Bulbs to Plant in February

Spring is usually the most popular time for planting out summer flowering bulbs. However! February is a great time to begin planting some of the hardier varieties, or for putting them out into pots and containers for a fabulous display. Generally, bulbs prefer a light, well-draining soil – so try to avoid wet and heavy soils. But don’t worry if your garden soil isn’t well-drained, as all the bulbs below are suitable for pots and containers.

LILIES

Lily bulbs can be planted any time from autumn to spring in a sunny spot, in rich well-drained soil, around 15-20cm deep. If your soil is heavy, wet or badly drained then you could plant in pots or containers for a lovely patio display.

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Lily Gran Tourismo

This deep pink oriental Lily has a striking green centre and a wonderful fragrance. This unusual giant star-shaped flower is brilliant for a cut flower display.

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Martagon Hansonii

A beautiful Lily with delicate golden flowers and small burgundy markings. This flower has unusual recurved petals, making it a lovely feature.

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EUCOMIS

Eucomis bulbs are usually planted in spring, however February is not too early to plant them into pots and containers. If planted in well-drained soil the bulbs should be hardy to around -6 °C . Plant the bulbs 15cm deep in pots for a summer display, or out in the border once actively growing – but only after the last frosts.

Sparkling Rosy

This extraordinary Eucomis produces contrasting deep purple and delicate pink flowers. The star-shaped blooms are accompanied by bold green foliage.

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Autumnalis Alba

Our Autumnalis Alba is a more elegant Eucomis, with a refreshing colourway of crisp white flowers and bright green foliage. It makes a beautiful patio plant.

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LIATRIS

Liatris are tough herbaceous perennials originating from North America, and are great for attracting wildlife such as bees and butterflies. They produce large blooms which eventually form a clump and can be later divided in spring. Plant in light, well-draining soil around 5cm deep.

Spicata

Our Liatris Spicata produces a mass of bright spike-shaped blooms in a bold purple-pink colour. The flowers stand tall at 80cm from July to September.

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Spicata Alba

The Spicata Alba is a beautiful white variety of Liatris, which looks superb when complementing the pink. These blooms are wonderful for attracting bees and butterflies.

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Quick Guide to Bulb Planting:

Generally bulbs need to be planted approximately three times the depth of the bulb itself, though if you’re unsure it’s better to dig a little deeper than not.

  • Dig a hole deep and wide enough for the bulb size.
  • Place the bulb with the shoot facing upwards into the hole. Space your bulbs at least twice their width apart.
  • Fill the hole with soil and gently firm. Avoid stepping on the soil as this could cause damage.
  • After planting, water bulbs once and then regularly once in active growth.

ALL throughout January we are running weekly giveaways!

For your chance to WIN our RASPBERRY ‘RUBY BEAUTY’ (worth £9.99), simply head to our Instagram page HERE or click the image below, and follow the instructions.

A WINNER will be chosen at random next Monday. Good luck!

A Guide to the Best Begonias

Begonias are a fantastic summer plant to grow, and very rewarding. In the British climate they will flower abundantly from June right through to October. As such versatile plants they look fabulous in pots or containers on the patio, or equally as beautiful in a flower bed. At J. Parker’s we have a huge range of Begonias to add colour to your garden. Take a look below where we have compiled a few of our favourites from each variety.

Our Begonia Top Picks

DOUBLE BEGONIAS:

Double Exhibition Orange

This Exhibition Begonia has a stunningly large, zesty orange flower which is sure to add “wow” factor to beds and patio containers. The double blooms can reach a huge 15cm in diameter.

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Double Exhibition White

Our White Double also reaches a giant 15cm in diameter. Its pure white petals look angelic against the fresh green foliage, and is great to mix with a brighter colour for an eye-catching display.

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CASCADING BEGONIAS:

Cascading Pink

These pretty pink Cascading Begonias are a lovely addition to hanging baskets, where they will delicately trail over. A favourite of gardeners, the frilled flowers will be in bloom all summer long.

