Search - Articles

After the intense cold of winter, the bright and cheerful flowers of alpines and rock garden plants introduce much-needed colour into our gardens. There is a huge range to choose from and, being used to extreme conditions, they're extremely hardy

Alpine strawberries are smaller and more delicate than ordinary strawberries. They have an exquisite flavour and perfume, so are ideal as a striking display as well as a source of food. This alpine strawberry display looks especially pretty

and stone mulches on alpine gardens and scree bedsBuy summer-flowering bulbs to plant in spring, such as gladioli, tigridia, galtonia, eucomis, anemone, lily and acidanthera

unwanted suckers growing around the base of trees and shrubsLift large waterlilies from ponds, divide and replant themClean pond pumps and filters, and make sure they are working properlyHand weed alpine and rock gardens

Replenish gravel and grit mulches around alpine plantsPut slug barrier products around the tender new shoots of hostas and perennialsDig plenty of compost into heavy clay soilsCut down marginal plants around ponds, and mulch with compost or bark

lawn and help keep it looking its best.Replenish gravel and grit mulches around alpine plantsPut slug barrier products around the tender new shootsDig plenty of compost into heavy clay soilsAround the gardenSprinkle granular fertiliser round roses

to stop leaves falling inRemove pumps and filters from ponds and water featuresEmpty ceramic and glazed pots to store under cover for winterCollect fallen leaves smothering alpines and other plantsOrder roses, hedging and fruit trees for winter planting

Wash and disinfect bird feeders and tables Collect fallen leaves and add to a leaf bin to compost down Spread fresh gravel or grit around alpine plants Shred prunings and add to your compost heapCollect and empty hoses and sprinklers to store

Plant canna lilies in pots, and leave in a warm positionSow strawberry seeds, including alpine varietiesVisit garden centres to buy young bedding plants that can be grown on to a larger size under glassCut off dead hippeastrum flowers, but allow

.Wash and disinfect bird feeders and tables Collect fallen leaves and add to a leaf bin to compost down Spread fresh gravel or grit around alpine plants Around the gardenTake root cuttings of oriental poppies Check stakes and ties are secure on trees and climbers