Innholdsfortegnelse for 22-Mar-2025 i Amateur Gardening

What a tonic this lovely recent weather has been for us all. The sunlight so vivid and bright, the sky so blue, and all of us so grateful to feel the natural world slowly emerging from winter slumber. Yes, it’s still early in the year, and cold can still ‘bite’, but what a pleasure it has been to garden with the promise of the year and warmth ahead. There are plenty of sunny gardening days before us where we can soak in the simple but satisfying pleasure (sheer joy, even, at times) of the natural world, and the beautiful blooms and happy harvests coming our way. We are blessed with the opportunity to garden. To tend our outside spaces, large or small, either on our own or with others in…

with AG’s gardening expert Ruth Hayes A job that’s been getting closer to the top of my extensive and regularly extended ‘to do’ list is to give our potted shrubs some love. I am a huge fan of seasonal flower containers that bring life and light to the garden during even the darkest days (I’m looking at you, my stalwart viola-and-cyclamen-filled creation), but there is something more solidly dependable about more long-term plantings. This endlessly grey, drab winter has been brightened by our little container skimmia, while visitors have been greeted at the front door by the knockout (in a good way) fragrance of a sweet box Sarcococca confusa. It is still a small shrub, but its little white flowers pack the scented punch of a much larger plant and…

with Lucy Chamberlain, AG’s fruit and veg expert I feel incredibly lucky to have a decent-sized garden, but it hasn’t always been that way – I’ve had studio flats, tiny courtyards and half allotment plots – it’s never stopped me growing my own food! Still today, I like to cram as many edibles onto my veggie plot as possible, so ‘space-savvy’ growing is right up my street. Are there a few easy tricks I’ve learnt along the way? Of course there are, so let me share them with you. Firstly, climbing crops are your friend. Runner beans, French beans, old-fashioned taller pea varieties – all these edibles have a small footprint yet their cropping power is huge. A key tip with podded edible climbers is to keep picking them whilst…

After what feels like a long, dark winter, seeing, hearing and even feeling signs that a new season is definitely on the way really has the power to lift your spirits - like the first warmth of spring sunshine on the face, or hearing the first chiffchaff of the year! It’s not because this bird is the most impressive looking – it’s small and brown, with little to distinguish it looks-wise. And its song is an uncomplicated one – a simple two note ‘chiff chaff, chiff chaff’. But what it heralds is the onset of the lighter nights, warmer weather and all the amazing natural wonders that spring beckons in! Although a few chiffchaff now over-winter here – a result of warming winters – most are still migratory birds, and…

Back to black Black has a magical ability to fade into the background, allowing planting to shine out. Use this colour to reduce the impact of fencing and things like sheds Choose a theme Bring a sense of unity to a small garden by having a theme: this could be based on a colour, such as calming white, or a group of plants suggestive of a tropical climate. Pathways It’s difficult to avoid having pathways in gardens, but they don’t need to take up a lot of space: stepping stones set into lawns keep feet dry without taking up too much room. Round lawns and beds Circles create a feeling of space in a small garden, pushing the eye to the outer limits of the plot. Use them for lawns…

Welcome to this exciting new series that celebrates the joy of growing these beautiful upbeat blooms. Whether you’re a seasoned dahlia grower or just starting out, I’ll provide you with tried and tested tips, techniques, and expert advice to help elevate your dahlia-growing success. Where to grow these dazzlers Dahlias naturally thrive when planted in open ground, but smaller varieties can grow well in pots and many patio varieties have been developed to flourish under these conditions. Containers are a great option when working with limited spaces, such as courtyards, patios and balconies, and as long as there’s plenty of sunshine - these native Mexican flowers love full sun - they will reward you with an abundance of blooms from midsummer until well into autumn. TIP To ensure your dahlia…

This simple and thrifty meal has one of the best names of any dish. The name comes from the sound the vegetables make whilst being fried, squeaking and bubbling to a crispy perfection. Traditionally made from leftover potatoes and vegetables from the Sunday roast, and cooked in the meat dripping, it is so delicious that it is worth cooking potatoes and veg just to make it for breakfast or dinner. I like to add onions or leeks to bubble and squeak. This is optional, but does make it taste so good. You can either make the bubble and squeak as one big cake, and then slice it, or form into individual patties. Both taste fantastic. Patties will need a little less cooking time. Serves 4 Ingredients ● 300g cold cooked…