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Cascading Yellow

Our yellow Cascading Begonias add vibrancy to your summer garden. They look beautiful as they spill over hanging baskets and their colourful blooms last all summer long.

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FANCY FRILLS BEGONIAS (FIMBRIATA):

Fancy Frills Red

This Begonia produces luxurious large double blooms with crimped edges, in a beautiful deep crimson colour. Sat upon crisp green foliage it really is a wonderful sight.

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Fancy Frills White

Our pure white Fimbriata Begonia resembles a double carnation in appearance, with its ruffled petals and serrated edges. This flower is ideal for pots, containers, and borders alike.

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MIGHTY MINI BEGONIAS (SUPERBA):

Mighty Mini Superba Orange

The salmon-orange petals of this Superba Begonia add zing to borders and patio pots. These giant flowers look wonderful in the garden or make equally as beautiful cut flowers. Flower from June to October.

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Mighty Mini Superba Yellow

Our Superba Yellow Begonia has giant flowers with exquisite yellow ruffled petals. Blooming all summer, from June to October, it’s sure to add delight to borders and patios.

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NON STOP BEGONIAS:

Non Stop Pink

Non Stop Begonias produce fantastically vibrant flowers, and our Pink variety contrasts beautifully against its green foliage. Flowers from June right through to October.

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Non Stop Salmon

Our Salmon Non Stop Begonia has bright and lively orange coloured petals which blooms virtually non-stop throughout the summer months. They are a lovely addition to pots, bedding and window boxes.

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How to Grow Begonias

TUBEROUS BEGONIAS:

  • Tubers may be started into growth from February onwards. The easiest way is to put them into shallow boxes containing a mixture of loam, leaf mould and sand.
  • They should be started in shallow boxes in light soil; the saucer-like tubers should be planted very shallow with the hollow side up.
  • As soon as any danger of frost has passed they can be transferred to their position in the garden, at least 30cm apart.
  • Begonias are great lovers of moisture and during dry weather they should be water in the early morning or in the evening.

Our Spring 2020 range is out NOW! To shop our lovely collection of Spring plants and bulbs, click here.

Alternatively, you can request our Spring 2020 catalogue here.

January in the Garden

January may seem a little dull and grey in the garden, but in reality it is an exciting time for fresh starts, looking ahead, and planning a beautiful garden for the twelve months ahead. Jobs in the garden this month are mostly about keeping things trim and tidy in preparation for the year to come.

Christmas Trees

By now Christmas decorations are packed away and trees taken down. However, if your tree has been dumped in the garden for the past week or so, why not recycle it. Christmas trees can be shredded into mulch to help keep moisture in during winter and protect tender plants from frost damage.

Cut Backs

January calls for clean sweeps and clearing collapsed herbaceous plants is a must-task. Leave most stems on your plants to provide a home for insects but chop out the bent stems and pile them in a corner so the bugs can snooze until spring.

In the Flower Garden

  • Prune your Wisteria and Rose bushes
  • Cut back ornamental grasses
  • Tidy up perennials
  • Remove Hellebore leaves
  • Deadhead winter Pansies
  • Cut back Willows

Why not start thinking ahead and pre-order one of our NEW pre-planted hanging baskets? Click here to shop.

Frost Protection

Keep tender plants in the greenhouse or in a cold frame if not done so already. You should also raise any containers on feet and keep them grouped against a house wall to utilise the warmer temperature.

Any terracotta pots that aren’t frost proof should be moved indoors or in a shed, failing that wrapping in bubble wrap or fleece should prevent cracking.

Planting and Caring for Fruit Plants

We’ve been lucky to have a fairly mild winter so far, and as the soil isn’t frozen this year January is a perfect time to plant bare-rooted fruit trees and bushes. You can also crack on with pruning currants and gooseberry bushes.

Click here to browse our extensive range of fruit trees and plants.

