Containers & Hanging Baskets
Many plants are ideally suited for growing in all sorts of containers, although the most often used are bedding plants.However, plants such as shrubs, herbaceous perennials, herbs, climbers, alpines, bulbs, heathers, roses, dwarf fruit trees,strawberries and conifers should also be considered, either on their own or in combinations to provide all year round colour.
Containers are easy to maintain and can be moved around to give a fresh look to the garden. Select a good balance of upright and trailing plants according to the shape and size of the container. Remember that Summer containers can be replanted for Autumn and Winter colour.
Wherever you use them, containers will help break up the harsh lines of patios, walls, steps and paths.
A wide range of containers are available including:
Hanging Baskets
Half Barrels
Pots
Window Boxes
Troughs
Mangers
Wall Baskets
Plant recommendations
•containers in sun
•containers in shade
In a selection of materials such as clay, stone, terracotta, wood, plastic and wire. The shape and size of the container will influence the choice of plants, with larger plants such as shrubs and climbers requiring more space for the roots to grow.
Planting your container
1. Place small stones or broken pieces of polystyrene or pots onto the bottom of the container to cover the drainage holes.
2. Lining the sides of the container with bubble plastic will protect plants against frost and reduce water loss.
3. Add good quality compost so that plants, when placed on it, are about 3cm (1in) below the rim of their container. Work the potting compost in around the sides of the plants and level off. Make sure you water well.
4. Keep the container off the ground by placing small blocks underneath. This will prevent a vacuum and ensure proper drainage.
Looking after your containers
Never allow containers to dry out. It may be necessary to water in early morning and evening in hot weather and they must be watered in Autumn and Winter if required.
Feed regularly during Spring and Summer. Use a top dressing of granular fertiliser in Spring, followed by a liquid feed once week during the main growing season.
Remove dead flower heads, weed regularly and keep a close watch for pests and diseases which should be treated according to manufacturer's control recommendations.
Hanging baskets
These provide eye-catching displays and help to break up harsh architectural lines. Use plenty of trailing plants so that the base of the basket is well covered once established. Use wall-mounted baskets if hanging space is not available.
How to plant a hanging basket
1. Use a bucket or pot for support while planting and make sure plants are well-watered before starting. Place a plastic disc or old saucer on top of the moss in the base before adding compost to help retain moisture.
2. Line the basket with moss to halfway up the sides, or use a liner. Half fill with potting compost containing water retaining granules and slow-release fertiliser which should last the whole growing season.
3. Plant three foliage and three flowering plants through the sides of the basket. If using moss, then line to the top of the basket and fill to the top with compost.
4. Plant a tall plant in the centre andplant three foliage and threeflowering plants round the top edge of the basket. For larger baskets simply use more plants.
5. Once planted, water thoroughly, allow to soak and repeat. Protect from strong sunlight for two or three days and protect from frost. Dead-head regularly, water frequently and liquid feed towards the end of the flowering season.
Common Pond Fish
Goldfish
Easiest of the fish to keep, being a member of the carp family they can vary in colour from a red to very light gold. They will breed easily producing black young that may turn gold later in the right conditions. Can grow to 30cm but in normal conditions they will probably reach 20cm.
Koi
These most spectacular fish, can reach 60 cm to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) in size and come in an array of colours and patterns. Unfortunately really only suitable for larger purpose-built ponds with a depth of at least 0.9m (3 ft).
Golden Orfe
Should not be kept in smaller ponds or where there is no pump, as they require plenty of oxygen. Orfe can grow up to 40 cm ( 18 in) and prefer to be kept in shoals. They are useful surface feeders, keeping the insect population in check. Blue Orfe are sometimes available.
Sarasa Comets
From the same family as goldfish, but have bright red patches on a white background.
Shubunkins
Similar to goldfish they come in a multitude of colours including reds, greys and blues.
Tench
Very useful bottom feeders, clearing up any uneaten food etc. Once introduced into a pond it’ s likely you will not see them often as they stay at the bottom and their olive or green/brown colour tends to blend them into the background. A golden variety is often available.
Easiest of the fish to keep, being a member of the carp family they can vary in colour from a red to very light gold. They will breed easily producing black young that may turn gold later in the right conditions. Can grow to 30cm but in normal conditions they will probably reach 20cm.
Koi
These most spectacular fish, can reach 60 cm to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) in size and come in an array of colours and patterns. Unfortunately really only suitable for larger purpose-built ponds with a depth of at least 0.9m (3 ft).
