Veg to plant in June…

Flowers to plant in June…

Hopefully you are enjoying a beautiful, colourful garden, and if you grow your own produce, you can start to enjoy some of the fruits of your labour. There’s still some essential jobs to do as well.

Here’s a summary, but scroll down if you want more information on any of these jobs!

Around the garden

Protect Roses from pests

June is the time when roses really start coming into flower so make sure you keep on top of those unwanted pests, such as Aphids, by spraying them and keep your roses looking amazing. You can spray them with strong jet on a hose (be careful not to knock of leaves or flower heads), or try a soapy water mix (do this on a cooler day, and wash off after 15 mins to avoid damaging the plant)

Deadhead roses

You should also, deadhead your roses to encourage fresh buds and pull out any weeds that might be taking nutrients away from the plant. It might be worth giving them a feed with a specialist rose fertiliser after the first bloom.

Make your own compost

Now that the garden is in full growth and the lawn is being cut regularly there should be plenty of material available for composting. Make sure you mix nitrogen rich material, such as grass clippings and manure, with carbon rich material, such as flower stalks and woody clippings, to ensure your compost breaks down evenly. If you’ve got time, turn your compost regularly for faster results.

For the wildlife

Bird baths

Keep bird baths topped up.

Pruning shrubs

Take care when pruning shrubs and hedges; always check first for nesting birds.

Rose hips

Leave some spent roses untouched to develop rosehips – animals and small mammals will feed on them.

Pollinator friendly plants

Grow some pollinator friendly plants to attractive wildlife into your garden.

What To Plant This Month

Essential Information for Your Summer Garden

Summer is one of the most rewarding times in the garden. Borders are bursting with colour, lawns are in full use, and outdoor spaces become an extension of the home. But warmer temperatures and longer days also bring new challenges for gardeners. With the right care and attention, your garden can thrive all season long.

Water Wisely

One of the most important summer gardening jobs is watering correctly. Rather than watering little and often, aim to water deeply a few times a week. This encourages plants to develop stronger roots and become more resilient during hot weather.

Early morning or late evening is the best time to water, helping to reduce evaporation and prevent scorching delicate leaves. Containers and hanging baskets may need daily watering during particularly warm spells.

Mulching around plants with compost, bark or gravel can also help retain moisture and keep roots cool.

Feed for Healthy Growth

Summer is when plants are growing and flowering at their peak, so regular feeding can make a huge difference. Use a liquid feed every couple of weeks for flowering plants, baskets and containers to encourage continuous blooms and vibrant colour.

Tomatoes, cucumbers and other fruiting crops particularly benefit from specialist feeds high in potassium to improve harvests.

Keep on Top of Deadheading

Removing faded flowers encourages many plants to produce more blooms throughout the season. Roses, bedding plants, dahlias and cosmos all benefit from regular deadheading.

It only takes a few minutes, but it helps keep displays looking tidy and extends flowering well into late summer.

Perfect Plants for Summer Colour

If you are looking to brighten up your garden this summer, these reliable favourites provide long-lasting colour, fragrance and interest throughout the season:

Lavender

A summer classic loved for its fragrant flowers and pollinator-friendly blooms. Perfect for borders, pathways and containers, lavender thrives in sunny spots and is wonderfully low maintenance once established.

Dahlias

Known for their spectacular flowers in a huge range of colours and shapes, dahlias provide bold summer displays right through until autumn. Ideal for borders and cutting gardens.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas bring beautiful, large flower heads that brighten shaded areas and patios alike. They offer reliable colour throughout summer and work well in both traditional and contemporary gardens.

Salvias

A fantastic choice for pollinators, salvias flower for months and cope well with heat and dry conditions. Their vibrant spikes add height and movement to borders.

Cosmos

Easy to grow and wonderfully airy, cosmos produce masses of delicate flowers that continue blooming throughout summer with regular deadheading.

