A couple of weeks ago I  made my annual pilgrimage to the trial grounds at Thompson & Morgan to see what’s on offer in the coming season. I’ve never been very keen on their flower pouch but thought the idea of using them for vegetables was brilliant.  Perfect where space is an issue, for balcony railings and for keeping your veggies away from the local cats and other pests.  They also had a very impressive new ever-bearing strawberry ‘Finesse’ that can be planted fourteen (!) to a grow bag and will crop from May to November. When it comes to flowers power, the new hardy gerbera, known as Garvinea is bound to be a crowd pleaser.  I came away with a cerise pink one and a very pretty white with pink reverse on the petals – just like a lawn daisy on steroids.  They are both very happy in the garden.

There are times when an insect repellent is essential but generally they smell pretty unattractive unless you are inexplicably fond of the smell of citronella. However there is a delicious exception available from online company Tree House Blue.  The Isabella Smith eau de colognes cost £9.95 and are deet-free and delicately fragrant.

For the next fortnight Woottens of Wenhaston are offering 25% off the price of some of  their enchanting auriculas.

Town & Country has special offers on its range of gloves, kneepads and secateurs in vivid shades of lime, raspberry and grape.  There’s a practical side to the bright colours – they are less likely to get lost in the garden! www.townandco.com

Online customers of  Two Wests & Elliott,  the horticultural sundries company, can buy some great bargains if they are quick off the mark.  Loads of end-of line products are being discounted as they clear out their warehouse in time for autumn. www.twowests.co.uk