Bring the soothing fragrance and elegant beauty of lavender to your garden this season. Known for its silvery-green foliage and spikes of fragrant purple, blue, or even white flowers, lavender is a versatile and beloved plant that thrives in sunny spots. Not only does it attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, but its aromatic leaves and flowers can also be harvested for crafts, culinary uses, and aromatherapy. Whether planted in borders, rock gardens, containers, or as a low hedge, lavender adds a touch of Mediterranean charm and a calming sensory experience to any outdoor space. Our selection includes various cultivars, offering different heights, flower colours, and bloom times, allowing you to find the perfect lavender to suit your garden’s style and your personal preferences. Belongs to the Mint Family Lavender (Lavandula) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. This explains its aromatic leaves and square stems, characteristic of mint relatives. Native to the Mediterranean Region Most lavender species are native to the Mediterranean region, extending east to northeast Africa and Arabia, and west to the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. This origin explains its preference for sunny, well-drained conditions. Prized for its Fragrant Essential Oil Lavender is widely cultivated for its essential oil, which is extracted from the flower spikes. This oil is highly valued in aromatherapy, perfumery, cosmetics, and even some traditional medicines for its calming and antiseptic properties. Attracts Pollinators The fragrant flowers of lavender are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. Different Species Offer Variety in Appearance and Hardiness While English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a popular and hardy choice, there are other species like French lavender (Lavandula dentata) with toothed leaves and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) with distinctive “ears” at the top of the flower spike, each with slightly different appearances and levels of cold tolerance. Has a Long History of Use Lavender has been used for centuries. The ancient Egyptians used lavender in mummification and perfumes, while the Romans used it for bathing, scenting their homes, and medicinal purposes. Its name is believed to derive from the Latin word “lavare,” meaning “to wash.” From its aromatic allure to its pollinator-friendly nature and historical significance, lavender is a truly captivating plant that offers both beauty and practicality to any garden or landscape. Consider adding this versatile herb to enjoy its many benefits. Contact our team for more information. CONTACT US

Hydrangeas, with their showy clusters of blooms in shades ranging from delicate pastels to vibrant jewel tones, are a beloved addition to gardens and landscapes worldwide. These deciduous shrubs, known for their versatility and relatively easy care, bring a touch of classic elegance and abundant colour throughout the summer and into the autumn months. From the mophead’s rounded flowerheads to the lace cap’s delicate, flattened blooms, and the pointed panicles of other varieties, hydrangeas offer a diverse array of forms and hues to captivate any observer and enhance any outdoor space. Flower Colour Can Change with Soil pH For some hydrangea varieties, particularly Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea) and Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea), the colour of their flowers is influenced by the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Acidic soils (low pH) tend to produce blue flowers, while alkaline soils (high pH) often result in pink or red blooms. White hydrangeas are generally not affected by soil pH. They are Native to Asia and the Americas While popular in gardens worldwide, hydrangeas are native to eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and the Himalayas) and North and South America. Many Types Exist with Diverse Flower Shapes Hydrangeas are not a single type of flower. There are several distinct species, including mopheads (large, round flower clusters), lace caps (flattened flowerheads with a ring of showy florets), panicle hydrangeas (cone-shaped flower clusters), smooth hydrangeas (large, round white flowers), and climbing hydrangeas (vine-like). Some Varieties Bloom on Old Wood, Others on New Wood Understanding this is crucial for proper pruning. “Old wood” bloomers form their flower buds on the previous year’s growth, while “new wood” bloomers develop flowers on the current season’s growth. Pruning at the wrong time can remove the potential for flowers. The Showy “Petals” are Actually Sepals What appear to be the petals of a hydrangea flower are actually sepals, which are modified leaves that protect the developing flower bud. The true flowers are often small and inconspicuous in the centre of the sepal clusters. Hydrangeas Symbolize Gratitude, Grace, and Beauty In the language of flowers, hydrangeas often represent heartfelt emotions, gratitude for being understood, grace, and beauty. Different colours can also carry slightly varied symbolic meanings. With their captivating blooms and fascinating characteristics, hydrangeas are a rewarding addition to any garden, offering beauty and intrigue throughout the seasons. Explore the diverse world of hydrangeas and discover the perfect varieties to enhance your outdoor space, pop in a see for yourself. Contact our team for more information. CONTACT US