Geraniums

A brilliant option for containers, hanging baskets and sunny patios. Geraniums are reliable, colourful and thrive in warm weather with minimal fuss.

Sunflowers

Nothing says summer quite like sunflowers. These cheerful plants are easy to grow and make a striking feature in borders while also attracting wildlife.

Roses

From climbing roses to compact patio varieties, roses provide timeless beauty and fragrance throughout the summer months, especially with regular feeding and deadheading.

Look After Your Lawn

Lawns can quickly become stressed during dry weather. Raise the cutting height slightly during summer to help grass retain moisture and stay greener for longer.

Avoid mowing during extreme heat, and if rainfall is limited, allow the lawn to naturally slow its growth rather than overwatering. A healthy lawn will usually recover well once cooler, wetter weather returns.

Support Plants Before They Need It

Tall perennials and climbing plants can quickly become heavy with summer growth. Adding supports early prevents stems from snapping in wind or rain and keeps plants looking their best.

Sweet peas, delphiniums, dahlias and tomatoes are just a few plants that appreciate extra support during the height of summer.

Watch Out for Pests and Diseases

Warm weather can encourage pests such as aphids, slugs and red spider mite. Check plants regularly so problems can be dealt with early before they spread.

Good airflow around plants, careful watering and removing damaged leaves can also help reduce fungal diseases like powdery mildew and black spot.

Harvest Little and Often

If you are growing fruit, vegetables or herbs, regular harvesting encourages many crops to continue producing. Courgettes, beans, tomatoes and herbs are all more productive when picked frequently.

Freshly harvested produce is one of the greatest rewards of summer gardening and a wonderful way to enjoy the season.

Make Time to Enjoy the Garden

Summer gardens are not just about maintenance — they are meant to be enjoyed. Whether it is relaxing with a morning coffee, entertaining friends outdoors or simply admiring the flowers in bloom, take time to appreciate all the hard work that has gone into your space.

With a little care and attention, your garden can stay colourful, healthy and productive right through the summer months.

As the days get warmer and we spend more time outdoors, now is the perfect time to refresh your garden and create a space where you can truly relax and unwind.

There’s something incredibly relaxing about the sound of flowing water in the garden. Whether it’s a gentle trickle or a cascading fountain, adding a water feature can instantly transform your outdoor space into a calm and peaceful retreat.

Water features not only add movement and interest to the garden, but they can also have a positive impact on wellbeing. The soothing sound of running water helps create a sense of tranquillity, making it easier to relax, unwind and enjoy time outdoors. Combined with planting, comfortable seating and wildlife-friendly touches, a water feature can help turn even a small garden into your own personal sanctuary.

They’re also a fantastic way to add a focal point to patios, borders and courtyards. From contemporary styles and statement stone designs to traditional fountains and modern bowls, there’s a water feature to suit every garden style and size.

And the best part? Adding a water feature to your garden has never been easier.

We stock a wide range of self-contained water features that are simple to install, just plug them in, add water and enjoy. There’s no need for complicated plumbing or permanent installation, making them perfect for patios, smaller gardens or anyone wanting a quick and easy garden update.

Many water features can also help attract birds and wildlife into the garden, adding even more life and movement to your outdoor space.

Whether you’re looking to create a relaxing corner to unwind in, add atmosphere to your patio or simply enjoy the calming sound of water, a water feature is a simple addition that can make a huge difference to how your garden feels.

Big Benefits for Your Wellbeing

You don’t need a large garden to enjoy the calming benefits of gardening. Whether you have a balcony, patio, small courtyard or even just a windowsill, creating your own little green space can have a hugely positive impact on your mental wellbeing.

Gardening in small spaces is a wonderful way to slow down, spend time away from screens and reconnect with nature. Even caring for a few pots of flowers or herbs can help reduce stress, improve mood and create a greater sense of calm in everyday life.

One of the best things about small space gardening is how easy it is to get started. A couple of containers filled with colourful bedding plants can instantly brighten a doorstep or patio, while fragrant herbs like rosemary, mint and lavender not only look beautiful but also stimulate the senses and encourage relaxation.

