Have you noticed what a good show the weeds are putting on this year? The wet, warm summer we’ve so far had has encouraged growth and weeds have just loved it. So, what’s to be done about them? Very simply, weeds are uninvited guests in the garden. They can quickly take over at this time of year, so it’s important … Read More
New Build Garden Design Near Bicester
Garden Design Near Bicester Bicester is one of the towns in Oxfordshire that has seen a large expansion of new homes over the last ten years. The gardens are mostly left as a blank canvas, as was the case in this new build garden, in the lovely little village of Ambrosden. Where to begin with a blank canvas? Our clients … Read More
More Maintenance Jobs for your Garden in July
Harvesting continues in the vegetable garden. Onions and shallots should be ready this month. Before you do this, bend over the tops to prevent seeding and to allow for maximum sunlight. After lifting, spread out under cover and dry completely before putting into store. Prune wisterias by cutting back the whippy growths made during the summer, so they are within … Read More
Sheena’s Plant of the Month – Solanum Crispum ‘Glasnevin’
Solanum Crispum ‘Glasnevin’ is a very vigorous evergreen or semi-evergreen scrambling shrub or climber. It has won a Royal Horticultural Society award of merit for its reliability. When choosing plants in garden centres, look out for the RHS logo if you’re not sure which variety is best, as it indicates that the plant is recommended by the RHS. Their awards … Read More
Maintenance Jobs for the July Garden
Midsummer, and the garden is awash with colour. There is always plenty of work to be done, but make the most of the long summer evenings, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labours earlier in the year. At this time of year, gardens are not only full of colour but the scent of flowers, such as roses and sweet … Read More
More Summer Garden Maintenance Jobs for June
It may be June, but there are still plenty of summer garden maintenance jobs to be done! Most shrubs in the garden are producing plenty of fresh, young shoots now and these are perfect for making softwood cuttings. Take a few shoots from the side of the shrub, where it won’t show, and take more than you think you will … Read More
Sheena’s Plant of the Month: Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’
Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’, or the Japanese snowball bush, has wonderful white lacecap-like flowers on horizontally tiered branches in May-June. The dark green leaves turn red-purple in autumn and I always think plants that give two seasons of interest are good value. This beautiful, deciduous shrub makes an excellent specimen plant for a sunny spot or mixed border. Give it plenty … Read More
June Garden Maintenance Jobs
There’s nothing better than sitting quietly in the garden in the evening enjoying the sights, sounds and fragrance of your own private space. But there are still plenty of June maintenance jobs to keep you busy in the garden!
What to Plant in your Garden in May
Now is the time to ‘change your bedding’! Spring bedding plants will soon be over whilst others are just gearing up for their summer display now. A wide variety of summer bedding plants are on show at nurseries and garden centres. If late frosts are forecast, those tempting tender geraniums and other non-hardy annuals are best left in the garden … Read More
Sheena’s Plant of the Month for May: Choisya ‘Aztec Pearl’
Look out for Choisyas, flowering now. There are several varieties of Choisya, but Choisya ‘Aztec Pearl’ is one of the most common – for a reason. It’s not at all fussy, the glossy leaves are evergreen, its citrus-scented, pinky-white flowers persist for weeks, sometimes repeating in late summer, and it makes a neat mound up to 2.5m each way. It can … Read More