One of the best things about gardening has to be the excitement of finding new ways to make your outdoor space even better, whether that’s with plants, tools or little design touches. Garden lighting has come on a long way over the years, going from purely practical to something that can completely transform an outside area after dark. From solar path lights to statement lanterns and twinkling fairy lights, there are loads of great options out there, but here are a few that really stand out. Solar torch light If you’re after a simple but seriously impressive way to bring warmth and atmosphere to your garden, this solar torch light is a game-changer. It’s wireless, fully automatic and powered by the sun - so no faffing with cables or switches.…

21 Mar: The Generous Gardener’s Specialist Plant Fair, Charlton Farm, Pink Lane. Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 9DS. 10am-2pm. 21 Mar: Specialist Plant Fair, The Coach House Garden, Ampney Crucis, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 5RY. 10am-2pm. 21-22 Mar: Duchy of Cornwall Nursery Orchid Celebration, Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, Cott Road, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0HW. 9am-4.30pm. 22-23 Mar: Thriplow Daffodil Weekend, Thriplow in Royston, Cambridgeshire, SG8. 11am-5pm. 22 Mar: Alpine Garden Society South West Show, RHS Garden Rosemoor: Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8PH. 22-23 Mar: Burnham Nurseries & Orchid Paradise Open Weekend, Burnham Nurseries, Forches Cross, Newton Abbot, Devon, England, TQ12 6PZ. 22 Mar: Sedgemoor Seed Swap, Purplespoon Cafe, Church Street, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3AG. 22 Mar: Plant Fair, Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3AA. 10am-2pm. 22-23 Mar: Bonsai Show, RHS…

Are my trees suffering from canker? John is a gardening legend and here to answer your lovely questions Q Can you advise me as to whether my apple and pear trees, pictured, are worth keeping? They look as if they might have canker. Linda Griffin (via email) A Thank you for the excellent images of your apple and pear trees. Both appear to be infected with crown gall Rhizobium radiobacter (syn Agrobacterium tumefaciens) a bacterium that causes burr knot tumours to break out on roots, crowns and trunks. Pleasingly, as your trees are ‘middle aged’ and appear to have been infected for several years, it’s probable that they have developed some form of immunity to the bacterium and will continue to flourish for a long time yet. Ultimately, the bacterium…

The old proverb, ‘The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago’ is as true today as it was…, 20 years ago. But don’t feel bad if you’re rudely late to that planting party, because another shindig is just getting started! The spring equinox (20th March), is the moment when the hours or daylight are equal to those of night and building faster than at any time of year - by a noticeable four minutes every day. Gardeners cooped up for winter aren’t alone in clocking this change and seeds that have lain dormant in the soil or freshly sown from seed packets also respond to this shot of energy. From alyssum to zinnia, aubergine to zucchini, seeds sown indoors now will sprout and grow with less fuss…

When I first started planning my ‘Plant Fashion Show’, I had no idea how it would be received. A catwalk for plants? Would people take it seriously? But as it turns out, the horticultural world is more than ready for a bit of glitz and glamour! In collaboration with PlantLine, I hosted what we think is the world’s first-ever plant-inspired catwalk, and I can confirm that plants strut their stuff just as well as models. With cutting-edge trends on display, we had industry experts in attendance – including a rather convincing Anna Wintour lookalike, who certainly helped draw the plant paparazzi! Let’s take a look at what’s in vogue for 2025, and roll out the green carpet for the plants leading the way. Hedges & wedges Hedges have taken a…

There is good news on the horticultural retail front as British Garden Centres announce they have bought and reopened seven garden centres. The sites at Shinfield, near Reading; Gloucester, Gosforth, Heighley Gate, Rugby, Havant, and Northampton were previously owned by Dobbies, and recently closed due to financial pressures. Charles Stubbs, founder and director of British Garden Centres, said: “We have a clear vision for the growth of these centres and are excited to integrate with the local communities while building on the strong foundations that are already in place.” The company, which now has a portfolio of 67 stores, opened these new additions at the end of February 2025 after working hard to make sure stock levels were high and everything ready to go. British Garden Centres has retained all…

