I’m not sure how appropriate they will be for my seaside garden, but for those at higher altitude, Leben Seeds could be of interest – besides which, who could resist such a gorgeous picture of an alpine vegetable garden? I can almost hear the cowbells.
I find that the best way to succeed with hardy annuals is to sow them in the autumn – that way they establish a really good root system and romp away before the slugs start munching their way through their spring sown cousins. I’ve just potted on my (at times neglected) seedlings and was delighted to see Continue reading
Last autumn I dug up a clump of vulnerable cyclamen seedlings and potted them into individual cells. They have spent the winter in semi-shade near the greenhouse and are looking good. I’m planning to let them grow on until next autumn when I will plant them in the woodland garden. One of the best indicators of getting the conditions right is when your precious plants self-seed – very satisfying.
At some point last year I distinctly remember writing that Iris reticulata generally need replanting each year as it doesn’t get hot enough to ripen the bulbs.
Posted in Stephanie's Blog
First hellebore flowers
The first hellebores are in bloom and are particularly welcome as I had to dig them all up in the autumn and put them in pots while I waited for building work to finish. It is generally said that they hate being moved and won’t flower for a few years afterwards, but I think the combination of the time of year and the mild winter means that they have dealt with the move far better than I expected and seem very happy back in their newly enriched beds. I’ve been around the various plants removing last year’s foliage and making sure that any affected by blackspot (as in the photo below) is put in the rubbish rather than composted.