Getting ready for Spring

  • Clean pots, tools, water butts and greenhouses in preparation for spring. this will set you up for a great growing season.
  • Start planning what you want to do with your garden in the months to come. Now is the time to order bulbs and plants from the comfort of your armchair.
  • Check your winter protection is still working for you – survey any stakes, supports and ties that might have been damaged in bad weather.
  • Continue looking after wildlife – put out food for hungry birds and continue to leave some areas of your garden uncut for shelter until the spring.

Pruning Apple and Pear Trees

How much:

  • Aim to take between 10-20% off the whole canopy in one winter. Work around the tree evenly and keep in mind that less is more – if you’re unsure, it’s better to come back to it next year and do some more then.

What to achieve:

  • The more you prune, the stronger the regrowth (if the tree is healthy). Your aim is to take out a bit of old wood each winter to stimulate new growth. The majority of fruiting wood should be quite young, one to four years old, as that fruits best.

We have a fantastic collection of Apple and Pear trees, available to buy now. Click here to view.

ALL throughout January we are running weekly giveaways!

For a chance to WIN our BLUEBERRY ALL SEASONS COLLECTION (worth £11.98), simply head to our Instagram page HERE or click the image below, and follow the instructions.

A WINNER will be chosen at random next Monday. Good luck!

The Best Time to Plant Fruit Trees

Growing your own fruit trees has so many benefits, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t got one in your garden already. In addition to delicious, healthy and organic produce, planting trees also improves air quality, reduces flooding, increases soil quality, and provides a wonderful habitat for birds, bees, insects and wildlife. Shop our gorgeous range of fruit trees here, we have something for every garden!

Depending on where you choose to plant your fruit tree, the time of year varies. When planting into a pot or container, the best time is from mid-August to the end of May. Whereas bare rooted trees should be planted anywhere from late October to March.

Our Top Picks for 2020

Apple Trees

Our apple trees produce high yields of gorgeous tasting fruit with little maintenance, and are suitable to be planted into large containers or straight in the ground.

 Apple Spartan

Spartan is a flavourful dessert apple with a distinct maroon red skin. The delicious fruit is excellent for eating fresh or for making refreshing juices. The fruit ripens in October and November.

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Apple Api Noir

This striking deep burgundy apple blossoms with pretty white flowers in spring, and follows with sweet dark fruit in October. The attractive colour of Api Noir makes it a popular choice for decorative gardens.

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Plum Trees

Plum Czar

Our Plum Czar produces fantastically large, juicy and plump dark purple plums which have a lovely  flavour. This reliable early fruiting tree has white blossoms in Spring and the fruit arrives early August.

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 Plum Imperial Gage

Also known as Denniston’s Superb, this tree is reliable and hardy and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Its fruits are small and have a wonderful flavour with overtones of sweet honey. Blossoms from April and fruits in August.

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Patio Trees

 Cherry Kordia (Patio)

Also known as Prunus Kordia, this compact dwarf cherry tree was awarded an RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2014. It has pretty white blossom in early spring, followed by large glossy fruits in April and May.

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Patio Nectarine (Prunus)

Our patio Nectarine tree produces plump, juicy fruits with a wonderful flavour. This compact variety allows anybody to grow their own produce, regardless of garden size. It has pretty pink blossom in Spring, followed by fruit in the Summer.

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How To: Planting Bare Rooted Trees

All of our full sized trees are provided as 2 year old bare rooted top-quality fruit trees ranging in height from 4-6 foot on arrival, depending on variety.

Planting instructions:

  • On receiving your tree you need to soak the roots in a bucket of water for at least two hours, though ideally overnight, to give a head start on soaking up as much moisture as possible before planting.
  • Choose a planting location which has access to lots of sun, as the more it gets the healthier it’ll be. It’s also worth planting in areas with shelter from harsh winds.
  • Dig a hole which is large enough to accommodate the roots without cramping them. Drained, fertile soil is best and we recommend that you add some manure or compost when planting.
  • Place your tree into the hole and fill around the roots, being careful that no air gaps exist.
  • Stake the tree to keep it secure and provide protection from unexpected winds. Always tie the stake low down so that the tree is able to move in the wind, but the roots are firmly held.
  • You can also grow your tree individually in a large pot following the same instructions – though it may reduce the fruiting of it slightly.

