Garden Maintenance Supplies

Nurseryman's favourites – June

Chris Marchant of Orchard Dene Plants chooses Gillenia trifoliata as an elegant addition to the summer border. PLUS places to visit to see plants at their seasonal best.

Gillenia trifoliata
I love the way this adds movement to a planting scheme when caught by even the gentlest of breezes. Don’t be deceived by its diaphanous appearance; it has an iron constitution once established. It is good in association with shrub roses, where it offers a delightful airy contrast to the more weighty blooms. As plants fade, the foliage takes on warm autumnal tones of gold and burgundy and the structure will contribute to a planting group for weeks.

Things to do in London during Chelsea week

The Pothole Gardener is taking part in the Chelsea Fringe c. Kate McAuley

The gardening extravaganza that is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show kicks off in a matter of days. Make the most of your time in London and consider some other horticulturally themed activities. Here's a selection of things we've noticed taking place at the same time that might be worth a visit.

If you’re spending time in London during the week of the Chelsea Flower Show (whether you're attending the show or not), here are some garden-related treats to enjoy.

Nurseryman's favourites – May

Papaver orientale Goliath Group 'Beauty of Livermere' c. Jason Ingram

Chris Marchant of Orchard Dene Plants can't resist Papaver orientale Goliath Group 'Beauty of Livermere' for the stunning red impact it brings to the garden in May. PLUS places to visit to see plants at their seasonal best.

Readers’ Day at Gravetye Manor: Gardening with Nature – 23 April 2012

Visit the home of pioneering Victorian gardener William Robinson and learn how his naturalistic style of planting changed the way we garden. BOOK NOW - LAST FEW TICKETS REMAINING

BOOK NOW - LAST FEW TICKETS REMAINING

Gravetye Manor is tucked deep in the Sussex countryside, a 16th-century manor house complete with terraced lawn, exuberant borders, a meadow and unusual, oval-shaped walled garden.

Growing geums

National Collection holder Sue Martin gives her tips on how to grow geums. The image here is of Geum 'Lady Stratheden' a favourite of Sue's and an excellent long flowerer.

In the April issue of the magazine (issue 184) we feature the garden of plant enthusiast and Geum National Collection holder, Sue Martin. Here are some of her tips to consider when growing these lovely bright garden jewels.

GROWING GEUMS:
• The key to growing geums is moisture retentive soil but the pH of soil is not an issue. Sue Martin’s heavy clay soil has been enriched by years of manuring by the previous owner. Sue adds both grit and compost to the soil when planting a new area of Geum and continues to mulch annually with garden compost.

Celebrating William Robinson's gardening genius

We’re delighted to be running a reader’s day at Gravetye Manor in April on 'Gardening with Nature'. Here’s a little background as to why it promises to be such a fascinating day.

Correction to crossword

We're sorry but we've just noticed a mistake in the March issue crossword. We hope this hasn't been too frustrating for you.

Unfortunately we missed off the clue to 27 DOWN for the March issue (183) crossword. Apologies to anyone who has been trying to complete it. Here is the clue:

27 Down: Sound of Lady Nancy's daisy-like flower (5)

Mughal Gardens and Palaces - 29 November to 11 December 2012

Our trip to India takes in some of the finest Mughal gardens and palaces of North India. The tour's host John Brookes has arranged a number of special events to make your visits especially memorable.

The palaces and gardens of North India were built by the 16th and 17th-century Mughal emperors to house their great courts.

As well as visiting some of the major sites and gardens, the journey also takes in many of the less visited yet stunning gardens and palaces in the region, thanks to the connections of your tour leader, the distinguished designer John Brookes. A number of events have also been planned for the party.