/brochure

<p>Here’s a quick <strong>guide to fertilisers and how to interpret an NPK ratio</strong>.</p>

<p>We all know that our plants need feeding, just like we do. But with so many different types of fertiliser available, how do you know which one is best for your plant? And just what is that mysterious NPK formula on the back of the fertiliser package all about? Here’s a quick <strong>guide to fertilisers and how to interpret an NPK ratio</strong>.</p>
<h2>What is a fertiliser?</h2>
<p>As well as water, air and sunlight, plants need a range of minerals and nutrients to thrive. They get most of these from the soil, absorbing them in liquid form through their roots. If the soil is poor, or if the plants are particularly heavy feeders, adding fertiliser provides the extra minerals that the plants need.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Organic fertilisers are made from plant or animal materials, such as bone meal or seaweed. Inorganic fertilisers, for example, Growmore and Tomorite, are manufactured using chemicals. Inorganic fertilisers are generally faster-acting than organic fertilisers, which take longer to break down in the soil.</p>
<h2>What is the NPK ratio?</h2>
<p>Three essential elements necessary for plant growth are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Nitrogen (chemical symbol N) promotes green leafy growth</li>
<li>Phosphorus (chemical symbol P) is essential for the development of healthy roots and shoots</li>
<li>Potassium (chemical symbol K) encourages the development of flowers and fruits.</li>
</ul>
<p>Different plants need different proportions of these three minerals to develop to their full potential. Leafy green vegetables like spinach and chard will benefit from a nitrogen-rich fertiliser while growing. Plants like tomatoes that produce fruit, or flowering plants like roses, need an extra boost of potassium to perform at their best.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in any fertiliser is known as the NPK ratio and is shown on the packaging as a list of three numbers. For example, the popular tomato fertiliser Tomorite has an NPK ratio of 4-3-8. This means that it contains 4% nitrogen, 3% phosphorus compounds and 8% potassium compounds. On the other hand, a balanced fertiliser will have roughly equal amounts of each element.</p>
<h2>What does ‘potash’ mean?</h2>
<p>You’ll often see a fertiliser containing high levels of potassium referred to as ‘high-potash’ rather than ‘high-potassium’. This is because the potassium in the fertiliser is in the form of various chemical compounds such as potassium carbonate, which dissolves readily in water and is therefore easy for plants to absorb through their roots. Before modern manufacturing methods were available, these compounds were made from wood ash dissolved in water and then boiled down in iron pots, hence the name ‘pot-ash’.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Tips on applying fertilisers</h2>
<ul>
<li>Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.</li>
<li>Don’t overfeed plants, as this can result in over-lush growth that attracts aphids.</li>
<li>Don’t use fertiliser at a higher concentration than recommended.</li>
<li>Water plants well before applying liquid feeds to avoid burning their roots.</li>
</ul>
<p>Need advice on which fertiliser is best for your plants? Visit our centre, where our staff will be happy to help.</p>

NPK fertiliser ratios explained

<p>Read our <strong>top 6</strong> <strong>mood-boosting gardening tips</strong> to make you feel better.</p>

<p><strong>Blue Monday</strong> is here again, supposedly the most depressing day of the year thanks to a gloomy combination of bad weather, long nights and a reaction to all that festive partying last month. But there&rsquo;s light at the end of the tunnel. The days are getting longer, spring is just around the corner, and we&rsquo;ve put together our <strong>top 6</strong> <strong>mood-boosting gardening tips</strong> to make you feel better.</p>

<h2>Top 6 mood-boosting gardening tips to skip Blue Monday</h2>

<ol>
	<li>
	<p>It&rsquo;s a fact that digging makes you feel good. Working with the soil releases a form of soil bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae that boosts serotonin &ndash; the &lsquo;happy hormone&rsquo; that helps regulate your mood, promoting satisfaction, happiness and optimism. So grab your trowel, get out there and get in touch with your soil and you&rsquo;ll soon be feeling better.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Studies have shown that being around nature improves our mood and our creativity levels. A study by the University of Exeter at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2013 got show&nbsp;visitors to spend time in different workspace environments and then test their creativity, happiness and productivity levels. Results showed that letting people make design decisions in spaces that contain plenty of plants can increase creativity by 45%, feelings of well-being by up to 47% and productivity by 38%. So if you&rsquo;re at your desk feeling blue, simply placing a few beautiful indoor plants around your room could make all the difference to your working day.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Few things are more cheering in winter than the sight of new spring bulbs poking their green tips up through the earth. If you didn&rsquo;t have the time to plant spring bulbs last autumn, you could still enjoy the results. Buy potted spring bulbs in the garden centre, and once you&rsquo;ve enjoyed the flowers, plant the bulbs out in your garden so you&rsquo;ll be able to enjoy them all over again next year.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Now&rsquo;s a great time to plant bare-root roses and shrubs, and it&rsquo;s a very cost-effective way to grow. Getting physical with a shovel triggers those mood-enhancing hormones, and imagining how great your plants will look when they&rsquo;re all in flower in the summer is sure to put a smile on your face.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>If the weather&rsquo;s too bleak for gardening outdoors, you can still get in touch with your green fingers indoors. Tidy up the greenhouse, wash out your old pots in some warm soapy water and get everything ready so that this spring will be your best ever.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>And on those long dark winter evenings, settle into your most comfortable chair with a mug of tea and plan your veg plot for the year. Stock up on your seeds and start dreaming of stupendous harvests!</p>
	</li>
</ol>

<p>Winter&rsquo;s on its way out, and we have everything you need in our centres to get your garden into shape for spring. Visit us soon to see what&rsquo;s in store!</p>

6 Blue Monday mood-boosting gardening tips

<p>These <strong>top 5 common houseplant problems</strong> are often experienced by most houseplant owners, no matter how much experience and knowledge they have.</p>

<p>These <strong>top 5 common houseplant problems</strong> are often experienced by most houseplant owners, no matter how much experience and knowledge they have. To avoid them as best you can, these tips will help you to keep your plants in the best condition that you can and help you to spot any problem that comes up as soon as possible so you can rectify it.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Five common houseplant problems</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p><strong>Wilting plants</strong><br />
There will be many times you’ll notice a wilting plant. Most often it is due to under watering and your plant is simply telling you it’s time for water. Basil and Spathiphyllum (Peace lily) are examples of two plants that will wilt. If you water them soon enough, they will spring back to life! If you leave them too long, they will most likely die very quickly. Other reasons for wilting are too much direct sun or heat, pests and diseases and generally an unhappy plant.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Yellowing leaves&nbsp;</strong><br />
If you keep a close eye on your plants, each time you walk by or as you water, you will soon spot leaves that are turning yellow. Sometimes this will just be the natural process as the oldest plant leaves age and drop off. If that’s not the case, it could be a case of too much light, or over/under-watering. Make sure each plant has the right levels of moisture and feed if needed to avoid yellowing leaves.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Long leggy growth&nbsp;</strong><br />
If your plant is growing tall and fast with lengthy stems, towards the light - this is a certain sign that it isn’t getting enough light. If you see this happening move it nearer to a light source and turn it around so all parts of the plant grow evenly and bushy.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Leaning plants&nbsp;</strong><br />
Plants will lean generally because they need support as they grow. If a taller or fast-growing plant is growing without the support it needs, the plant will start to lean over. Carefully tie it up to support or trellis, and replenish the compost if needed.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Rotting plant&nbsp;</strong><br />
If you notice foliage or stems rotting, it could be a sign of root rot. Smaller plants may even go mushy and brown from the bottom. That's a definite sign your plant is in trouble. Root rot is quite hard to fix and your plant may well need to be replaced but you can try cutting away rotting roots and repotting. Often plants are killed with kindness. Overwatering is one way to not just cause root rot but many other problems as well.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Always keep your plant labels when you buy them so you can refer to them for care instructions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Visit us in store and speak to our friendly if you need any plant advice.&nbsp;</p>

Fantastic ferns to grow indoors

<p>So what can you do at this time of year to spruce up your balcony?&nbsp;</p>

<p>It’s time to <strong>give your balcony a fresh start for the year</strong> so you can be sure it will thrive as the months warm up and you start getting busy sowing seeds, planting out and harvesting. It might be cold outside or even seem like there isn’t so much to be doing on a balcony at this time of year, but it is the perfect time to get some tidying up done and put plans into place. So what can you do at this time of year to spruce up your balcony?&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Sweep and scrub&nbsp;</li>
<li>Check out storage and pots&nbsp;</li>
<li>Prune and deadhead</li>
<li>Make plans&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>Give your balcony a fresh start for the year with a cleanup&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Sweeping and scrubbing your balcony at this time of year is an excellent way to freshen things up and get ready for the year ahead. Sweep up debris and scrub off any pot marks, clean the railings, and on finer days, you could even give things that need it a lick of paint. You’ll be good to go in spring if you do this now.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Check your storage and pots to give your balcony a fresh start for the new year</h2>
<p>If you have storage on your balcony, you could give it a clear-out and discard anything you need, so you have plenty of room for new gardening accessories in the new year. If you don’t have storage but would like a space to store pots or tools over winter, make some space and measure up for further storage. If you have any pots lying around, give them a clean up ready for spring and store them safely.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Give your balcony a fresh start for the year by pruning and deadheading&nbsp;</h2>
<p>You can give your plants a tidy up by removing dead, diseased or damaged material and even replenishing compost in the pots if needed. By removing fallen leaves and any other unwanted plant material, you will see a big difference and ensure you aren’t harbouring any pests or diseases underneath or around your pots and containers.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Make plans to give your balcony a fresh start for the new year&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If the weather isn’t favourable or you are not sure what you want to grow for the year ahead, why not wrap up warm, pull up a chair and sit outside on the balcony while you make some plans. Being out there will give you the opportunity to move about some pots or containers, write lists of things you would like to do and get planning for a thriving space.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Balcony gardening can be advantageous and productive with flowers and edibles, so make use of your space and enjoy growing your balcony garden.</p>
<p>Visit us in store for pots, containers, compost and everything you need for a balcony garden.&nbsp;</p>

Give your balcony a fresh start for the year

<p>Follow these simple <strong>guidelines to keep your indoor plants healthy</strong> and happy all year round.</p>

<p>When the garden outside is looking wintry and bare, many of us turn to house plants for a much-needed dose of greenery. Follow these simple <strong>guidelines to keep your indoor plants healthy</strong> and happy all year round.</p>
<h2>Do your research first</h2>
<p>Before you buy, decide where you want your plants to go, so you know whether you need plants that prefer light or shade. Check the labels when you buy plants to ensure they’ll be suitable for you. There’s no point in buying plants that aren’t right for your space, as they’ll struggle or die, which is very disheartening!</p>
<h2>Watering houseplants</h2>
<p>Don’t overwater. More houseplants are killed by overwatering than any other cause. Don't leave your house plants sitting in a drip tray filled with water unless you’re growing plants native to boggy areas (such as carnivorous plants like sundews and sarracenia). This will exclude all the air from the compost, the roots will rot, and your plant will die. When you water your plants, check the drip trays afterwards and empty them once all the water has drained through.</p>
<p>But don’t underwater either. It can be tricky to tell whether the compost is dry, so use your finger to check the moisture level below the compost surface.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Feeding houseplants</h2>
<p>There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for feeding plants, but don’t overfeed as this is likely to kill the plant. Different plants have different feeding needs., so check your plant’s requirements and follow the instructions on any specialist feeds you buy.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Houseplant light requirements</h2>
<p>While all plants need some light, take care when placing plants on a sunny windowsill. Even sun-lovers can scorch on a hot sunny day. Most indoor plants do best with bright but indirect light.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Easy plants for new house plant growers</h2>
<p>If you’re new to growing house plants, try these three ultra-reliable stalwarts:</p>
<ul>
<li>The peace lily is suitable for shady positions and copes well with neglect. You’ll know if you’ve forgotten to water it, as the leaves will wilt, but it’s very forgiving and will revive quickly after watering. Feed once a month with dilute liquid houseplant feed, and wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust.</li>
<li>The spider plant prefers bright but indirect light. Water regularly to keep the compost just moist, and occasionally feed (2-3 times between spring and autumn) with dilute liquid houseplant feed. Spider plants produce little tufts of leaves that can be planted in pots filled with compost and grow into new plants.</li>
<li>Sansevieria – also known as the snake plant, this striking plant has narrow, upright leaves and can cope with a wide range of light levels. Water it when the compost feels dry, and feed once a month in spring and summer with dilute liquid houseplant feed.</li>
</ul>
<p>We have a fantastic range of house plants in the centre, plus pots, feed and everything else you need. Visit us soon and pick your perfect house plant!</p>

Tips to keep your houseplants healthy

<p>These <strong>top 10 houseplants to replace the Christmas tree</strong> will all fill the space nicely where your Christmas tree once stood.</p>

<p>These <strong>top 10 houseplants to replace the Christmas tree</strong> will all fill the space nicely where your Christmas tree once stood. When we take down the Christmas decorations, it can seem like the room feels bare, so if you'd still like the space filled with greenery, these plants will do just that for you.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Top 10 Houseplants After Christmas</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p><strong>Fiddle leaf (Ficus Lyrata</strong>): a&nbsp;well known and loved plant that is easy to look after, despite its reputation, with just a few hints and tips. Smaller plants can be purchased or taller ones to fill a space, and they will need to be kept away from drafts in a room with lots of light and kept moderately moist.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Snake plant (Sansevieria)</strong>: one of the easiest houseplants to care for that will fill a Christmas tree space with ease. It's the best for easy care with minimal watering requirements and not being fussy about light conditions.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata)</strong>: needing a bright spot and moist compost, but equally, you might find lower light levels suit it well and watering as and when might work too! This one can last for many, many years, so it's worth putting in the place of your Christmas tree.n&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)</strong>: if you would like to swap your Christmas tree for another Christmas tree that will look very similar, try the Norfolk Island Pine. High humidity and lots of light will keep this in great shape all year.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Weeping fig (Ficus benjamin)</strong>: bright, indirect light and regular watering will keep this growing fast and looking pristine. Less water during the winter months will help, and your weeping fig will thank you for it.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)</strong>: another plant that will gracefully fill a Christmas tree spot. The Bird of Paradise doesn't need much attention if standing in bright light, without drafts and some humidity. You might have to wait a few years until it flowers, but when it does, it will be well worth the wait!&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Devils Ivy (Pothos)</strong>: instead of filling the space with a standing upright plant, why not try filling the room with a plant hanging from the ceiling instead? Devils Ivy will hang nicely and fill a corner spot without much care needed.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)</strong>: the on-trend plant of the last few years will fill your Christmas tree spot with ease. Give it plenty of bright but not direct light and water every 1 to 2 weeks. Don't forget to dust the leaves to keep them looking shiny gently.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Ravenea rivularis (Majesty palm)</strong>: a&nbsp;majestic palm with long fronds that will fill the space perfectly. All it will need is a bright corner and plenty of water. Keep your eye on it so you can remedy any changes.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona)</strong>: minor&nbsp;water requirements and light to low light levels will see this plant well and growing for years.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Find the perfect houseplant to fill your bare space from our collection in store.</p>

Top 10 Houseplants to Replace the Christmas Tree

<p>Here are our <strong>top 15 gardening tips for January</strong>.</p>

<p>The New Year is here, and it’s time to get back out into the garden! The weather may still be wintry, but there’s plenty to do in your greenhouse and even outdoors to get ready for a great spring and summer season. Here are our <strong>top 15 gardening tips for January</strong>.</p>
<h2>15 gardening tips for January</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Provided the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, now’s a good time to plant bare-root shrubs, trees, roses and fruit bushes. Bare root plants are great value for money, perfect if you’re planning to plant a new hedge or extend a shrub border.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you didn’t plant snowdrop bulbs last autumn, buy some that are in flower and plant them now. Snowdrops establish much more quickly when planted ‘in the green’ than bulbs.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Cut back any old perennial stems and leaves that have gone soggy in the winter rains and add them to your compost heap.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Cut off any old tatty hellebore foliage and dispose of it. Getting rid of these leaves helps stop the spread of hellebore black spot (a fungal disease) and makes it easier to see the flowers. Leave the fresh new foliage to grow.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Keep deadheading winter pansies, and they’ll reward you with a flush of flowers in spring.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you haven’t pruned your climbing roses, you can still do it now, and it’s easier to see what needs cutting when the plants are dormant.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Now’s also an excellent time to prune shrub roses before they start growing, removing all weak and spindly growth and cutting back main branches by one-third above an outward-facing bud.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Prune apple and pear trees, removing any dead, damaged or crossing branches and reducing congestion. Aim to create a tree with an open vase shape.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Give wisteria its January pruning – cut back last year’s shoots to 2-3 buds from the main framework.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Force rhubarb plants by covering them with a bucket. This will encourage the growth of delicious tender new stems for delicious desserts.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Tidy up the greenhouse and clean out all those old flower pots so that you’re ready to go when it’s time to sow seeds in spring.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Recycle your Christmas tree by putting it out for your local council collection, or chop it up and shred the branches to make mulch for your shrub borders.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Keep bird feeders and birdbaths topped up to see your garden birds through the last cold months of winter.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Harvest the last of your parsnips and leeks for satisfying winter stews</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>When the weather’s too cold and wet to go outside, get yourself a cup of tea, plan this year’s vegetable crops and order your seeds. And don’t forget to order seed potatoes, onion sets and garlic bulbs for spring planting.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>We have a fantastic range of plants, seeds and gardening kits in our centres, so visit us soon and get your gardening year off to a great start!</p>

15 January gardening tips

<p>Here are a few ideas on the <strong>best way to recycle your real Christmas tree</strong>.</p>

<p>There’s nothing like a real Christmas tree for making the festive season magical, sparkling with lights and filling the air with the fragrance of pine needles. Each year, more than 8 million of us put up a real Christmas tree in our homes, so once Christmas is over and it’s time to take down the tree for another year, it’s essential to dispose of it sustainably so that it doesn’t end up in a landfill. Here are a few ideas on the <strong>best way to recycle your real Christmas tree</strong>.</p>
<h2>Best ways to recycle your Christmas tree</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Check whether your local council has a Christmas tree collection service – most do, and it’s one of the best ways to dispose of your tree. Check the date of your collection and leave your tree out on time so that it doesn’t lie around on the pavement for days getting in everyone’s way. Councils will shred the trees to make wood chippings that can be used on paths or mulch in local parks and woodland. If your council doesn’t have a collection service, check whether you can drop your tree off at your local recycling centre.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you have your own garden shredder, cut the branches off your tree and shred them to use as mulch around acid-loving trees and shrubs such as Japanese maples, heathers and blueberry bushes. A thick layer of this mulch makes a good weed suppressant and also helps keep moisture in the soil.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Once you’ve stripped the branches of your tree, chop up the trunk and pile the logs up to create a wildlife shelter in an unused spot in your garden. All sorts of useful garden worms and insects will be happy to take up residence, and your garden will reap the benefits.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Here’s an unusual idea for your Christmas tree – why not take it to the zoo? Obviously, this isn’t the answer for everyone, but it’s surprising how much use zoo animals can get out of an old Christmas tree. Elephants will happily eat the foliage, and other animals like chimpanzees and meerkats will enjoy exploring among the branches for food hidden by the keepers. If you live near a zoo or wildlife park, check whether they are interested in having your tree once Christmas is over.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you bought a potted tree, you can put it outside in its pot and treat it like all your other container plants. Water and feed it for the rest of the year, and with a bit of care, you’ll be able to bring it inside again next Christmas. Alternatively, if you have space in your garden, you could plant it out and let it grow into a tree.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Once the Christmas tree is down, it’s time to get started on all those New Year’s gardening resolutions, and we’re here to help with plants, tools and advice. Visit us and get your gardening year off to a great start!</p>

5 ways to recycle your Christmas tree

<p>Time for some <strong>new year&#39;s gardening ideas</strong> to get your gardening year off to the best start.</p>

<p>Time for some <strong>new year&#39;s gardening ideas</strong> to get your gardening year off to the best start. The new year brings a time of hope, excitement and lots of gardening planning. It might be colder outside with less to do in the garden, but there is always a reason to get your hat and coat on to enjoy the fresh new year air. If the days are too cold, or the ground is frozen or waterlogged, there is still lots to do inside to start your gardening year off in the best possible way.&nbsp;</p>