Vertical planting is another great option for compact spaces. Hanging baskets, wall planters and climbing plants can transform even the smallest area into a lush and inviting retreat. Adding a comfortable chair, soft lighting or even a small water feature can help create a peaceful corner where you can unwind and recharge.

Indoor gardening can be just as rewarding too. Houseplants are perfect for bringing nature inside and helping to create a calming atmosphere throughout the home. Easy-care plants like Snake Plants, Peace Lilies and Succulents are ideal for beginners and can thrive in a variety of indoor spaces.

Gardening doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Sometimes the simple act of watering plants, noticing new growth or enjoying a morning coffee surrounded by greenery is enough to lift your mood and bring a sense of wellbeing.

The Timeless Charm of Cottage Gardens

There’s something undeniably special about a cottage garden. Soft, romantic and brimming with life, this much-loved planting style captures the essence of a traditional English garden—where flowers spill over pathways, colours blend effortlessly, and nature is encouraged to take the lead.

Whether you’re working with a large plot or a compact space, a cottage garden is one of the most rewarding and achievable styles to create at home.

What is a Cottage Garden?

A cottage garden is all about informal planting, abundance and charm. Unlike more structured designs, it embraces a relaxed, slightly wild aesthetic where plants mingle freely and every inch of space is filled with texture and colour.

Traditionally, cottage gardens combined beauty with practicality—mixing ornamental flowers, herbs and even vegetables. Today, they’re celebrated for their wildlife-friendly appeal and ever-changing seasonal interest.

How to Create Your Own Cottage Garden

Creating a cottage garden doesn’t require strict rules—but a few guiding principles will help you achieve the look:

Layer your planting

Position taller plants like foxgloves or delphiniums towards the back, medium growers in the middle, and low-growing varieties at the front. This creates depth and that signature ‘full’ appearance.

Plant generously

Cottage gardens are known for their abundance. Fill gaps, allow plants to overlap, and don’t be afraid to let them self-seed for a more natural feel.

Add structure subtly

Arches, obelisks and winding paths help guide the eye and provide support for climbers, while still maintaining an informal look.

Mix it up

Combine perennials, annuals, shrubs and climbers to keep your garden interesting throughout the year.

Choosing a Colour Palette

One of the joys of a cottage garden is how flexible it can be with colour. You can tailor your palette to suit your taste:

Soft pastels – blush pinks, lilacs, pale blues and whites for a romantic, calming space

Bold and vibrant – rich reds, oranges and purples for a lively, eye-catching display

Classic whites and greens – simple, elegant and perfect for evening enjoyment

Repeating colours throughout your borders will help create harmony, even in a more relaxed planting style.

Plants Perfect for a Cottage Garden

The magic of a cottage garden lies in its planting. Aim for a mix of shapes, heights and flowering times:

Roses – the heart of many cottage gardens, adding height, fragrance and structure

Foxgloves & delphiniums – for vertical drama and classic cottage style

Lavender & nepeta – perfect for soft edging and attracting pollinators

Hardy geraniums & salvias – long-lasting colour and easy care

Climbers like clematis and honeysuckle – ideal for arches, fences and walls

Choosing plants that flower at different times ensures your garden stays full of life from spring through to autumn.

Caring for Your Cottage Garden

While cottage gardens look effortless, a little care goes a long way:

Enrich your soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting

Feed regularly during the growing season to encourage strong flowering

Support taller plants to prevent them from flopping

Deadhead blooms to prolong flowering and keep plants looking their best

Keep an eye on pests and diseases to protect your display

A Garden Full of Personality

A cottage garden is more than just a planting style—it’s a feeling. Relaxed, welcoming and full of character, it invites you to slow down and enjoy the beauty of nature in its most joyful form.

If you’re feeling inspired to create your own, visit us in store to explore our cottage garden display and chat with our team. We’re always happy to help you choose the right plants, colour combinations and care products to bring your vision to life.

