WELCOME
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the Garden Centre Magazine for Root One Garden Centre,
Inside this edition you can find a plentiful amount of information on what you can find instore, including a section on monthly garden tips. With knowledgeable and friendly staff on hand in store to help with advice or inspiration, complemented by the huge variety of stock available, you will be sure to find what you need for your upcoming garden and/or home projects. This edition also includes many different informative editorials and alongside you will find local businesses whose services may just be what you are looking for.
We have also launched a digital copy of the magazine, available to view on your smart phone instantly. Please scan the QR code, featured at the bottom of this page, and this will bring up the publication for you to view. One of the most exciting features of our digital publication is that you can interact with the garden centre's social media or connect with local business websites with just a quick tap on your device.
As always, we welcome feedback on our magazine, if you have any comments you'd like to add, we would love to hear them. Please email: info@yhgmedia.co.uk
Kind regards and happy reading!
Johnathan Beveridge Magazine Editor
Welcome to Root One
Earlier this year I was speculating on what sort of season might lie ahead of us, given the extreme variations in weather patterns that we’ve experienced over the last couple of winters. I concluded by writing that “second guessing what the coming spring and summer might offer was an impossible task!” Well even my most pessimistic forecast would not have predicted the endless cold and wet and hardly-any-sunshine days that has characterised this 2024 season!! All that can be said thus far is that it’s been a terrific year for slugs, happily decimating runner bean crops and almost everything else!!
The battle-hardened gardeners amongst us will soldier on regardless, but with weather like this there’s little incentive for those less committed to want to get involved which is a great shame, and while the British are good at putting a brave face on things there’s no denying the underlying sense of disappointment that we are all feeling. Even the bees, according to my apiarist friend, are struggling to get out and about, which can’t be good for pollination and plant and garden health generally. Ah well there’s always next year!!
On a more positive note I wanted to point out that, as a business, we care passionately about the outdoors and the environment and are doing all we can to lower our carbon footprint in line with government targets. Our solar panels work less efficiently with reduced sunshine but on good days are still generating more electricity than we use, which is terrific. We have ramped up our re-cycling efforts with our cardboard crushing and baling machine also now baling up re-cyclable plastics, and all glass is recycled. 90% of our range of composts is now peat-free. And plastic pots, supplied to and sold by us, are all 100% re-cyclable. Wherever possible we are sourcing British made products or British grown plants which all clearly have less travel miles and less of a carbon footprint. Likewise our Cafe sources local produce - again with the dual objective of supporting local businesses and also reducing travel miles.
These are all green initiatives that we have invested in, and processes that have been adopted and implemented. We will continue with this mission to a carbon neutral future but in the meantime could we please have some more sunshine?
Jeremy Brudenell, Root One.
Summer Flowering Bulbs
Spring flowering bulbs are among the first plants to bloom, providing a much-needed splash of colour after the dreary winter months. These bulbs are typically planted in the autumn, allowing them to establish roots and undergo a period of dormancy before bursting into bloom as temperatures rise.
Some of our most beloved spring bulbs include tulips, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths for their fragrance, and of course we cannot forget snowdrops that herald the start of spring.
Incorporating spring bulbs into your garden design can be as simple as planting bulbs in informal drifts across a lawn or under trees for a natural look. Crocuses, daffodils, and snowdrops are excellent choices for this. Plant bulbs in pots and containers for a portable burst of colour, a great option for patios, balconies, or small spaces.
Create a layered display by planting bulbs with different blooming times, such as early blooming crocuses, mid-season tulips, and late blooming alliums together for continuous colour.
Pair spring bulbs with perennials that emerge later in the season. As the bulb foliage dies back, the perennials will take over, keeping your garden looking lush and vibrant.
Spring flowering bulbs are a gardener's delight, offering a riot of colours and forms just when they're needed most. So, grab your gardening gloves and get digging!
House Plants
For those who prefer to bring the outdoors inside, browse our lovely range of house plants. You will find a superb array of house plants in our Brightwell Building, from petite and spiky cacti to majestic, towering Areca palms.
They are perfect for brightening up any indoor space, especially as the colder months draw near and we spend more time indoors. With their vibrant foliage and air-purifying properties, houseplants bring life and freshness to any room while also providing numerous health benefits. At Root One, we offer a wide variety of houseplants, from easyto-care-for options ideal for beginners to rare and exotic varieties for the seasoned plant enthusiast.
Proper care is essential to ensure your houseplants thrive and flourish and we have everything you need in the way of watering, fertilising, and repotting to keep them in tip top condition. Explore decorative pots and planters in a variety of styles and sizes, perfect for showcasing houseplants and succulents.
CAFÉ
While you're here at Root One, we highly recommend a visit to our café, where you can indulge in delightful homemade cakes and savour freshly ground coffee, an assortment of teas, and refreshing cold drinks.
We have a large breakfast menu, highlighted by our award winning 'The Root One' breakfast, which includes vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring a delicious start to your day!
Join us for lunch and choose from our seasonal menu, featuring a delightful assortment of sandwiches and ciabattas brimming with freshly crafted fillings, including gluten-free bread, all prepared to order. Explore our chef's specials, accompanied by wholesome jacket potatoes and salads, or our main menu favourites, including 'The Root One Burger.'
All this served in the comfort of our light and airy building, with a warm and inviting relaxed atmosphere, or weather permitting of course, you may wish to dine al fresco under the outside terrace, amidst the fresh air and scenic views from the plant area.
Dogs are more than welcome in our outdoor seating area! Whether you're grabbing a quick coffee or hanging out for brunch, you and your pup can relax and enjoy some quality time together.
