My Garden Planner

Garden

Your guide to local services for your outdoor living spaceincluding a special month-by-month guide of things to do

PLANNER

MY

• Natural Stones paving & circles

• Stone & granite cobbles

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• All materials are ethically sourced

Federat ionStoneG r e a t B r i t a i n

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Contents

4 Planning

6 Landscaping

8 Improve your space

10 Green gardens

11 Grow your own vegetables

12 Ponds

14 Garden furniture

16 Open gardens

17 An amazing garden

18 Driveways and patios

20 Structures

22 Glazing

24 House exteriors

27 My gardening year a full 12 month guide

40 Local societies and clubs

42 Top tips from the experts

© 2010 CMG. All rights reserved. All data supplied in this publication is believed to be correct at time of going to press but is subject to change without notice. E&OE.

Published by

Champion Media GroupClare House, 166 Lord Street, Southport, PR9 0QA

Telephone: 01704 392392www.champnews.com

My Garden PlannerLooking out on to a beautiful garden can really lift our moods and on a warm day our garden can provide a relaxing haven

to sit and enjoy the weather.

But not all of us are blessed with a creative mind or green fingers and even the best gardeners are always on the lookout for new ideas.

My Garden Planner is designed to give advice on a range of gardening tasks to inspire you and help you make the best of your outdoor space.

There is something for all circumstances, from how to make the most of a small space, to growing your own vegetables or planning a total landscaping overhaul.

Our month-by-month planner will help you keep on top of your garden chores and establish a regular maintenance routine to ensure your outside space looks fantastic all year round.

Inside you will also find a guide to local horticultural events and larger national events, as well as details of your nearest gardening clubs and societies. Look out for our top tips too, from gardening experts including celebrity gardeners and Southport Flower Show patrons.

There is some green gardening advice to help do your bit for the environment and recommendations for improving the exterior of your home, including driveways, patios, outdoor storage and glazing, that can add value to your property.

You will also find contact details for all the experts in your area who you can call on for professional advice and services, so get reading and start your new gardening regime today.

MY GARDEN PLANNER 3

• Natural Stones paving & circles

• Stone & granite cobbles

• Stone artifacts & garden furniture

• All materials are ethically sourced

Planning

Planning a re-think of your garden can be an exciting task, whether this is to add a new feature or to give it a whole new look.

Some simple changes or additions can

create new interest in your garden, for example

a water feature, rockery, herb garden or

vegetable patch.

An in-depth re-design will take more careful

planning.

It is generally easier to remove existing

plants instead of designing around them, with

the exception of mature trees. If your aim is to

enhance existing planting, consider whether

your new plants will be happy in that location.

For example will they have enough light or

shade or will they be disturbed by nearby

roots?

If you can spare the time, it is helpful to

plan out how much sunlight each part of your

garden receives each day and organise your

planting around this to give sun-loving and

shade-loving plants their optimum spot. The

same applies for your soil type, so you can

check which type of plants will flourish in your

area.

Also think about how your garden will look

throughout the year and maybe add some

winter shrubs that will provide colour and

scent through the colder months. Some good

examples are cornus sanguinea midwinter fire

dogwood or flowering quince. Topiary will also

add interest during winter.

For a low-maintenance garden, try adding a

layer of bark chippings on flowerbeds to deter

weeds. Raised flowerbeds can also be lower

maintenance, and are easier to care for if you

have back trouble or limited mobility.

If you are planning a water feature for your

garden, think about where cables for pumps

or fountains need to be laid before you begin

making any alterations. This also needs to be

considered if you are thinking about adding a

touch of drama to your garden with a lighting

scheme, which can help make your garden a

usable space at any hour and is a surefire way

to impress visitors.

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Landscaping

Whether your garden has seen better days, or if you are itching for a total change, landscaping will provide the overhaul you need.

Getting advice from the professionals is a

must, to make your investment something you

and your family will enjoy for many years to

come. Garden designers will be able to make

a range of suggestions for transforming spaces

of any size, from a compact terrace to more

generously proportioned grounds.

Choosing to landscape your garden is the

ideal opportunity to create the space of your

dreams, so make sure you plan it well to

include everything you want or need.

Do some research and have your own ideas

as to what you want from your garden, to give

some pointers to your designer. You may

wish to have a theme to your garden, such

as attracting wildlife, an oriental haven or a

Victorian manor - or to create different sections

for different purposes, such as eating, storage,

planting, relaxing or playing.

Gardening books, magazines and websites

are a great place to start looking for ideas, but

keep in mind whether styles you see in print

would suit your own garden, or may look out-

of-place.