Our new Spring 2020 range is available online NOW. Take a look at our fabulous collection and happy shopping!

Alternatively, you can request a copy of our Spring 2020 Catalogue here.

How and When to Plant Summer Bulbs

As spring approaches, it’s time to head outdoors and prepare your garden for summer blooms. Flowers categorised as ‘summer bulbs’ are flowering bulbs which grow and bloom during the summer, and so they are planted at the start of spring. Summer bulbs need warm weather and warm soil; a rule of thumb to remember is if it’s time for your tomatoes to go outdoors, it is also time to plant your summer bulb.

J.Parker’s Spring 2020 Collection is available to browse and purchase online NOW! So why not take a look our selection below of some beautiful summer bulbs, and kick-start the inspiration for your summer garden.

Begonias

How to plant: Begonias planted in beds which are enriched with well rotted or leaf mould will make a fine show. They should be started in shallow boxes in light soil; the saucer like tubers should be planted very shallow with the hollow side up. As soon as any danger of frost is passed then they can be transferred to their position in the garden at least 30cm apart.

Helene Harms

These cheerful sunshine blooms will add colour all summer from June to October. A perfect addition to patio pots or containers.

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Odorata Pink Delight

Well-known for its highly fragrant flowers, the Begonia Pink Delight produces an abundance of vivid pink blooms. Flowers throughout summer until first frosts.

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 Non-Stop White

These stunning white flowers bloom continuously throughout the summer months, contrasting against their glossy dark leaves.

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Dahlias

How to plant: Dahlia tubers can be planted 10cm deep in fertile well drained soil, outdoors in spring when the frost has disappeared. They prefer to be in a sunny location and spaced at approximately 45cm apart. In areas where there is extreme cold, dig up dahlias and store in a cool peat over the winter. Apply a high potash fertiliser every few weeks in summer and dead head when necessary.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a large, zesty yellow Dinner Plate Dahlia with flowers that really shine during the summer months. Flowers June to September.

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Bishop of Leicester

Bishop of Leicester produces beautiful pink petals and a golden yellow centre. The unusual dark foliage contrasts brilliantly with the bright flower.

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Cabana Banana

Cactus Dahlias produce pointed petals which turn backwards to create this stunning tubular effect. The Cabana Banana has a gorgeous creamy yellow flower with a subtle blend of pink.

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Lilies

How to plant: each lily bulb should be surrounded with a little sharp sand both under and above the bulb to keep slugs away and to ward off excessive wetness. As most liliums are stem rooting we strongly recommend you plant at 15cm deep. They give a much better display when planted in clumps of 3, 6 or 12 bulbs (45cm apart). Planting time is October through to April.

Foxtrot

This delicate pale pink Dwarf Asiatic Lily is compact, but produces masses of flowers on very sturdy stems. Flowering from June to August, they make a great summer border flower.

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Yellow County

Our Yellow County Asiatic Lily produces lovely lively yellow flowers, with a beautiful scent. Asiatic hybrid lilies are the easiest to grow and amongst the first to bloom.

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White Heaven

The pure white trumpet shape of this Longiflorum Lily is a delicate addition to any summer garden, and make for wonderful cut flower displays. Bloom from July to September.

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Gladioli

How to plant: plant gladioli corms about 10-15cm deep and about 10-15cm apart, in fertile/well drained soil. When planting in a heavy soil, place some sand underneath each corm to help with drainage. At Parkers we recommend planting Gladioli in groups at monthly intervals, starting early spring, to extend the flowering season for a display which lasts all summer long.

Adrenaline

Our Gladioli Adrenaline are a dazzling blend of pale pink, white, and purple stamens. They make a lovely fresh feature in any summer garden.

