Jack Frost

Cold and frosty weather has been present over much of the UK and today, many plants were covered in frozen flakes which looked quite stunning.  Here, the leaves of Anthemis tinctoria 'E. C. Buxton' add to the winter scene...

and sedums along with ornamental grasses, also have an appeal when tinged with frost.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people are so focussed on removing dried flower heads from their hydrangeas, probably not realising these heads have an important part to play in protecting the plant during the cold winter months.  In addition to this vital role, they also look quite stunning when their flower heads are covered with frost.

The time to remove these heads will soon come but for now enjoy their display.

Trussed, stuffed and ready for winter.

Well, another year is coming to an end although the gardeners' calendar is well underway. The weather has still been relatively mild with only the occasional frosty start (on the south coast anyway). However, some tender plants that are to be kept outside had their winter-warmers put on during the week as I'm sure a cold spell will eventually show its face.



Two Dicksonia antartica thoroughly wrapped up. Firstly, straw was stuffed into the crowns, then the trunks wrapped in fleece, followed by the fronds (pulled together with twine) encased in a hessian bag. All they need now are some facial additions to add to the winter fun.  A red nose wouldn't go a miss!

Aster la vista baby

It's been a productive day albeit a bit chilly. Last year a client brought some asters from a previous home to use in a new border we had been developing. I wasn't sure of the variety of aster so a little cautious as to their durability, size and what precise colour.

As we headed into autumn the asters took over the main display and provided a colourful display but I could already see that they were too prominent. Notes were taken and today these same plants were dug-up, divided and replanted in slightly different positions.

From the first 3 plants, I was able to get quite a few new plants. All that's needed now is to get the remaining spare plants potted up in readiness for a charity event next year.  Further divisions from the rest of the asters made sure I had in excess of 40 new plants.  Not bad for a day's work!

Dahlias

The weather has certainly taken a dip on the cooler side. On Wednesday I was busy digging up some dahlias and storing them ready for their winter rest. I turned them upside down to allow the moisture to drain from the stems and next week I will place them in a storage tray and keep in a dark frost free room until early next Spring. Remember to label and if you have various kinds keep them all in sections. Also, keep checking to make sure the tubers aren't rotting. If you're storing in potting compost, keep this on the dry-side and only moisten the medium when necessary. Increased moisture will be needed when you want to encourage their growth early next spring.

Bulb planting

A couple of dry days has enabled me to get some more tulips planted before the weather, once again, turns wet. November is the ideal time for tulip planting but the month can go by at an alarming rate so get your bulbs in as soon as you have the time.

















My trusty trowel, designed to the specifications of Christopher Lloyd at Great Dixter by Sneeboer, is the ideal tool for the job. A nice long handle and narrow blade punctures the soil effortlessly. Great for planting in tight spaces and pretty nifty when a spot of weeding is needed too.

Pricey but posh!

Over the last few weeks I've been doing a little bit of design work for a client. A 100ft border where the planting needed to obscure the neighbours' greenhouses, sheds and provide the clients with immediate privacy by their patio area. It's fair to say that gardens take time to mature and I very much buy into that viewpoint but on this occasion the need for mature specimens was necessary.

I had already sourced some plants online but with the costs involved I felt a trip to the nursery was essential. So, at the beginning of the week the sun was shining and I had a lovely journey across the south downs to a fabulous nursery called Architectural Plants, where numerous plants, trees and shrubs were all lined out and awaiting inspection. A pandoras box!

After nearly 3 hours I had 3 choices but one stuck out from the rest  - Prunus caroliniana; just in from Italy. Evergreen with deep ovate leaves, fragrant flowers in late spring followed by berries in the Autumn. It's hardy and will surely clip nicely.

To top the day off, I was offered a lovely coffee and that too was dead posh. Thanks Cindy!

Time for a health check

It's surprising what a few years can do to a garden.  When I first started this client's garden it was one muddled mess and to be fair, very poorly maintained and no thought whatsoever regarding successional planting. This was a picture during the first year. The roses and leaucanthemums had just finished flowering and that was it for the rest of the year. I should also add, there was nothing prior to the rose display either.

As each year passed I was slowly but surely getting more colour introduced and a greater succession of interest; tulips were one of the first introductions that bridged the gap.

Even in mid-October, the border is still providing a colourful display. Ornamental grasses playing a huge part for autumnal interest, lasting well into the winter months. The tall, bleached erect stems of Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' is a really fab plant and one I would use more often if the conditions allowed. 

Brown, assumed dead...and great

Brown is still viewed as a pretty dirty colour to the masses but having introduced ornamental grasses to many gardens along with perennials that give strong structure after their flowering period, brown can still play a significant part in the diversity of a border.