You may also need to plan around non-

movable features such as mature trees.

Also keep an eye out for gardening design

exhibitions, which will provide you with a wealth

of ideas and give access to a wide variety of

experts under one roof.

After the layout of your garden has been

planned, you will have to consider planting,

which will depend greatly on the feel of your

home and garden.

For example, more modern, angular gardens

will suit more tropical, architectural plants,

whereas cottage style gardens will suit softer

planting with smaller blooms.

Your garden designer will help ensure

that the overall look and feel remains

consistent and is suited to your home and

your personal taste.

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Smaller gardens can still look stunning with some thought and imagination - but it is not as simple as recreating a larger garden in miniature.

First, decide what you want the main use of

your garden to be. If it’s for entertaining or al

fresco dining, an eating area needs to be the

focus of your space. If it’s colour you’re after

you need to define your planting areas, or if

itís a place for the kids to play you will need to

consider a lawned area or other soft surface

such as tree bark.

If an eating area dominates your garden,

some colour and scent may still be introduced

by planting climbing flowers to cover walls or

fences, for example honeysuckle or wisteria.

A patio laid in a stylish pattern will also inject

some personality.

By creating flower beds in unusual shapes

or curves, this will help disguise their small

proportions. Flower colours should be kept to a

theme of two or three, to avoid a cluttered look.

It is generally thought that cooler colours

make a garden look larger. Another trick is to

plant darker colours at the front of a border and

lighter colours at the back to give the illusion

of depth and strategically-positioned garden

mirrors will also give an increased feeling of

space.

If you are short on space for flower beds,

investing in some stylish pots to plant your

bulbs can instantly bring a garden to life,

but keep them clustered together, rather than

spread around, to maintain impact.

Pots also make it simple to swap plants if you

change your mind or they are not growing as

expected. While many plants are happy to live

in containers, some will not survive.

Check your plants regularly - maintenance

is especially important in a smaller garden, as

any unsightly areas will spoil the look of the

whole space.

Improve your space

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There is increasing pressure on us to help the environment and step-up our green behaviour.

The good news is that there are many simple

steps we can all take and often these will save

money at the same time.

Here are a few tips to make your garden

more environmentally friendly:

u Choose peat-free composts that contain

recycled materials.

u Recycle excess garden waste via your

council’s recycling services.

u Use a water butt to help trap rainwater to

water your garden throughout the summer

u Re-use yoghurt pots and takeaway

cartons to plant seedlings in.

u To save water, use soaker hoses or drip

irrigation instead of sprinkler systems.

u Install a sedum roof to garden sheds

or summerhouses to replace the lawn or

shrubbery lost by the building’s footprint.

u Hang bird boxes and feeders in your

garden to attract feathered friends who will help

cut down on slugs and snails.

u Attracting ladybirds to your garden can

also help eliminate plant-eating bugs (special

ladybird food is available).

u Get a home compost bin or wormery and

make your own nutritious compost with kitchen

and garden waste.

u Items which will make great compost

include uncooked kitchen waste such as

vegetable trimmings, tea bags and eggshells,

annual weeds - before seedheads form, hedge

and lawn clippings in thin layers, shredded

newspaper or cotton or wool fabrics, shredded

woody stems, cardboard, sawdust and straw.

u Do not compost cooked kitchen waste,

animal products and bones, bread, diseased

plant material, weed seedheads, synthetic

fabrics, dog or cat waste or unshredded woody

material.

Green garden tips

10 MY GARDEN PLANNER

Grow your own vegThe credit crunch sparked a trend for home grown vegetables and many people are now dedicating an area of their garden to a vegetable plot.

Not only will it save on the

shopping bill, but home growing

is great exercise and nothing beats

the satisfaction of serving up your

own produce with the Sunday roast.

“Anybody can grow anything

nowadays,” says Southport’s

Town Lane Allotment Association

chairman, Derek Thomas.

“People with large gardens are

tending to split them up a bit and

grow a few veg. Even if you have a

small garden or a patio you can grow potatoes,

runner beans or carrots. You can put a wigwam

up to grow French and runner beans to protect

them from the wind, or carrots can be grown

in half a water butt filled with sandy loam. You

don’t need that much space.”

Although many vegetables can be grown in a

small amount of space, some varieties such as

squash need around four feet between plants.

Fruit trees and bushes normally are only suited

to larger gardens, but trees of small root stock

will only grow to eight or nine feet to fit in

smaller plots.

Soil preparation will depend on the soil

type in your garden. Peat-based soil retains

moisture so needs little watering, whereas

clay-based soil will need preparation to break

it down. Horse manure is an ideal, if smelly,

product to dress the soil.