With Nick Hamilton of Barnsdale Gardens Spring is such a wonderful and inspirational time of year as the garden bursts forth from winter. Smaller spaces require smaller shrubs and although these may be more delicate, they can still pack a punch if you choose the right varieties. Fortunately there are choices for every situation a more compact garden offers. Mock orange (Philadelphus sp) This has to be one of my favourites. Most varieties grow as wide as they are tall, making them unsuitable for a smaller garden, but there are several that fit the bill. P. microphyllus has single white flowers and grows to 90x90cm (3x3ft), while the newer ‘Pearls of Perfume’ boasts double white flowers and a columnar habit, growing up to 1.2m (4ft) and only spreading 60cm (2ft).…

With Julia Boulton, Beth Chatto’s granddaughter and chief custodian of the world-famous gardens, and her team Primulas are broadly categorized in two main groups. The first includes candelabra primulas which are larger and have whorls of brightly coloured flowers often in orange, pink and red. Candelabra primroses look their best when grown near water and in large drifts, whether focused on a single colour or planted as a mixed blend. The second group consists of our native oxlips, cowslips and primroses, which are more subtle, smaller and usually with yellow flowers, perfect in a woodland setting. Primulas typically thrive in dappled shade and moist soil, although native primroses can handle drier spots. Most primulas have a device to enable cross-pollination between plants. Flowers on some plants will have the style…

1 Decide where your container will be sited As always, our mantra of ‘right plant, right place’ must be a key consideration. Container plantings are usually more permanent, so a good soil-based compost will be beneficial, or an ericaceous compost for acid-loving plants like azaleas and camellias. Gauge roughly how much sun the container will get and choose plants that will thrive in that specific location. 2 Incorporate three types of plants to include in the mix: The ‘thriller’ Choose a plant which acts as a dramatic focal point for the container – something that has a ‘wow factor’. In a larger container that might be a small tree; a small shrub in a medium sized container; or a stunning perennial in a small container. Select a plant which gives…

Camellia or Kamellia? The genus Camellia – many of which are flowering now – was named by Linnaeus, in honour of Josef Kamel (1661-1706), a Moravian Jesuit plant collector. It started off as ‘Kamellia’, but over time the ‘K’ was replaced by the more commonly used ‘C’. Camellias are woodland plants from Asia, mainly India, China and Japan. When they were first introduced into England, around 1730, they were e kept in hot greenhouses – the gardeners then believing that everywhere in Asia was ‘tropical’. Over time, camellias were experimented with in unheated conservatories, and then exposed to cooler conditions. It was not until Victorian times that they were a common sight outdoors. Today we scarcely grow them under cover at all! Wow! I didn’t know that… ■ The first…

Tuin Log Cabins is delighted to offer one lucky winner the chance to win £1,500 in credit to use towards purchasing a high-quality garden shed, summerhouse, or log cabin! Whether you’re looking for extra storage, a workspace, or a stylish garden retreat, Tuin Log Cabins has the perfect solution. About Tuin Log Cabins: Tuin Log Cabins is a leading provider of premium wooden garden structures, including sheds, log cabins, gazebos, and pergolas. With 16 years in the business and a team boasting over 50 years of experience, Tuin Log Cabins ensures top-quality products with a 10-year guarantee on all wood structures. Unlike other retailers, they do not work on sales commission, so you always receive impartial advice tailored to your needs. How to Enter: Simply scan the barcode, or fill…

with Bob Flowerdew, long-standing AG contributor, broadcaster and all-round expert. Squash of all sorts are very popular despite being relatively new crops. True, we’ve long grown marrows, likewise their baby sisters courgettes/zucchini, which are just that, baby marrows. As we’ve been growing these summer squash for so long, they’ve adapted and are fairly easy in an average summer and most varieties are conveniently bushy rather than trailing which means they fit well into beds. Pumpkins cultivated for Halloween rather than as food are also pretty tough plants, though hungry with a serious expansionist habit. The newer, many-sized and coloured squashes have different ancestries so need more warmth than marrows, courgettes or even pumpkins, sometimes failing in a cold, dull summer. Almost all have a trailing tendency, not quite as rampaging…