In this picture the silky feathers of Miscanthus 'Abundance,' the tired domes of Phlomis russeliana and the flat heads of Sedum 'Herbstfreude,' provide a perfect trio and will go on feasting the eyes for weeks to come

Such a pretty little thing...don't ya think

In a shady spot, nestled under a philadelphus and flanked on one side by Adiantum leauticum Imbricatum and on the other Epimedium pinnatum colchicum is Begonia grandis evansiana. One might think this position is rather dry for this little beauty but fear not.  Each year it has a light mulch and each year I can enjoy the delicate flowers and attractive foliage from August right up to the first frosts. Once this happens it will wither and disappear underground, only to return next year with a few siblings in tow. At around £4.00 to £5.00 per bulb it's fair to say it's not cheap but once positioned, you will soon see a return for your investment.

Hello Beth

Earlier this year I tried a poppy very much championed by Dixter and I later noticed its use at the Cheslea flower show. A tricky seed to source to say the least. However, move forward a few months and I now have my own stock of Beth's poppy (Papaver dubium subsp. leqoqii var albiflorum).

A little late with my autumn seed sowing but better late than never. 

An elegant lady

It's very satisfying when some seeds were sown back in February and are now in full bloom. This year's 'coup de coeur' is Persicaria orientallis, otherwise known as 'Kiss me over the garden gate'. These beautiful pink, drooping tassels really add an unusual lift to your borders and I'm sure will have eyes turning by those curious onlookers.

I have however, had some misfortune.  Whilst some plants have really reached for the stars (at least 6 foot), one or two others have looked weak and not grown above 2 foot.  Maybe I didn't pot them on when needed? Certainly worth trying again next year where I hope it will provide an even greater spectacle and increased curiosity.

It's the real thing

Having just returned from a summer holiday in Florida, I was surprised how many flowers I noticed that we try and grow here in good old blighty. One plant, in particular, that stood out was tibouchina. I'd seen one or two in pots at both Gravetye Manor and Knoll gardens and always thought - 'what an eye catcher! After a year of deliberation, I was able to locate one from Great Dixter nursery.  Sadly, despite the reasonable summer weather we've enjoyed, I fear that I planted it up in a pot that was initially too big and the potting medium needing more drainage.  It's still alive (just) but having seen these beauties in Florida I'm left a little envious.

Colour in August

August can be a pretty difficult time to rely on shrubs for some colour but one group of plants which must hit the top spot, or thereabouts, are hydrangeas. Probably not in fashion with many due to poor maintenance but if properly pruned and subsequently fed they give so much pleasure.

One of my favourites is the furry leaved Hydrangea villosa.  Fergus, from Great Dixter, kindly gave me a cutting a few years a go and it now fills a shady corner of a clients garden. Its luminescent flowers provide a stunning, dazzling effect and is a magnet for bees; invariably too many to count.

If you haven't got a hydrangea in your garden, maybe you should reconsider.

Keeping the display going

As August approaches the garden can easily ebb away with its vibrancy. For many, the main summer display is over and people generally neglect their outdoor space whilst the summer holidays are upon them. Worst still, the garden just goes on a steady decline over the coming weeks and months once family normality returns.

This can be avoided with a careful choice of plants that take over the show and provide you with many weeks of high octane flowers.

Hydrangeas are great shrubs for this time of year and cover a wide colour palette.  Bottom left is the ever so popular Hydrangea 'Annabelle' with its huge lemon-white buns. Then, taking centre stage in the middle is my favourite helenium. H. 'Sahins early flowerer' which provides streaked orange petals which last from June to October. Not bad eh! Behind (although slightly clashing) is a phlox (sadly culitvar not known). To the right the annual Centaurea cyanus 'blue boy' and to finish off, a loose curving thread (from front to back) of Cosmos 'Sonata Pink' grown from seed which will last until the first frosts.

A sprinkling of seed

It wasn't until the middle of April I decided to get a packet of annual seed mix to give a particularly difficult area of border some added oomph.  It was alongside the road and previous plantings really suffered due to both the shallow soil and little rain from above because of the shelter from the overhanging eaves.

In a matter of about 12 weeks the flowers are really strutting their stuff and looking lovely.  Next year I feel I might do more selected areas for a quick and relatively cheap display.  In fairness, the display is short lived but for a few brief weeks I feel it's worth it...don't you?

A new one on me

Dianthus carthusianorum is a recently discovered gem. Very much like the common dianthus we see in numerous gardens but these stems reach up to 60 cm and are topped off with delightful deep pink flowers.