Sandy soils are ideal for growing root

vegetables. This soil type drains well and stays

warm longer in autumn.

A variety of vegetables can be grown

throughout the year (see below).

“You can also do successive growing, to

spread the crops over the year,”

Derek says. “Instead of sowing

four rows of carrots, just sow two

and then a couple of weeks later

sow another two, then you have

successive growing.”

But is growing your own worth all

the effort?

“Home grown tastes better

because there are no pesticides

– you don’t need it,” says Derek.

“It’s cheaper because you can get

a packet of 500 seeds for about

£1, whereas in supermarkets the

majority of your costs is for the packaging, not

the contents. And there is nothing more pleasing

than seeing your efforts rewarded. You’ve done

the growing and at the end you get the produce.”

MY GARDEN PLANNER 11

DEREK THOMAS

WHEN TO PLANTJune - August Broccoli, spring cabbageSept - Nov Broad beans.Dec - Feb Garlic, broad beans, carrots, leeks.March - May Potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, summer cabbage, Brussels sprouts, leeks.

WHEN TO HARVESTJune - August Potatoes (early crop), cauliflower, broad beans.Sept - Nov Potatoes (late crop), summer cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots.Dec - Feb BroccoliMarch - May Garlic, spring cabbage.

TOP TIPS FOR PERFECT VEGETABLESPosition Most vegetables grown best in a sunny position sheltered

from strong winds.Soil preparation To improve soil dig in well-rotted manure, compost,

leafmould, composted bark or mushroom compost. If growing in containers use good quality multipurpose compost.

Watering For healthy, strong growth and the highest yields, plants will need a regular supply of water at the roots. Using water gels allows you to water less with optimum results.

Feeding Add a general fertiliser a week or so before seed sowing or planting out. Additional light feeds throughout the growing season will be beneficial for many plants and those growing in containers.

Mulching Covering the soil with a layer of compost, well-rotted manure or leafmould will keep weed growth to a minimum, conserve soil moisture and help insulate plant roots from extremes of cold and hot weather.

Ponds

Ponds or water features can really bring a garden to life. As well as giving an attractive view, they are a haven for wildlife and, with the right care, can be used for keeping fish.

The key to a healthy pond is to keep the right

balance of plants and oxygen. If the balance

is right, the water will appear clear, but if there

is an imbalance you will notice an increase in

algae growth.

Algae is probably the most common complaint

about garden ponds, but it can be kept at bay

by a number of methods. Algae is caused by an

excess of nutrients in the water, such as from a

surplus of fish food.

Although it is possible to balance nutrient

levels with the correct plants, a pond filter

is generally a wise investment, especially for

beginners, and a good quality pump is a must

to keep water flowing.

Algae is common in early spring, when the

water begins to warm-up but pond plants are

yet to become active, creating an imbalance

of nutrients.

To keep aquatic plants healthy it is a good

idea to divide them every two to three years in

late spring or early autumn, if they are becoming

overgrown or crowded. Divided clumps can

then be planted singly.

Rotting vegetation and blanket weed should

be regularly removed from the pond so that

it does not interfere with fish or plants. This

is especially important in autumn when dead

leaves will be blown into the water, but installing

a net over the pond may help avoid this.

Fish are a good way to cut down on pests as

they will eat the insect larvae, but ensure there

is a sufficient volume of water for the fish to live

comfortably. Smaller ponds may need to be

dug deeply to give the fish space.

In cold weather make sure to take precautions

against ice forming across the pond, which can

cause a build up of methane gas lethal to fish

and may crack the sides of some ponds. An

electric pool heater will ensure an area of open

water, or alternatively floating a ball on the pond

will help prevent ice forming.

If you are creating your own pond, providing

varying depths of water will attract a variety of

wildlife. Shallow areas will be used by egg-laying

creatures such as dragonflies and amphibians

and will be enjoyed by garden birds searching

for a bath. Deeper areas will be inhabited by

aquatic insects and swimming newts.

Ready-formed pond shapes are widely

available, but you may also choose a flexible

lining sheet that can be adapted to any shape you

desire, or you may choose to have a raised pond.

It is worth taking some time to consider the

location of your pond. It is best to avoid placing a

pond directly beneath a tree or large shrub, as it is

likely to prove difficult to keep the water free from

leaf debris and nearby roots may damage the

pond lining as they grow.

Also you may wish to place your pond on a

higher part of your garden, to avoid it flooding

during rain or watering.



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Garden furniture

Pictures courtesy of Dobbies Garden World


Choosing the right outdoor furniture can make a huge difference to how you use and enjoy your garden.