<ol>
	<li>Garden inspiration&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Planning&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Hard landscaping&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

<h2>Finding garden inspiration ideal for new year&#39;s gardening ideas</h2>

<p>On rainy days, fill yourself with hope for the year ahead and get some inspiration for the year ahead. Gather gardening books, magazines, online information and head to your local garden centre for inspiration. It&rsquo;s a great idea to make a mood board and visualise what you would like your garden to look like this year and into the future. Once you have gathered all of your inspiration, it will be time to plan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Among the new year&#39;s gardening ideas is definitely planning&nbsp;</h2>

<p>When you are inspired and ready to go, start to plan your garden year ahead. You would like to sow from the seeds to the plants, shrubs, and trees. Think about the wildlife you want to bring to your garden and write your list of plants to grow, encouraging each of them to the garden. If you are growing fruit and vegetables, plan where they will be planted by roughly sketching on a notepad and consider your companion planting and crop rotation. This will pay off when you have lots of plants ready to go out later in the year.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>New year&#39;s gardening ideas include hard landscaping&nbsp;</h2>

<p>If the weather isn&rsquo;t too bad, some hard landscaping can be done at this time of year.</p>

<ul>
	<li>Clearance jobs, patios and shed builds can all be put in place.</li>
	<li>If you can&rsquo;t paint the outside of your shed because of rain, start with the inside,</li>
	<li>Greenhouses can be built and any other&nbsp;structures you need.</li>
</ul>

<p>When that is all complete, it will be spring before you know it and time to start sowing your seeds and putting your plans into action.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gain inspiration in the store and speak to our friendly staff about your new year&#39;s gardening plans. If you want to start gardening, or you wish to put more effort and time into gardening, our staff worders are here to help and give you advice.</p>

New Year's Gardening Ideas

<p>Here are our top 7 gardening thoughts from 2021.</p>

<p>We've all needed our green space more than ever this year, and our gardens are a great place to escape when life is tough. As 2021 draws to a close, it's time to <strong>look back on the gardening year</strong> and see what lessons we can take with us next year. Here are our top 7 gardening thoughts from 2021.</p>
<h2>Top 7 lessons from last year's gardening</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>You don't have to be a gardening expert to enjoy the benefits of a garden. Just planting a few seeds can give you the thrill of seeing new life emerge from the soil, and you can grow your own delicious salads and herbs in pots on a windowsill even if you don't have a garden of your own.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Becoming peat-free in our gardens is even more important than ever. Peat bogs support a unique range of plants and wildlife, as well as substantial lock-up amounts of carbon. They take thousands of years to develop, so we must switch to other materials for our composts and potting media. Fortunately, new composts containing more sustainable products like wool, coir and composted bracken are now available, so look for them whenever you buy compost.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>We can do many things to the garden as sustainably as possible, including switching to peat-free products, being water-wise, minimising our use of single-use plastics, and composting our green garden waste. Just one or two small actions can really make a difference!</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Taking care of our soil and enriching it with organic matter is essential. This produces stronger, healthier plants and improves the soil's structure, helping it to cope with both arid and very wet weather.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>For those who don't have a garden but still want some greenery in their lives, house plants are the perfect answer. From easy-to-care-for succulents to elegant orchids, there's a house plant to suit every taste, and once you've got the house plant bug, you'll soon find your collection growing!</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Take a tip from the 2021 RHS Chelsea Flower Show and plant a pocket forest in your garden. A large container planted up with small trees, ferns and shrubs can create a tiny, lush woodland environment in a surprisingly small space. Shrubs such as hazel or hawthorn are ideal for this, as they can be coppiced to keep them from growing too big.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Whether it's birds, bees, beetles or frogs, wildlife is essential to the health of our gardens, so make your garden a wildlife-friendly space. Leave a small grass area to grow long to shelter insects and plant a wide range of flowers for pollinators and berry-bearing shrubs for birds.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>We're here to help you at every step of your gardening journey, so visit our centre soon and get set for another great year of gardening!</p>

7 things we learned from our gardens in 2021

<p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong>All Christmas decorations and calendars&nbsp;are now HALF PRICE!</strong></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong>While stocks last!</strong></span></span></p>

<p>Please note that we are operating reduced opening times 27th - 31st December:&nbsp;10am-4.30pm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We are closed New Years Day.</p>

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THE BIG CHRISTMAS SALE

<p>Start planning now for a <strong>wildlife-friendly garden</strong> next year with these top tips.</p>

<p>Your garden is home to an incredible variety of creatures, from insects and earthworms to birds and maybe – if you’re lucky – even a hedgehog or two. With wildlife increasingly under threat from urban development and environmental pressures, it’s more important than ever for us to look out for our garden creatures and give them all the help we can. Start planning now for a <strong>wildlife-friendly garden</strong> next year with these top tips.</p>
<h2>Top tips for a wildlife-friendly garden</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Plant shrubs and trees. Winter is an ideal time for plants to dormant, allowing them to get their roots settled in before spring. So long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, it’s OK to plant, and many native hedging plants like field maple, hawthorn and blackthorn are available as bare-root plants in winter – a very cost-effective solution if you want to plant a lot of shrubs.&nbsp; Berry-bearing plants provide food for birds, and plants with thorns or spiny leaves, like pyracantha, hawthorn and holly, make excellent shelter for nesting birds in spring.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plan a pollinator-friendly garden. Aim to have at least one plant in flower in each season of the year. Mahonia and hellebores are valuable nectar sources for pollinators around mid-winter, and bulbs like crocuses provide food in early spring. Ivy is also an excellent plant for pollinator-friendly gardens – bees love the flowers in autumn, plus the evergreen foliage shelters all sorts of overwintering garden creatures. Cut it back in spring to keep it from taking over your garden.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Create a log pile. If you’re doing any pruning in winter, save the branches and use them to make a log pile in the corner of the garden. Log piles provide habitat for beetles, woodlice, and other creepy crawlies, and a damp, shady log pile may also attract frogs and toads to feast on insects. As a side benefit, frogs and toads are also fabulous at keeping the slug population down, so everyone wins! (Apart from the slugs, that is.)</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Be a bit untidy. If you didn’t get around to cutting back all your faded perennials in autumn, don’t worry. Hollow dried flower stems provide the ideal home for overwintering insects, and you’ll still have time to tidy up the garden once the weather warms up in spring.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Feed the birds. Garden birds can struggle in cold weather, and they need to eat plenty to keep up their fat reserves. Fill bird feeders with high-energy sunflower seeds or hang up suet balls. Birds also need to wash their feathers in winter to maintain their insulation, keeping bird baths topped up and defrosted.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>If you’re looking for inspiration or advice on planting a wildlife-friendly garden, visit our centre where you’ll find tools, plants, seeds and much more. Our staff are always happy to help!</p>

5 tips for a wildlife-friendly garden

<p>Plant a smile this Christmas with&nbsp;National Garden Gift Vouchers.</p>

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Plant a smile this Christmas with National Garden Gift Vouchers

<p>It&rsquo;s an unmistakable plant, that&rsquo;s for sure, and with the various colours available, there is an Amaryllis for everyone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These <strong>facts about Amaryllis</strong> will help you to understand its origins, myths and how to care for it. Amaryllis are stunning when in bloom with the big, bright and beautiful flowers that light up a room. They can be a real focal point if placed in a prominent position. It&rsquo;s not just the flowers that look incredible. Even the gigantic bulb the strong stem grows from is incredible as well! It&rsquo;s an unmistakable plant, that&rsquo;s for sure, and with the various colours available, there is an Amaryllis for everyone.&nbsp;</p>

<ol>
	<li>History of the Amaryllis&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Myths about the Amaryllis&nbsp;</li>
	<li>How to care for Amaryllis&nbsp;</li>
	<li>After flowering care</li>
</ol>

<h2>Historical facts about Amaryllis&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Amaryllis is native to Africa, but the name actually derives from the Greek word &lsquo;amarysso&rsquo;, which aptly means &lsquo;to sparkle&rsquo;, and sparkle is done! The flowers in all colours have a gentle sparkle when you look closely at them. The big bulbs were introduced to Europe sometime in the 1700s, and in some places, it has been known for them to flower again and again for 75 years.</p>

<h2>Myths and facts about Amaryllis</h2>

<p>In Greek mythology, Alteo was loved by Amaryllis, who, upon advice from the Oracle of Delphi, stood at Alteo&rsquo;s house for thirty long nights in a row and pierced her heart with a golden arrow. It turns out it worked because Amaryllis did win Alteo&rsquo;s heart. Success, determination and strength are all associated with the Amaryllis flower, and you can see why! Amaryllis is the common name for flowers in the genus Hippeastrum. The latter looks similar, but the stems are different.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Facts about Amaryllis care</h2>

<p>Firstly, Amaryllis plants are very easy to grow. So even though the big bulb might seem like it will need a lot of care, it really doesn&rsquo;t at all. Amaryllis bulbs will take about six to eight weeks to flower from planting.</p>

<ul>
	<li>Pot them&nbsp;up, but not in a pot that&#39;s too big,</li>
	<li>Leave the top inch, or more, of the bulb above the compost,</li>
	<li>Keep it in a brightly lit position but not with direct light, and there&rsquo;s no need for much water until you see the shoot appear,</li>
	<li>Keep the compost moist but not overwatered.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h2>After flower facts about Amaryllis&nbsp;</h2>

<p>When the flowers have faded, just cut the flower stalk leaving about 3cm above the top of the bulb. You might even have a second stem growing at this point which you should just leave to enjoy the next flowers coming. When it has completely finished flowering, water and feed the plant as usual, and you will see plenty of leaf growth during the summer. From mid to late summer, stop watering, allow the foliage to die back and the compost to dry out. Move the pot to a cool, dark spot for at least eight weeks. Then report it in some new compost and start the process all over again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Keep up the patience and strength, just like Alteo, and you will get it your Amaryllis bulbs bloom again.&nbsp;</p>

Facts about Amaryllis

<p>Enjoy a Meet and Greet this Festive season with Belle in her winter dress!<br id="isPasted" />
<br />
Meet Belle for a magical personal experience at Swarkestone nursery. Have your photo taken and receive an autograph. Professional printed photos will also be available to purchase.<br />
<br />
BOOKING IS MANDATORY! We have very limited spaces and cannot meet anyone without a pre paid ticket reservation so book your tickets quick to avoid disappointment. Please only show up within your selected time.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/derby/swarkestone-nursery/meet-belle/e-ojlzde">https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/derby/swarkestone-nursery/meet-belle/e-ojlzde</a></p>

<p><br />
Please note: The venue is wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Dogs are permitted around the centre but not within the&nbsp;experience.<br />
<br />
COVID-19 safety: Masks are mandatory for adults. Groups are limited to up to 6 people per visit. 1 ticket permits up to 6 people.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Meet & Greet Disney Princess Belle - New Date 9th Jan

<p><strong>Sowing onions on Boxing Day</strong> is an excellent excuse to get out of the house and work off some of your Christmas dinners!&nbsp;</p>

<p>For generations, keen show-growers have <strong>sown their first onions on Boxing Day</strong> with dreams of prize-winning bulbs in summer. Sowing this early gives the exhibition varieties plenty of time to bulk up to truly spectacular sizes. But even if you’re only planning to grow onions for your own kitchen, sowing onions on Boxing Day is an excellent excuse to get out of the house and work off some of your Christmas dinners!&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Why grow onions from seed?</h2>
<p>Growing onions from seed involve a little more work than planting sets in spring, but it has some advantages:</p>
<ul>
<li>If you’re planning to grow a big crop of onions, a packet of seed is much more cost-effective than buying sets.</li>
<li>There’s a wide variety of onion seeds to choose from, including interesting heritage varieties.</li>
<li>Onions grown from seed are less prone to bolt (i.e. to flower and set seed instead of developing a bulb) than onions grown from sets.</li>
</ul>
<h2>How to grow onions from seed</h2>
<p>If you’re sowing onions on Boxing Day (or any time in mid-winter), you’ll need to start them off somewhere warm, like a heated greenhouse or a propagator.</p>
<ul>
<li>Fill seed trays with good multipurpose compost. Sow the seeds, 5-6 per module and cover them lightly with a thin layer of compost. Water and place somewhere at a temp of 10-16 C (50-61F).</li>
<li>In spring, harden off the seedlings and plant them out in well-drained soil in full sun. Although onions are hardy, they will benefit from being covered with fleece while young to protect them from hard frosts. In dry spells, water fortnightly and feed occasionally with a balanced liquid fertiliser.</li>
<li>Once the onions thrive, thin the clumps so that you are left with one or two onions in each clump, the onions that you pull up can be used as spring onions. Weed regularly, preferably by hand, to avoid damaging the roots of your onions. Remove any flower stems as they appear to ensure all the plants’ energies go into producing bulbs.</li>
<li>Once the bulbs start to swell in midsummer, stop feeding and watering. When the leaves begin to yellow and flop over, they are ready to harvest.&nbsp;</li>
<li>First, to store onions, leave them out in the sun or in a greenhouse for two weeks to ripen. Store the bulbs in net bags once the foliage is dry and papery, or tie the leaves together and hang up somewhere light, dry and cool. Don’t store bruised or damaged onions.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Onions to sow in winter</h2>
<p>These reliable varieties are perennially popular with both show-growers and cooks.</p>
<ul>
<li>Onion ‘Ailsa Craig’ – large bulbs with golden-brown skins and a mild flavour, popular with show growers and cooks</li>
<li>Onion ‘Exhibition’ – a traditional show-growing variety producing large, golden-skinned bulbs</li>
<li>Onion ‘Red Baron’ AGM – a late-maturing variety with flavourful dark red bulbs.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>We have a fantastic range of onion seeds and other vegetables in the centre now, so visit us soon and get set for a great year’s growing!</p>

Why you should sow onions on Boxing Day

<p>Here are some ideas for you to <strong>decorate the Christmas table with natural materials</strong>.</p>

<p>Are you wondering <strong>how to decorate the Christmas table with natural materials</strong>? Using items found in the garden is perfect for personalising your home with nature as the theme. Table decorations can be made from numerous materials such as pine cones and fallen bark to fir tree foliage and perennial seed heads. Here are some ideas for you to decorate with.&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Wooden place names&nbsp;</li>
<li>Christmassy pine cones&nbsp;</li>
<li>Fir and berry garland&nbsp;</li>
<li>Eucalyptus and candles&nbsp;</li>
<li>Orange pomander balls&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>1. Use wooden place names&nbsp;to decorate the Christmas table with natural materials&nbsp;</h2>
<p>A lovely touch for the Christmas table is to use thinly cut branches decorated with a slight festive decoration or the place name,&nbsp;so your guests all know where to sit. Alternatively, use them to tie onto napkins as part of a natural theme.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>2. Decorate the Christmas table with natural materials such as pine cones&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Pine cones are the classic natural Christmas decoration and can be used to fill up vases with fairy lights, laid on the table to add to the natural theme, included in wreaths or garlands and any other fun festive way you can use them. We love the idea of filling a vase about two thirds full, then laying small fir sprigs on top and placing an imitation candle on top.</p>
<h2>3. Make a fir and berry garland to decorate the Christmas table with natural decorations&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Collecting fir branches and sprigs, pine cones and other garden materials to create your table garland to run along the centre is fun, creative and will look fantastic. If you don’t have those materials available to you, they will be available to purchase as well. They can also be placed in vases with pine cones hanging off for an alternative festive display.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>4. Decorate the Christmas table with natural materials using fragrant Eucalyptus&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Using the lovely foliage of Eucalyptus is a beautiful way to add a silvery touch to the Christmas table. If you gently crush the leaves, the scent will also waft around as well. Lay springs along the centre of the table, along with some candles, pine cones and silverware. This will make your table look stylish and classy to enjoy for your Christmas meal.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>5. Orange pomander balls are a great way to decorate the Christmas table with natural materials&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Using oranges and cloves not only provides a lovely scent but a very traditional Christmas look. Punch holes in the orange peel with clove in lines or patterns and add some red ribbon to finish the pomander balls. Place them on the mantlepiece and as decorations on the table where all of your guests will admire your homemade natural Christmas decorations.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Add a touch of homemade Christmas with plants and natural materials when you visit us in the store.&nbsp;</p>

Decorate the Christmas table with natural materials

<p>Try these red-coloured Christmas plants for Christmas this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are <strong>Christmas plants with red colours</strong> to complement any Christmas theme you might have at home. It is always wonderful to add natural Christmas decorations, including red coloured plants, to the Christmas table or coffee table for an extra special splash of the festive feels. Coupled with some bright fairy lights, red coloured plants can bring all of the festive fun. Try these red-coloured Christmas plants for Christmas this year.&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Poinsettia</li>
<li>Amaryllis</li>
<li>Christmas Cactus</li>
<li>Cyclamen&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>The most popular of all Christmas plants with red colours&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Of course, the top of the list has to be the Poinsettia! With bright red showy bracts and little yellow flowers, this is undoubtedly the Christmas plant for everyone. It hits the shelves just in time for the festive period and looks perfect in a brightly lit room. It can be tricky to get them to flower red again after the leaves drop, but it can be done! Poinsettias are also available in other colours, but red is still the most popular of them all.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Amaryllis is another of the Christmas plants with red colours&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Another popular Christmas flower is the Amaryllis for its showy and flamboyant flowers growing off a strong stem from a large bulb. You might even get more than one stem and numerous flowers as well. The deep red varieties are stunning at Christmas. Still, there are also various other colours, including white flowers with red petal edges, which are great for the festive season. Plants the large bulb with the top quarter out of the soil, but you can also buy them about to flower or already flowering.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Christmas plants with red colours include the Christmas Cactus&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Christmas Cactus flowers are often bright to pale pink and white, but some are such a deep pink colour they look like a beautiful shimmery red colour. They are stunning plants and so easy to grow. Needing very little care, they will still flower profusely just in time for Christmas. Minimal water requirements and bright, indirect light will reward you year after year.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Indoor Cyclamen are great Christmas plants with red colours</h2>
<p>Along with white and pink, the glowing red indoor Cyclamen is the perfect choice for a table piece. Many are available in wicker style pots with a ribbon around them, all ready to be put in the perfect place. A bright spot with indirect light and a room that isn’t too warm will mean your Cyclamen will thrive. Keep the soil moist but not overwatered.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Adding Christmas plants around your home during the festive season can give it a really nice feel and bring a natural feel to your theme and style. Factor in some of these red coloured plants, and you’ll be full of the joys of Christmas because plants really do help to make people happy!</p>
<p>Visit us to choose from the many Christmas plants in store for immediate impact on your home.&nbsp;</p>

Christmas Plants with Red Colours

<p>Christmas flowers can add an incredible dynamic to decorations in your home and the garden, so these are our <strong>top-4 Christmas flowers</strong> to add a splash of nature to your festivities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These <strong>popular Christmas flowers</strong> are all around during the festive season and bring such cheer to the home. Not just for their cheerful colours of red, white and green but also because of their significance and ease of care when you are busy getting all of the Christmas presents wrapped. Christmas flowers can add an incredible dynamic to decorations in your home and the garden, so these are our top flowers to add a splash of nature to your festivities.&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Poinsettia</li>
<li>Christmas Cactus&nbsp;</li>
<li>Chrysanthemum</li>
<li>Amaryllis&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>1. Poinsettia is one of the most popular Christmas flowers&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Seen just about everywhere during the festive rush, a decorated home has to include a Poinsettia! The colourful bracts (colourful leaves) aren’t the flowers. The tiny little yellow flowers are insignificant to the brightly coloured bracts of red, cream or even pink. There are variegated varieties now available, so you should be able to find one for any style. Water only when the soil has dried out, overwatering will cause the leaves to drop and the plant to die prematurely.</p>
<h2>2. Another popular Christmas flower is the Christmas Cactus&nbsp;</h2>
<p>The Christmas Cactus is beautiful and easy to care for. It just needs indirect light and barely any water! Let the soil dry out, and if you forget, it will still be ok for two or even three weeks. The bright and shiny tubular flowers are instantly recognisable and are usually various shades of pink and cream. Did you know there is an easter, thanksgiving and Christmas cactus? You’ll know which is which by the time of year it flowers and the different leaf shapes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2>3. Chrysanthemum is a popular Christmas flower&nbsp;</h2>
<p>For cut flowers, the Chrysthanthemum can’t be beaten! Strong stems, flowers that last age in a vase and with so many colours available, they are perfect for a festive vase of flowers on the coffee table. They are much easier to grow in the garden than often led to believe. The key is knowing exactly which variety you have so you can prune them appropriately. Don’t forget to add some tinsel around the vase as well, so they really stand out.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>4. Of all the popular Christmas flowers, the Amaryllis is the one</h2>
<p>A popular Christmas flower is the Amaryllis. The big and beautiful red, white, pink and striped flowers are well known for this time of year. The giant bulb is easy to pot and grow in a brightly lit room. Just plant the bulb in a container, allowing the top third to remain out of the soil and water weekly. The stems are strong enough to stand tall and let the numerous flower heads bloom. The flowers last for a few weeks and can make a Christmas table decoration extra special.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Bring some festive glam to your home and visit us in the store to pick up your Christmas plants.</p>