They are the stars of one of the UK’s most memorable and famous poems, and now the nation’s plant lovers are being asked to search for rare and endangered daffodil varieties. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which is running the daffodil count, is asking people to log where daffodils are flowering in their area, along with the plants’ colour, type and height. The information will be used to create a daffodil map and shine a light on rare varieties at risk of being lost forever. The three most vulnerable daffs are ‘Mrs RO Backhouse’, which was one of the first pink daffodils to be bred, in 1923, with a solid coral-pink trumpet and ivory flowers. It is known to exist in national collections but its whereabouts beyond that is a…

Standing waterfall Slim but eye-catching, a standing waterfall doesn’t take up a huge amount of space but brings sound and reflective qualities to a small garden. They’re made in a variety of materials, including corten steel and stainless steel, and some are even fitted with LED lights. Small ponds Dig a small pond, or even create a watery space using an old metal tub, half barrel or plastic trug. Place a few stones in the bottom and possibly even add a few pond plants to increase its appeal for wildlife. Fountain Enhance the ambience of a small garden with a fountain, which will bring a soothing comforting sound to an outside space. Buy a ready-made feature or make your own.…

With expert broadcaster, author and long-standing AG columnist, Anne Swithinbank I’m lucky to live near the coast in East Devon and this issue my pages are taking a seaside theme. At nearby Branscombe and Weston in the 1800s, folk used to carve vegetable plots known as ‘plats’ from flattish sections of cliff. Here, early potatoes and other crops benefited from the microclimate and abundance of seaweed as a natural fertiliser and soil improver. Shoreline plants such as viper’s bugloss and sea spinach are a resilient and fascinating bunch. My favourite is sea kale, whose clumps of wavy, blue-green leaves and white summer flowers are a familiar sight above the high tide mark. Veg growers can send off for plants, whose forced young shoots are crunchy and delicious with cheese. These…

This is the start of the busy time of year in the gardening calendar. Lots of seed sowing, planting summer-flowering bulbs and hardening off seedlings to name but a few activities. I’ve been busy checking my garden tools, making new raised beds and sowing lots of seeds, so thought I’d pass on to you more thrifty ways of getting ready for the forthcoming season. Seed snail What you’ll need ■ Packaging material such as cardboard, bubble wrap or polythene foam ■ Seed compost or well-rotted leaf mould ■ Twine or tape or elastic bands ■ Shallow plastic tray A 2020 Royal Horticultural Society science project revealed that sowing seeds in a garden bare of plants could reduce stress levels by as much as the equivalent of eight weekly mindfulness sessions.…

With expert gardener and AG columnist, Stephanie Hafferty Towards the end of March and through April we enter the ‘hungry gap’, when overwintered vegetables such as kale, Brussels sprouts and parsnips start to bolt and go to flower, but it is still too early for spring-sown veg to be ready to harvest. The garden is transforming from statuesque brassicas dominating the patch, to small transplants and newly germinating seedlings. Some of the beds look as though it has been snowing, as I tuck transplants grown in modules in the greenhouse under horticultural fleece until they are established. Although these are frost hardy crops, the protective layer helps to keep the worst of cold nights and heavy rains off the little plants until they have settled in. To prevent leeks and…

with Ruth Hayes, AG’s gardening expert A Mexican plant with flowers the colour of the Mediterranean sky - if you’re looking for something to bring brightness to your garden this summer, look no further than Morning Glory ‘Heavenly Blue’. They remind me of Spanish holidays where you see their cerulean blue trumpets scrambling over walls and twining up telegraph poles - always looking much more attractive and acceptable than our smaller native bindweed! A popular annual here in the UK, morning glory (Ipomoea tricolor), is in fact a short-lived perennial in its native land, and is renowned for its short-lived flowers that open with the morning sun but rarely last long enough to see the day out. But they pack a beautiful punch for all their brevity, the long, curled…