I've planted it along with Imperata cylindric, Echinacea and Pennisetum 'Red Buttons' in my own small front forecourt to see how it gets along and depending on the results, I would very much like to use it in other client's gardens, possibly interplanted amongst ornamental grasses. I'll update you all next year.

Planting partnerships

At this time of year you can't help but notice those planting combinations that work and those that look fairly dismal. One plant that seems to team up well with pretty much anything is the hardy geraniums.

The lovely magenta flowers of Geranium 'Ann Thompson' works well alongside a variegated euonymous and will provide a lasting display well into October...and beyond!

Another combination is G. 'Rozanne' with Santolina romaranifolia subsp. 'Primrose Gem.'  Both plants on there own would look ok but by adding a contrasting colour your borders will be much more pleasing and dynamic to the eye. So remember, plant with a partner in mind and not in isolation!

Worth the wait

Beth's poppy (Papaver dubium subsp lecoqii var. albiflorimis - phew!) at last showing its gorgeous flower.  A lovely blushed pink, turning slightly paler towards the edges. The flowers are a little small and I can only guess this is due to a late winter sowing rather than an early autumn start.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

RHS Chelsea Flower Show comes to an end but I wouldn't miss it for the world. Inspiring gardens, some more than others and the plants in the pavilion are to die for.

Many nurseries have been attending for a number of years and provide a colourful feast for the eyes. In my mind, one plant stands out amongst its neighbours and entices you in;  leaving you totally captivated by its beauty.  Meconopsis - simply stunning!

Going native

On a recent beach walk with the family, it was really satisfying to see native plants thriving in their harsh environment. Sea kale (Crambe maritima) and sea thrift (armeria) happily co-existing side-by-side. No requirement for watering, feeding or dead heading. The least interfered with the better.

If you choose the right plants for the right conditions, very little maintenance will be needed, not to mention growing much healthier and more resistance to disease. It's a win, win situation for both plant and human. 

Drooling wisterias

Wisterias are displaying their long, pendulous and fragrant racemes at the moment and Wisteria sinensis from china, is the one most commonly seen in our gardens.

The Japanese form, W. floribunda, native to Japan, provides the most eye-catching display with racemes much longer than its Chinese cousin.  Here, Wisteria floribunda 'Lipstick' is in fine form and like all wisterias, certainly benefiting from a twice yearly prune. 

Self sowers

Warmer weather and moisture still in the ground enables self sowers to put on a lot of growth at this time of year.  Here, Eschscholzia californica (california poppy) is ready to put on its dazzling bright display in my small front forecourt. In truth, they need to be thinned out at an early stage otherwise you'll be over run by them but by leaving the odd one here and there, you'll have a lovely natural display.

Shoulder to shoulder

A few weeks a go I tried a new poppy called Papaver dubium subsp lecoqii var albiflorum (what a mouth full).  Also commonly known (thank goodness) as 'Beth's Poppy.' A delightful blush pink flower should have a few admirers.  I would have had an earlier display if sown last autumn but I'm sure a later display is still feasible from an early spring sowing.

Poppies, apparently, dislike root disturbance but if you prick them out at a very early stage you shouldn't encounter any problems. These were pricked out a couple of weeks a go and will soon be placed in their location.  Nothing rigid - just a casual threading through parts of the border.   Hopefully, they may self seed thereafter and provide a relaxed coittage garden feel.

X marks the spot

Many perennials, such as delphiniums, are shooting skywards now but some plants are particularly reluctant in poking their heads above the ground, notably dicentra, now called Lamprocapnos spectabilis, and Paris polyphylla to name but two. Until now they've been below the surface enjoying their period of dormancy. In view of this enforced hibernation, it's extremely easy to damage with a spade, fork or hoe when you're tidying and planting-up various areas during the autumn and winter months.  So, to that end, it's always advantageous to mark the plants position by means of a shortened bamboo cane.  That way you know to leave well alone in that area and no damage will be inflicted.

A little bit of tying

In view of the heavy winds, gardens have taken a fair old beating over recent days. Some herbaceous plants are still hanging on to their brittle stems (such as phlox) and all they need at this time of year is a simple clean break at the base with your hands and they will cleanly snap-off; much easier and quicker than having to cut each stem in the autumn with your secateurs.

Climbing roses will need their main stems (which form the framework) tied to wires sooner rather than later. If, like me, you have a rose that you want to train up a chestnut pole, these stems also need securing. Remove the dead, damaged and diseased wood first (the 3 d's) and then any crossing branches and spindly growth. Finally, laterals need to be cut back to about 4 inches. Once you've done all this you can then start tying-in.