One of the major trends this year is for a

Mediterranean feel for your al fresco living area.

Dobbies Garden World, Southport,

recommend coupling white garden furniture

with zesty accessories to keep things fresh and

bright. Or use over-sized patio pots, olive trees,

citrus plants and a stylish chiminea to re-create

an effortlessly warm style and bring a feeling

of the summer holidays to your very own back

garden.

Brightly coloured furniture is also big

this year, with the trend being for your

chairs and tables to stand out with the

blooms rather than blend in with the

foliage. Choose items in bold clashing

colours to really stand out, or select

furniture that matches the colour theme of

your planting.

For a smaller or cottage-style garden, a

simple, pretty table and matching chairs may

be all that you need to create a stylish setting for

your al fresco lunch or afternoon tea.

For a more natural look than plastic or metal

furniture, teak is a popular choice as it is weather

resistant and low maintenance.

Wicker is an affordable choice and can

provide an attractive look in a range of colours.

If you are a keen cook when why not invest

in a barbecue to take advantage of those

gorgeous summer evenings and serve up a

treat in style.

For those with a larger family, or if you

enjoy entertaining, you may wish to buy a

garden table with a Lazy Susan, to make

passing the salt that bit easier.

There is so much choice available now

that there is no excuse for your outdoor

living space to be any less stylish than the

inside of your home.

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Open gardens

Summer is the ideal time to visit some of the stunning gardens around Sefton and West Lancashire.

The Yellow Book, produced by the National

Gardens Scheme (NGS), contains details of

more than 3,600 gardens to visit across England

and Wales. All the gardens in the scheme are

vetted by the NGS, so visitors can be assured of

an interesting and eye-catching display.

The garden owners charge a small fee for

entry and the proceeds go to the NGS, which

has raised more than £25 million in the last 10

years for various charities. Most gardens provide

refreshments for a small fee, and the home

made cakes are a feature.

There are some 42 gardens to visit in this

area, some of which are ‘group openings’

containing more than one garden.

In Southport be sure to pay a visit to Foxbury,

47 Westbourne Road on Sunday June 20,

Birkdale Village Gardens on Sundays July 4

and 18, and 4 Brocklebank Road, open Sunday

July 25.

Four Freshfield gardens will be open to the

public on Sunday July 11 from 10.30am to

4.30pm. These are at 2 Gorse Way, 37 Brewery

Lane, Woodlands on Green Lane and The

Squirrels on Victoria Road.

On Sunday June 27, midday to 5pm, four

gardens in Hesketh Bank will be open for

viewing, at 155 Station Road, 31 Becconsall

Lane, 11 Douglas Avenue and Wedgwood, off

Shore Road.

Crabtree Lane Gardens, near Burscough, are

open Sunday June 13.

Visitors can be assured of a warm welcome at

any of these gardens.

For more details see www.ngs.org.uk


As amateur gardeners go, Peter Thornton is one of the best.

His garden on Brewery Lane, Formby, has

scooped top prize in the Formby Garden

Competition 26 times as well as winning Sefton

in Bloom prizes five times and numerous other

local contests.

“I have always loved gardening,” Peter says.

“I first got into it when I wanted to earn some

pocket money from my father and he told me

to dig for victory.

“When I was 12, he bought me two allotments

and the people who taught me all my gardening

skills were Polish refugees in Huddersfield.

“I think they felt sorry for me having to clear

a piece of field and turn it into an allotment and

they helped me for about five years. They were

the best gardeners I have ever come across in

my life.”

Peter’s impressive gardening skills

have earned him an invitation to join

the National Gardens Scheme, where

beautiful gardens across the country

are opened to the public for charity.

“I am very pleased about that,

especially as they came and asked

me to join,” Peter says.

Peter experiments with his garden, growing

at least two new plants each year, but his

favourite has always been the sweet pea, since

winning a prize at the Leeds Sweet Pea Show,

aged 16.

“Maintaining the garden is a year round

process,” says Peter. “You can’t give up.

There’s the grass to cut all year round - in

summer I sometimes cut it every day and in

winter I cut it once a week.

“Most of the planting is done the third week

in May, in time for the competitions which

mostly start the first or second week in July,

and I am always on the lookout for ideas in

other people’s gardens.”

Peter’s garden is bursting with blooms, but

he says it is his manicured lawn which really

impresses judges.

“That’s what I specialise in. I spend

hours and hours on it so it is short

and green,” he says.

Peter’s garden will be open to

the public on Sunday July 11 from

10.30am to 4.30pm.