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Fergie

Fergie is a Butterfly Gladioli that produces tangy lime green flowers with a dramatic contrasting red in its throat. Like all Gladioli they are great for attracting bees and butterflies.

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Nanus Impressive

These Gladioli are true to their name, with amazing dark pink markings upon pale pink petals. The unique pattern certainly attracts the eye and flower from May until July.

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Our new Spring 2020 range is now available online. Get ahead and begin shopping for your Summer Garden now!

Alternatively, you can request a copy of our Spring 2020 Catalogue here.

Subscriber Exclusive Competition: WIN a Free Order!

Exclusively for our email subscribers, any orders placed between 9am Wednesday until 9am Saturday will be entered into our prize draw and one lucky winner will be picked at random to receive their order for FREE!

One lucky customer will be picked at random next week and the winner will receive a full refund for their order.

Terms and Conditions for our 2020 Subscriber Prize Draw include;

    • The prize draw competition will run from 9am on Wednesday 8th January 2020 until 9am on Saturday 11th of January 2020 and only orders placed within this time are eligible for entry
    • The winning order will be selected at random from all eligible entries
    • The lucky winner will receive a full refund for the winning order only, not for any other orders placed
    • The winner will be notified by email by the 15th of January 2020 and the refund will be processed within 5 working days of notification.
    • The refund can only be processed back to the original method of payment. Where payment was made by credit or debit card, it can only be refunded to the same card that was used for the original payment. Once processed, please allow up to 5 working days for your card issuer to clear the refund to your account.

6 Easy to Grow Climbing Plants

Make gardening easier this new year with an array of beautiful and scented climbers. Check out our 6 favourite plants and their best selling varieties.

Ivy

There are few places that ivy cannot grow. This beautiful climbing plant is perfect for bringing life to walls, fences or even hanging baskets.

Boston Ivy

A vigorous climber with glossy leaves and amazing autumn colour. This enchanting plant can be planted almost anywhere in the garden from sunny spots to shaded areas.

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Virginia Creeper

A popular climbing plant. With an effective and rustic look, their reddish-bronze foliage look extremely eye-catching when grown up walls.

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Jasmine

Few climbers can rival Jasmine’s beauty and fragrance. Despite vigorous growth habits, Jasmine plants are easy to grow in the garden and flowers from November to March.

Fragrant Star Jasmine

Need something to cover an unsightly wall or fence? Try the highly fragrant, white star-shaped blooms of Star Jasmine. A truly stunning addition to the summer garden.

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Jasmine nudiflorum

Brighten up any wall with this cheerful hardy evergreen climber. Easy to grow and maintain, the vivid yellow flowers are also highly fragrant so we recommend planting in areas where they can be enjoyed such as containers for the patio.

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Wisteria

Looking for a spectacular, fast growing climber? Try the beautiful vines of Wisteria. Easy to establish and versatile, these plants are known for their traffic stopping colours and high performance.

Wisteria ‘Black Dragon’

One of the most spectacular of all the climbers. With fragrant, violet blue pendular flowers, this early summer beauty is a delight when trained around trees or over bare walls.

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Wisteria ‘Multijuga’

An RHS Garden Merit winner. ‘Multijuga’ is one of the most desirable varieties of Japanese Wisteria on the market today. Their fragrant lilac flowers bloom from summer into the autumn.

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Honeysuckle

An easy and effective climber that is a great addition to any landscape.

Honeysuckle ‘Gold Flame’

Enjoy the masses of colourful tubular cartwheel-shaped red and orange flowers are produced from June through to September. This vigorous grower that can quickly cover a wall or fence.

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Honeysuckle ‘American Beauty’

A gorgeous, cottage-style Honeysuckle. With strikingly beautiful peach and pink flowers that showcase from June through to September, this beauty will make a wonderful feature plant.

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Climbing Roses

Climbing Roses are truly resilient plants. Vigorous and relatively easy to grow, plant a rose to add a touch of charm to the summer garden.

