gardening
Island Life - April/May 2010
GARDENING TIPS WITH URSULA THOMPSON
Spring into action...
March does
not always bring
At the moment, our nurseries on the
We produce a good range of perennials,
Island are bursting with the new crops of
'hardy garden plants'. When they leave
consistent weather, but as the garden
plants to refresh our tired winter gardens.
our nursery they are well established
comes to life, it is time to get busy!
In Newchurch, alpines and herbs are
and ready for planting out. The selection
Once the weeds are cleared, check for
being grown. The range includes some
includes old cottage garden favourites
any winter damage, some plants may
new varieties of Alpines, reliable and
such as lupins, aquilegias, delphiniums,
not have survived the winter and need
hardy, with lovely dainty flowers which
poppies, foxgloves and many more. We
replacing. Prune shrubs by cutting
thrive on sandy or well drained soil.
also supply a lovely range of dianthus
away any dead wood and reshape as
You might like to try a small planting of
and Devon pinks, an essential addition to
necessary. However, leave the pruning of
herbs, adding flavour to your cooking
any garden, suitable for borders or pots.
your Spring flowering shrubs until after
and salads. These are easy to grow and
they have blossomed. Once the flower
again, such a treat when picked fresh.
for summer, flower bulbs of gladioli
beds are tidy, there is probably space
We have a wide selection: there are
and dahlia corms can still be planted to
for something new and Spring is just
different flavours of mint, thyme, basil
give late summer colour to your garden.
the right time for planting shrubs and
and parsley, as well as chives, sage,
Also, Begonia corms are available,
perennials.
marjoram etc.,
including the new trailing varieties
98
It is so exciting getting the garden ready
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