For more details see the NGS

website at www.ngs.org.uk.

An amazing garden


Updating your driveway can really improve the kerb appeal of your home and garden.

A variety of driveway types are available so it

is worth taking some time to consider which will

best suit your home.

Block paving in contrasting colours and

patterns can give a modern look and a similar

effect can be gained through pattern-printed

concrete, which has the advantage of being

difficult for weeds to penetrate. This method

needs to be carried out by an expert as

mistakes are difficult to rectify.

Tarmacadam is a relatively inexpensive

method of creating larger driveways, although

the red and green varieties will be more pricey.

Concrete flagstones are a popular option

and are available in many colours. To add

variety, a design can be created using different

sized stones in a mosaic effect.

Stone and slate flags will give a more natural

look and are low maintenance. Although this

is an expensive option, it may be possible to

source reclaimed slabs to cut costs.

Gravel is a fairly inexpensive method and

again gives a natural look that would be

suited to cottage-style gardens. A wide

range of colours are available and it is a low-

maintenance option.

A patio is an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors,

without the efforts of mowing or weeding. They

also provide a dedicated area for al fresco

dining, garden furniture and barbeques and

can be brightened up with potted shrubs and

flowers.

When designing patios, it is a good idea

to choose a colour that will complement or

contrast the rendering of your house, rather

than matching it.

A darker patio will reduce glare and will feel

much warmer than a lighter tone.

Unless the soil where you patio will be

located is already well compacted, it is likely to

need some prior preparation.

If the ground is somewhat soft, or has been

used as a flowerbed, for example, it will be

necessary to compact the area using hardcore

rubble and gravel.

If you will be using the patio for dining it

may be a good idea to position it close to the

kitchen, or in a location that will catch the sun

throughout the day.

If you intend to use it for sunbathing or

lounging, an area with natural screening would

be best.

Flagstones will provide a level surface for

easy movement of patio furniture, but various

bases can be used including natural stone,

block paving and gravel.

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A range of garden buildings and structures can help to add character, security or much-needed storage space.

A garden shed is an obvious choice, and of

course these come in a variety of sizes, styles

and materials to suit most tastes and budgets.

Timber sheds are popular as they can be

stained or painted different colours to fit in

with the individual garden, but metal or plastic

sheds can prove to be more weatherproof in

the long-term.

Sales of larger sheds and Wendy houses

have reportedly quadrupled over the past year,

with many being used to give teenage children

their own private space or to provide an extra

room to enjoy the garden.

Small wooden Wendy houses also make an

ideal play area for younger children, who will

love being able to set up their own mini-home

in the back yard.

For smaller gardens, a range of more

compact storage units are available, for

example bike lockers, lockable weatherproof

cabinets or wheelie bin stores to keep unsightly

bins out of view.

You may wish to consider having a brick

outbuilding constructed as a permanent and

secure home for gardening or other bulky

equipment.

Planning permission is not always necessary

for sheds or outbuildings, but it is worth

checking with your local authority’s planning

department for advice before beginning any

constructions.

Fencing is an often-overlooked aspect of the

garden, but the right type of fencing can make

the world of difference.

If you have small children or pets, it is a wise

idea to invest in taller fencing to keep them

secure in your garden and prevent them from

intruding on neighbours, but normally fences

should not exceed two metres in height.

Lower fencing will allow more light into a

smaller garden, or a compromise may be to

have low solid fencing with a section of trellis

attached to the top.

Fencing professionals will be able to advise

you as to what would be the best type of

fencing to suit your needs and complement

your garden.

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For example, adding a conservatory to

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Conservatories are the most common home

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Most domestic conservatories are built from

a uPVC and aluminium frame, that can come in

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There are also a range of architectural styles to

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The advantages of uPVC frames is they will

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alternative to uPVC and would be ideal for

homes in a conservation area or older properties

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Specialist blinds can be designed for

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Remember to check whether you will require

planning permission for your conservatory.

If a conservatory is not possible for your

garden, investing in new windows for your

home can help improve the outlook on your

outside space.

Good quality double glazing will save on

your energy bills and will cut the maintenance

needed for older-style window frames. It will

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It is a good idea to complement changes to your garden with improvements to the exterior of your home, to maintain a tidy and attractive appearance.

There are many ways to revive your home

and add value at the same time.

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giving it a new coat of paint, will make a huge

difference to the look of your outside space

and really give it some personality. Even

re-pointing brickwork can give your home a

tidier appearance.

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for this type of work, as long as it does not

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department.