Gardening can be an overwhelming task so we have broken it down on this calendar to make it easier. Welcome to your ultimate garden calendar. Navigating the ever-changing seasons can be tricky, especially when it comes to knowing precisely what to plant, prune, or harvest. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive gardening calendar, designed to guide you through each month with clarity and ease. Winter Bird Feeding: Continue providing food and water for birds as natural food sources are scarce. Winter Pruning: Prune dormant fruit trees and shrubs. This is a good time to shape them and remove dead or diseased wood. Soil Improvement: If the ground isn’t frozen, prepare beds for spring planting by digging in well-rotted manure or compost. Winter Bird Feeding: Keep those feeders topped up! Repot Houseplants: Give houseplants a refresh with fresh potting mix. Prepare Soil with Straights: Incorporate soil amendments like bone meal or fish, blood, and bone to improve soil structure and fertility. Spring Bird Feeding: As birds start nesting, switch to a high-protein feed. Plant Bulbs: Plant summer-flowering bulbs like lilies and gladioli. Prepare Soil with Fertilisers: Work in a general-purpose fertiliser to give plants a boost before the growing season. Sow Seeds: Start sowing seeds indoors for vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines. Spring Bird Feeding: Continue feeding birds as they raise their young. Plant Up Roses: Plant bare-root roses. Sow Seeds: Sow hardy annuals directly into the ground. General Planting: Plant out hardy perennials and shrubs. Scarify and Aerate Lawns: Remove thatch and aerate compacted soil for a healthy lawn. Bird Nesting Season: Be mindful of nesting birds and avoid disturbing them. Plant Up Tomatoes: Plant out tomatoes (after the risk of frost has passed). Water Lawns: Water newly sown or turfed lawns regularly, especially during dry spells. Control Weeds Around the Garden: Start tackling weeds before they get out of control. Plant Up Pots and Containers: Fill pots and containers with summer bedding plants. Feed Plants: Start feeding flowering plants with a high-potash feed to encourage blooms. Feed Roses: Feed roses with a rose-specific fertiliser. Sow New Lawns: Sow new lawns or repair bare patches. Weed Lawns: Keep on top of weeds in your lawn. Summer Bird Feeding: Provide fresh water for birds during hot weather. Water Plants: Water plants regularly, especially those in containers. Feed Tomatoes and Veg: Feed tomatoes and other fruiting vegetables with a tomato feed. Over seed Lawns: Over seed thin or patchy lawns. Prune Deadhead Flowers: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Summer Bird Feeding: Continue providing water for birds. Plant Trees: Plant container-grown trees and shrubs. Apply Barks: Apply bark mulch around plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Scarify and Aerate Lawns: Scarify and aerate lawns again if needed. Autumn Bird Feeding: Start providing high-energy food for birds as they prepare for winter. Sow Seeds: Sow hardy annuals for spring blooms. Plant Winter Bedding: Plant winter bedding plants like pansies and violas. Divide Plant Perennials: Divide herbaceous perennials to propagate and rejuvenate them. Feed Lawns: Give your lawn a final feed of the season with an autumn lawn fertiliser. Autumn Bird Feeding: Continue feeding birds. Plant Bulbs: Plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips. Prepare Soil with Fertilisers: Prepare beds for winter by digging in well-rotted manure or compost. Clean Outdoor Spaces: Clean and tidy garden tools and furniture before storing them for winter. Winter Bird Feeding: Start providing high-fat foods for birds. Plant Trees: Plant bare-root trees and shrubs. Apply Barks: Apply bark mulch around susceptible plants for winter protection. Rake Leaves: Rake up fallen leaves and add them to your compost heap. Winter Bird Feeding: Continue feeding birds during the coldest months. Prune Tree Care: Prune apple and pear trees. Feed Houseplants: Reduce watering and feeding of houseplants as they enter dormancy. Click if you want to see our lawn calendar Contact our team for more information. CONTACT US