Rose ‘Zephirine Drouhin’

A free flowering, thornless Rose. Adorned with an abundance of cupped silvery pink blooms that can decorate the wall of a house or gracing a trellis, arch or pergola, they also provide a sweet lingering perfume.

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Rose ‘Golden Showers’

Add a touch of sunshine to the summer garden with these bright yellow blooms. Easy to grow and very versatile, there is nothing more beautiful than a climbing colourful rose decorating the wall of a house.

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Clematis

Easy to grow and many to choose from. Plant in spring or early- to mid-autumn and transform a pergola or wall with wonderful Clematis plants.

Clematis ‘Apple Blossom’

One of the most popular climbers on the market. Their abundance of baby pink buds with deep pink flushes,  open in to baby pink flowers in spring. Plant where you can enjoy the gorgeous almond scent, either by a doorway or seating area.

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Clematis ‘Huldine’

The perfect elegant choice for the summer garden. With a profusion of fragrant white star-shaped flowers, create a blanket of blossom when planted up trellis or along walls.

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Our Spring 2020 range is now available online. Shop now to prep your garden for summer with our amazing offers on Dahlias, Begonias, Roses and many many more!

New Year’s Resolutions for the Garden

As we say goodbye to another lovely year, it’s time for us to welcome a fresh start and look towards a great year ahead. New Year’s Resolutions are a fantastic opportunity to try something new, and where better to make a positive change than in the garden? Below we have compiled some tips and ideas on how you can maximise your garden this year.

Start a compost heap

 

 

 

 

 

 

Generating your own compost is a fantastic (and free!) way to make an impact on your garden, as well as reducing your contribution to landfill. Spreading the finished compost into flowerbeds greatly improves soil quality by helping it it to retain moisture, suppress weeds, boost plant growth, and reduce the need to use chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

You can put so much into your compost. Waste such as fruit and veg peelings, eggshells, coffee grounds, teabags, garden waste, used paper napkins/towels, unwaxed cardboard and paper (ripped into small pieces), most food waste, toothpicks, even hair!

Start growing your own vegetables

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contrary to popular belief, a large garden with lots of space is not essential to successfully growing your own fruit and veg. Dependant on the variety, many fruits, vegetables and herbs can be grown in beds, borders, containers, or pots. Meaning that even the smallest of spaces has the potential to yield a bumper crop!

The benefits to growing your own fruit and vegetables are in abundance; home grown is fresher, it tastes better, it contains no chemicals, saves you money, and reduces single-use plastic packaging so is much better for the environment. Not to mention how rewarding the results are.

Check out our wonderfully wide selection of fruit and vegetable plants here.

Encourage wildlife into your garden

Encouraging wildlife into your garden is really rewarding and truly brings it to life. It positively impacts the livelihood of certain species and is incredibly beneficial to your garden; reducing the spread of weeds, pollinating your plants, and keeping garden pests such as slugs under control.

Grow Wildflowers

Bees and butterflies are drawn to wildflowers, and are a great way to attract wildlife into your garden. Our Buddleia weyeriana ‘Sungold’ is a particular favourite of butterflies.

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Create a Water Feature or Pond

If you have space for a pond this will diversify your garden ecosystem and allow you to keep fish and frogs as well as attracting beautiful insects like dragonflies. If not, a small water feature will help to attract different creatures.

 

 Hang a Bird Feeder

A bird feeder filled with unsalted peanuts, fat balls, or seed mixes are ideal for attracting a range of bird species. Alongside this it’s a good idea to have a bird bath of some kind to provide your feathered visitors with a water source for drinking and washing.

fill your 2020 garden with hanging baskets

The easiest way to add something new to your garden this year is with one of our Premium Pre-Planted Hanging Baskets! We have various styles and colours to choose from, and there is something to suit every garden. Our premium 14 inch diameter Rattan baskets are pre-planted with the highest quality UK-grown summer plants and delivered nursery-fresh direct to your door. Simply hang them securely in their chosen location, water, and they’re ready to go.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! And if you only manage to have one resolution this year, make it to find a little more time to enjoy your garden!