Golden Orfe
Should not be kept in smaller ponds or where there is no pump, as they require plenty of oxygen. Orfe can grow up to 40 cm ( 18 in) and prefer to be kept in shoals. They are useful surface feeders, keeping the insect population in check. Blue Orfe are sometimes available.
Sarasa Comets
From the same family as goldfish, but have bright red patches on a white background.
Shubunkins
Similar to goldfish they come in a multitude of colours including reds, greys and blues.
Tench
Very useful bottom feeders, clearing up any uneaten food etc. Once introduced into a pond it’ s likely you will not see them often as they stay at the bottom and their olive or green/brown colour tends to blend them into the background. A golden variety is often available.
Small Spaces
The way we live is for every changing and space is becoming an ever-sought after commodity and therefore our gardens, now more than ever, have become an integrated part of our living space.
But, what are the limitations for a small garden? Most of us do not have rolling acres of land on which to carefully calculate the width versus length of our perennial borders. And, realistically many of us don’t have the time or the inclination to undertake the maintenance these acres of gardens would need.
Creating an outdoor area in a small space has its limits, but it should not be limiting. In a small garden, everything is in the detail. You can keep on top of maintenance, while still having time to sit and enjoy the space. In fact, many small gardens are designed around entertaining and relaxing, rather then the need to nurture masses of plants.
Whatever your reasons for having a small garden, there is no reason it cannot be a well designed show stopper. Virtually any plant or garden style can be adapted into a small garden space. The principles of strong garden design still apply, but they may have to be tweaked slightly.
Main Design Challenges
• The entire garden can be viewed as a whole
• Limited space for ‘hidden’ turns and spaces
• The need to make strong choices and overcome the inclination to buy on impulse
• Colour should be limited to provide cohesion and less is definitely more when space is limited.
• Compensate colour with a greater range and variety of textures
• Textural contrast will help blend the plant material and allow the garden to flow
• Every plant or feature will need to serve a purpose. There is no room for wasted space or underperforming plants. Plants should offer at least two seasons of interest
Small Garden Bonuses
• Design can be easier when you can take in the whole picture at once.
• It takes fewer plants to make a dramatic effect.
• Gardeners get to know every space and plant in a small garden. Any plant that is out of place or not thriving can be spotted and corrected quickly.
• Small gardens lend themselves to being enclosed. For example an evergreen or flowering hedge will give the illusion of a secret garden. A simple low boxwood edge transforms a small garden into a formal garden. Landscaping and fencing enclose and define a space for entertaining or children’s play.
• A small space garden lends itself to personal expression. Smaller gardens are extensions of you and your home and speak volumes about your sensibilities and tastes. But, if your tastes should change, it’s much easier to revamp a small garden.
But, what are the limitations for a small garden? Most of us do not have rolling acres of land on which to carefully calculate the width versus length of our perennial borders. And, realistically many of us don’t have the time or the inclination to undertake the maintenance these acres of gardens would need.
Creating an outdoor area in a small space has its limits, but it should not be limiting. In a small garden, everything is in the detail. You can keep on top of maintenance, while still having time to sit and enjoy the space. In fact, many small gardens are designed around entertaining and relaxing, rather then the need to nurture masses of plants.
Whatever your reasons for having a small garden, there is no reason it cannot be a well designed show stopper. Virtually any plant or garden style can be adapted into a small garden space. The principles of strong garden design still apply, but they may have to be tweaked slightly.
Main Design Challenges
• The entire garden can be viewed as a whole
• Limited space for ‘hidden’ turns and spaces
• The need to make strong choices and overcome the inclination to buy on impulse
• Colour should be limited to provide cohesion and less is definitely more when space is limited.
• Compensate colour with a greater range and variety of textures
• Textural contrast will help blend the plant material and allow the garden to flow
• Every plant or feature will need to serve a purpose. There is no room for wasted space or underperforming plants. Plants should offer at least two seasons of interest
Small Garden Bonuses
• Design can be easier when you can take in the whole picture at once.
• It takes fewer plants to make a dramatic effect.
• Gardeners get to know every space and plant in a small garden. Any plant that is out of place or not thriving can be spotted and corrected quickly.
• Small gardens lend themselves to being enclosed. For example an evergreen or flowering hedge will give the illusion of a secret garden. A simple low boxwood edge transforms a small garden into a formal garden. Landscaping and fencing enclose and define a space for entertaining or children’s play.