Discover Our Homeware Collection

Your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space that feels welcoming, comfortable and effortlessly stylish. Our homeware collection has been thoughtfully curated to help you do just that, with a range of pieces designed to add character, warmth and a sense of calm to every room.

From the moment you step inside, it’s often the little details that make the biggest difference. Soft furnishings like cushions and throws can instantly transform a sofa or armchair, adding layers of texture and seasonal colour. Whether you prefer neutral tones for a relaxed, understated look or richer hues to make a statement, our collection makes it easy to refresh your space throughout the year.

Our decorative accessories are perfect for adding those finishing touches that pull a room together. From elegant vases and statement ornaments to candles and subtle accents, each piece has been chosen to complement a variety of interior styles. These are the items that bring personality into your home, the ones that catch the eye and make a space feel truly yours.

For those who love to update their interiors with the seasons, our homeware range offers plenty of inspiration. Light, airy pieces can brighten your home in spring and summer, while warmer textures and cosy additions help create a snug atmosphere as the evenings draw in. It’s all about creating a space that evolves with you and feels right all year round.

Our collection isn’t just about style, it’s about creating a home you enjoy spending time in. Whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a quiet evening, or simply looking to refresh a corner of a room, the right pieces can make all the difference.

If you’re looking for inspiration, our team is always happy to help you find items that suit your space and style. Whether you’re making a small update or planning a bigger refresh, you’ll find plenty of ideas to help you create a home that feels both beautiful and uniquely yours.

Hopefully we have seen the last frost and can dare to use the word Summer now! Below we’ve listed some key tasks for this month.

Here’s a summary, but scroll down if you want more information on any of these jobs!

In the vegetable plot

Get tomato plants out

Think about getting your tomatoes out. As the weather warms up and the risk of frost has passed, take your small tomato plants from inside and start to plant them out. Find them the sunniest spot you can as this will help them thrive and help maximise crop production.

Earth up Potatoes

Pull soil up around the bottom of your potato plants to stop your new tubers turning green and poisonous. Pull a rake or fork along both sides of the rows of young plants, making a mound of mud around the plant to ensure the tubers aren’t exposed to sunlight.

In the flower beds

Check roses for Blackspot

Keep an eye on the foliage of your roses for this fungal disease, aptly named as it causes black spots on the leaves. If you spot any, treat with a systemic fungicide, as left unchecked, it can cause your roses to completely defoliate.

Prepare for summer bedding

Spring flowering plants will be coming to the end of their flowering period now and will need clearing ready for summer bedding. Take out the old plants, dig out the weeds and add some fertiliser to the soil ready for the new batch.

Cut Perennials

Known as the Chelsea chop as it needs doing around the same time as the Chelsea flower show, lower the height of your late flowering perennials to stop them leaning. Pinch out Asters, Helenium and Eupatorium at knee height and they will re-branch to provide you with stockier plants.

Around the garden

Tie up your climbers

With fresh growth really getting underway now, it’s time to tie the shoots of your clematis and other climbers to your walls or trellis. Do the same with climbing and rambling roses, tying them up horizontally to encourage side shoots which will produce more blooms over the coming months.

Feed and water containers

Make sure you regularly water and feed your pots and hanging baskets. Giving them a balanced liquid feed every two to four weeks will help to promote health growth.

Top dress pots

Now is also the time to top-dress permanent pot plants to refresh the compost.

For the wildlife…

Bird food

A birds natural diet of berries diminishes in spring, now they are on the hunt for insects – leave out mealworms and seed mixes.

Shrubs & plants

Plant wildlife friendly shrubs and plants this month.

Bird boxes

Birds are nesting and breeding – put up and bird box to try and encourage some birds into your garden.