The best way to achieve this is to secure your twine to the pole and then tie in each main stem.  Do this by taking the twine around the outside of the stem, take it underneath, then return over the top and progress to the next stem.

Once all have stems have been tied-in you should have something looking like this. The twine isn't fixed too tightly but just enough to prevent stems from waving around in the wind. 

Keep off!

The weather is still presenting some challenges and although there is much to do in the borders there is no point compacting the soil and subsequently ruining the structure - so stay off is my advice. So once again, it's working from paths wherever possible.

At one of my gardens, one plant that is in need of some attention is Cotoneaster horizontalis. Over the years it has gradually encroached it's way onto the path / driveway and becoming rather messy.

The difficulty is trying to ensure the layers of herringbone patterned stems are maintained whilst pruning to keep it within bounds.

Some main branches were completely removed and selective stems cut back to appropriate places. In the end it looked much better and, without the loss of its distinctive habit.

If a plant has totally over stayed its welcome, it may be necessary to cut it right back to ground level and start the framework, once again, from scratch. 

The mild weather has continued to advance plant growth and their flowers. Here we have a pulmonaria (common nicknames such as Soldiers & Sailors, Lungwort, Jerusalem Cowslip and Adam and Eve to name but a few...take your pick!) providing a pleasing splash of blue to this moist, part-shady area of the garden. 

A challenging time

In view of these continued rainy days, pruning is still pretty much at the top of my agenda and one plant (fuchsia), in one front garden, had the secateurs forced upon it. A little earlier then I would normally intervene but the weather, it has to be said, is pretty mild.

Lots of weak growth from last year is completely removed and then, and only then, are the strongest stems kept and pruned back, quite hard, to just above a node.  I wanted to prevent all the plant from flowering at the same height so I've taken careful steps to layer the pruning to maximise the spread of the display. 

When completed, I added some bonemeal and applied a mulch.

Sadly not all plants, or trees come to think of it, get this careful treatment.  It looks as if this tree surgeon has been a bit too heavy handed with the chainsaw.  An understatement to say the least...and what a bloody disgrace and eyesore!

A ray of sunshine

In addition to the increase flower in the gardens from bulbs / plants such as snowdrops, hellebores and hamamelis, it's lovely to see some colour from some indoor plants.  Here, Plumbago 'Dark Blue' is starting to flower in my conservatory. More buds are waiting in the wings!

Off to the barbers

More rain last week which once again, forced me to reconsider my wish list of jobs. As a result, the planting of bare rooted roses has had to wait for another day. Buds are already breaking so decision time very shortly.

With the ground still wet to be cultivating I diverted my attention to some pampass grass (Cortaderia selloana) which runs at the very edge of this boundary. Each year it looks great (particularly in late autumn as shown here) along this exposed garden. However, this is an ideal time to cut them right back to a tight hummock to prevent them becoming an over-sized and messy brute. 

On this occasion, a good hedge trimmer is an ideal tool which makes easy work of cutting through the razor sharp leaves. Wearing long sleeves as protection is paramount if you want to prevent your arms from getting slashed to bits. 

Gradually making my way down the row and time for a quick coffee.

Apart from some finer tidying of each hummock, a good job done until my next visit.  A pleased barber!

What a difference a snip makes

Despite the unsettled weather there are still lots of jobs that I've been able to do.  In addition to the ongoing pruning of certain shrubs and cutting back those perennials that have finished their winter seed head display, cutting back your ferns is another useful task worth undertaking.

Many people leave their ferns year-on-year without cutting back the fronds, resulting in a messy specimen.

By simply removing the fronds, right to the woolly fists, it enlivens the plant and new growth will emerge in next to no time - uninterrupted from the previous years growth. 

In just a few simple snips the fern is finished!

Once complete, the surrounding area has been enriched with some organic matter (lightly forked in). This space creates an opportunity to introduce some snowdrops (in the green); the 2 plants would then work in tandem.  When the fern is dormant the snowdrops strut their stuff and when the snowdrops finish their display the fern is beginning to takeover the show and fills up the area whilst its partner is dormant. Simple eh!

The snowdrops will arrive around mid February, so I'm looking forward to introducing them; not only around the fern but to most deciduous shrubs that need some added colour around their base at this time of year.  

Here, I already have a small group at the base of my Hydrangea petiolaris.  This particular one is Galanthus 'S Arnott' which Fergus kindly gave when I was at Dixter. It's slow to bulk up but it's an absolute gem.

If you want something a little different to partner a deciduous shrub, you could use Arum italicum 'Marmoratum'.