Dazzling Dahlias for the New Year 🌟

If you love bright colours in your borders, you won’t go far wrong with dahlias. Dahlias are among the lowest maintenance, highest production cut flowers and garden plants you can grow. So, with our premium Dahlia range now available to order online (for dispatch from mid-January), why not kick the new year off with a bang by planting these showstopping bloomers.

Dahlia Ambition

Marvel at the profusion of spectacular rich purple blooms of our Dahlia Ambition. A great choice for borders, containers or as superb cut flowers.

Click here to view online.

Dahlia Tartan

This striking Dahlia will steal the show in any summer garden. Their gently ruffled, velvet wine and white swirled petals are great for cutting or plant in groups for a hypnotizing display.

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Dahlia Blue Boy

Big, bright and blue. These cool toned Decorative Dahlia flowers will add a touch of class to your summer borders.

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Dahlia Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau is a fabulous dwarf Dahlia variety that produces amazing deep pink, almost purple flowers. Perfect as pretty cut flowers for the vase.

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Dahlia Toto

Anemone flowering Dahlias, commonly known as Powder Puff Dahlias produce unique flowers with double feathered central petals, resembling a Powder Puff.

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Dahlia Painted Lady

Bring joy to the summer garden with Dahlia Painted Lady‘s pink and crimson flecked flowers. A perfect choice for a feature plant in the border or potted up in a patio display.

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Dahlia Collarette Pooh

A truly charming Dahlia. Bright orange-red petals adorn a ring of small ruffled gold petals at their heart. A real stand out for borders or as cut flowers.

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Dahlia Honka White

A Dahlia with style. These unique cartwheel style flowers look will look like little sunny faces in the summer border.

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Dahlia Boom Boom Yellow

Silky, spherical flowers. These Pompom Dahlias brighten up the summer season with their unique, pale yellow blooms. An uplifting sight in a sunny garden.

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Dahlia Bishop of Leicester

Dark and dramatic showstoppers. These attractive pink flowers with cheery yellow centres contrast beautifully against their dark foliage.

Click here to view online.

 

Our Favourite Dahlias for a Cutting Garden
Dahlia Apricot Desire
Dahlia Apricot Desire
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How to plant Dahlia tubers

  • Plant dahlias on free-draining, lighter soils, where they are more likely to survive the winter.
  • Plant in a sunny or partially shaded location for best growth.
  •  Space about 60cm (2ft) apart and 10-15cm (4-6in) deep.
  •  As dahlias are tender, you’re best starting the tubers into growth in the greenhouse, then plant them in their flowering site after the frosty days are passed.

NEW SPRING 2020 CATALOGUE COMING SOON!

Our new spring 2020 catalogue has landed! Filled with our latest range of fantastic offers on spring/summer bulbs, plants and shrubs, keep an eye out for your copy in the post in January!

Not signed up for the catalogue? Click here.

Must-Have Flowers for 2020

Get Ahead: Plan your Summer Bulb Displays Now

With the new year approaching we can look forward to warmer weather and new growth appearing in our gardens, and now is the perfect time to be thinking of your summer display. Summer-flowering bulbs add an injection of colour to any garden and make for eye-catching borders and displays. Whilst often planted out in spring, many bulbs are suited to being planted as early as February. Be one step ahead and take inspiration from our selection below of Must-Have Flowers for 2020!

Summer Flower Top-Picks:

Lilies

Lilies add a touch of the exotic to the garden, and their large, brightly coloured heads are bound to attract the eye. These flowers are a striking addition to pots and borders and provide a beautiful scent. Planting time is December to April.

Lily Mona Lisa

This Dwarf Oriental Lily is a must for fronts of garden borders, or perfect in a patio pot or container. With a wonderful fragrance, these lilies would also make a lovely cut flower arrangement.