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can also add style and value, and provide a

handy shelter for fumbling for your keys in the

rain. Make sure the style is in-keeping with

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My Gardening YearYour 12 month guide of what to do and when to do it


JanuaryPROTECTIVE MOVE Early in the month, if

there is a vacant sheltered spot in the vegetable

plot, any exposed Brussels sprouts, savoys

and late cabbage can be moved there if they

are lifted with their roots intact.

WARM THE GROUND Mid-month, where

early crops are to be sown, cover the ground

with cloches or spare frame lights, so that it is

dry and comparatively warm before the seed

goes in.

KEEP OFF If you have managed to do any

digging, keep off the cultivated land until

conditions improve, or the soil structure will be

impaired.

CUT PRIVET Later in the month, where privet

hedges have got out of hand, this is a good

time to cut them back hard and encourage new

strong basal growth.

SOW LUPINS If you can lay your hands on a

few lupin seeds, sow them now for flower in

late summer.

The dawn of a new gardening year

Lupin seeds


FebruaryCHECK SUPPORTS If you have any wall-

trained fruit trees or bushes, check that the

supports are in good order before the new

season’s growth makes fresh demands on

them.

EXTRA HELLEBORES Although prefering to

be left, helleborus niger, the Christmas Rose,

should re-establish if propagated by division

immediately after flowering.

LAWN CARE Any turfing should be completed

as conditions allow. By the end of the month it

will be time to think about preparing ground for

sowing new areas. SUMMER BEDDING If not yet dealt with,

summer bedding schemes should be planned

at the earliest opportunity so that seed orders

can be sent in as soon as possible.

START FUCHSIAS Fuchsia stock plants

can be started into growth to encourage

the production of shoots which will serve as

cuttings in March.

FORCING As temperatures improve there is

less need to bring seakale and rhubarb inside

for forcing. They can be covered where they

are planted.

CAMELLIAS When pot grown camellias pass

out of flower they can be top-dressed or

repotted to sustain them through the growing

season.

BULBS As early potted bulbs cease flowering,

the pots or bowls can be laid on their sides and

the bulbs allowed to die back naturally. This

allows food in the foliage to be drawn into the

bulbs, building them up for next season. As an

alternative they can be heeled-in in a nursery

plot, provided they are first hardened-off.

SEED SOWING The busy season for seed

sowing approaches, and it is always worth

sowing thinly. This way seedlings have room to

develop, and will not become overcrowded if

pricking off is delayed.Gloxinia


MarchSTOP SLUGS The appearance of new shoots

on the likes of herbaceous perennials will prove

attractive to slugs. Bait tubs with milk or beer

and sink them into the ground for the slugs

to drown in. Not a pleasant prospect for the

slug, but likely to be preferable to a chemically

induced demise!

STOP STRANGLING As the sap begins to flow

and the stems and trunks of trees and shrubs

begin another season’s growth, check around

any ties. If they are tight, slacken them a little to

allow room for expansion.

SOW CHRYSANTHS Cascade and Charm

chrysanthemums can be sown now in gentle

heat. Cascades need careful training to obtain

the best results, but Charms are an easy way to

a riot of flowers.

TREES AND SHRUBS It may not be necessary

to say this if wet conditions prevail, but if there are

any dry periods, take care to ensure that newly

planted trees and shrubs are given sufficient

water. In extreme conditions it may also be

necessary to syringe or spray over the foliage.

THIN LETTUCE Early sowings of lettuce should

be ready for thinning. At this time the thinnings

can be transplanted if needed - a practice

which should not be carried out later in the year

because of the danger of bolting.

FEED ROSES By now the roses should have

been pruned, and will benefit from a top dressing

of rose fertiliser.

SOW CAMPANULAS A nice trailing, free-

flowering pot plant which can be sown now

is Campanula isophylla. It can be had in both

white and blue flowered forms, but must be

grown under glass.

TIDY IVY Ivy growing on walls can be clipped

now, using shears. If the job is left, growth

may become excessive and untidy during the

summer.

CLEAR CROPS Where just a few plants of

crops such as leeks and celery remain, they can

be lifted so that the ground can be prepared for

new crops.

PLANT RANUNCULUS If you have ranunculus

which were lifted for storage last autumn, they

can be planted as soon as ground conditions will

allow. They should be set about 5cm (2in) deep.

Ranunculus blooms


AprilSTAKE EARLY As fresh shoots appear on

herbaceous plants, give them support with twigs

and small branches to lessen the chance of

damage. Placed with care, they will eventually

disappear as the foliage grows through and

around them.

TRIM LOBELIA Blue lobelia which is growing

well can be trimmed back a little to make it

thicken out.