What To Plant In May

Veg to plant in May…

Flowers to plant in May…

As summer approaches, there’s no better time to turn your borders into a vibrant, eye-catching display. A well-planted border doesn’t just add colour—it brings structure, movement and a real sense of occasion to your garden. Whether you’re starting fresh or refreshing an existing space, a few thoughtful choices can transform your borders into a true summer showstopper.

Start with Structure

Strong borders are built on good structure. Begin with evergreen shrubs or statement plants to anchor your design—these provide height and interest even when flowers fade. Think about varying heights, placing taller plants towards the back (or centre in island beds), with lower-growing varieties softening the edges.

Layer for Impact

Layering is key to creating depth and fullness. Combine plants of different heights, shapes and textures to avoid a flat look. Ornamental grasses add movement, while bold foliage plants contrast beautifully with delicate flowers. This mix creates a more natural, flowing border that feels full and abundant.

Choose a Colour Theme

To achieve that “wow” factor, stick to a colour palette. You might opt for soft pastels for a calming feel, or go bold with hot reds, oranges and purples for high impact. Repeating colours throughout the border helps tie everything together and creates a more cohesive, professional look.

Pick Long-Lasting Performers

For a border that shines all summer, choose plants known for their long flowering periods. Geraniums, salvias, echinacea and coreopsis are reliable favourites, offering continuous colour with minimal effort. Mixing early, mid and late-season bloomers will ensure there’s always something looking its best.

Don’t Forget Foliage

Flowers may steal the show, but foliage is what keeps your border looking good all season. Silvery leaves, deep greens and variegated tones add contrast and interest, even when blooms come and go. Plants like heuchera and hosta are perfect for adding texture and depth.

Fill Gaps with Bedding Plants

If your borders are looking a little sparse, bedding plants are a quick and easy way to add instant colour. Perfect for plugging gaps, they’ll flower generously all summer and can be swapped out as the seasons change.

Finish with Mulch and Care

Once planted, finish your borders with a generous layer of mulch. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and keep your plants thriving through warmer weather. Regular watering and feeding will keep everything looking lush and healthy.

A show-stopping summer border doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about combining the right plants with a bit of creativity. With a mix of colour, texture and structure, you can create a space that feels full of life and ready to enjoy all season long.

The Ultimate Plant for Easy Summer Colour

If you’re looking for a plant that delivers reliable, long-lasting colour with minimal effort, geraniums are hard to beat. A staple of British gardens for generations, these versatile plants are perfect for brightening up borders, containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets. With their wide range of colours and impressive flowering season, geraniums are a go-to choice for creating cheerful, eye-catching displays all summer long.

Why Choose Geraniums?
Geraniums (often referred to as pelargoniums) are loved for their ability to thrive in a variety of settings. They’re low maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and bloom continuously from late spring right through to the first frosts. Whether you prefer bold reds, soft pinks, crisp whites, or vibrant purples, there’s a variety to suit every garden style.

They’re also incredibly versatile—equally at home in formal bedding schemes or more relaxed, cottage-style planting.

Where to Plant Geraniums
Geraniums perform best in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. The more sun they receive, the better they will flower. They’re perfect for:

• Borders and edging displays
• Patio pots and containers
• Window boxes
• Hanging baskets, where trailing varieties can spill beautifully over the sides

If planting in the ground, ensure the soil doesn’t become waterlogged, as geraniums prefer drier conditions compared to many other bedding plants.

Caring for Your Geraniums
One of the biggest advantages of geraniums is how easy they are to care for.

• Watering: Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can do more harm than good.
• Feeding: Apply a liquid feed every couple of weeks during the growing season to encourage continuous blooms.
• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to keep plants looking tidy and to promote more flowering.

With just a little attention, geraniums will reward you with months of vibrant colour.

Perfect for Containers & Baskets
Geraniums truly shine in containers, where their bold colours can be appreciated up close. Mix upright varieties with trailing types for a full, layered look, or pair them with complementary plants like lobelia or bacopa for added texture.

They’re also ideal for gardeners who want impact without high maintenance—simply place them in a sunny spot, water regularly, and enjoy the display.