Popular Christmas Flowers

<p>Here are a few <strong>guidelines on pruning shrubs and trees in winter</strong>.</p>

<p>Winter and early spring are often a good time to do a bit of pruning. When the trees are bare, it’s easier to see their shape and work out which branches to remove. However, it’s not the right time for pruning all plants, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific requirements of your plants before you start. Here are a few <strong>guidelines on pruning shrubs and trees in winter</strong>.</p>
<h2>Basic pruning tips</h2>
<p>Remembering these few basic rules will keep you safe while you work and give you better results:</p>
<ul>
<li>Make sure your tools are sharp – a clean cut will cause less damage to branches and heal faster, so there’s less chance of your plants becoming infected by diseases.</li>
<li>Work slowly and stand back frequently to look at what you’ve done and assess what still needs removing.</li>
<li>Take care when working at height. It’s a good idea to have someone else with you when you’re working on a ladder. And don’t take risks – if the job is too big, call in a professional tree surgeon.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Pruning deciduous and evergreen shrubs</h2>
<p>Deciduous shrubs drop their leaves in autumn, storing food reserves in their roots over winter, ready for spring. This means that winter pruning tends to result in vigorous spring growth. However, some deciduous shrubs flower on the previous year’s growth, so pruning these in winter would mean no flowers in the following year. As a general rule of thumb, deciduous shrubs that flower in spring (e.g. forsythia and Japanese quince) should be pruned straight after flowering. Shrubs that flower in late summer and autumn (e.g.hydrangea, buddleja and fuchsia) can usually be pruned in late winter or early spring. There are exceptions to every rule, though, so check the specific requirements of your plants before you get out your secateurs.</p>
<p>Evergreen shrubs are best pruned soon after they have finished flowering. Hard pruning of evergreens can usually be done in late winter or early spring, but as always, look the plant up first to check on pruning requirements.</p>
<h2>Five trees and shrubs to prune in winter or early spring</h2>
<ol>
<li>Shrub roses – remove damaged and crossing branches and cut the main branches down by a third, just above an outward-facing bud.</li>
<li>Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) don’t need routine pruning, but if you need to remove a branch, do it in winter to avoid excessive ‘bleeding’ of sap.</li>
<li>Buddleja – cut back in early spring to solid buds about 30cm above ground level.</li>
<li>Dogwoods (Cornus sanguinea and sericea) – cut back in early spring to 5-7.5cm (2-3in) above ground level to encourage brightly coloured new shoots for next winter.</li>
<li>Apple trees – prune in winter, aiming to create a wineglass-shaped framework of branches.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<p>We have a wide range of pruning tools and other garden equipment in our centre, so visit us soon for all your gardening needs!</p>

Pruning trees and shrubs in winter

<p><strong>Protect your plants this winter</strong> with these top tips.</p>

<p>Many of the plants in our gardens have come to us from lands with kinder climates than our own. This allows our gardens to look like a tropical paradise in summer, but it also means that many of our plants need help to cope with cold weather. <strong>Protect your plants this winter</strong> with these top tips.</p>
<h2>How to protect your plants this winter</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>If you’re not sure whether a plant needs winter protection, look it up. The Royal Horticultural Society has drawn up a hardiness rating system, classifying plants by the minimum temperature they can cope with. Fully hardy plants (classified as H5) are hardy down to -15°C (5°F). Frost-hardy plants (H3) are typically hardy down to -5C (23°F) and will probably survive a light frost but are likely to need winter protection in all but mild areas. Tender plants (H2 and H1) will not survive temperatures below 0°C (32°F) and must be kept frost-free in winter.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>One of the biggest dangers for container plants in winter is the compost in the pots becoming waterlogged and possibly frozen. This will kill off even the hardiest plants, so any banks left outdoors over winter should be raised on pot feet to ensure they drain well. In very cold areas, it’s also worth wrapping pots in bubble wrap or fleece for extra insulation.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Move tender plants indoors in winter. If they have lost their leaves and are entirely dormant, they can be stored in a frost-free shed, but evergreen plants will still need light and should be kept in a greenhouse or conservatory or on a sunny windowsill. Line your greenhouse windows with bubble wrap to insulate them and reduce the amount of electricity needed to heat the space.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Cover winter crops like salad leaves, spinach and chard with cloches or horticultural fleece to allow you to keep harvesting.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>In mild areas of the country, apply a thick layer of mulch such as compost or leaf mould to protect tender bulbs like dahlias and gladioli through winter. In icy areas, it’s best to dig them up once the first frost has killed the foliage and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free place over winter.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Strong winter winds can damage plants, so tie in climbing plants and check stakes and tree ties are secure. Cut tall shrub roses down by a third to protect their roots against damage from wind rock.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Think long-term when choosing plants for your garden. Plants such as salvias, lavender, and rosemary from Mediterranean climates will struggle to survive winters in heavy clay soils. Improve drainage by digging in compost or other organic material before planting, or plant them in pots instead.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Let us help you get your garden ready for winter. Whether it’s mulch, pot feet or winter plants you’re after, you’ll find all you need in our centre!</p>

7 ways to protect your plants in winter

<p>A tablescape isn't just a traditional centrepiece; it's a design resulting in a piece of table art. We love seeing some innovative and stylish designs, so we've put this guide together to help you get arty for your next party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Consider <strong>tablescaping</strong> when you next invite friends and family over to completely uplevel your entertaining space. With the festive season in full swing, tablescaping is about decorating your dinner table with creativity with the style, colours and materials that have been thought through to match the party's theme. A tablescape isn't just a traditional centrepiece; it's a design resulting in a piece of table art. We love seeing some innovative and stylish designs, so we've put this guide together to help you get arty for your next party.&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Consider the theme&nbsp;</li>
<li>Think about the colours&nbsp;</li>
<li>Incorporate plants</li>
<li>Be sustainable&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>Consider the theme first when tablescaping&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Deciding on what theme you would like for the table is the best place to start. Would you like a calming, romantic theme or a jazzy, upbeat theme for the night? Is the table being designed for a festive meal or a birthday? Or just because you have invited friends over and you would like to have an autumn or winter theme. Consider this first, and then get to work on the next stage.</p>
<h2>Tablescaping is all about the colours&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If you want to have a vibrant party atmosphere you could pick a mix of bright blues, reds, oranges and yellows but for a chilled night of chatting and relaxing an all-white theme can look incredibly stylish. For a natural design, think hessian fabric, dried autumnal leaves and foliage on napkins. The options are endless, and you can personalise your tablescape any way you would like. It is great fun and a lovely way to get creative and make your guests feel welcome.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Incorporating plants when you tablescape&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Most tablescapes will incorporate plants from succulents on fallen branches to small glass vases with just one flower in each. Don't forget the space above. Hanging dried flower leaves on string and lights with flowers entwined is another way to add to your design. If you include candles, dressing them at the base with plants can also provide a focal point. Get creative and enjoy your time working with plants, colours and other materials.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>When tablescaping consider sustainable materials&nbsp;</h2>
<p>When choosing decorations for your tablescape, consider their use and how many times you can reuse or recycle what you are creating. Small glass vases can be reused time and time again in numerous rooms and displays. Choosing coloured napkins that can be used in various themes means they will get used more often. Also, use biodegradable plants potted on and flowers that can be composted&nbsp;to make your tablescape sustainable.</p>
<p>Don't forget the little details as well. That can make all of the difference.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Visit us to get inspired for your next tablescape with plants and foliage in store.&nbsp;</p>

Tablescaping

<p>Follow our top <strong>15 gardening tips for December</strong> and get your garden ready for a great spring.</p>

<p>The garden might look a bit bare this month, but there are still crops to harvest, shrubs and bulbs to plant, and plans to make for next year when the weather permits. Follow our top <strong>15 gardening tips for December</strong> and get your garden ready for a great spring.</p>
<h2>Top gardening tips for December</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>As long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, you can still plant in December, and it’s an excellent time to plant deciduous hedging shrubs and bare-root roses.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>While you’re planting shrubs, why not choose some for winter colour and scent? Christmas box (Sarcococca confusa), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) and witch hazel (Hamamelis) all look and smell gorgeous at this time of year.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>There’s still time to plant spring bulbs like crocuses, daffodils and tulips for masses of colourful flowers in spring.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Wait until after the first frosts to harvest your parsnips, and they’ll taste sweeter. Sprouts and winter cabbage should also be ready to harvest this month, just in time for the festive season.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Lift and divide large clumps of rhubarb to rejuvenate the plants and give you delicious desserts for years to come. Make sure each new section has an ‘eye’ or large bud to provide next year’s shoots.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you need to prune Japanese maples, now’s the time while they are dormant.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Prune climbing roses, removing any dead wood, tying in new shoots and cutting back flowered side shoots by two-thirds of their length.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Once dahlia foliage has been blackened by frost, dig up the tubers. Cut off the stems, rinse off the soil, leave them to dry, then place them in trays filled with compost and store them in a cool, dry place over winter.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Rake fallen leaves off your lawn so that sunlight can reach the grass. Clear fallen leaves from beds, too, as they can shelter slugs and snails.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Raise your patio pots on pot feet to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging, which could kill plants.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Check that tree ties and stakes are secure and stand up to high winter winds.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Top up bird feeders regularly with high-energy seeds and defrost frozen birdbaths so birds can drink and keep their feathers in good shape.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Don’t make your garden too tidy this winter. Leave some dried flower stems standing to provide shelter for overwintering insects, and make a log pile in a hidden corner to give frogs, toads and beetles a home.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Get ready for next year’s gardening. Clean your tools and get shears, secateurs and lawnmowers sharpened now while you have the time.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>When the weather’s too cold for gardening, start planning next year’s gardening. Settle down in an armchair with a cup of tea and your notebook, and let your imagination run wild!</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Whatever you need for your garden (or just for the gardener in your life), you’ll find it in our centre. Visit us soon to see what’s in store now!</p>

15 garden tips for December

<p>Struggling to find the perfect gift this Christmas?</p>

<p>Let your loved ones&nbsp;choose what they would like with a Gift Voucher.</p>

<p>Free greetings card included with every voucher.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="" height="600" src="https://www.swarkestonenursery.co.uk/files/images/National-Garden-Gift-Vouchers-5-10-25.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" width="600" /></p>

Gift Vouchers

<p>One important gardening activity for the winter is to <strong>get your trees and shrubs planted</strong>. Here’s why:</p>

<p>There are many reasons&nbsp;<strong>why winter is a great time to plant trees</strong>. It can seem like there isn’t much to do in the garden during the colder winter months, but there is always a reason to get outside no matter what the weather is like when you have a garden. You might need to top up your bird feeders, break the ice on your pond for wildlife to get in and out or brush heavy snow off tree branches. One important gardening activity for the winter is to get your trees and shrubs planted. Here’s why:</p>
<ol>
<li>Bare root trees</li>
<li>Heeling in</li>
<li>Time to establish</li>
</ol>
<h2>Bare root availability is why winter is a great time to plant trees</h2>
<p>During the winter months, you will find not only many container-grown trees available, often at a sale price, but also bare root trees become available to purchase. Often these cost less because they don’t have any soil around the roots and are therefore easy to transport and come without a pot. Bare root trees are planted when they are dormant, usually from November to March, and the roots may be denser as well plus, they are much easier to plant without the bigger rootball and pot.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Why winter is a great time to plant trees is because you don’t have to rush</h2>
<p>November to March is a long period, and as long as the ground isn’t frozen or overly wet, you have plenty of time to plant trees outside. While bare-root trees and shrubs need to be planted ideally within a week of purchase, they can be ‘heeled’ in. So if you aren’t quite ready to get planting where they will eventually grow, dig a trench and lay the roots into the trench with the stems up against the side, then backfill to cover the bases and water well. This means the tree will be protected and absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil instead of drying out. If you have container grown plants, they can stay in the container until ready, but don’t let them dry out.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Providing time to establish is why winter is a great time to plant trees</h2>
<p>The soil is moist during the winter months, giving the roots just what they need to establish before the weather heats up. It is stressful for a tree to be freshly planted outside in the heat in the summer months, and it will need constant watering. So allowing it time to settle over winter is perfect. Energy will be directed towards the roots instead of leaf and bud formation and will grow substantially enough before spring and summer.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Shop our range of trees for winter planting in store.&nbsp;</p>

Why winter is a great time to plant trees

<p>This year, why not give your decorations a personal touch and <strong>make your own wreath</strong>? It&rsquo;s easy to do, and the results look great!</p>

<p>When wreaths start appearing on front doors, you know Christmas is coming. This year, why not give your decorations a personal touch and <strong>make your own wreath</strong>? It&rsquo;s easy to do, and the results look great!</p>

<h2>Where do wreaths come from?</h2>

<p>Wreath-making goes back a very long way. Ancient Greeks and Romans used laurel wreaths to crown the victors at the original Olympic games. In Christian tradition, circular wreaths made with evergreens like holly and ivy are used to symbolize immortality. And the sight of brightly decorated wreaths in mid-winter is a positive signal to us all that the festive season is close at hand.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How to make a wreath base</h2>

<p>The first thing you need when making a wreath is a base. Wreath bases are readily available from craft shops or online, but you can also make your own, re-purposing things to hand in your home. Here are a few ideas:</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>You can make a simple wreath base out of cardboard &ndash; great use for all those online delivery boxes!&nbsp; Use a protractor to draw two concentric circles to form a ring the size of your desired wreath, then cut it out and wrap it in decorative ribbon or material. You don&rsquo;t have to stick to circles either &ndash; make your wreath base star-shaped, heart-shaped or square if you prefer.&nbsp;</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Pick up some polyethene foam pipe insulation from a DIY store &ndash; for a wreath base around 40cm in diameter. You&rsquo;ll need around 1.25m of pipe insulation. Tape the ends of the insulation pipe firmly together to make a ring, and you have yourself a wreath base.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Dig out an old wire coathanger, untwist it and bend the wire into a circle, star, heart or any other shape that takes your fancy. Alternatively, use the wire as extra support inside a pipe insulation wreath base.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>For a natural&nbsp;wreath base, use stems from the garden &ndash; shrubby dogwoods (Cornus sanguinea) or willow (Salix) are ideal for this, with their brightly coloured stems. Twist a few stems together to make a strand, then bend this into a circle to form your wreath base.&nbsp;</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>Decorating your Christmas wreath</h2>

<p>When it comes to decorating your wreath base, the only limit is your imagination! We&rsquo;ve put together a few ideas to get you started:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Keep it simple and cover your wreath base in one type of evergreen foliage, such as yew or holly, then add a few sprays of red berries and a big red bow to complete the effect.</li>
	<li>Spray pine cones gold and silver, then use a florist&rsquo;s wire to fix them to your wreath base. Twine evergreen ivy around the base to add to the effect.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Make a bird-friendly wreath by wrapping a wire base with evergreens and fixing sprays of berries to it. Hang it in the garden and watch the birds enjoying a festive treat!</li>
</ul>

<p>Need some inspiration for your festive decorations? We have a fantastic range of wreaths, lights and everything else you need, so visit us today!</p>

How to make your own Christmas wreath

<p>Enjoy a Meet and Greet this Christmas with Elsa and Anna!<br />
<br id="isPasted" />
Meet Elsa and Anna for&nbsp;a magical personal experience at Swarkestone Nursery on Sunday 19th December. Have your photo taken and receive an Autograph. Professional printed photos will also be available to purchase.<br />
<br />
BOOKING IS MANDATORY! We have very limited spaces and cannot meet anyone without a pre-paid ticket reservation so book your tickets quick to avoid disappointment. Please only show up within your selected time slot.</p>

<p>One ticket permits one family of up to 6 people.</p>

<p>To purchase your family a ticket now please follow this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/derby/swarkestone-nursery/meet-elsa-and-anna/e-aygkka">https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/derby/swarkestone-nursery/meet-elsa-and-anna/e-aygkka</a></p>

<p><img alt="" height="600" src="https://www.swarkestonenursery.co.uk/files/images/elsa%20anna.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 600px;" width="600" /></p>

Meet and Greet Elsa & Anna

<p>When choosing a <strong>British grown Christmas tree</strong>, you will be supporting the local economy and growers, reducing transportation and ensuring your tree is disease-free and of good quality.</p>

<p>When choosing a <strong>British grown Christmas tree</strong>, you will be supporting the local economy and growers, reducing transportation and ensuring your tree is disease-free and of good quality. That’s not to say imported trees aren’t excellent quality, but British trees will have gone through a lot less stress making it to your home to be decorated. Christmas tree farming is expanding in the UK, and most are also regulated, which ensures magnificent trees have been grown sustainably.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Choosing a British grown Christmas tree benefits&nbsp;</h2>
<p>There is something exceptional about a real Christmas tree, from the look and fragrance to the traditional nature and the decorations with lights. Pine and fir trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen back out into the environment. A real Christmas tree is much better for the environment than an artificial tree. It is also great fun choosing your Christmas tree and looking at all of the various sizes and colours available.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What type when choosing a British grown Christmas tree&nbsp;</h2>
<p>With many different options to choose from, you might be wondering which one is best. They are all lovely! Each has various benefits and look different. These are some you will find to choose from:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Nordmann Fir - the most well known and popular of all Christmas trees in the UK. Known for being able to hold its dark green needles well on solid branches.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Fraser Fir - these have a lovely fragrance, filling the home with the scent of Christmas. Dark green needles are slightly silvery underneath that hold on well.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Norway Spruce - a traditional Christmas tree with dark green needles and a wonderfully festive scent. Keep it well watered to hold onto those needles.</li>
<li>Blue Spruce - with blueish coloured needles on good branches, holds up well with more prominent decorations adorning it. It needs watering well and can be an excellent choice for smaller homes.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Know how to care for it when choosing a British grown Christmas tree&nbsp;</h2>
<p>When you get your new Christmas tree home, cut about one inch off the trunk and put it straight into a bucket of water. Cutting off the sealed end of the trunk will allow it to take up water much more effortless. You could also score around the base where the trunk will be underwater. Ideally, keep Christmas trees away from heat sources and regularly maintain the water topped up. Standing it in a Christmas tree stand will ensure it stays upright and looking its best for the whole festive period for you to enjoy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Choose your British grown tree in store from our range.&nbsp;</p>

Choosing a British Grown Christmas Tree

<p><img alt="" height="183" src="https://www.swarkestonenursery.co.uk/files/images/cropped-Header-Image-1.png" width="600" /></p>

<p><img alt="" height="720" src="https://www.swarkestonenursery.co.uk/files/images/Untitled(1).png" style="width: 510px; height: 720px;" width="510" /></p>

<p>During this&nbsp;2 hour workshop, you will create your own mosaic keepsake&nbsp;from a selection of templates using broken china pieces.</p>

<p>This is ideal for those who want to have a bit of fun no matter how creative you are. It is a brilliant introduction to mosaic before enrolling in further workshops where you can learn how to snip and shape your own china tiles and make a more detailed mosaic.</p>