SOW PEAS Ensure succession by making a

sowing of second early peas.

SOW ANNUALS Once the weather improves a

little, seed of annuals can be sown outdoors in the

place where it will flower - an easy and colourful

way of filling gaps in the border. There is also

some value in having an area devoted entirely to

them. Sowings for such an annual border can be

made now, in situ. Remember to hoard twigs and

prunings for supporting taller types.

SOW PANSIES Pansies flower well in mild

conditions. To have a supply for next year,

sow now in boxes of light soil. Transfer the

seedlings to grow on in a frame prior to

planting out in October.

PLANT SWEET PEAS Provided they have

been well hardened off, sweet peas sown in

January should be about ready for planting.

Take out a large hole with a trowel, and spread

the roots before covering.

BETTER BLOOMS If you want bigger and

better blooms in the perennial border, then

try thinning the number of shoots down

to half a dozen per plant. Plants which

will benefit include delphiniums, heleniums,

lupins and phlox.

LAYER SHRUBS Many shrubs can be

propagated by layering. Select a suitable

branch or stem which can be encouraged to

bend down to the ground, and make a slicing

cut part way through a joint. If needed keep

the wound open with a small stone. Bury the

cut part just below the soil surface, keeping

it in place with a wooden peg or a stone until

rooting takes place.

SOW SWEET CORN Sweet corn can be

started under glass. Either sow singly in pits,

or space sow at 50-75mm (2-3in) centres in

deep boxes.

Be prepared with stakes to help support new growth in the herbaceous border


MayHERBACEOUS CUTTINGS Many herbaceous

plants can be propagated by making cuttings

of the new shoots appearing now. With those

such as delphiniums - which might benefit from

a little thinning - the shoots can be inserted in

frames or pots. Kept covered for a week or two,

they should root readily.

HARDEN CELERY Celery sown in heat will be

ready to plant out at the end of this month or

early in June. Take all opportunities to harden-

off, so minimising the risk of any shock at

planting time.

SUMMER BEDDING Now’s the time to be

thinking about lifting spring bedding plants to

make way for summer plants.

SUPPORT GLADIOLI Don’t allow gladioli to

grow too tall before staking them. By the time

they have reached (30cm) a foot, a strong

stake should be in and the first tie made.

EARTH POTATOES Earth up potatoes as

growth is made. If you think they will benefit

from additional fertiliser, dust a little along the

rows before drawing the soil up.

KEEP TIDY Climbers and wall plants are

starting to grow away with vigour. Keep on

top of them by tying in the stems before they

become entangled and are difficult to manage.

TIE RASPBERRIES As new shoots continue

to make growth on autumn-fruiting raspberries

which were cut back in February, they should

be tied in.


JuneTIME TO PRUNE Early-flowering shrubs which

have finished their displays such as lilac,

diervilla, forsythia, deutzia and so on can be

pruned if required. Remove weaker growths

first, and then any which are overcrowding or

invading space where they are not wanted.

RASPBERRY BEETLE If raspberry beetle is

an expected problem, it may be controlled by

dusting the fruit clusters with derris some ten

days after the flowers have gone over. Never dust

open flowers which are still being visited by bees.

PINCH PEAS Remove the growing points from

early peas which have finished flowering to

concentrate energies on pod production.

BOOST GLADIOLI Better blooms can be

expected on gladioli if they are boosted with

a programme of liquid feeding. From now

through to the first appearance of flower, make

an application every 10-14 days.

LATE RUNNERS It seems but a moment since

the season for sowing runner beans started,

and yet already it is at an end. A final sowing

can be made in milder areas, to produce crops

until the end of October.

FEED ANTIRRHINUMS Antirrhimuns can be

improved if weak liquid manure is applied at

fortnightly intervals.

GOOSEBERRIES Gooseberries in full fruit

should be picked over. Remove young green

berries for cooking or preserving; but leave an

ample number to mature for dessert. I would

normally advise watering in hot, dry periods

and feed with liquid manure, but hesitate to do

so in current circumstances.

PANSIES Make a sowing of winter-flowering

pansies for a display next winter/spring.

Now’s the time to encourage pod production in peas

LIFT BULBS Spring bedding bulbs, such as

tulips and hyacinths which were set in nursery

rows to complete their growth, should be about

ready for lifting, cleaning, drying and storing.

SUMMER PRUNE Wall-trained plums and

cherries, with the exception of Morello, can

have side-shoots which made growth over the

last couple of months, shortened back by a

third. Spread the work over several weeks.

AZALEA CUTTINGS My Indian azaleas

are plunged outside for the season and are

growing away well. I’ll be taking cuttings which,

when set in a shaded cold frame, should root

within the month.

