GARDENING
As well as turning us slightly more
self-sufficient, lockdown has also meant
that we have spent a lot more time at
home, and – where we have been able
to – in our outside spaces. As we’ve been
allowed to see friends again, most of
those meetings have had to take place
outside. Whether you are blessed with a
large expanse of garden, or have a small
balcony, getting out in the fresh air has
rarely felt so important.
But with that comes the desire to make
our outside space prettier - and quickly!
Whilst many shrubs take time to grow,
and trees take years to establish, we’ve
got some ideas to help your little corner
of the garden feel as if you’re somewhere
far more exotic than your patch of Jersey
soil.
First off, make sure you have a seating
and eating area. Garden furniture comes
in huge range of styles and prices, and
it’s one of the areas of retail that has
thrived during the pandemic. But you
needn’t spend a fortune. Keep an eye out
on local selling pages, or simply take a
couple of bean bags and a coffee table
outside (this carries the caveat that you
need to keep an eye on the weather and
bring it back indoors again in case of
rain).
Whether it’s a small bistro table, which
could use a bit of a rub down, or a large
trestle table, you can cover a multitude
of sins with a simple tablecloth… add
a jam jar of flowers and you’re well
on your way to luxury outside dining
experience (just add food and wine!). As
well as using a lovely tablecloth, you can
make any chair more comfortable with a
seat cushion – even if that’s just a normal
cushion that you’ve bought outside to sit
on!
The quickest way to make your garden
feel like a beautiful intimate dining area,
is to add pots. Lots and lots of pots. A
great way to make a small space feel
bigger, is to take them off the ground
– so place them up on an old bench,
or a chair. Even an old upturned plant
pot adds height. By enclosing a space, it
instantly feels cosier. A parasol not only
helps with shade, but by lowering the
‘ceiling’ creates a lovely environment. As
the sun goes down, candles (whether real
or battery powered) and festoon lighting
can create a lovely ambience. Just don’t
forget the citronella – mosquitoes like
the summer too.
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When it comes to what you plant,
remember that if you’re able to make
the most of the sunshine for being in
the garden, the pots will need regular
(daily if it’s hot) watering. If buying
new plants, then always ask for a variety
which are best suited to pots. And whilst
we long to have the all year-round heat
that would allow some more tropical
plants to thrive in the Mediterranean
such as the beautiful bougainvillea, the
chances of them dying as soon as the
temperature dips below 10degrees, is
high. If you are looking for a hardier
alternative though Campsis radicans is a
good place to start but will need a wall
to grow up.
To plant your pots, put in large stones
and gravel in the bottom quarter, and fill
with good quality compost. Loosen the
root ball of your plant and ensure that
it’s had a good water before you plant it
out. Whilst some people prefer not to
feed, feeding your plant will definitely
help it grow and establish.
If you are looking to evoke memories
of long nights in the Mediterranean,
then look for ornamental grasses to add
immediate height and drama. A focus
point of a palm tree can really help give
height and maturity to your space, and
the grasses are easier to split if contained
in a planter as and when they outgrow it.
Herbs such as Rosemary and Mint not
only smell lovely, but are useful too, and
grow well in pots.
For more of a country garden feel,
you can’t go wrong with Lavender.
It’s a hardy plant and loves sun. Use a
sandy compost mix, and make sure you
water regularly. What not add a fruit
tree in a pot for instant height as well?
Though do make sure you choose a pot
large enough for it to be able to grow.
Echinacea, Salvia, and Hydrangeas all
come in varieties suited to containers. If
in doubt, just ask at your garden centre.
For fragrance Jasmine is a great addition
to a patio, but as a climber will need to
have support along a wall or trellis. •