through perky pinks to deep, dark maroon. You can find a good selection at Braithwaites in Leeming Bar (braithwaitesnursery.co.uk). Lilacs do best in full sun on fertile, alkaline-to-neutral soil. Left to their own devices they can easily turn from pretty shrubs into sprawling small trees, so once plants are established prune them regularly to prevent them becoming leggy.
Topical Tip: As soon your hostas start to send up shoots you can think about dividing them to increase your stock. Use a hacksaw or spade to divide tough clumps.
Proper Lopper
Whatever the time of year, there’s always something that needs to be pruned – and often a pair of secateurs simply isn’t powerful enough for the job. This Sophie Conran garden lopper from Burgon & Ball (burgonandball.com) has a bypass action that will produce the kind of clean, neat cut that won’t leave your plants damaged and prone to infection. The drop-forged blade can stand up to repeated heavy use and still stay sharp. The ash handles, with their elegantly contoured grips, are long enough to give a good reach whilst still being comfortable to use. Just the kind of tool you need for thinning and tidying earlyflowering shrubs! Dales Life | SPRING 2021 |
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