A Summer Essential
Whether you’re refreshing your garden for the season or adding a splash of colour to your patio, geraniums are a reliable and rewarding choice. Easy to grow, long flowering, and endlessly versatile, they’re a must-have for any summer garden.

Visit us in store to explore our full range of geraniums and find the perfect varieties to brighten your space.

How to Plant and Care for Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a timeless garden favourite, loved for their large, show-stopping blooms and ability to bring colour and elegance to any outdoor space. Whether you’re planting one in a border or styling it in a container, getting the basics right will ensure your hydrangea thrives and rewards you with beautiful flowers year after year. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from planting and positioning to care tips and even how to influence their colour.

Planting Your Hydrangea

Give your hydrangea the best start by enriching the soil with plenty of well-rotted compost or manure. This helps retain moisture—something hydrangeas love—while still allowing for good drainage. Keep plants well watered, especially during the first few weeks after planting, as they establish.

Choosing the Right Spot

Hydrangeas thrive in moist, well-drained soil in a cool, partially shaded position. Shelter from strong winds is important, as young spring growth can be damaged. While they prefer some shade, they can tolerate sunnier spots as long as the soil doesn’t dry out.

Growing in Pots & Containers

Hydrangeas also perform beautifully in pots and tubs. During the summer months, they’ll need regular watering—often daily in warm weather—and benefit from a weekly liquid feed throughout spring and summer. If you’re growing blue varieties in containers, use hydrangea colourant to maintain their rich blue tones, as this depends on acidic soil conditions.

Understanding Flower Colour

One of the most fascinating features of hydrangeas is their ability to change colour depending on soil pH. Blue and pink varieties will appear blue in acidic soil, mauve in neutral conditions, and pink in more alkaline soils. White and green varieties remain unchanged. For the best chance of keeping blue flowers vibrant, use rainwater where possible, as mains water can gradually alter the soil balance.

Speak to one of our plant experts if you are unsure of which plant to choose to get the best flower colour for the pH in question.

The Secret to a Garden That Comes Back Year After Year

If you’re looking to create a garden that feels full, colourful and ever-changing throughout the seasons, herbaceous plants are the perfect place to start. Loved by gardeners for generations, these versatile plants form the backbone of beautiful borders and bring reliable interest year after year.

What Are Herbaceous Plants?

Commercial fruit is often harvested before it is fully ripe to ensure it survives the rigours of global shipping and weeks on a shelf. This means the complex

Herbaceous plants are non-woody perennials that die back to ground level in autumn and winter, before re-emerging in spring with fresh new growth. This natural cycle not only makes them easy to maintain, but also incredibly rewarding, as your garden evolves and improves with each passing year.

They’re ideal for borders, cottage-style planting, wildlife gardens and even containers, offering a wide variety of heights, colours, textures and flowering times.

Why Choose Herbaceous Planting?

Herbaceous plants are a favourite for both new and experienced gardeners – and for good reason:

• They return every year – a long-term investment in your garden
• They provide months of colour – with the right mix, you can enjoy blooms from early spring through to autumn
• They’re perfect for pollinators – bees and butterflies love them
• They create structure and flow – ideal for building depth and interest in borders
• They’re easy to mix and match – allowing you to create a style that’s completely your own

Popular Herbaceous Favourites

Here are some much-loved herbaceous plants you’ll often find in store:

Hollyhocks
Perfect for adding height and drama, Hollyhocks produce tall spires of large, colourful blooms. They’re ideal for the back of borders or against walls, creating that classic cottage garden feel.

Brunnera
A brilliant choice for shade, Brunnera combines delicate blue spring flowers with striking silver-patterned foliage that lasts well beyond the flowering season.

Geum
Bright, cheerful and long-flowering, Geums bring warm tones of orange, red and yellow to your garden, adding movement and softness to borders.