• A small space garden lends itself to personal expression. Smaller gardens are extensions of you and your home and speak volumes about your sensibilities and tastes. But, if your tastes should change, it’s much easier to revamp a small garden.
Gardening Tips for May – From the Spanish Potting Shed
Although I'm in a flurry of activity for the forthcoming Chelsea Flower Show, I am writing this mopnth's tips from the seclusion of Finca Lucia in Andalucia.
Now on my travels to this delightful haven of peace and tranquillity (volcanic ash permitting) I’ve browsed across the Spanish Gardening Forum, hot topics for this month include; “how is your orange crop, flowering cacti and the tales of the poor palms”. Reading through the comments on orange crops I can see that gardening is taken just as seriously here as it is in the UK.
But back to our green and pleasant pastures. Now that most of the country is enjoying a period of prolonged warmth (not really heat) we should be seeing changes throughout the garden.
Weed Control
And as we experience the start of the growing seasons so cometh the weeds. Regular hoeing will keep the weeds down and stop them from becoming too big and overpowering. Also, putting down a layer of mulch will help to stop further weeds but remember to water well first, as this helps to seal in the moisture around your plants.
Lawns
Your grass will be growing well now so you'll need to keep on top of the mowing ideally on a weekly basis. Avoid scalping the lawn by keeping the blades relatively high, but each time you do mow it, lower them slightly. This is also a great time to feed established lawns and don’t forget to water them during the prolonged hot spells before they start going brown.
Vegetable Plot
This month is the perfect time to sow runner and French beans outside and if you sowed leeks earlier, these can go out too. Marrows and courgettes are tender plants so protect them from any late frosts and keep them well watered throughout the summer. If you don’t have room for a vegetable plot then don’t forget you can grow a wide selection of veg favourites and berries in pots and containers.
Flower Beds & Boarders
Stake your flowers now as this makes them easier to train.
Begin cutting and deadheading as soon as blossoming begins and for late blooming bulbs be sure to take off the bloom and leave plenty of leaf so the bulb can store energy for next season.
With so much available in sow direct seed, you should try and plan successive sowings of your favourite flowers. Have a look around your local garden centres for seeds or buy them direct on-line.
Plan to add edging plants to borders and walkways. Good annuals include ageratum, alyssum, dusty miller, petunias, lobelia, phlox, portulaca, marigolds, nasturiums, pansies and verbena.
And, don’t forget your window boxes and planters. Mix flowers, herbs and a little ivy for a beautiful display.
Happy Gardening
Now on my travels to this delightful haven of peace and tranquillity (volcanic ash permitting) I’ve browsed across the Spanish Gardening Forum, hot topics for this month include; “how is your orange crop, flowering cacti and the tales of the poor palms”. Reading through the comments on orange crops I can see that gardening is taken just as seriously here as it is in the UK.
But back to our green and pleasant pastures. Now that most of the country is enjoying a period of prolonged warmth (not really heat) we should be seeing changes throughout the garden.
Weed Control
And as we experience the start of the growing seasons so cometh the weeds. Regular hoeing will keep the weeds down and stop them from becoming too big and overpowering. Also, putting down a layer of mulch will help to stop further weeds but remember to water well first, as this helps to seal in the moisture around your plants.
Lawns
Your grass will be growing well now so you'll need to keep on top of the mowing ideally on a weekly basis. Avoid scalping the lawn by keeping the blades relatively high, but each time you do mow it, lower them slightly. This is also a great time to feed established lawns and don’t forget to water them during the prolonged hot spells before they start going brown.
Vegetable Plot
This month is the perfect time to sow runner and French beans outside and if you sowed leeks earlier, these can go out too. Marrows and courgettes are tender plants so protect them from any late frosts and keep them well watered throughout the summer. If you don’t have room for a vegetable plot then don’t forget you can grow a wide selection of veg favourites and berries in pots and containers.
Flower Beds & Boarders
Stake your flowers now as this makes them easier to train.
Begin cutting and deadheading as soon as blossoming begins and for late blooming bulbs be sure to take off the bloom and leave plenty of leaf so the bulb can store energy for next season.
With so much available in sow direct seed, you should try and plan successive sowings of your favourite flowers. Have a look around your local garden centres for seeds or buy them direct on-line.
Plan to add edging plants to borders and walkways. Good annuals include ageratum, alyssum, dusty miller, petunias, lobelia, phlox, portulaca, marigolds, nasturiums, pansies and verbena.
And, don’t forget your window boxes and planters. Mix flowers, herbs and a little ivy for a beautiful display.
Happy Gardening
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