<p>9.15am-11.15am on a variety of Thursdays and Saturdays to choose from.</p>

<p>Book a place for just yourself or with your family and friends by clicking this link&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluejellymoon.com/workshops/">https://www.bluejellymoon.com/workshops/</a></p>

<p><img alt="" src="https://www.swarkestonenursery.co.uk/files/images/IMG_1323-225x300.jpg" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img alt="" height="300" src="https://www.swarkestonenursery.co.uk/files/images/SwN-2Finished-Navy-1-768x1024.jpg" width="225" /></p>

Mosaic Workshops by Blue Jelly Moon

<p>Here are seven <strong>wildlife-friendly ways to decorate your garden</strong> this festive season.</p>

<p>Decorating the outside of our homes has become almost as much of a tradition as putting up a Christmas tree indoors, adding colour and light to cheer us up in the depths of winter. But it shouldn’t come at a cost to our garden wildlife. Here are seven <strong>wildlife-friendly ways to decorate your garden</strong> this festive season.</p>
<h2>Wildlife-friendly garden decorations</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Outdoor fairy lights look beautiful, sparkling in the dark, but our local wildlife doesn’t love them as much as we do. Too much light at the wrong time of day is a problem for wildlife, disrupting their sleep patterns and confusing navigational signals. This year, keep your use of outdoor decorative lights to a minimum and go for other ways of decorating your garden instead.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Baubles look great as outdoor decorations, and they don’t affect wildlife. Hang them from trees or use them to decorate pergolas, arches and other garden structures. For maximum impact, use baubles of just one or two colours.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Christmas wreaths don’t have to just be for the front door. Hang wreaths from tree branches outdoors where you can see them from your windows. And why not make a wreath or two for your birds to enjoy? To make a bird-friendly wreath, cut a few bendy stems from a garden shrub – shrubby dogwoods (Cornus) are great for this, with their coloured branches. Twist the stems together, then form the twisted strand into a circle to make the frame of your wreath. Cut sprays of small colourful rosehips, holly or pyracantha berries and push them into the frame, securing them with florist’s wire if necessary. Finally, hang your bird-friendly wreaths where you can see them and watch the birds enjoying the berries.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Peanut butter pine cones are another easy-to-make edible decoration for your garden wildlife. Collect fallen pine cones, spread peanut butter over them and roll them in birdseed. Then hang them on tree branches for wildlife to enjoy. These decorations may not last long!</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Dried fruit slices also make super wildlife-friendly decorations. Cut oranges and lemons into pieces, place them on a baking tray and dry them in a cool oven (65-75°C/150-165°F) for 3-4 hours or until dry to the touch, turning them every hour. Once they are dry, thread them onto strings and hang them from tree branches or garden structures.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plant up patio pots with winter bedding to provide a splash of colour outside your windows. Cyclamens, hellebores and winter-flowering heathers are all perfect for pots, and evergreen heucheras look great in pots all year round with their bright foliage. Add a few sprays of berries or coloured dogwood stems to pots to give them a seasonal touch.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Turn a conifer into an outdoor Christmas tree by decorating it with baubles and other wildlife-friendly decorations – wooden or plastic decorations are suitable for this, as they won’t shatter in a frost.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>If you need some inspiration for your decorations this year, visit our centre. We’ve got something for everyone this Christmas!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Wildlife-friendly Christmas garden decorations

<p><strong>Choose the perfect Christmas tree</strong> for your home this year with our top tips.</p>

<p>There&rsquo;s something about a Christmas tree that turns everyone into a child again. Smell the needles, see the sparkling lights and glittering ornaments, and you can feel the anticipation growing. <strong>Choose the perfect Christmas tree</strong> for your home this year with our top tips.</p>

<h2>Cut or pot-grown Christmas trees&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Your first decision is whether to buy a cut tree or a pot-grown one. Pot-grown trees are often smaller than cut trees, but they will last longer &ndash; in fact, after Christmas is over, you can put them outside and grow them on for next year! If you&rsquo;re short on space, a small pot-grown tree could be the answer. However, if you want a tree that reaches the ceiling, you&rsquo;ll probably need a cut tree. If well looked after, cut trees will last until Christmas is over and can then be taken to a recycling depot.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Types of Christmas trees</h2>

<p>Here&rsquo;s a quick run-down on some of the most widely available types of Christmas tree types:</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>Nordmann fir &ndash; one of the most popular types, often called the non-drop tree because it sheds few needles. With its symmetrical shape and dark green needles, it&rsquo;s a classic Christmas tree.&nbsp;</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Noble fir has elegantly tiered stiff branches and beautiful blue-tinged foliage with a fresh, woody scent. It also shed very few needles.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Fraser fir - another low-mess variety that sheds very few needles. It&rsquo;s narrower than many other firs, suitable for tight spaces, but still has plenty of dense, soft foliage and a fantastic citrus scent.&nbsp;</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Norway spruce &ndash; a very traditional Christmas tree with solid and upward-slanted branches ideal for decorating. It has a delicious pine fragrance but does need to be kept well watered to minimize needle drop.</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>Tips on caring for Christmas trees</h2>

<ul>
	<li>For the best choice, get your tree as early as you can so that you can pick one that suits the size and shape of your room. If you&rsquo;re buying a pot-grown tree, you can choose one at any time from early November. For cut trees, choose from the end of November so that your tree will last through Christmas.</li>
	<li>Un-net cut trees as soon as you get home so that air can circulate around the branches.</li>
	<li>Rehydrate your cut tree by cutting an inch off the end of the trunk and standing the tree in a bucket of water (do this within 30 minutes of cutting, or it will seal over). If you are not putting up your tree straight away, leave it standing securely in the bucket in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and sheltered from the wind.</li>
	<li>Position your Christmas tree away from fires and radiators, as these will dry it out.</li>
	<li>Check the water reservoir of your tree stand daily and keep it topped up.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>We have a fantastic range of Christmas trees of all sizes in the centre, so visit us to choose yours and get the festive season started!</p>

How to choose the perfect Christmas tree

<p>Discover the answer to&nbsp;<strong>when you should stop mowing your lawn in autumn</strong>.</p>

<p>We are often asked <strong>when to stop mowing your lawn in autumn</strong>. The answer is, it can vary! So we have put together this guide to help you with keeping your property in tip-top shape over the winter months, and that all starts with doing the right thing in autumn. Even though it is much colder outside now, there is still plenty to be doing in the garden and preparing the lawn is one job you need to do.&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Prepare the lawn&nbsp;</li>
<li>Mowing the lawn&nbsp;</li>
<li>Taking care of your lawn&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>Know when to stop mowing your lawn in autumn by preparing it first&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Before even thinking of mowing your lawn, the first thing to do is to make sure it is prepped and ready for mowing and the cooler months ahead. There is considerable leaf fall during autumn, and if you have trees around your garden, grab your leaf rake and rake up all leaves and debris. Don't forget to put the leaves into leaf bags to store and make your leaf mulch. It is often a sign when at least half of the leaves from deciduous trees have fallen that it is time to stop mowing the lawn.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>So when should you stop mowing your lawn in autumn?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>It is all about grass growth.</p>
<ul>
<li>If the season is warm, you will find your grass continues to grow.</li>
<li>If it is cold, grass growth will slow down considerably.</li>
</ul>
<p>So depending on what area you live and what the climate is doing each year will dictate when your garden grass stops growing. It is really important to start planning ahead for this and never mow the lawn too short. Start lifting the blade on your mower, so each mow is slightly longer than the last until most likely November. Mowing doesn't need to take place between December and March but also if you really do need to, and the grass isn't frosty or soaking wet, an occasional tidy up won't hurt,&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Now you know when to stop mowing your lawn in autumn. What next?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Over the winter months, you will most likely be staying warm indoors than running around on the lawn but don't forget to go out into the garden and enjoy the frosty winter mornings. Try to step on the wet, icy lawn a lot less than you would in the summer to prevent any damage,&nbsp;and if you need to trim edges or around pathways, that's a great way to keep things looking neat. You can use a garden fork to aerate the lawn as well and remember to give your mower a clean and service, so it's ready for spring.</p>
<p>Lawnmowers, grass seed and all tools needed to keep your lawn looking great can be found in store.&nbsp;</p>

When to stop mowing your lawn in autumn?

<p>The Christmas Castle is open and bursting with decorations, lights, foliage and gifts.</p>

<p>Christmas Carvery Lunches&nbsp;are now in full swing. Visit on any Tuesday on the run-up to Christmas from 12pm-2.30pm. No need to book, simply turn up.</p>

<p>We have just had our first&nbsp;delivery of freshly-cut locally-grown Christmas Trees, get yours while stocks last. You can always keep it outdoors in the cold to maintain it&#39;s needle retention. Prices starting from &pound;30.</p>

<p>Our Nursery team have been busy making Luxury Handmade Wreaths, ready for your door. They are available now.</p>

Helping you celebrate the Christmas Festivities

<p><strong>Freshly Cut Christmas Trees at Swarkestone Nursery</strong></p>

<p>We sell the <strong>highest grade</strong> Christmas Trees in Derbyshire and have something to accommodate every budget, with prices starting&nbsp;from &pound;30.</p>

<p>We pride ourselves on having a great range of Christmas Trees:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Nordman Fir: </strong>The most popular selling Christmas Tree known as the &lsquo;Low Needle Drop Tree&rsquo;.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Fraser Fir:</strong> The most elegant of Christmas Trees. Frasers have a narrow silhouette so they are perfect if you are pushed for space. They also have a fantastic fragrance and great needle retention.</li>
	<li><strong>Norway Spruce: </strong>The OG of Christmas Trees. Norway spruce are as traditional as Turkey and&nbsp;Gravy with a beautiful fragrance.</li>
</ul>

<p>We also sell a range of pot-grown Christmas Tree. These have been grown in optimal conditions. Take them into your garden after Christmas and they should be happy to take centre stage the following Christmas.</p>

<p>Select your tree from our &quot;forest&quot; with over 150 trees on display. We will happily saw an inch off the base of your chosen tree&nbsp;to encourage good uptake of water and increase needle retention. We will also&nbsp;net the tree and help you to your car making transportation easy. Don&#39;t worry if your car isn&#39;t big enough we can arrange local delivery at a small cost.</p>

<p>See you soon!</p>

Freshly Cut Trees arrive 25th Nov

<p>We&rsquo;ve gathered together the latest research on <strong>growing plants in peat-free compost</strong>.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Peat-free composts</strong> are big news these days, as gardeners become increasingly aware of the importance of preserving our peat bogs. Fortunately, plenty of alternative composts work just as well and are far more sustainable than peat-based compost. We&rsquo;ve gathered together the latest research on growing plants in peat-free compost.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Why use peat-free compost?</h2>

<p>Peat bogs are a very specialised ecosystem supporting a unique range of plants and wildlife. Peat &ndash; partially decayed vegetation from these peat bogs &ndash; is a vast carbon store and takes thousands of years to develop. Currently, gardeners use the equivalent of 24 million wheelbarrows of peat annually, so it is being used up far faster than it can possibly be replaced, destroying a precious resource as well as contributing to climate change. Because of this, research into alternative growing media has been going on for many years, and there are now plenty of good peat-free options available. Growing plants in these composts sometimes require changes to how we sow, water and feed plants, but the results can be just as good as increasing peat-based composts.</p>

<h2>Alternatives to peat-based composts</h2>

<p>Peat-free composts are usually a blend of different raw materials to achieve good drainage, nutrient retentiveness and water holding capacity. Here are some of the most common materials used:</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>Coir &ndash; a waste product from the coconut processing industry with good water-retaining ability. It is low in nutrients but makes a good seed compost.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Wool &ndash; wool-based composts drain well but need added nutrients from other sources. They are an excellent slow-release source of nitrogen.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Composted green waste &ndash; this is produced from green garden waste. Too rich to use on its own, it can be added to soil or other compost mixes to create potting compost.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Composted bracken &ndash; bracken compost is an effective use of this invasive plant which can be a problem to farmers.&nbsp;</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Composted bark &ndash; a by-product of the timber industry, with good drainage qualities.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Inorganic materials like grit, sharp sand and perlite are mixed with peat-free composts to improve the structure and allow good drainage.</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>Tips for growing plants in peat-free compost</h2>

<p>Peat-free composts often behave differently from traditional peat-based versions, so follow these tips to get the best from them.</p>

<ul>
	<li>Check the moisture levels in the compost with a fingertip to assess whether you need to change your watering regime. Coir-based composts can look dry on the surface even though they are still wet, so check before watering.</li>
	<li>Check the compost packaging information for details of any fertilisers required. Different composts have different nutrient levels, depending on what they are made from.</li>
	<li>Cheaper peat-free composts are likely to contain high levels of composted green waste, so they are best mixed with soil rather than used on their own.</li>
</ul>

<p>If you&rsquo;d like to know more about composts, come in and talk to us. We have a great range of compost and soil improvers in the centre, and our staff are always happy to advise.</p>

Growing plants in peat-free compost

<p>When the weather outside is bleak and cold, nothing beats an indoor plant that flowers just in time for Christmas. Some of our most attractive indoor plants come into their own in winter, filling our homes with colour and scent. Here are a few of our <strong>favourite Christmas plants</strong> and how to care for them.</p>

<p>When the weather outside is bleak and cold, nothing beats an indoor plant that flowers just in time for Christmas. Some of our most attractive indoor plants come into their own in winter, filling our homes with colour and scent. Here are a few of our <strong>favourite Christmas plants</strong> and how to care for them.</p>

<h2>1. Christmas cactus</h2>

<p>Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) have long, flat, segmented stems that look good all year round, but the real attraction is the vibrantly coloured flowers that appear at the ends of the branches in winter. They like a warm, bright position out of direct sunlight and not too much water - allow the surface of the compost to dry out between waterings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To get your Christmas cactus to flower every Christmas again, you&rsquo;ll need to give them two rest periods during the year, one straight after flowering and another in September. To &lsquo;rest&rsquo; your plant, simply put it in a cool room, ideally around 12&deg;C (53&deg;F) and water very sparingly. Keep it there for about two months, then move it back to its original position.</p>

<h2>2. Poinsettia</h2>

<p>With their vast crimson flowers and deep green leaves, poinsettias make fantastic Christmas decorations. They have a reputation for being difficult to care for, but the key thing to remember is that they really hate being cold. When you buy a poinsettia, choose one that looks strong and healthy. Keep it wrapped up in its plastic sleeve while you&rsquo;re getting it home, then place it in a position with bright indirect light, out of draughts and with a minimum temperature of 15&deg;C (59&deg;F). Water sparingly and mist regularly.</p>

<h2>3. Cyclamen</h2>

<p>In the depths of winter, cyclamens are a vivid splash of colour with their exotic-looking flowers and marbled leaves. They do best in a cool, bright position out of direct sunlight &ndash; if it&rsquo;s too warm, the plant will assume that summer has come and gone dormant, dropping its leaves and flowers. To water cyclamens, simply stand the pot in a saucer of water for around an hour when the compost feels dry, then let any excess water drain away. Feed them every few months with a houseplant fertiliser. When the leaves turn yellow in spring, put the plant somewhere cool and dry over summer and water very sparingly until new growth appears in autumn.</p>

<h2>4.&nbsp;Hyacinths&nbsp;</h2>

<p>To enjoy flowering hyacinths at Christmas, plant prepared bulbs that have been pre-treated by being chilled for several weeks. Plant the bulbs in pots with good drainage and filled with compost. Water them and place the pots somewhere cool and dark, such as a shed or a garage, for about six weeks. Check regularly and water if the compost looks dry. When shoots start to appear above the ground, move the pots to a brighter but still relatively cool spot where they can grow on and flower, giving you fabulous fragrant flowers in the middle of winter.</p>

<p>Fill your home with colour and scent this Christmas with our fantastic range of indoor flowering plants. Visit us soon to choose your favourite plant!</p>

4 great indoor plants for Christmas flowers

<p>It might seem odd at first, but if the process is undertaken correctly, <strong>root washing</strong> can give your plants a better chance of thriving.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Why is <strong>root washing your new plants</strong> a good idea? Have you heard of root washing before? It is a way of &lsquo;washing&rsquo; the roots of new trees, shrubs and perennials before you plant them in their new position in your garden. It is an exciting concept that has become more popular recently to help your new plants establish after planting. It might seem odd at first, but if the process is undertaken correctly, root washing can give your plants a better chance of thriving.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Why start root washing your new plants&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Often plants don&rsquo;t establish after transplanting or even die because the roots don&rsquo;t correctly establish themselves. This could be for various reasons, but you&rsquo;ll usually notice leaves and flowers continue to grow just fine, and that is because the roots haven&rsquo;t been disturbed. But under the soil, the roots may not be adequately established to keep the plant thriving long term. The difference with container-grown, as opposed to bare-root plants, is that bare roots put their energy into establishing the roots first, which gives the plant a better chance of survival. So, to allow roots contact with the soil they are being planted in, they could be &lsquo;washed&rsquo; to grow similarly to bare roots.</p>

<h2>How to start root washing your new plants</h2>

<p>When you purchase a container plant, ideally in its dormant stage (because this reduces stress), remove the plant from the container and shake or gently tap away any loose compost, any weeds and anything else, so you are left with the plant and the root ball with the growing medium intact. If you have a wheelbarrow, this can be ideal for root washing or a large container. Fill the wheelbarrow with water high enough to cover the ball completely. It is crucial never to let the root ball dry out, so it must be fully submerged. Remove as much of the compost as you possibly can with your hands.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>What next when you start root washing your new plants&nbsp;</h2>

<p>When you get to the point of seeing the entire root system, gently tease them, so they begin to spread outwards rather than in a circle. Poor root structure can impede root establishment and, therefore, plant growth, so prune away woody roots and straighten out other roots as much as you can.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>When you have finished root washing your new plants&nbsp;</h2>

<p>When you are happy with the root structure, plant out by digging a hole with enough space around it for the roots to spread. Backfill with soil and water in well. Mulching will also help to retain moisture.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Get your plants, tools and wheelbarrow ready to root wash from our in store options.&nbsp;</p>

Root washing your new plants

<p>This <strong>how-to grow Hellebores guide</strong> will help you to produce the best Helleborus in the neighbourhood!</p>

<p>This <strong>how-to grow Hellebores guide</strong> will help you to produce the best Helleborus in the neighbourhood! Evergreen Hellebores are great plants for a shady garden, and because they flower during the colder winter months, they are lovely to see when there isn&rsquo;t much else blooming. The other benefit to growing Hellebores is they aren&rsquo;t enjoyed much by pests such as deer and rabbits. They are a treat for any garden are exceptionally easy to maintain.&nbsp;</p>

<ol>
	<li>soil&nbsp;</li>
	<li>pruning</li>
	<li>companions</li>
	<li>other care</li>
</ol>

<h2>How to grow Hellebores in the right soil&nbsp;</h2>

<p>They will grow well in well-drained soil, which is primarily moist and in part shade. During prolonged dry spells, give them some water, but Hellebores are more drought tolerant once they are established. Ideally, ensure the soil has been given an application of well-rotted organic matter and a balanced fertiliser during early spring to help them along.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Pruning methods to learn how to grow Hellebores&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The plants are evergreen, but the foliage can look messy sometimes, so you can prune back before new growth appears. Also, you can remove a few of the leaves to allow the flowers to be seen better. Prune the old flowers stems after they have flowered, although if you leave them to set seed, they will spread, and you will have more Hellebores! Remove all dead or diseased foliage during autumn or before if they look particularly messy.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How to grow Hellebores with companion plants&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Hellebores can look pretty all on their own, but for a shady garden or area, they are excellent companion plants for many other shade-tolerant plants. Create a woodland vibe with Ferns, Pulmonaria and Hostas. For a blast of colour, add in Campanula, hardy Geraniums and Epimedium.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Other care for your Hellebores&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Hellebore plants don&rsquo;t tend to grow so well in containers, but for a seasonal display, you could grow them in a container and then move them into a garden border afterwards. They aren&rsquo;t keen on being divided, and allowing them to naturalise is a great way to fill a space anyway. There are many different colours from white to pink and dark purple so you can enjoy them no matter what style you are going for in your garden. They also suit contemporary and cottage gardens, attracting early pollinating insects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Growing Hellebores is very easy. Try some of these varieties:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>Helleborus Niger - the Christmas Rose (white)</li>
	<li>Helleborus x hybridus Golden Lotus (yellow petals with pink edges)</li>
	<li>Helleborus Double Ellen Picotee (frilly petals with purple trim)</li>
</ul>