Scabious
Loved by pollinators, Scabious produces delicate, pincushion-like flowers on slender stems, perfect for a relaxed, natural look.

Digitalis (Foxgloves)
Tall and elegant, Foxgloves add height and structure with their tubular blooms, making them a standout feature in any border.

Lupins
With their bold, upright flower spikes and vibrant colours, Lupins are a real showstopper. They also enrich the soil, making them as practical as they are beautiful.

How to Plant Herbaceous Borders

Creating a successful herbaceous border is all about planning and layering. Here are a few simple steps to get you started:

1. Choose the Right Spot

Most herbaceous plants prefer a sunny position, although some (like Brunnera and Digitalis) thrive in partial shade. Always check plant labels for guidance.

2. Prepare Your Soil

Good soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. Dig in plenty of organic matter such as compost to improve structure and drainage.

3. Think About Height

Arrange your plants in layers:

• Taller plants (like Hollyhocks and Lupins) at the back
• Medium plants (like Geum and Digitalis) in the middle
• Lower-growing plants (like Scabious) at the front

This creates a natural, flowing look and ensures every plant gets its moment to shine.

4. Plant in Groups

Planting in small groups or drifts creates a more impactful, cohesive display than scattering individual plants.

5. Water and Mulch

Water well after planting and apply a mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Caring for Herbaceous Plants

One of the biggest advantages of herbaceous plants is how easy they are to look after:

• Water regularly while establishing
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
• Cut back in autumn or late winter once growth dies back
• Divide every few years to keep plants healthy and vigorous

Create Your Own Ever-Changing Garden

Herbaceous planting is all about creativity and enjoyment. With so many varieties to choose from, you can experiment with colour, texture and height to design a garden that reflects your personal style.

Whether you prefer a soft cottage garden look or something more structured and contemporary, herbaceous plants give you the flexibility to create a space that evolves beautifully year after year.

Visit us in store to explore our full range and get expert advice from our team – we’re always happy to help you get planting.

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of wandering into your own garden to pick sun-ripened fruit straight from your own fruit tree. Whether you have a sprawling orchard or a small patio, here are the top reasons to plant a fruit tree.

Unbeatable Flavour & Freshness

Commercial fruit is often harvested before it is fully ripe to ensure it survives the rigours of global shipping and weeks on a shelf. This means the complex sugars and aromatic compounds never have the chance to fully develop.

When you grow your own, you are the master of the harvest. You can wait until the fruit is perfectly ripe, enjoying a level of sweetness and crispness that is simply unattainable from shop-bought produce. From the zesty snap of a fresh pear to the honeyed warmth of a home-grown cherry, the flavour or profile is a revelation.

Incredible Variety

One of the biggest myths in gardening is that you need a massive field to grow fruit. Thanks to modern horticultural techniques, fruit growing is now accessible to almost everyone:

• Dwarfing Rootstocks: These specially bred fruit trees stay small and manageable, making them perfect for standard suburban gardens.

• Training Techniques: Use Espaliers or Cordons to grow fruit flat against a fence or sunny wall—this takes up virtually no ground space while looking incredibly elegant.

• Container Gardening: Many varieties of apple, pear, and cherry are now designed to thrive in large patio pots, meaning you can harvest your own fruit even if you only have a small terrace or balcony.

Better for the Environment

Every fruit tree planted is a small but significant victory for the environment. By integrating edible landscaping into your garden, you are contributing to a healthier local ecosystem.

• Eliminating Food Miles: Your fruit travels mere feet from the branch to the kitchen table, removing the need for carbon-heavy transport, cold storage, and plastic packaging.

• Pollinator Support: In the early spring, fruit blossoms serve as a vital lifeline for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, providing a high-energy nectar source at a time when other food is scarce.

• Carbon Sequestration: Trees are our natural defence against climate change. Your fruit tree will actively absorb CO2 from the air, storing carbon in its wood and roots while pumping fresh oxygen back into your garden.