Bird & Wildlife Care
We aim to encourage our customers to give a helping hand to beneficial garden visitors such as birds, hedgehogs, and insects by offering an extensive range of bird and wildlife care products. Feeding the birds and hedgehogs year-round is mutually beneficial, many birds consume insects that could potentially damage plants, its effectively a form of natural pest control, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Its particularly important to support wildlife during the autumn, winter months as they face food scarcity and harsh weather. Offering food and water sources is key to sustaining the wildlife in the garden, install bird feeders stocked with a variety of seeds, nuts, and suet and consider adding a bird bath or shallow pond for drinking and bathing. Offer hedgehogs specialised hedgehog food, along with fresh water.
Providing shelter, such as birdhouses and log piles, can offer protection from the cold and wind.
For visiting birds, we have nesting boxes, bird tables and bird feeders, and provide an extensive range of bird food including nuts, seed, fat balls and cakes. We also stock other types of feed such as Duck and Swan food.
Our plant area is stocked with plants that will benefit wildlife during the autumn and winter months by providing food, shelter, and nesting sites, such as rowan, hawthorn, and holly trees. Trees and shrubs that provide berries are a great source of food for birds like thrushes and blackbirds.
Enjoy the harvest from your fruit and veg plants
Rejuvenate your lawn by laying down turf or reseeding where necessary
Check your plants regularly for pests and diseases
Plant late-flowering perennials such as echinacea purpurea and chrysanthemums to prolong the colour in your garden
Apply a slow-release fertilizer to trees, shrubs, and perennial plants
Mulch beds to protect roots from frost and retain moisture
Autumn and Winter Autumn
Start planting your Spring flowering bulbs like Daffodils
Continuously deadhead all your flowering plants to encourage more blooms
Collect seeds from your favourite flowers ready for sowing next year
Lift and divide herbaceous perennials
Plant trees and shrubs whilst the soil is still warm
Garden Tasks at Root One
Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and fruit bushes while they're dormant
Plan next year's garden layout, considering crop rotation and new additions
Prepare the greenhouse for winter by insulating with bubble wrap and checking heaters are in working order
Wreaths and door hangers available along with Christmas decs and lights
Book your tickets for the Root One Café Christmas party, to be held mid-December
Winter
Protect tender plants from frost with fleece or bring them indoors.
Prune deciduous trees and shrubs while they're dormant to promote healthy growth in spring
Continue feeding birds and providing fresh water to support wildlife during the winter
Check houseplants for proper lighting and adjust watering as needed
Outdoor Plants and Trees
Here at Root One, we pride ourselves on offering top quality plant stock all year round. As you step into Root One, you're greeted by a lush and vibrant display of outdoor plants, from the delicate beauty of bedding plants to the stately elegance of climbers and shrubs.
For gardeners looking to add character and colour to their beds and borders we have a wide variety of herbaceous perennials, grasses, and flowering shrubs that will provide year-round interest. We stock the renowned David Austin roses that are celebrated for their unique and classic charm, boasting lush, full blooms with captivating fragrances.
We have a great range of both spring and summer flowering bulbs either in packets in autumn/early spring or fully planted and ready to flower in late spring and summer. They make a great addition to beds and borders or planted up in containers with seasonal bedding to brighten up your doorstep or patio area.
To provide shade or windbreak we stock ornamental and fruit trees from Frank Matthews that are highly regarded for their exceptional quality, diversity, and reliability. For height and structure, we have specimen acer trees and magnolias to name a few, and to block a view of a fence or an overlooking property we have bamboos, photinia, and larger specimen trees.
For those with a passion for homegrown produce, we offer a wide range of seeds and herbs to fruit bushes and trees. Our range of gardening tools, including shovels, trowels, and watering cans, will make planting and caring for your crops a breeze. Plus, our knowledgeable staff are here to provide guidance and support every step of the way, ensuring that you have a successful and rewarding gardening experience.
Giftware
Step into the Brightwell building where the joy of gardening extends beyond the plants with an extensive selection of giftware that celebrates the beauty of nature and the pleasure of outdoor living. Whether you're shopping for a gardening enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a unique and thoughtful gift, our collection has something for everyone.
As autumn arrives and outdoor adventures beckon, few gifts are as practical and appreciated as a sturdy pair of wellies. Perfect for navigating muddy paths, crunching through fallen leaves, or tending to the garden on damp days, we have a wide variety of styles and sizes to choose from.
We have a wide variety of wall art, such as weather-resistant metal sculptures, vibrant murals, outdoor clocks, and rustic wooden signs to create focal points in the garden. Stylish tableware, including patterned dishes, chic glassware, and coordinated table linens, that not only elevates the dining experience but also ties the overall aesthetic together, making the outdoor area a welcoming and visually pleasing retreat.
We have stationery, soaps, and candles from carefully selected artisans, such as Toasted Crumpet. The delicate stationery is ideal for personal notes or adding a bespoke touch to your decor, while luxurious soaps provide a sensory delight with their beautiful fragrances and natural ingredients. Candles, with their warm glow, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making them an exquisite addition to your home or as thoughtful gifts for loved ones.
Giftware
We have a wide variety of gardening books, perfect gift for anyone with a green thumb or a budding interest in growing plants. We have an array of books providing invaluable inspiration, knowledge, and guidance, from beginner's guides covering the basics of planting and maintenance to specialised books on specific plants, techniques, or garden styles.
In addition to our range, we have children's books, novels, and works by talented local authors, including Peter Adamson’s book about the well-loved Oxfordshire landmark Wittenham Clumps. The charming and moving story of Annabel Christie’s rewilding of her Oxfordshire garden, and psychological thrillers written by Colin Wade. If you are looking for a book you just can't put down, then you'll love the brilliantly written books by local author AJ Warren!