<p>We have a selection of Hellebores for you to choose from in store.&nbsp;</p>

How to grow Hellebores

<p>Here are <strong>ten plants that are non-toxic and&nbsp;safe for pets</strong>.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">We love to keep our pets safe from harm, and that includes choosing <strong>pet-friendly houseplants</strong> just in case your beloved pet decides to have much on your perfect&nbsp;petals. Here are ten plants that are non-toxic and&nbsp;safe for pets.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">1. Parlor Palm</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">The Parlor Plan looks exquisite and only needs a few hours of indirect sunlight per day, so it is&nbsp;a very easy plant to take care of. It'll need to be kept moist, and as it will grow slowly, stating it on a stool or table will make a lovely focal point until it's bigger.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">2. Calathea Orbifolia</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">Another plant that doesn't need too much light, so great for houses with less sunlight beaming in. It will require weekly watering and in a room that doesn't get too cold. To keep it in good shape, you could mist it with a water sprayer now and again.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2>3.&nbsp;<span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">African Violet</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">For a pretty flowering houseplant that is safe for your pet, try the African Violet. It has colourful flowers in many colours, and with indirect light, they will bloom for a long time. Water into a dish beneath the pot allowing the roots to drink what they need and fertilise regularly.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">4. Gloxinia</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">These have an array of colours to choose from, including red, pink and purple. The flowers are stunning, and if you keep the soil moist and in a bright room with indirect sunlight, they will flower for an extended period. Sowing seeds is elementary too.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2>5.&nbsp;<span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">Venus Flytrap</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">Don't worry; these won't eat your pets like they do with flies! Allow it plenty of direct sunlight and stand in a tray of water (include pebbles if you like) so the soil is constantly moist. If you can use filtered water, even better!</span></p>
<h2>6.&nbsp;<span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">Peperomia</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">The Peperomia family is considered non-toxic, and with so many to choose from, you could have a houseful. They are very easy to propagate as well. We love the Watermelon Peperomia and the Raindrop variety. Indirect light (direct sunlight will burn the leaves) and low watering levels are needed.</span></p>
<h2>7.&nbsp;<span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">Staghorn Fern</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">This is another top pet-friendly plant that can be mounted on a wall for a lovely display. It likes light, not shade and will only need watering depending on how humid your home is. Sometimes just a misting will do the trick to keep it thriving.</span></p>
<h2>8.&nbsp;<span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">Bromeliad</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">The tropical-looking Bromeliad might look like it could be toxic, but the brightly coloured flowers and foliage are safe for your pets. Indirect light is preferable, and some fresh air will keep it thriving. Mist&nbsp;and water it frequently to keep it slightly moist at any time.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">9. Date Palm</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">This palm can create a beautiful focal point in your home as long as you place it in bright indirect sunlight. It does need watering but never overwater as it will prefer to be slightly drier than sit in moist soil all of the time.</span></p>
<h2>10.&nbsp;<span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">Herbs</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">It's not just humans who love herbs. Thyme, Rosemary and Basil are all safe for pets, so if you place them on a sunny windowsill and your pet decides to try them out, it'll be just fine. Keep herbs watered regularly and at a warm temperature.</span></p>
<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e008cc3a-7fff-5c21-665d-e56c270f0153">If you love your pets and love an urban jungle at home, we recommend buying&nbsp;non-toxic plants. Fill your home with houseplants from our pet-friendly&nbsp;</span><span>collection when you visit us in the store.</span></p>

10 non-toxic indoor plants if you have pets

<p>Here are some of the <strong>most common mistakes to avoid in growing your own vegetables</strong>.</p>

<p>Growing your own food can be a thrilling and rewarding adventure, but there’s no denying you can also be filled&nbsp;with struggles and frustration. Every gardener makes mistakes, but the important thing is to learn from them and carry on gardening. And learning from other people’s mistakes can save you the time and heartbreak of making your own. Here are some of the <strong>most common mistakes to avoid in growing your own vegetables</strong>.</p>
<h2>1. Sowing too early</h2>
<p>We all get impatient when it feels winter’s been going on forever, and we want to see things start growing again. But seedlings sown too soon in the year can struggle because the conditions aren’t suitable for them yet. Follow the sowing dates on your seed packets, and you’ll have much more vital, healthier plants in the end.</p>
<h2>2. Sowing too late</h2>
<p>There’s so much to do in spring. It’s hard to get everything done on time. Plants are relatively forgiving, and in many cases, it doesn’t matter if you sow slightly too late, but plants like chilli peppers and tomatoes need a long growing season, and if you sow them too late, you won’t get as good a harvest. So get the important plants sown first, then catch up on all the less critical jobs afterwards.</p>
<h2>3. Planting in the wrong spot&nbsp;</h2>
<p>We’ve all made the mistake of being too optimistic about conditions in our garden when there’s a plant we want to grow, crossing our fingers and hoping the plants will cope with not enough sun or the wrong sort of soil. But if you want your plants to thrive rather than survive, check what conditions they need and make sure they have them.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>4.&nbsp;Planting things no one wants to eat</h2>
<p>There’s no point in growing vast quantities of vegetables if you won’t enjoy eating them. Plan your garden around the things you want to eat, not simply the plants that are easy to grow, so you’re not left trying to dispose of a mountain of unwanted veg.</p>
<h2>5.&nbsp;Planting too many different things</h2>
<p>It’s easy to get carried away when you get your first vegetable plot, but the reality is that growing vegetables can be tricky, so if you try to grow too many different things at once, you’re likely to be overwhelmed. Pick two or three vegetables and start with them, gradually adding more over time as you gain confidence and experience.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>6.&nbsp;Forgetting to weed&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Weeding is one of the most critical and never-ending tasks in a vegetable garden. Weeds compete with your vegetables for valuable nutrients and water, and they can also harbour pests and diseases. Get yourself a Dutch hoe and a hand fork, and weed your vegetable plot regularly.</p>
<p>Whether you’re new to vegetable gardening or an old hand, you’ll find all the tools, seeds, plants and equipment you need in our centres. Visit us today and get ready for next season’s gardening!</p>

6 common vegetable gardening mistakes

<p>We will&nbsp;be hosting TWO Christmas Craft and Gift Fairs, the first one is THIS WEEKEND!!!</p>

<p>First Christmas Fair: Saturday 13th (9am-5pm) and Sunday 14th November (10am-4pm)</p>

<p>Second Christmas Fair: Friday 19th&nbsp;(9am-5pm), Saturday 20th&nbsp;(9am-5pm),&nbsp;and Sunday 21st November (10am-4pm).</p>

<p>There will be a variety of stallholders from local breweries to cheesemongers, bakers to stained-glass makers.</p>

<p>Different stallholders each weekend.</p>

<p>Please note that dogs will not be allowed to visit the garden centre on fair days, except assistance dogs.</p>

Christmas Craft Fair THIS WEEKEND!!

<p>Here are the best <strong>houseplants</strong> that we recommend for you to fill your house with <strong>for clean air</strong>.</p>

<p>These <strong>best plants for clean air</strong> will help soften the aesthetics of your home or office and work towards clearing the air around you from common toxins that come from modern-day living. In the 1980s, NASA completed the clean air study, which found the houseplants that do the best job of getting rid of those toxins. They are ideal for all rooms in the home and can also help in a working environment. So here are the best plants that we recommend for you to fill your house with for clean air.</p>
<ol>
<li>Spider plant</li>
<li>English Ivy</li>
<li>Devils ivy</li>
<li>Gerbera</li>
<li>Mother in laws tongue</li>
<li>Peace lily&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>1. Chlorophytum comosum (Spider plant)&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Still one of the most popular houseplants after many decades! The spider plant is easy to care for, needing very little attention. They can produce 'spiderettes', which are baby plants that hang off the plant and can be potted up. They filter out harmful toxins such as benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde.</p>
<h2>2. Hedera helix (English ivy)&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Ivy is often regarded as an outdoor plant, but they are excellent houseplants and remove many toxins from the home. Happy growing in shade or sun. You can even trim it to be any shape and size you would like. With good care, Ivy&nbsp;can live for many years in a home.</p>
<h2>3. Gerbera jamesonii (Gerbera)</h2>
<p>Gerbera is a flowering plant available in many bright colours from red to orange, yellow and pink. The flowers look like giant daisies and not only bring joy to a home, they are also helpful at removing toxins from the air. Keep your Gerbera warm and moderately water.</p>
<h2>4. Sansevieria (Mother in laws tongue)&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Another classic houseplant that can't be missed in any home. Also called the snake plant, they are one of the toughest of houseplants. They require very little care, almost none. In fact, the Sansevieria is an excellent plant for a beginner houseplant enthusiast. Just one of these can clear the air of numerous toxins in the home or office.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>5. Spathiphyllum (Peace lily)&nbsp;</h2>
<p>With lovely foliage and stunning white flowers, the Peace lily tells you when it needs watering. If it's wilting - you need to water it! Not only does it look graceful, but it is also working hard to rid the air of toxins such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>6. Pothos (Devils ivy)</h2>
<p>This low-maintenance houseplant is a&nbsp;beautiful plant for any home and&nbsp;only needs little care. The Pothos is perfect as a trailing plant and can be propagated easily by cuttings. They are effortless to grow from dark green foliage to variegated with watering every 7 - 10 days. Pothos can reduce formaldehyde, benzene and toluene, helping to keep your home or office clean air.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We have a range of houseplants including many more air purifiers, visit us in store to choose yours.&nbsp;</p>

Best plants for clean air

<p><strong>Compost</strong> is a vital ingredient for good soil, and your own garden is the most sustainable source of compost there is – no plastic bags, no transport costs, and you know exactly what went into it. Here’s how to <strong>start making your own compost</strong>.</p>

<p><strong>Compost</strong> is a vital ingredient for good soil, and your own garden is the most sustainable source of compost there is – no plastic bags, no transport costs, and you know exactly what went into it. Here’s how to <strong>start making your own compost</strong>.</p>
<h2>What is compost?</h2>
<p>When dead plant materials such as leaves and stems decompose, they form compost, a dark brown crumbly substance that looks like soil.&nbsp;It’s a fantastic soil improver, helping sandy soils retain moisture and clay soils drain better. Adding compost to your soil is one of the best things you can do for it.</p>
<h2>Compost heaps and compost bins</h2>
<p>Depending on how much space you have, you can make your compost in a compost heap or use a compost bin. If you have the space to build a compost heap – or ideally two heaps, so that you can turn your compost and use one stack while you build up the other – then do it. Compost bins are suitable for small gardens and can take a surprising amount of green waste if it’s added gradually so that it has time to rot down. However, they can’t be turned (i.e. mixed so that oxygen can get into the compost) as quickly as heaps, so it takes longer for compost to form in a bin.</p>
<h2>Tips on making compost</h2>
<ul>
<li>When building a frame for a compost heap, aim for a structure at least 1m x 1m square, with a removable front panel for access. If you have the space, build two or three heaps so that you can take compost from one while the others are filling up.</li>
<li>The micro-organisms and worms that break down plant material into compost prefer a constant temperature, not too hot, too dry or too wet. Place your bin or heap in a shady spot and cover compost heaps with heavy plastic sheeting to keep off the rain.</li>
<li>Ideally, place your bin or heap directly onto the soil so that worms and other organisms can find their way in. If you have to place a container on a concrete base, add a few shovelfuls of soil along with the plant cuttings to start the composting process.</li>
<li>To stop your compost from turning into a slushy mess, aim to use a 50/50 mix of ‘green’ material (soft plant stems and leaves) and ‘brown’ material (woody stems, cardboard and crumpled paper). The brown material breaks down more slowly and creates air pockets, providing oxygen vital for decomposition.</li>
<li>Don’t compost cooked food, meat or dairy products, as these may attract rats, and don’t add perennial weeds like dandelion, brambles or bindweed to compost heaps as they will just start to re-grow from root sections.</li>
<li>Shred or chop woody stems before adding them to make them break down faster.</li>
</ul>
<p>Making your own compost is a gratifying process, and we have a great range of compost bins and other essentials in our centre, just waiting for you to get started. Visit us today and see what’s in store!</p>

How to make your own compost

<p>Now’s a great time to prune, tidy up and even do some planting so that your garden is ready to go when spring arrives. Here are our <strong>top 15 gardening tips for November</strong>.</p>

<p>The days might be getting shorter, but there’s still <strong>gardening</strong> to be done <strong>in November</strong>. Now’s a great time to prune, tidy up and even do some planting so that your garden is ready to go when spring arrives. Here are our <strong>top 15 gardening tips for November</strong>.</p>
<h2>Top 15 gardening tips for November</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Sow sweet peas now for earlier flowers next year. Soak the seeds in water overnight before sowing, then place the pots in a cold frame or greenhouse to overwinter.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>November’s the ideal month for planting tulips, and it’s not too late to plant other spring bulbs like daffodils and crocuses for a brilliant display of colour in spring.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plant up pots with violas, cyclamens and other winter-flowering plants to cheer up your patio through the cold winter months.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Get a headstart on next year’s crops. You can direct sow broad bean ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ outdoors for an early harvest next May in temperate areas. Put netting down over the soil to stop mice from getting to your seeds.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plant garlic cloves now so that they get the winter chilling they need to grow well. You can also plant overwintering onion sets like ‘Radar’ or ‘Electric’ in well-drained soil for an early crop. (If your soil is heavy clay, grow the sets in modules in a greenhouse for planting out in spring.)</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plant new soft fruit bushes such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and currants.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>November’s a good time to prune apple and pear trees and soft fruit like blackcurrants, redcurrants, whitecurrants, and gooseberries. Prune autumn-fruiting raspberries, cutting all the old canes to ground level.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Keep harvesting the last carrots, cabbage and celeriac, but wait until after the first frosts to harvest parsnips, when they will have a sweeter flavour.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Mow your lawn on a high setting and rake up fallen leaves. If you haven’t aerated and scarified the lawn yet, there’s still time to do it this month.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Once you’ve harvested all your veg, spread well-rotted farmyard manure on the beds so that it has time to work into the soil over winter.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Cut back shrub roses by a third to reduce the effect of wind rock.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Lift dahlia, gladiolus and begonia tubers and store them in trays filled with dry compost over winter, ready for replanting in spring.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Cut old hellebore leaves off at ground level. This makes it easier to see their gorgeous winter flowers and also helps stop the spread of hellebore black spots.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Protect patio pots against icy temperatures and winter rain by wrapping them in hessian or bubble wrap and raising them up on pot feet.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Put up a bird feeder and fill it regularly with high-energy foods like sunflower seeds or suet balls. Keep birdbaths topped up and free of ice so that birds can wash, helping them stay warm through icy weather.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Whether you’re pruning, planting or just planning for next spring, you’ll find everything you need in our centre. Visit us today!</p>

15 garden tips for November

<p>Your <strong>garden essentials for November</strong> will ensure you have the right plants and tools to get you and your garden through the winter months with as much pleasure as possible.</p>

<p>Your <strong>garden essentials for November</strong> will ensure you have the right plants and tools to get you and your garden through the winter months with as much pleasure as possible. It’s a cold month, so time spent outside in the garden can be less than usual, but there is always work to be done outside, so making sure you have everything you need to get on with the tasks you have to do will make life much easier. Here are the garden essentials we recommend to help you throughout November.&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Garden spade and fork&nbsp;</li>
<li>Tulip bulbs&nbsp;</li>
<li>Warm clothing&nbsp;</li>
<li>Waterproof boots&nbsp;</li>
<li>Secateurs&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>Garden essentials for November include garden spade and fork&nbsp;</h2>
<p>This time of year is excellent for applying mulch to your garden beds, giving it enough time to allow the nutrients to make it down into the soil ready for planting the following spring. You will need a spade to move the mulch and the fork to dig it in, perhaps even a rake to rake it over as well. Have all of your tools to hand and in good condition for the job to be much easier.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Tulip bulbs are garden essentials for November&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Most spring bulbs will be planted by now, but get them in the ground even if you still have some. Tulips, however, can still be planted well into November as long as the soil isn’t waterlogged or frozen. Find some pretty coloured bulbs perfect for your garden style and get a bulb planter that will make planted them accessible.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Garden essentials for November has to be warm clothing&nbsp;</h2>
<p>As the weather gets much cooler, it’s time to pull out your winter coat and hat so nothing can stop you from gardening, no matter what the weather. Check there are no holes or tears and if there is, treat yourself to some new gardening winter warming clothes. Don’t forget the warm gloves!</p>
<h2>Waterproof boots are part of garden essentials for November&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If you are planning on gardening into the winter, you will undoubtedly need some waterproof boots. There is nothing worse than cold, wet socks! Comfy boots will ensure you can get on with gardening, splash about and get muddy but still keep your feet warm and dry.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Gardening essentials for November mean secateurs&nbsp;</h2>
<p>There will be plants and shrubs to prune and tidy up, so clean, sharp secateurs are most definitely essential for your garden tool kit. You might even need loppers or long-handled pruners to reach the hard to get branches. Give your garden a tidy up and remove any red or damaged plant material to keep everything healthy and strong over the winter months.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Stock up on everything you need for months ahead with our choice of products in store.&nbsp;</p>

Garden essentials for November

<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">It’s time to <strong>get ready for the Holiday season</strong>: check out the&nbsp;</span><span><strong>Christmas trends of 2021</strong>.</span></p>

<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">It’s time to <strong>get ready for the Holiday season</strong>: check out the&nbsp;</span><span><strong>Christmas trends of 2021</strong>. If you want to be on-trend this year, we have the lowdown on what to expect on the shelves and in peoples homes this Christmas. Make sure you’ve got everything planned and looking gorgeous so you can relax over the festive period and enjoy taking some time to be with family and friends, good food and all the best decorations.&nbsp;</span></p>
<ol dir="ltr">
<li><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">Colours&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">Old style&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">Downsizing&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">Fruit and veg</span></li>
<li><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">Indoor plants&nbsp;</span></li>
</ol>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">1. Colours on-trend now the holiday season has started</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">Each year photos of festive styles and colours are published in magazines but did you know they aren’t random? Most are based on the coming trends for the Christmas period, and 2021 is no exception when it comes to a change of trendy colours. There will always be the classic colours of red, white and green but if you want a shakeup, look out for pastel and more muted colours this year. Nature has been at the core of many activities over the past two years, so expect that to come indoors. Pale greens, calming pinks, whites and caramel colours will be everywhere, but if you want to jazz things up, there will be plenty of colour-popping accessories as well.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">2. Now the holiday season has started, it’s all about the old&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">Memories, times went by, and the old fashioned Christmas is back in fashion. Think red ribbons, oranges in Santa stockings and walnuts on the table. Poinsettia’s on the coffee table and the wood burner keeping the home warm. Family around the table for a feast full of homegrown vegetables and games after everyone has had a snooze. The classic Christmas is always on-trend.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">3. The holiday season has started, and you can downsize it&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">It’s been a hard few years, so it is completely fine to downsize it all if you don’t want to go all out for Christmas. In fact, you will find many others will do just the same thing. There are just a few friends or family to visit. A lovely Sunday roast and low-key gifts are on the menu.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">4. Fruit and veg decorations now the holiday season has started&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">If you don’t want to go with the traditional baubles on the Christmas tree, look out for some funky fruit and vegetables. You’ll be able to find many fun, glittery and beautiful decorations for your tree in all shapes and sizes, including fruit and veg! Think tropical tree with avocado, lemons and oranges glistening under the fairy lights. Have some fun and celebrate nature.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">5. This holiday season has started, so get your indoor plants sorted</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">It’s not just about the Christmas tree, but also your Poinsettia, Kalanchoe and Christmas Cactus! Each will bring the magic of Christmas to your home.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3471efa-7fff-fbf5-11ca-cee3e9de0b0e">We are full of Christmas spirit in store with lots of decorations and plants for you to choose from.</span></p>

The Holiday season has started: Christmas trends of 2021

<p>We often think of spring as the primary gardening season, but <strong>autumn is really the time to get outside</strong>. Here&#39;s everything you need to know about gardening in autumn.</p>

