April is a month where there is lots happing in the world of gardening and in the gardens, so let’s embrace this month.
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the Magnolia are still looking well. The lilac tree is now starting to bud and it is heavenly scented when in bloom with a lovely purple flower. With all the spring flowers blossoming the colour in the garden centre is expanding everyday.
Although the days are getting warmer please be mindful of the temperature as they do drop a night time.
Perennials
Perennials are flowers that come back each year and some stay green in the winter other fully die back to the ground. The selection of perennials is varied and suits different conditions for example, shady spots can be tricky but with the right plants you can have a lovely variety of plant i.e., Hosta, Astilbe, Helleborus are some of the few that will do well in shade.
Rockery plants can include some herbs like thyme and flowers plants like Saxifraga and Aubrieta again lots more to choose from, these are just some examples.
For long flowering colour throughout the summer the viola and the Geum which comes in a few colours’ orange have been popular at the moment. The Erysimum the wall flower is also a long flowering perennial with a lovely scent. If you have an area that’s been a bit on the tricky side hopefully some of the above suggestions have helped.
Shrubs have lots of functions are can do more than fill a gap some of the are low growing and some will grow into a nice shape but not get too large so for example heathers are low and will spread and have a nice selection of colour. For a medium shrub pittosporum Tom thumb will grow a nice height and can be kept to a nice shape. For a tall shrub with an ornamental value the Cordyline like Charlie Boy with its pink strip leaves are very striking to look at.
Grasses can add some movement to a garden like the stipa pony tail it has height and a gentle flow in the breeze.
The summer bedding
When I fill pots, I like to have height and some pieces trailing to the front to fill in with bedding, for example a nice red geranium for the centre and trailing petunia and I use 6 pack petunia to add colour depending on the size of the pot.
There’s always plenty of work to do in the garden and the Easter weekend means we have an extra day in the garden.
Blossoms on the go Garden Centre will be open on Bank Holiday Monday 11 to 4 and closed on Easter Sunday to enjoy the Hunt for eggs.
Happy Easter everyone