• Chemical-Free Living: You have total control over the growing process. By choosing organic methods, you ensure that your family is eating fruit free from synthetic pesticides and waxes.

The gift that keeps giving

Unlike flowers that fade or gadgets that go out of style, a fruit tree is a living gift that grows more beautiful and productive with each passing year. Planting a tree is a wonderful way to commemorate life’s big moments—like weddings, new homes, or the birth of a child—creating a lasting memory that can be enjoyed for decades.

Spring is in full swing and there’s lots to be getting on with outside. Put in the effort in to these April garden jobs now so that you can reap the rewards throughout Summer.

Here’s a summary, but scroll down if you want more information on any of these jobs!

In the vegetable plot

Plant onions and shallots

April is the month to plant those onion and shallots in your vegetable plot. Make sure your site is weed free, has well-drained soil and is located in a sunny spot. Plant them in rows about 10cm apart with 20cm between each row.

Sow hardy veg and herbs outside

Many vegetables are hardy enough to be grown from seed outside, onions and carrots are just two examples. Uncover your beds and level the surface with a rake to give a fine crumb surface, then pull out any remaining weeds that have sprung up. Check your seed packed for the depth of drill (trench) required, and use a cane to mark out your row. If the soil is dry, water the row before you plant the seeds. Now thinly scatter them in the bottom of the drill and then gently cover them up with soil to fill the trench in. Don’t forget to put a label peg at the end of the drill so you can remember where it is and what’s in it!

In the flower beds

Keep on top of the weeds!

Like your plants, weeds will really start to grow in April, so make sure you spend some time properly dealing with those pesky blighters! Pull out any annual weeds, which should come out easily and use a weed killer containing glyphosate to kill the perennials.

Watch out for Aphids.

As it starts to get warmer, Aphids such as Green Fly and Black Fly will start to multiply this month. Start checking your plants, especially roses and squash any you see. If you find a real cluster on them you’ll need to get some insecticides, such as Roseclear, and give them a real good spray. If you’re looking for a children, pet and wildlife friendly alternative, try a product such as Resolva Natural Powder spray.

Design your herbaceous borders

Herbaceous borders are one of our favourites here at Bell Plantation and now is the time to get designing them. They bring a range of colour and variety to your garden and getting your border looking amazing is a really good challenge for a gardener. Make sure you clear your bed properly and place out where you want each plant to go. Leave 30cm between each plant to give them enough space to flower well, mulch around the tops of the plants and water in well. Then apply crushed grit or wool pellets to protect your plants from slugs and snails.

Feed roses and shrubs

It’s time to give your roses and shrubs a good feed as this will really benefit them as they come into growth. Feed them with a balanced fertiliser such as fish blood and bone or Growmore which will really bring out the best in your plants.

Around the garden

Plant your hanging baskets

Hanging baskets are such an easy way to add colour to your garden, and even the smallest balcony has space for one! As the weather really starts to warm up (make sure we’ve had the last frost), fill them with your favourite summer annuals. Put a layer of sphagnum moss in the bottom and up the sides of the basket as a liner. Fill the basket up with compost and put in an assortment of plants to bring some real colour to your garden. You could choose to stick to one colour for dramatic effect or use a riot of different colours!

If you want to get a head start before the last frosts, and you have a greenhouse, start your hanging baskets off inside from late March. Then harden them off by putting them outside for a few hours a day from mid April. They’ll be ready to go out from late May onwards.

For the wildlife…

This is a very exciting month for wildlife, and is when we begin to see bees and butterflies emerging, and migrant birds returning.

Birds feeders

Give bird feeders a clean after the winter, and make sure they are regularly topped up with seed mixes.

Wildlife mixes

Begin to scatter wildlife friendly mixes; it’ll not only create a beautiful wildlife patch, but be very beneficial to pollinators.

Bats

Bats begin to emerge out again, plants like evening primrose and honeysuckle will be appreciated by them.

What To Plant In April

Veg to plant in April…

Flowers to plant in April…