<p>We often think of spring as the primary gardening season, but <strong>autumn is really the time to get outside</strong>. Here&#39;s everything you need to know about gardening in autumn.</p>

<h2>Six reasons why autumn&#39;s the best time for gardening</h2>

<ol>
	<li>
	<p>Autumn&#39;s the best time to plant shrubs and trees, as the soil is warm from the summer, and there&#39;s usually plenty of rain. Although growth slows down, the roots of newly planted trees will still grow (at a slower pace) through winter, and they&#39;ll be ready when the new growth starts in spring.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Autumn rain and cooler temperatures mean new plants need less additional watering. As well as making life easier for gardeners, this is also the most waterwise way to plant. Rather than spending time and lots of water on watering new plants in spring, plant them in autumn and let the weather do it for you.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>When you&#39;re gardening in autumn, you can still remember all those jobs you noticed in summer and planned to get done when you had a minute. By next spring, unless you&#39;re organised enough to have written them down, you might not remember how you wanted to add more colour to a border or move a plant that got too big, and by the time it becomes obvious again, you&#39;re too busy! So get onto those jobs in autumn, and when spring comes, you&#39;ll be all set.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Autumn brings the chance to turn all those fallen leaves into leaf mould, which is a fantastic soil improver. Rake the leaves into a pile or bin bags and leave them somewhere out of sight for a year or so to rot down. As well as making a fantastic soil improver, this also reduces the amount of green waste in your council bin, helping to reduce carbon emissions associated with waste collection.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Autumn&#39;s the best time to plant spring bulbs. You can about get away with it in early winter too, but autumn&#39;s ideal, and it&#39;s the perfect antidote to the end-of-summer blues. Rather than getting gloomy as the days grow short and the clocks go back, you can start looking forward to the first signs of your new bulbs appearing in spring.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Give your lawn a bit of care and attention in autumn, and you&#39;ll reap the rewards next year. An autumn feed revitalises your grass after summer and prepares it for the cold winter weather. Scarify to get rid of moss and thatch, allowing water to percolate better into the soil and aerate to improve drainage. Early autumn&#39;s also an excellent time to sow seed, while the temperatures are still warm enough for it to germinate and there&#39;s less foot traffic, giving the grass all winter to get going.</p>
	</li>
</ol>

<p>There&#39;s plenty to do in your garden this autumn, and we&#39;ve got everything you need in our centres. Visit us to stock up on all your essential autumn garden supplies!</p>

Why autumn's the best time to garden

<p>Decorate your home for the spooky season with our simple <strong>DIY Halloween tips</strong>, guaranteed to give friends and family a fright.</p>

<p>The temperature's dropping, and Halloween is drawing near, so get ready for some thrills and chills! Decorate your home for the spooky season with our simple <strong>DIY Halloween tips</strong>, guaranteed to give friends and family a fright.</p>
<h2>DIY tips for Halloween</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>It's not Halloween without a carved pumpkin or two. Get yourself a nice giant pumpkin from the supermarket, cut off the top and scoop out the flesh inside. (You can save this to make a delicious pumpkin pie!) Then use a sharp knife to cut holes in the skin for the eyes and mouth. If you don't fancy hollowing out your pumpkins, you can also use a linoleum cutter to etch a face or a pattern in the pumpkin's outer skin.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Remember making paper snowflakes? Well, you can make paper spiderwebs in just the same way, and they make incredible Halloween decorations hanging from window frames and shelves. (If you can't remember how to do all that folding, don't worry – there are plenty of online tutorials available!) Use thin paper, as it makes it easier to cut through all the layers.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Hang cheesecloth or another sheer material over a window, then attach masses of tiny fake spiders (buy them or cut them out of black paper). For extra effect, cut out a few bigger black spiders and stick them nearby.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>While you're on the spider theme, it's easy to make cute but scary spiders by sticking googly eyes and pipe cleaner legs onto conkers. Hang them from the windows, sit them on a shelf or hide them around the house to make your friends and family jump!</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Make ghost lollipops to hand out to visitors by wrapping white tissue paper over the heads of the lollipops. Stick on some googly eyes or draw them on with a pen to complete the ghoulish effect.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>To make up for scaring your guests, have some Halloween snacks ready to hand out. Add black food colouring to your favourite sponge recipe to make spooky black cupcakes, then decorate them with scary faces. Fondant icing is excellent for this, as you can cut out the shapes you need, and smarties make tasty eyes for your cake faces.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>To make chocolate-covered apples, melt chocolate in a double boiler. Wash the apples, then dunk them quickly into boiling water to get rid of their wax coating. Wipe dry and push a skewer into each apple. Holding them by the skewers, dip the apples in the melted chocolate. Once the chocolate has started to dry, scatter chopped nuts or sprinkles over the apples. Leave to cool and set, then serve.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>If you're after some inspiration for your Halloween decorations this year, visit us. You'll be surprised what you can find in our centres!</p>

7 top tips for DIY Halloween decorations

<p>Pick the right <strong>perennials for container gardens</strong>, and you can have containers filled with colour and interest all year round.</p>

<p>Planting up your <strong>containers with perennials</strong> instead of annuals has many advantages. Unlike annuals, perennials don’t have to be replaced every year, so although they may cost a little more at the start, they’re better valued for money in the end. They’re also better for the environment, as not replacing plants every year means you use fewer plastic plant pots and less compost. Plus, if your perennials get too big for your pots, you can plant them out in the garden, where they will live for years. Pick the right perennials, and you can have containers filled with colour and interest all year round.</p>
<h2>Tips on container gardening with perennials</h2>
<p>When planting up your containers with perennials, remember these tips:</p>
<ol>
<li>Most perennials need more space than annual bedding plants, so pick an enormous container with enough space for plants to spread their roots.</li>
<li>Ensure the container has suitable drainage holes and put crocks (bits of broken pottery) in the bottom of the pot to stop compost clogging up the holes.</li>
<li>If you’re combining perennials in a container, choose plants that like the same conditions, e.g. all shade-loving plants or all ericaceous plants.</li>
<li>Feed and water container-grown plants regularly.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Perennials for containers in the sun</h2>
<p>These plants will grow happily in a sunny container, giving you years of pleasure.</p>
<ul>
<li>Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican fleabane) looks beautiful, spilling over the edge of a pot, producing masses of tiny daisies that start pink and turn white. It flowers for months in summer and autumn.</li>
<li>Erysimum ‘Bowles’ Mauve’ (Perennial wallflower) flowers from late spring right through to autumn, producing beautiful soft mauve blooms. It will need replacing every 3-4 years, as it tends to grow leggy.</li>
<li>Heucheras are fantastic in pots, with their vibrant foliage providing year-round colour, and the flowers bring in the bees in summer. Treat pots in spring and autumn with nematodes to protect against vine weevils, which attack the plants’ roots.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Perennials for containers in the shade</h2>
<p>Fill shady containers with colour and interest with these easy-to-grow perennials.</p>
<ul>
<li>Hardy fuchsias such as Fuchsia ‘Sunray’ with its variegated foliage and vivid pink flowers in late summer are ideal for adding late summer colour in containers. They die back in winter, so combine them with evergreen and spring-flowering perennials.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Hostas are great for pots, their bold leaves contrasting beautifully with other, more delicate plants. Hostas come in a wide range of sizes, so there’s one to fit any container.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ provides months of interest in a shady container, with its blue forget-me-not spring flowers and fantastic silver-marbled leaves that get bigger as the year progresses.</li>
<li>Hellebores are also suitable for shady containers, with striking winter flowers and evergreen foliage that makes a superb foil for other plants the rest of the year.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>We have a fantastic range of perennials in the centre, as well as containers, compost and everything else you need for your garden, so come and visit us soon!</p>

Perennials for container gardens

<p>Start <strong>growing mistletoe</strong> with this guide, and you’ll be kissing underneath it in no time at all.</p>

<p>Start <strong>growing mistletoe</strong> with this guide, and you’ll be kissing underneath it in no time at all. There is a great deal of conflicting information about growing mistletoe, and as it is a parasitic plant, it is no wonder why many people think it cannot be grown at all. In fact, mistletoe isn’t that hard to develop, and you can even start collecting your own berries to grow on your host tree. Here’s how:&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Collect berries&nbsp;</li>
<li>Store then rehydrate</li>
<li>Sow your seeds&nbsp;</li>
<li>Host tree&nbsp;</li>
<li>Kiss under the mistletoe&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>Start growing mistletoe by first collecting berries&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Collecting berries is best between February to March, but some plants will still have berries in April. Collect as many as you can, leaving plenty for the birds. Please make sure they are clean and discard any rotting or damaged berries, so they are ready to be used. You can also buy them online from a reputable store.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Growing mistletoe starts with good storage&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If you have collected berries over Christmas, they can be stored in a cool, dry place with light. Don’t place them in the dark. Although using them fresh is by far the best way to grow mistletoe.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Sow your seeds and get ready to start growing mistletoe&nbsp;</h2>
<p>This is the exciting bit! If your berries have been stored, pop them into some water to rehydrate them before squishing the seeds out of the berry. The seeds are coated in a gel-like substance, and ideally, if you can clear the seed of as much of that as you can, this will ultimately help germination. The seeds will still be sticky enough to stick to your hands and the host tree.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Growing mistletoe means choosing the host tree&nbsp;</h2>
<p>There are many trees mistletoe can grow on, and you don’t need to put the seeds under a ‘flap’ of bark. It’s even more straightforward than that. All mistletoe needs are healthy tree bark and enough light. Choose young branches and stick about six seeds per branch. You’ll need to do this on a few branches to ensure germination, and then later success as not all will fully grow. Germination will be really quick, but full growth and berries will be in a few years time, so you’ll need some patience! It will be well worth it, though.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Growing mistletoe can only result in kissing underneath it&nbsp;</h2>
<p>It might be some time, but all good things come to those who wait! So once that mistletoe is full of berries at Christmas, be sure to cut a little and hang it right over the door where the person you’d like a festive kiss with is sure to walk on through!&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you need any help with growing mistletoe tips, our friendly staff can advise you in the store.&nbsp;</p>

Growing mistletoe

<p>We will&nbsp;be hosting TWO Christmas Craft and Gift Fairs, with different stall holders each weekend.</p>

<p>First Christmas Fair: Saturday 13th (9am-5pm) and Sunday 14th November (10am-4pm)</p>

<p>Second Christmas Fair: Friday 19th&nbsp;(9am-5pm), Saturday 20th&nbsp;(9am-5pm),&nbsp;and Sunday 21st November (10am-4pm).</p>

<p>There will be a variety of stallholders from local breweries to cheesemongers, bakers to stained-glass makers.</p>

<p>With free car parking and free entry what more could you ask for?</p>

<p>Please note that dogs won&#39;t be allowed within the garden centre on fair days, except assistance dogs.</p>

<p><img alt="" height="720" src="https://www.swarkestonenursery.co.uk/files/images/A5%20Christmas%202021%20-%20Front%20copy(1).jpg" style="width: 507px; height: 720px;" width="507" /></p>

Christmas Craft & Gift Fairs

<p><strong>Get your garden ready for Halloween</strong>! If you are looking for some ideas to get the trick and treating season off to a scary start, we’ve got lots of ideas for you to try.</p>

<p>Time to <strong>get your garden ready for Halloween</strong>, but how do you make it into a spookily, stylish or fun garden where ghosts and skeletons hide in the flower beds and the pumpkins come alive at night? If you are looking for some ideas to get the trick and treating season off to a scary start, we’ve got lots of ideas for you to try.</p>
<ol>
<li>The pumpkin pile&nbsp;</li>
<li>&nbsp;Autumn/fall Chrysthanthemums&nbsp;</li>
<li>&nbsp;Lights and spider webs&nbsp;</li>
<li>&nbsp;Ghosts and skeletons</li>
<li>&nbsp;A bucket of treats&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>The pumpkin pile is one way to get your garden ready for Halloween&nbsp;</h2>
<p>There is nothing like pumpkins and all kinds of decorated gourds in the garden for not just a beautiful autumnal display but also to make a spooky Halloween display. They can be placed in piles with some cobwebs on top or along the edges of a pathway or up steps. You could paint them all kinds of colours, add faces or do the traditional carving and lighting up. It’s great fun for kids and adults!&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Get your garden ready for Halloween with autumn/fall Chrysthanthemums&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Is there anything as pretty as Chrysthanthemums at this time of year for colour in the garden? If you have orange, yellow or red potted plants, you can move them around to create a Halloween display along with your pumpkins. Not only that but they give the garden a lot of colour at this time of year. They can flower in abundance and look really pretty even if you aren’t creating a Halloween garden.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Lights and spiders webs to get your garden ready for Halloween</h2>
<p>The Halloween garden wouldn’t be scary enough without some spider webs draped around the trees, on the shrubs and over the lawn plus, if you use lights as well, they will glow during the night and give a Halloween feel to the whole space.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Get your garden ready for Halloween with ghosts and skeletons&nbsp;</h2>
<p>What would a Halloween garden be without a few fun hanging ghosts from the trees, or even your front windows and at least one skeleton peering from behind a tree? Sure to get the neighbours jumping out of their garden boots as they walk on by!&nbsp;</p>
<h2>A bucket of treats to get your garden ready for Halloween&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If you are decorating your garden for Halloween, you will most definitely get some knocks on the door for trick or treating! You’ll need to be prepared or expect the trick! Have a bucket ready on the front lawn or by your door full of fun stuff for visitors if you want to give treats. You could have sweets and chocolates but also seed packets and even plants and flowers. Have some fun this Halloween.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Visit us in store for your Halloween decorations.&nbsp;</p>

Get your garden ready for Halloween

<p>Whether you use your own home-grown herbs or fresh herbs from the supermarket, drying herbs is easy to do.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Drying herbs for winter</strong> storage is a skill that goes back thousands of years. It’s an ideal way to give you a supply of herbs all year round, and many herbs taste even better dried, as the flavour is concentrated. Whether you use your own home-grown herbs or fresh herbs from the supermarket, drying herbs is easy to do.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Picking and preparing herbs for drying</h2>
<p dir="ltr">If you’re harvesting your own herbs for drying, pick them on a dry day around mid-morning, when the dew has dried but before the sun’s heat evaporates the essential oils in the leaves.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Remove any dead or damaged leaves, then wash your herbs to remove any dirt and bugs and pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.&nbsp; Tie small-leaved herbs like thyme and oregano into bundles to make them easier to handle, but keep them small, as large piles are more likely to go mouldy. Strip big leaves like sage and mint from the stems before drying them.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Air-drying herbs</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Air-drying takes a little longer than other methods but is very easy to do and needs very little in the way of equipment. To air-dry herbs, simply place the leaves or bundles in cheesecloth bags to protect them from dust and hang the bags somewhere out of direct sunlight, with good air circulation and low humidity. Depending on the air temperature, it can take 1-2 weeks for herbs to fully dry – when the stems snap, and the leaves are brittle, they are ready.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Drying herbs in an oven</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Herbs can be dried in an oven on a very low setting, around 80°C (100°F), with the door left open so that moisture can escape.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Spread the leaves out on a wire rack and place the shelf in the centre of the oven.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Turn the leaves every 30 minutes until they are dry – this should take between 1-2 hours.</p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Don’t leave the oven unattended while the herbs are drying, especially if there are children or pets in the house.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr">Drying herbs in a microwave</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Microwave drying is quick, simple, and ideal if you only have a small number of herbs to dry.</p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Place the clean, dry herbs on a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate and cover with another paper towel.</p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Microwave on high setting for one minute – stop if you smell the herbs burning.</p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Repeat in 30-second bursts until the herbs are dry.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr">Storing dried herbs</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Dried herbs will store well for a long time in airtight containers. Keep them out of direct sunlight, especially if stored in clear glass bottles. Use a pestle and mortar or your fingers to crush the leaves before storing, unless you want to keep them whole for easier use.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Growing your own herbs will give you a ready supply of fresh leaves for both cooking and drying. Visit our centre today to see our superb range of herbs and much more for your garden.</p>

How to dry herbs for winter

<p>Choosing suitable shrubs for borders and hedging is an effective way to give your garden a whole new look.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Shrubs and hedging</strong> are the unsung heroes of the garden. These modest, low-maintenance stalwarts provide structure and create a framework to show off more glamorous plants. Choosing suitable shrubs for borders and hedging is an effective way to give your garden a whole new look.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Structural shrubs and hedging</h2>
<p>These popular structural shrubs don’t have showy flowers, but they are a reliable presence in the garden with their evergreen foliage.</p>
<ul>
<li>Yew (Taxus baccata) – One of the few conifers that can tolerate hard pruning, it makes a good hedging or topiary plant and will cope with dry shade once established.</li>
<li>Box (Buxus sempervirens) – The classic choice for topiary and low evergreen hedging, as it can be clipped to shape. In areas affected by box blight or box moth caterpillars, Euonymus ‘Jean Hughes’ or Lonicera nitida (shrubby honeysuckle) are good alternatives.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) – grows well in the sun or shade and makes an excellent hedging plant.</li>
<li>Beech (Fagus sylvaticus) – a tree that can also be grown as a hedging plant. If trimmed in late summer, it will hold onto its brown autumn leaves until spring.</li>
<li>Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) – a deciduous shrub ideal for native hedging, with white flowers in spring and berries in autumn.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Shrubs for flowers and scent</h2>
<p>These low-maintenance flowering shrubs add both colour and structure – a must for any garden.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Rockrose (Cistus purpureus) – drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, forming a neat dome covered in brilliant pink or pure white flowers all summer.</li>
<li>Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – aromatic silvery foliage and very fragrant purple flowers. A must for bee-friendly gardens.</li>
<li>Forsythia – brings fantastic colour in early spring, when the bare branches are smothered in a blaze of yellow flowers.</li>
<li>Christmas box (Sarcococca confusa) – an unassuming shrub that grows happily in the shade, with small but incredibly sweetly scented flowers in the middle of winter.</li>
<li>Hydrangea – an excellent shrub for shady spots, with big pink, white or blue flowerheads in late summer.</li>
</ul>
<h2>How to plant shrubs and hedging</h2>
<p>Please follow our how to plant shrubs and hedging guide to provide your shrubs and hedging with a&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Water container-grown plants well before planting. Bare-root plants should be soaked in water for an hour to rehydrate them before planting.</li>
<li>Dig a hole big enough to fit the rootball. If planting a hedge, it’s often simpler to dig a trench and then space the plants evenly along the trench rather than digging individual holes.</li>
<li>Plant the shrub to be at the same level in the soil as it was in the pot. A sprinkling of mycorrhizal fungi over the roots can help the plant to establish a sound root system.</li>
<li>Backfill with soil and firm gently around the trunk of the plant with your boot—water well.</li>
<li>Water shrubs and regularly hedging in the first year after planting. Mulch annually in spring or autumn with compost or well-rotted farmyard manure.</li>
</ol>
<p>Autumn is the ideal time to plant shrubs and hedging, so visit our centre soon to see our extensive range. Our staff are always happy to help and advise!</p>

10 great shrubs and hedging plants

<p>Find the best <strong>flowers for autumn colour</strong> in our guide here.</p>