Click here to view online.

 

Lily Red Twin

Our Double Flowering Asiatic Lily produces an abundance of vibrant deep red-orange flowers, and is sure to liven up any display or border.

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Lily Butter Pixie

The bright zesty petals of this Dwarf Asiatic Lily contrast splendidly with its glossy dark leaves, and is a refreshing addition to front of border displays.

Click here to view online.

 

Begonia

Begonias are extremely popular for their versatility and reliability. From hanging baskets and window boxes to borders and pots, these colourful favourites are a  centerpiece in the garden. Planting time is from February onwards.

Begonia Richard GaLLE

Begonia Multiflora Richard Galle produces clusters of apricot-orange flowers with hints of yellow. They have a fantastic flowering period from June right through to October.

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Begonia Double Pink

Our Begonia Double Pink has spectacularly large bright pink blooms which can reach a diameter of 15cm. The tubers can be lifted, stored, and replanted the following year making them great value.

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Begonia Fancy Frills Yellow 

Begonia Fancy Frills is a sunshine yellow Fimbriata Begonia with bright ruffled petals. This flower is sure to bring sun to any garden.

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Gladioli

Gladioli are a classic flower which have added excitement to summer displays for generations. Available in an array of bright and bold colours, they are often referred to as the ‘sword lily’ for their blade-shaped foliage. Planting time is early March to May.

Gladioli Video

The Gladioli Video yields elegant lavender-pink petals from tall flower spikes, reaching a mature height of 90cm. Perfect for adding height to borders.

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Gladioli Cha Cha

Our Gladioli Cha Cha has beautiful butter yellow flowers which are sure to brighten up any border or summer display.

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Gladioli Espresso

The Gladioli Espresso produces striking velvety-red flowers with contrasting white stamens. This large, vibrant flower will bring excitement to any garden this summer.

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Eucomis

Eucomis descend from South Africa and have an unusual pineapple shape. Their long-lasting flowers and attractive foliage are an exotic feature point of borders, pots and flowerbeds. Planting time is from February, if into pots and containers.

Eucomis Sparkling Rosy

The Eucomis Sparkling Rosy gives deep maroon flowers in summer and follows with delicate pale pink star-shaped flowers, nestled between glossy green foliage.

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Eucomis Bicolour

This Eucomis Bicolour most lives up to the name of ‘pineapple lily, as it’s flowers bear a striking resemblance to the fruit. It’s petals are pale green an edged with maroon.

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Eucomis Autmnalis Alba

Our Eucomis Autumnalis Alba produces white flower spikes with a bright green tuft, atop broad, wavy edged leaves.

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Bulb Planting: A Guide

The general rule for planting bulbs is to dig deeper than the obvious. The usual guide is two to three times the depth of the bulb itself, however you will do less harm by planting too deep than too shallow. The other general rule is that bulbs need good drainage. The best way to achieve this is to mix grit into the general area or container of planting.

Many summer bulbs are ideal for growing in patio containers, especially tender species. These can then be lifted in winter and stored.

Step by Step:

Planting in borders:

  • Dig a hole wide and deep enough for your bulbs. Most bulbs require planting in a hole two to three times their depth.
  • Place the bulbs in the hole with their shoot facing upwards. Space them at least twice the bulb’s own width apart.
  • Replace the soil and gently firm. Avoid treading on the soil as this can damage the bulbs.

Planting in containers:

  • Dig a hole three times the bub depth, and plant the bulbs one width apart.
  • Water bulbs once after planting then regularly when in active growth. Reduce watering once the leaves die down through the dormant season.
  • If you bring pots of hardy bulbs indoors for flowering, put them in a sheltered spot outside as soon as flowering is over.

Looking for more information on planting our bulbs? Below you can find a selection of videos from our resident plant expert Jeff Turner explaining how best to plant your Summer Bulbs.

How to Plant Eucomis (Pineapple Lily): Summer Garden Guide
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