Woman's Weekly Living Series May 2021

REIGNITE A PASSION FOR GARDENS Our own gardens have undoubtedly taken on a new importance during the pandemic lockdowns. They have been instrumental to our wellbeing, getting us through difficult times and providing an outdoor space to find solace in nature. Visiting other peoples’ gardens through the National Garden Scheme (NGS) is a fantastic source of inspiration. Gardens that were forced to remain closed last year are now preparing to welcome visitors once more. We can now look forward to surveying other people’s hard work and dedication once again as NGS gardens open to the public and continue their great work supporting nursing charities. Ordnance House garden (pictured), belonging to Terry and Vanessa Winters, opens on 23 May and it is encouraging to hear that the number of gardens opening…

Allium Alliums with their purple, white or pink spheres add grace and structure to any border. The ornamental onion has real architectural presence and for decades designers have used the plant to grace the prestigious show gardens of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. For the best effect, plant several different species and varieties that have varying heights and flowering times. In autumn, choose mixed bulb selections, which include tall and shorter varieties, such as ‘Purple Sensation’, known for its bold, mauve globes on tall stems in May, and Allium cristophii with much larger heads of small star-like mauve flowers on short stems, in June. The flowers of both are adored by bees and other pollinators. Alliums readily self-seed to crop up elsewhere in the garden, and the dried seed heads…

Plantlife’s Road Verge Campaign throws wild flowers a lifeline, giving once familiar flowers such as the harebell the chance to grow, flower and set seed. Plantlife is asking for the public’s support to save wild flowers on road verges. During the spring lockdown of 2020, verges were allowed to flower freely while councils’ mowers fell silent. These corridors for nature were an uplifting sight, contributing significantly to our enjoyment and wellbeing while out exercising. Many people were inspired to lobby their local councils to change cutting regimes to benefit native species. The conservation charity’s Road Verge Campaign petition, calling on all councils to manage road verges more sympathetically, has reached 120,000 signatories. Volunteer groups are emerging throughout the country, campaigning hard to restore verges in their local area. Nearly half…

BEE KIND POTS As we start to pot up our summer plants, refresh the display with these high-quality containers. They feature a pretty bee design and remind us of the role that these insects play in our everyday lives. From £8.99-29.99, Woodlodge at garden centres. GROWBAG CONTAINER The first growing bag container on legs, Forest Garden designed this FSC-certified timber planter to hold a standard growing bag for tomatoes and other crops. It cleverly features a cross beam to hold your support canes and is a great way to hide a colourful bag. Height 60cm. £74.99; for stockists, visit forestgarden.co.uk SOUTHWOLD LOBSTER POT Now’s the time to place supports over emerging perennials to stop them flopping across paving and paths. This stylish lobster pot, handmade in Suffolk from steel, will…

SUNFLOWER ‘PRO CUT PLUM’ Early to flower and reliable, the muted tones of this sunflower are intriguing. Height 1.5-1.8m tall. A packet of seed costs £2.85, from plantsofdistinction.co.uk; 01449 721720. PETUNIA ‘MYSTICAL MIDNIGHT GOLD’ We love the unusual blend of creamy yellow flowers with very dark centres, perfect for hanging baskets or containers – and the small blooms are weather resistant, too. Five postiplugs cost £12.99, thompsonmorgan .com; 0333 400 0033. SWEET PEA ‘NIGHTINGALE’ Introduced to honour our amazing NHS healthcare workers, this sweet pea is guaranteed to make a splash in pots or borders. Highly fragrant. Height 1.8m tall. £2.40 for 25 seeds, from mr-fothergills.co.uk; 0333 777 3936.…

The National Trust is inviting gardeners to share images of blossom on social media #BlossomWatch. The event taps into the Trust’s campaign to create a British equivalent of Japan’s hanami, which brings all generations outdoors to celebrate blossom as the first sign of spring. The conservation charity has announced it plans to plant blossoming tree circles in towns and cities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland over the next five years. The first project is the London Blossom Garden (shown), created in partnership with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to commemorate people lost to COVID-19. It will include 33 UK grown trees, including cherry, plum, hawthorn and crab apple. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/blossom-watch…