<p>Please find the best <strong>flowers for autumn colour</strong> in our guide here. Even as summer ends and we head into the season's changing colours, autumn doesn't' have just to be red, yellow, and brown. We love those autumnal hues, but if you want to add plenty of other colours to your garden, there are still many options. After the abundance of summer colour, it is easy to assume that the garden immediately fades away, but keep that colour up in the garden with these autumnal flowering plants.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Sedum&nbsp;</li>
<li>Pansies</li>
<li>Chrysanthemum</li>
<li>Dahlias</li>
<li>Teasel</li>
</ul>
<h2>Sedum spectabile (stonecrop) is one of the best flowers for autumn colour&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If you want a plant that needs very little care, that the bees absolutely love, and that provides you with fleshy leaves, strong stems and many pink flowers, then this is the plant for you. Preferring well-drained soil and full sun, you'll see many honeybees and bumblebees enjoying the sweet nectar. You might also see this reclassified as Hylotelephium.</p>
<h2>The best flowers for autumn colour are the ones that bloom all year&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Pansies and violas can keep your gardening in flower all year long. Deadheading will prolong the flowering periods, and it is a joy to see the pretty purple, yellow, pink and white flowers peeping up above the snow in winter. So fill your hanging baskets, containers and any bare soil with plenty, and you'll' have lots of colour in the garden.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Chrysanthemums are some of the best flowers for autumn colour&nbsp;</h2>
<p>''Mums'' for short, these are the stars of the autumn garden when they come into their own. Perfect pot plants for Halloween or tall stemmed cut flowers for the vase. Many varieties are available now, from big brightly coloured balls of petals to the more traditional, almost Dahlia looking blooms. They are not as hard to grow as their reputation!&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The best flowers for autumn colour have to be Dahlias&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Throughout summer, deep into autumn before the frosts hit, Dahlias are the stand out a flower for gardeners. With so very many varieties available, there is a Dahlia or two for everyone. They can be grown as cut flowers. The bees love them, and the more you cut, the more you will succeed. They hold on to colour when most other summer flowers are ending, and they bloom strong until frosts when you need to cut them back, lift them for storage or give them an excellent mulch to protect them over winter.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Try some wildflowers for the best flowers for autumn colour&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Attract Goldfinches to your garden with the ever stunning Teasel. The seed heads have rings of purple flowers, and they remain stunning throughout autumn and into winter, giving birds some much-needed food as well as interest in the garden.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For autumn colour in your garden, we have a wide variety of choices in store. Visit us!</p>

The best flowers for autumn colour

<p>Follow these simple <strong>autumn lawn care tips</strong> to keep your lawn healthy through the winter and ready for another year.</p>

<p>Lawns get a lot of hard use during the summer, so they need a little care and attention in autumn to help them recover. Follow these simple <strong>autumn lawn care tips</strong> to keep your lawn healthy through the winter and ready for another year.</p>
<h2>Autumn lawn care tips</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Keep mowing the lawn regularly, but as growth starts to slow down, raise the blades of your mower. As lawns are often wet with dew in the mornings at this time of year, it’s better to mow in the afternoons when the grass is dry.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Apply a lawn weed killer to eliminate any weeds that germinated over summer, always remembering to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, if you only have a few weeds in your lawn, weed them out by hand, taking care to get as much of the root as possible when dealing with broadleaved weeds like docks and dandelions.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Tackle moss by raking it out, or apply moss treatments – again, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using moss killer.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Scarify your lawn. Scarifying involves raking to remove thatch (dead grass) that builds up over the year and can form a thick layer over the soil, stopping water from reaching the roots of the grass. Scarify small lawns by raking them firmly with a spring-tine rake, or use a mechanical scarifier for larger spaces. As well as getting rid of thatch and moss, this helps to weaken broadleaf weeds like dandelions by damaging their leaves.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>After scarifying, it’s a good idea to aerate your lawn, especially areas that have become compacted through frequent use. You can do this manually on small lawns, spiking holes in the soil at regular intervals with a garden fork or a hollow-tine aerator. However, this can be quite hard work, and for larger areas, it’s best to use a mechanical aerator. Aerating the lawn breaks up compaction, allows air in and improves drainage, helping the grassroots grow strong so they can out-compete weeds.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Once you’ve dealt with weeds and moss, and the lawn has been scarified and aerated, give it an autumn feed. Autumn lawn feeds are formulated to promote root growth and ‘harden’ the grass, helping your lawn recover from summer and strengthening it ready for winter.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Autumn is a good time to sow new seeds on bare spots in your lawn and also to lay new turf or patch bare areas. Although there is generally enough rain in autumn to keep the soil moist, water regularly if the weather is dry, and don’t let newly-laid turf dry out.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Finally, as the autumn leaves start to fall, rake them off the lawn so that the sunlight can reach the grass and cut back any plants that are spilling over onto the lawn.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>We have everything you need in the centre to get your lawn into great shape this autumn, so visit us soon!&nbsp;</p>

Autumn lawn care

<p>Our annual Food and Drink Fair is back with even more tasty goodies.</p>

<p>Saturday 9th October: 9am-5pm</p>

<p>Sunday 10th October: 10am-4pm</p>

<p>We will be hosting local breweries, wine-makers, cheesemongers, bakers, chocolate makers, fudge and pies.</p>

<p>There will also a small selection of craft stalls.</p>

<p>Free entry and free parking.</p>

<p>We advise and expect all visitors to wear masks whilst at Swarkestone Nursery.</p>

<p>If you are looking to visit during the quietest part of the day I would suggest visiting earlier or later in the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="" height="720" src="https://www.swarkestonenursery.co.uk/files/images/2021%20A5%20Food%20and%20Drink%20Fair(2).jpg" style="width: 517px; height: 720px;" width="517" /></p>

This weekend is our Food & Drink Fair

<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d6b5d4e3-7fff-7273-a130-f46c97a5b8e6">Now it’s time to <strong>start planting spring-flowering bulbs</strong> to make sure you get that splash of colour in spring next year.</span></p>

<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d6b5d4e3-7fff-7273-a130-f46c97a5b8e6">Now it’s time to <strong>start planting spring-flowering bulbs</strong> to make sure you get that splash of colour in spring next year. Gardeners always have to look toward the seasons ahead, and this time of year can be a busy one for gardeners everywhere. As summer comes to an end and we head into autumn, look ahead to the time of year where nature seems to wake up after a cold winter. There’s nothing more wonderful than seeing Daffodils, Tulips, Alliums, Hyacinths and many more spring bulbs blooming as the garden springs into life again.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2><span id="docs-internal-guid-d6b5d4e3-7fff-7273-a130-f46c97a5b8e6">Plan what you will grow before you start planting spring-flowering bulbs&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d6b5d4e3-7fff-7273-a130-f46c97a5b8e6">Think about what you would like to grow next year. Will you have a bed full of spring bulbs and then plant with annuals, or will you plant your bulbs around shrubs and perennials? Consider your space, and then think about the colours you would like to grow. Would you like all pink or all calming whites? Perhaps you’d like a mixture of all kinds of colours. Have a plan in mind, and that will make your bulb choices much easier.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d6b5d4e3-7fff-7273-a130-f46c97a5b8e6">Start planting spring-flowering bulbs anytime from now</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d6b5d4e3-7fff-7273-a130-f46c97a5b8e6">Autumn is a hectic time in the garden, clearing away plants, finishing the summer harvests, mulching the soil and composting. One of the most lovely jobs is planting bulbs, and most can be planted anytime from September to November as long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged. Tulips can be planted until Christmas, so there is plenty of time, but if you want to get ahead, why not start now.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d6b5d4e3-7fff-7273-a130-f46c97a5b8e6">How to start planting spring-flowering bulbs&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d6b5d4e3-7fff-7273-a130-f46c97a5b8e6">Bulbs need to be hidden under the soil, where they store energy through the winter until they pop up through the ground and give us so much spring joy when they bloom.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Planting depths are usually about three times the size of the bulb, but you can also use this guide to know how deep you should plant the bulbs:</span></p>
<ul dir="ltr">
<li><span>Tulips 20cm,</span></li>
<li><span>Iris 10cm,</span></li>
<li><span>Daffodils 15cm,</span></li>
<li><span>large Alliums 30cm,</span></li>
<li><span>smaller Alliums 15cm,</span></li>
<li><span>Crocus, Snowdrops and Hyacinths 10cm.</span></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Too deep may mean they won’t flower but too shallow, you may find them eaten by squirrels!&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d6b5d4e3-7fff-7273-a130-f46c97a5b8e6">Start planting spring-flowering bulbs in containers&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d6b5d4e3-7fff-7273-a130-f46c97a5b8e6">It doesn’t matter if you have a small space. Bulbs grow really well in pots and containers as well. You can plant lots into one pot for a bustling display and even create a ‘bulb lasagne’ where you plant a few of each bulb at the correct depths in the same container. So, for example, Tulips at the bottom on a layer of compost, then cover with compost and plant Daffodil bulbs and so on.&nbsp;</span>Always plant late-blooming bulbs first and early-blooming flower bulbs on top of the container.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d6b5d4e3-7fff-7273-a130-f46c97a5b8e6">There are so many varieties to choose from. The options are endless, and you can create a gorgeous spring display.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d6b5d4e3-7fff-7273-a130-f46c97a5b8e6">Pick from our selection of spring bulbs in store to glam up your garden.</span></p>

Start planting spring flowering bulbs

<p>Whether you’re <strong>creating a brand new garden</strong>, redesigning your existing layout or simply re-shaping a few beds, these tips will help you make your dream garden a reality.</p>

<p><strong>Designing your own garden</strong> can be very rewarding, watching your ideas gradually coming to life through the year. Whether you’re creating a brand new garden, redesigning your existing layout or simply re-shaping a few beds, these tips will help you make your dream garden a reality.</p>
<h2>Tips on how to design a new garden</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>First, measure your existing garden and draw it on paper. Show the position of the house, boundary fences or walls, and any shrubs, trees etc., that you want to keep.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Work out which way is north and mark it on your plan. When planning your planting, it’s a great help to know whether beds are south-facing and sunny or north-facing and shaded.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Spend some time noticing how the light falls in your garden. Remember that this will change through the year, so don’t take midsummer as the baseline for the light levels in your garden.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Think about how you want to use the garden. Do you want a space for entertainment, for relaxation, for growing your own food? Somewhere to sit and have a quiet cup of coffee? Mark zones on your plan to show where you want seating, children’s play areas, and less glamorous things like sheds and compost heaps. This will show you where you might need a path to connect areas or some screening plants to hide your recycling bins.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Your lawn forms a big part of your garden, so give it a strong, definite shape.&nbsp; Whether you prefer curves or straight lines is up to you. This is where your plan comes into play – try different shapes and see which you like best.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>When designing paths, remember that there always needs to be a final destination, a reason to draw people down the path. If you have a path that comes to a dead end, add a focal point such as a bench or a beautiful pot.&nbsp; If you have a square plot, laying out your garden at a 45° angle to the house can make the garden feel larger, as the diagonal lines of paths and beds lead your eye through the space instead of straight down to the back fence.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>To design your garden’s planting, start with structural plants such as trees, shrubs and evergreen plants, then fill in the gaps between them with softer flowering perennials. Remember to include plants for winter colour and structure, such as clipped evergreen hedges, evergreen grasses and plants with brightly coloured stems like dogwoods, silver birches and Japanese maples.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Trees are a vital part of any garden. They add height, privacy, and shade for hot sunny days and food and shelter for birds and other garden wildlife. For smaller gardens, consider tall and narrow Amelanchier lamarckii ‘Obelisk’, evergreen Arbutus unedo ‘Compacta’ (the strawberry tree), or the Japanese apricot Prunus mume ‘Beni-chidori’ with its beautiful pink spring flowers.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>If you need advice or inspiration for your garden, why not visit our centre? We have a fantastic range of plants and garden essentials, and our staff are always happy to help!</p>

Designing a new garden

<p>Now’s the time to tidy up the garden and get it ready for winter while you start planning ahead for next spring. Here are our <strong>top 15 gardening tips for October</strong>.</p>

<p><strong>October</strong> can be a beautiful month to be out in the garden. On clear autumn days, you can still enjoy the warm afterglow of summer in the glorious colours of autumn leaves and the rich harvest from the vegetable garden. Now’s the time to tidy up the garden and get it ready for winter while you start planning ahead for next spring. Here are our <strong>top 15 gardening tips for October</strong>.</p>
<h2>October gardening tips</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Encourage pumpkins to ripen by cutting back leaves to allow the sunshine to reach them. Ripe pumpkins will sound hollow when you tap them.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you still have green tomatoes on your plants, pick them and ripen them indoors by putting them in a paper bag with a banana or an apple. The fruit releases ethylene, which promotes ripening.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Harvest the last of your French and runner beans, then cut the plants back to ground level and leave the roots in the soil to release their stored nitrogen.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plant onions, shallots and garlic, and sow hardy peas like ‘Avola’ or ‘Meteor’. Peg netting down over the beds to protect the seeds from mice and the bulbs from birds.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Prune summer-fruiting raspberries by cutting back all this year’s old fruit-bearing canes. Leave the new canes, as these will produce next year’s fruit.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plant daffodils, crocuses and other spring bulbs, but wait until the end of October or the start of November to plant tulips to reduce disease risk.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plant hyacinths and paperwhite daffodils in pots indoors for fragrant winter flowers. Look for bulbs that have been specially prepared for indoor growing.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Fill pots with violas, cyclamens and other winter bedding plants to give you colour through the winter months.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plant new shrubs and trees now while the soil is still warm from the summer, and move plants that are in the wrong place.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Lift and divide summer-flowering perennials such as salvias, agapanthus and hardy geraniums.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Aerate and scarify your lawn, and give it the last cut before winter.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Cut tall shrub roses down by half to stop them from being damaged by high winds in winter, and prune rambling roses if not already done.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>In cold areas, lift dahlia and gladiolus bulbs and store them somewhere cool and dry for replanting next year. In mild areas, you may be able to leave them in the ground, covered with a thick mulch.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Move half-hardy plants like pelargoniums into a greenhouse or onto a sunny windowsill before the first frosts arrive.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Cut back perennials as they fade, but leave a few hollow flower stems and seedheads standing if you can to provide food for birds and homes for overwintering insects.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>This autumn, we have everything you need for your garden, from garden tools to seeds and spring bulbs. Visit us today to see our exciting ranges!</p>

15 gardening tips for October

<p>It’s <strong>world animal day on 4th October 2021,</strong> which is a time to help promote the mission and raise the status of animals which will help improve welfare standards for all animals around the world.</p>

<p>It’s <strong>world animal day on 4th October 2021,</strong> which is a time to help promote the mission and raise the status of animals which will help improve welfare standards for all animals around the world. The animal welfare movement comes together on this day and throughout the year to make the world a better place for all animals. The mission is to increase awareness and education about animals as sentient beings and put their welfare at the fore. Here’s how you can help:&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Become an ambassador&nbsp;</li>
<li>Volunteer some time</li>
<li>Attend an event&nbsp;</li>
<li>Love your pets&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>Become an ambassador for world animal day&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Voluntary ambassadors represent world animal day around the world. The ambassador programme connects people all around the globe both with world animal day and helps spread the importance of animal welfare. You can apply to become an ambassador and find out more details on the world animal day website at <a href="http://www.worldanimalday.org.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.worldanimalday.org.uk</a>, where there is plenty of information to help you decide what to do.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Consider being a world animal day volunteer&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Talented and compassionate people are brought together through volunteering to benefit animals. World animal day is particularly looking for volunteers to help in developing countries. There is a varying range of volunteering opportunities, from education to hands-on projects and general help. You could also look to volunteer locally at animal shelters, vets or somewhere you can share your skills to make the world a better place for animals.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Attend an event for world animal day&nbsp;</h2>
<p>There are events worldwide to raise awareness for the welfare of animals on world animal day, but you could also plan one yourself. Why not gather some friends, raise awareness and funds? You could do a sponsored dog walk or even adopt a new pet yourself. Don’t forget to post all about it on social media to spread the news and use the hashtag #worldanimalday.</p>
<h2>Spend more time with your pets for world animal day&nbsp;</h2>
<p>One thing we can do is be with our&nbsp;pets and fully appreciate how incredible they are. Each animal on this planet is a sentient being, and there’s no better way to really understand that than to be with your own pets. We love and care for them, and world animal day is all about ensuring that love and care are for all animals, not just pets at home.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You could also chat to friends and family about the day, sign petitions to stop animal cruelty and spend some time helping at the local shelter. There are lots of things that can be done and to support the mission. Don’t forget to treat your pets at home with some delicious treats and snuggly toys to play with.&nbsp;</p>

World animal day

<p>Creating a biodiverse garden even improves your wellbeing, as shown in a recent RHS wellbeing study so if the birds aren’t flocking to your garden, here are our <strong>tips to help you encourage wildlife to your space</strong>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wondering <strong>why birds aren’t visiting your garden</strong>? Seeing wildlife in your garden can be so fulfilling and exciting, so it can leave you wondering why you don’t see any when the birds don’t show up. Creating a biodiverse garden even improves your wellbeing, as shown in a recent RHS wellbeing study, so if the birds aren’t flocking to your garden, here are our tips to help you encourage wildlife to your space.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Food is why birds aren’t visiting your garden</h2>
<p>The first thing is that&nbsp;birds need food. They eat berries from trees, hedgerows, shrubs, perennials and insects from the soil and anywhere else they can find them. They enjoy seeds from plants and love picking up worms from the compost. If your garden is short on plants, a lawn, shrubs and plants, there will be nothing for birds to eat. Plants are not only a food source but also attract insects that birds then feed on. Creating a biodiverse space will soon encourage them in. Supplementary food is also important so putting up bird feeders with various food to attract different species.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Why birds aren’t visiting your garden could be because of resting spaces&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Birds need to rest and shelter and build nests. If there isn’t anywhere for them to perch on for rest or to scout for a possible nesting site, then your garden won’t be of much interest to them at all.</p>
<ul>
<li>Plant native hedging, a mixture of evergreen and deciduous plus trees, even a small one will help in a small garden. If the trees also provide food, that's an added benefit for birds.</li>
<li>Don’t forget to put up bird boxes for nesting sites away from where people will walk by, and remember they also need water. So a birdbath can be a great attraction, plus it is fun watching them splash around.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Predators might be why birds aren’t visiting your garden&nbsp;</h2>
<p>It can be a tough world out there for birds with the weather, and finding food, rearing fledglings and anything else that comes their way. They do have predators such as Sparrowhawks, so if you see one flying overhead frequently, you’ll notice there won’t be many birds around. This is another good reason why having safe spaces for birds to hide is important. Hedging, evergreen trees and nesting boxes will all be held to create a safe haven.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Paving could be why birds aren’t visiting your garden&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If you have paved over your garden, if you don’t have a lawn, or you have an artificial lawn - there will be fewer birds. Birds pull worms and insects from lawns for food, and there’s no chance of that with concrete! Greening up your space will definitely help to attract our feathered friends to the garden.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Find many plants, accessories and bird food suitable for all gardens in store to attract birds.&nbsp;</p>

Why birds aren’t visiting your garden (and how to fix that)!

<p>If you’re planning on <strong>planting a lot of shrubs or trees, bare-root</strong> plants are ideal. Here's how to plant bare-root shrubs and trees.</p>

<p>If you’re planning on planting a lot of shrubs or trees, bare-root plants are ideal. Grown in the ground rather than in containers, bare-root plants are dug up and sold between November to March while they are dormant. They’re cheaper than container-grown plants and don’t use plastic pots, so they’re better for the environment too. Provided they’re planted correctly, bare-root plants will grow into strong, healthy plants. Here’s how it’s done:</p>
<h2>How to plant bare-root shrubs and trees</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Plan ahead. Bare root plants need to be planted as soon as possible to stop the roots from drying out, so prepare the planting area beforehand by clearing weeds and stones and add compost or well-rotted farmyard manure to improve the soil structure.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you can’t plant your bare root shrub or tree straight away, store it carefully so that the roots don’t dry out. If it’s only going to be stored for a few days, wrap the roots in damp sacking or newspaper and place the plant somewhere cool and dark. Keep the sacking or paper damp.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If it’s going to be several weeks before you can plant, heel your plants in by digging a trench, placing the plants with their roots in the trench and backfilling with soil. If the ground is frozen or waterlogged, pot the plants up in large pots filled with compost, taking care not to bend the roots.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Before you plant a bare root plant, soak the roots in a bucket of water for an hour to rehydrate them.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>To plant your bare root shrub or tree, dig a square hole the depth of the rootball and 2-3 times its width. Digging a square hole encourages the roots to spread out into the surrounding soil, rather than simply to circle round as they might do in a round hole.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Leave a mound of soil at the centre of the hole and place the base of the plant on this, allowing the roots to drape over the mound.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>You should be able to see a ‘tidemark’ on the plant's trunk that will show the previous soil level. When planting, ensure that the plant is at the same level in the soil as previously. Planting too deep can cause the trunk to rot, killing the plant. (The exception to this rule is bare-root roses, which are best planted deep.)&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>There’s no need to add fertiliser when planting, but a sprinkling of mycorrhizal fungi over the roots can help the plant establish a good root system.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Backfill with soil and firm down gently with the heel of your boot.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Add a stake if necessary to support tall trees. Trees less than 1m tall don’t usually need staking.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Water well after planting to settle the soil, and water regularly during the first year after planting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Now’s a great time to plant shrubs and trees, and you’ll find everything you need in our centre, so why not visit us?</p>

Planting bare root shrubs and trees

<p>This <strong>perennials made simple guide</strong> will help you to understand perennials and how to care for them.</p>

<p>This <strong>perennials made simple guide</strong> will help you to understand perennials and how to care for them. A garden full of perennials springs to life year after year and provides a variety of colours, textures, fragrances and attracts pollinating insects along with other wildlife. It is only in the winter months when perennials have died back that the colour will disappear until the following spring.&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>What is a perennial&nbsp;</li>
<li>How to plant a perennial&nbsp;</li>
<li>How to care for perennials&nbsp;</li>
<li>Perennials for containers&nbsp;</li>
<li>What to plant with perennials</li>
</ol>
<h2>1. What is a perennial?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Especially if you are new to gardening, the names of plants and gardening activities can seem confusing, but one word to know is perennial. A perennial is a plant that grows, dies back over winter and regrows again from spring. It will live year on year, with the right care, and provide plenty of interest for many months during the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2>2. How to plant a perennial?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Where you plant your perennials will depend on the species and its preferences, but how to plant it is really easy with a few tips.</p>
<ul>
<li>Dig a hole as deep as the pot the perennial is in and a little bit wider.</li>
<li>Add some well-rotted organic matter and plant the perennial in the hole.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Backfill with soil and water in well. Water well as they are establishing.</li>
</ul>
<h2>3. How to care for perennials?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>This does depend on the species; for example, some will need more watering than others, but generally, all will need watering in dry weather if you mulch around the plant with well-rotted compost or leaf mulch that will help to retain moisture. Spring flowering plants can be cut back after flowering, and summer flowering plants can be cut back in autumn or leave the seed heads and stems for winter interest and wildlife, cutting them back the following spring when new shoots have appeared.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>4. Perennials for containers&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Many perennials grow really well in a container, so you needn’t be restricted by space. If you have a shady patio, balcony or garden, try Hostas, Cranesbill, Heuchera, and many more. Given the right size pot, feeding and watering (pots will require more water than a garden bed), most perennials will grow really well in a container.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>5. What to plant with perennials&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Perennials give so much colour and interest in the garden and, if mixed well, can provide colour from spring all the way until autumn. But what happens in winter? If you plant perennials around evergreens, the evergreens will ensure you have structure, texture and colour even in the depths of the winter months. If you have gaps around your perennials that you would like to fill, plant colourful bedding plants or scatter annual seeds such as Cosmos, Nigella or even wildflowers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We have a wide variety of perennials suitable for all gardens in store and our friendly team on hand to advise you.&nbsp;</p>

Perennials made simple guide

<p>You don’t need a big garden to <strong>grow your own fruit</strong>, just a pot on a sunny patio or balcony. Choose the right plants, follow a few simple steps, and you’ll soon be enjoying delicious harvests of your own fresh-picked fruit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You don’t need a big garden to <strong>grow your own fruit</strong>, just a pot on a sunny patio or balcony. Choose the right plants, follow a few simple steps, and you’ll soon be enjoying delicious harvests of your own fresh-picked fruit.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Growing strawberries in pots</h2>
<p>Strawberries grow well in pots and even in hanging baskets, with pretty white or pink flowers in spring and delicious red fruits in summer. Planting them in hanging baskets also means they’re safe from slugs and snails, although not necessarily from other hungry garden wildlife such as squirrels and birds!&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Choose a pot or basket with good drainage, place in a sunny position and fill it with multi-purpose compost.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Space the plants around 25-30cm (10-12in) apart.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Water regularly and feed fortnightly with a high potash feed once the flowers appear.</li>
<li>Cut off the runners in autumn.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Growing blueberries in pots</h2>
<p>Because blueberries will only grow well in acidic soils, it’s often easiest to grow them in containers. Choose a compact variety like ‘Bluecrop’ or ‘Bluegold’,&nbsp;and, if you have space, plant two different varieties, as cross-pollination will produce bigger fruit.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Start plants out in a 30cm diameter pot filled with ericaceous compost, then repot into a larger container when necessary.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Water with rainwater whenever possible, as tap water will make the compost more alkaline, especially in areas with hard water.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Feed monthly with a liquid fertiliser suitable for ericaceous plants.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Net the bushes once the fruit starts to ripen to protect it from birds.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Growing apple trees in pots</h2>
<p>Yes, it is possible to grow an apple tree on your patio or balcony. Look for trees grown on dwarf rootstocks (the M9 and M26 rootstocks are best for pots) and choose self-fertile varieties that can produce fruit without needing another apple tree nearby for pollination.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Choose a pot around 45-50cm in diameter and fill it with loam-based compost like John Innes No. 3. Add a slow-release fertiliser to the compost mix before planting.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Water your apple tree regularly.</li>
<li>Replace the top 5cm (2in) of compost every year.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Growing fig trees in pots</h2>
<p>Fig trees grow well in large pots, and with their attractive lobed leaves, they make excellent specimen plants and provide delicious fruit. Varieties like ‘Brunswick’ and ‘Brown Turkey’ are hardy and well suited to our temperate climate, fruiting reliably even in poor summers.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Start small plants off in 30cm (12in) pots filled with a loam-based compost like John Innes No. 3 and re-pot into a slightly larger pot every two years. Place the pot in a sunny, sheltered spot.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Water weekly during the growing season and feed fortnightly with a liquid high potash fertiliser such as tomato feed. Tiny fruitlets appear in late summer and will ripen the following year.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Cover the tree with fleece in winter to protect it from frosts, or move the container into a frost-free greenhouse.</li>
</ul>
<p>We have a fantastic range of fruit trees and bushes in the centre, so visit us today and get set for a delicious harvest!</p>

Growing fruit in pots

<p><strong>Sempervivum</strong> means ‘always alive’, and it’s a good description of these attractive and <strong>easy to grow succulents</strong></p>

<p><strong>Sempervivum</strong> means ‘always alive’, and it’s a good description of these attractive and <strong>easy to grow succulents</strong>. Sempervivums come mainly from mountainous regions and cope well with both drought and cold. With their neat, geometric rosettes of fleshy leaves, they look great all year round in troughs or pots in a sunny spot, needing very little care.</p>
<h2>Where to plant sempervivums</h2>
<p>Sempervivums don’t need much to grow – they will thrive in cracks in walls and have traditionally been grown on the roofs of houses, hence their common name of houseleeks. They like plenty of sunshine and can be grown in the ground in very well-drained soil or pots filled with well-drained compost.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Plant Sempervivums in pots in a 3:1 mix of loam-based compost such as John Innes No. 3 and horticultural grit. Place them sitting slightly above the compost level so that there is space to top-dress it with a layer of grit. As well as looking good, this stops the compost splashing onto the leaves when it rains and causing them to rot.</p>
<p>Sempervivums don’t need regular feeding, but it’s a good idea to repot them into fresh compost each year or feed them annually with a balanced liquid feed.</p>
<p>Once a rosette has flowered, it will die, but will quickly be replaced by offsets – these are smaller rosettes that grow from the main stem.</p>
<h2>Propagating sempervivums from offsets</h2>
<p>Propagating sempervivums from offsets is very simple. Here’s how it’s done:</p>
<ul>
<li>Cut offsets off the main plant with a sharp knife, ideally with some roots attached.</li>
<li>Remove most of the fleshy leaves from the offset base, leaving just a small ring of leaves in place. This reduces the risk of leaves rotting off.</li>
<li>Fill individual small pots with a 50/50 mix of loam-based compost such as John Innes No 1 and horticultural grit.&nbsp;</li>
<li>With a dibber or pencil, make a small hole in the compost in each pot and plant an offset in the hole. Firm the compost gently around the offset.</li>
<li>Water well and place the pots somewhere sheltered. After around 3 months, the offsets should have rooted and can be planted out.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Sempervivum varieties to grow</h2>
<p>There are so many beautiful sempervivums to choose from, and it can be hard to know where to start! Here are five of our favourites:</p>
<ul>
<li>Cobweb houseleek (Sempervivum arachnoideum): rosettes of red-tipped green leaves, with a delicate cobweb of white threads over the tips of the leaves.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Sempervivum ‘Pippin’: deep green leaves tipped with deep maroon-red.</li>
<li>Sempervivum ‘Purple Dazzler’: narrow pointed leaves, green at the tips and deep burgundy red at the centres. The colour gets more intense in winter.</li>
<li>Sempervivum ‘Eddy’: spoon-shaped red leaves, darker red at the centres</li>
<li>Sempervivum ‘Brunneifolium’: large rosettes of pale pinkish-grey leaves with a metallic tinge.</li>
</ul>
<p>Whether you’re planting up a pot or filling a border, you’ll find plenty of plants to choose from in our great ranges. Visit us today and add some extra colour to your garden!</p>

How to grow sempervivums

<p>These <strong>top five alliums to grow</strong> will fill your garden with pretty colourful spring and early summer colours each year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Our <strong>top 5 alliums to grow</strong> have been picked from the many Allium varieties available for gardeners that are all lovely bulbs and bloom into some of the most wonderful of all spring bulbs. The balls of lilac, white and even slightly blue or green are a must-have for any garden from a cottage style to something more contemporary. These top five will fill your garden with pretty colourful spring and early summer colours each year.&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Allium ‘Hair’</li>
<li>Allium ‘Art’</li>
<li>Allium ‘Purple Sensation’</li>
<li>Allium ‘Gigantium’</li>
<li>Allium ‘Globemaster’</li>
</ol>
<h2>1. Allium ‘Hair’&nbsp;</h2>
<p>This Allium is both interesting and freaky all in one! The flower head looks like a mop of hair sticking up and all over the place, but even with that description, we can guarantee you they are gorgeous and most definitely a talking point in the garden. It’s a great choice of allium.</p>
<h2>2. Allium 'Art’</h2>
<p>Another fascinating allium with unique flower heads that look like crazy hair. They are indeed a piece of art! These alliums flower between May to June, and Allium ‘Art’ is an exceptional addition to any garden border.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>3. Allium ‘Purple Sensation’&nbsp;</h2>
<p>This Allium is most definitely one of the more popular alliums. With tall stems and deep purple flower heads, which are made up of many star-shaped flowers. They look great in garden borders or pots and containers. Don’t forget allium foliage dies back before the flowers fully form, so ideally, you’ll want to plants something around them to hide the faded leaves.</p>
<h2>4. Allium ‘Gigantium’&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Gigantium alliums have bright globes of purple florets and on stems as high as 1.5m. They are stunning in any garden as the deep globe colour contrasts perfectly with the paler green leaves.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Planted in swathes in a garden border or dotted about in amongst other plants.</p>
<h2>5. Allium ‘Globemaster’&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Globemaster has won many awards for its huge flower heads of star-shaped violet flowers that grow up to 25cm in a cluster. It’s a stunning variety that flowers for a long period, and the seed heads look just as great in the garden as well if you leave them.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How to plant Alliums</h2>
<p>Alliums are attractive for bees and other pollinators and easy to grow. Plant them during autumn in well-drained soil, and don’t forget to label where you have planted them, so you don’t dig them back up again. They need to be planted about 4 times the bulb's diameter directly in the garden or a container. Your garden will be awash with lilac during the following spring, and you will be so pleased that you planted them. Why not choose from some of our top 5 and get your garden ready for next spring.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We have a selection of spring bulbs in store, so please do come along and visit us.&nbsp;</p>

Top 5 Alliums to Grow

<p>Here are a few to look out for and some tips on encouraging <strong>wildlife in your garden</strong>.</p>

<p>You’re not the only one who enjoys your garden. There’s a whole host of creatures living in it, helping to create a balanced ecosystem. Here are a few to look out for and some tips on encouraging <strong>wildlife in your garden</strong>.</p>
<h2>Ladybirds</h2>
<p>These small, black-spotted red bugs eat huge amounts of aphids, the tiny green or black insects that infest new shoots in spring. A single ladybird can eat around 5000 aphids in its lifetime, so it’s no wonder gardeners love them! Ladybirds also eat pollen, so having pollen-rich plants like</p>
<ul>
<li>lavender,</li>
<li>thyme,</li>
<li>cosmos,</li>
<li>yarrow.</li>
</ul>
<p>Encourage ladybirds to lay their eggs in your garden by planting pollen-rich plants in your garden. This helps to ensure&nbsp;a good population of future ladybirds.</p>
<h2>Bees</h2>
<p>Bees and bumblebees are enormously important pollinators, vital for the health of our ecosystem, so the more we can do to help them, the better. One of the best things we can do as gardeners is to have at least one plant in flower in the garden in each season. As well as all the summer-flowering plants, you could plant ivy for the autumn, winter-flowering shrubs like Sarcococca and Mahonia, and crocuses for early spring flowers. Avoid using pesticides, as this can harm bees and other pollinators.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Earthworms</h2>
<p>Earthworms do wonderful things for the soil, consuming leaf litter and compost and working it into the soil, improving structure and nutrient levels.&nbsp;To help your earthworms, mulch your soil annually with compost or leaf mould. The worms will reward you by producing beautifully rich, crumbly soil that plants will thrive in.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Birds</h2>
<p>Birds add life and music to the garden with their song, and many birds are also great at pest control. Small birds like blue tits and sparrows eat aphids and other insects, and song thrushes will even eat snails, bashing them on rocks to break their shells.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To encourage more birds into your garden, plant berry-bearing shrubs and trees like holly and hawthorn. These provide food in autumn and winter and shelter for nesting birds in spring and early summer. Put up a bird feeder in a sheltered spot, and keep it topped up to encourage more birds into your garden.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Frogs</h2>
<p>Frogs do a fantastic job in keeping slugs and snails under control, and you don’t need a huge garden to make a pond for them. Even a large washing up bowl sunk into the ground, filled with rainwater, and planted with aquatic plants will attract wildlife over time. Please place it in a position that gets several hours of sunlight, and make sure there’s a way for wildlife to get in and out safely by placing rocks or a ramp at one end. A log pile near your pond will also encourage amphibians to look for a safe place to overwinter.</p>
<p>If you’d like to make your garden more wildlife-friendly, visit our centre to see our great range of plants and garden accessories. Our friendly staff will be happy to help and advise!</p>

Wildlife that’s good for your garden

<p>Are you wondering <strong>how to store autumn harvests?</strong>&nbsp;Autumn harvests are some of the most delicious and there are many ways to store them. Here are our tips:&nbsp;</p>

<p>Are you wondering <strong>how to store autumn harvests</strong>? Sometimes when you bring home plenty of homegrown produce from your kitchen garden or allotment, or even your balcony and patio pots, it can be a lot to prepare and eat while it is still all fresh. Fresh is of course best but there are many ways to store harvests grown throughout the year and the last of the autumn harvests as well to get you through the winter and into the following year. Autumn harvests are some of the most delicious and there are many ways to store them. Here are our tips:&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Apple&nbsp;</li>
<li>Squash&nbsp;</li>
<li>Fruit&nbsp;</li>
<li>Beans&nbsp;</li>
<li>Herbs&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>How to store autumn harvests of apples&nbsp;</h2>
<p>When apples start falling from the tree, it is time to enjoy that loveliest of autumn harvests. Apple pies, apple crumble and the sweetness of homegrown fruit. Apples can be stored in wooden crates placed on top of each other in a cool, dry area where pests can’t get to them. Keep an eye on them for any sign of disease or rotting.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How to store autumn harvests of squash&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Most squashes will be fine if stored in a cool, dark place and you’ll be able to eat them for months. Ideally, leave squashes to ripen on the vine for as long as you can before harvesting as that helps longevity in storage. If it isn’t frosty, you can leave them in the sunshine for about a week first. Alternatively, cut them up and freeze portions, make delicious soups to freeze or even a hearty winter pie.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How to store autumn harvests of fruit</h2>
<p>Autumn fruiting raspberries are a popular autumn fruit in kitchen gardens and allotments. The sweetness can’t be beaten and they will soon sweeten up a crumble or pie. Freezing them in fruit bags is a good way to store them. Each bag can be filled with many different fruits so you can use each bag to make a smoothie.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How to store autumn harvests of beans</h2>
<p>The last beans to be harvested from the vines are usually a sad moment! Beans can fill up the kitchen all throughout the summer and as they come to an end in autumn and it is time to finish the harvest, you might be wondering how to store what’s left. After you have boiled or stop fried some they can also be blanched and frozen for use over winter. Another great way to use up beans is to make a green bean chutney or even pickle them in vinegar and pickling spices with a dash of mustard.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How to store autumn harvests of herbs&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Hanging bunches of herbs with string up to dry can not only look great but the scent can be wonderful too. You can use dried herbs for making cups of tea over the winter months and for use in cooking. Other ways to store them are in airtight jars or even freeze them in ice trays.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Visit us in store for garden storage accessories.</p>

How to store autumn harvests

<p>Start <strong>planning next years spring bulbs</strong> at the end of the summer and into early autumn and you will be ready and prepared for a gorgeous spring display for the following spring.</p>

<p>Start <strong>planning next years spring bulbs</strong> at the end of the summer and into early autumn, and you will be ready and prepared for a gorgeous spring display for the following spring. We love spring bulbs! Planting them brings hope for the future, and watching the shoots appear can be so exciting. When they flower, the colours are a welcome sight after the winter months, and it is time to get planning right now.&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Catalogue browsing</li>
<li>Garden observation</li>
<li>Other considerations&nbsp;</li>
<li>Shopping for bulbs&nbsp;</li>
<li>When to plant&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>Enjoy the catalogues when you are planning next years spring bulbs&nbsp;</h2>
<p>One of the fun parts of choosing what spring bulbs you will plant is the joy of browsing the bulb brochures. When they arrive in the post, it is so lovely to sit down with a cup of tea, put your feet up and flick through the pages of colourful and exciting spring bulbs. With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. We recommend making a shortlist of your favourites, including various colours and varieties of Daffodils, Tulips, Hyacinth, Crocus and Alliums. When you have your shortlist, you can get a better picture of what you want to plant.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Planning next years spring bulbs in the garden&nbsp;</h2>
<p>When you have your shortlist, take a look at your garden. Consider your space, where you will plant your new spring bulbs if you have pots or containers, where the shade is, and anything else that will help you decide which you have space to grow on your shortlist. Or, perhaps you can't resist and decide to grow them all!&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Other considerations when planning next years spring bulbs&nbsp;</h2>
<p>What effect are you hoping to achieve when you plant your bulbs? A group of Tulips or swathes of Daffodils? Perhaps a corner filled with spring colour in pots of ‘bulb lasagnes’ (layered bulbs). Consider colour blocks or an array of rainbow colours. Picture it in your mind as you finalise your shortlist.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Planning next years spring bulbs and go shopping&nbsp;</h2>
<p>With your list or with plenty of ideas, it’s time to go shopping. Going into a garden centre is a great way to make your plans come true as you browse the new packets of bulbs on offer. It’s very likely you may well change your shortlist and be tempted by new and pretty varieties and colours! Seeing the bulbs in store is really exciting and will help to bring your plans together, ready for a truly blooming spring.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Think about planting times when planning next years spring bulb</h2>
<p>As you plan and gather your bulbs, make sure you have some time on your calendar to go outside in the garden and get planting.</p>
<ul>
<li>Daffodils, Hyacinths, and Crocus can be planted from September to October and even into November.</li>
<li>Tulips can be planted all the way until Christmas.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>For a great selection of spring bulbs, visit us in store.&nbsp;</p>

News - Page 17

9 seasonal plants for Christmas bouquets

Time to prune perennials, roses and fruit trees

Plant of the moment: Poinsettia

Pet needs for Christmas

Growing Amaryllis Bulbs

10 tips on making your own Christmas decorations

15 garden tips for December

Meet and Greet Rapunzel

Top Tips on how to keep your Christmas Tree Fresh

Top tips on decorating festive wreaths

How to use dried flowers as Christmas decorations