THINNING Rows of seed sown in June will

need thinning. Carrots, beet, turnips, lettuce

and the like will be ready. Water after thinning

to settle those left back in place and avoid a

check.

BUY CABBAGE Obtain cabbage seed for

sowing later in the month or in early August, to

provide crops next spring.

SCHIZANTHUS Buy seed of schizanthus, the

Butterfly Flower, for sowing in August and

September to produce displays from April to

June next year.

Azalea cuttings need to be taken now

Schizanthus Pinnatus


July

COMPOST The volume of waste material from

the garden tends to increase at this time and

unless diseased is useful for composting. Dry

material should be moistened to speed decay,

and a dressing of sulphate of ammonia or a

proprietary accelerator helps the process.

PLANT SEEDLINGS Seedlings of wallflower,

myosotis, digitalis and the like should be

ready for transplanting. Dress the nursery bed

with general fertiliser, which can be raked in.

Then plant the seedlings 225mm (9in) apart in

shallow drills 300mm (12in) apart. The drill will

make watering easier until the plants establish.

REMOVE HEADS Removing the seed heads

from bedding dahlias will encourage them to

continue producing flowers.

CHERRY PIE Heliotrope or Cherry Pie is normally

grown as a half-hardy annual. Cuttings can be

taken in autumn and overwintered under glass.

CLEAN GLASSHOUSES Take the opportunity

afforded by fine weather to move plants out of

the glasshouse and give it a thorough cleaning.

GERANIUM CUTTINGS A start can be made

to making cuttings of zonal and ivy-leaved

forms of geranium. Select shoots 125mm (5in)

long without flower and take care to select

them evenly from amongst the display.

PENSTEMONS Penstemons make fine border

and bedding plants that flower through summer

and autumn. Cuttings can be taken now from

unflowered shoots and inserted in a frame of

sandy soil.

START CYCLAMEN Rested corms of

Cyclamen persicum can be restarted to growth

after cleaning up and repotting.

STOP WEEDS Keep the hoe going on a

frequent basis to prevent weeds becoming

established and seeding.

One of the gardener’s friends


August


SeptemberSOW LAWNS This is a good time to make

lawns using seed. The days are shortening,

and by the time the seed has germinated and

the grass begins to grow we shall be well into

autumn. There will be ample time for good root

development before winter sets in, and little risk

from sun scorch.

APPLES AND PEARS Early varieties of apple

and pear can be picked when slightly under

ripe. Take care not to leave pears for too long,

or they will got soft from the middle.

DISBUD CYCLAMEN The appearance

of cyclamen flowers is eagerly awaited. A

better effect is achieved if the first to form are

removed, allowing the strength of the plant to

build.

STORE SUPPORTS As stakes and canes

come free from cleared crops, remove them

from the soil and clean and dry them before

storing.

SPACE CABBAGE If you have cabbage to

plant, space some at 30 x 22cm (12 x 9 ins).

After Christmas alternate plants can be used

as early greens, leaving the reminder to grow

to maturity.

SWEET PEAS Early blooms of sweet pea can

be had from sowings made at the beginning of

October, so it’s time to order seed.

WORM CASTS With dew and humidity,

moist worm casts are more persistent. It is

a good idea to scatter them before mowing,

lest the flattened heap provides a toe-hold

for weeds.

FINAL TRIM The growth of hedges will be

slowing down, and any that need tidying can

be given a final trim.

TAKE NOTE Make a note in your diary of

new plantings and their rough position. It’s

amazing how labels can disappear over the

year.


OctoberSPRING FLOWER When planting crocus,

grape hyacinths, scillas and the like out in the

garden, keep a few back for potting for an early

indoor display.

LIFT GLADIOLI Loosen the ground with a fork

and then lift gladioli. Cut off the stem just above

the corm and ensure that they are dry before

placing in store.

PLANT PAEONIES Paeonies can be planted

now. They need deep, rich soil and prefer a

little shade to full sun.

COMPOST Make a fresh compost heap, so

that the one in current use will provide material

for digging-in later on.

PROTECT STRAWBERRIES Strawberries

potted for forcing early next year should be

given protection against frost. Plunge the pots

in sand or leaf-mould or stand in a cold frame.

SPARE BULBS Any unused bulbs can still be

potted for a display in late winter.

LETTUCE Plant winter lettuce in cold frames,

keeping them well ventilated when conditions

allow. Take precautions against slugs.

START DIGGING As land becomes vacant

in the vegetable plot, a start can be made to

digging when ground conditions are good.

Remember to leave the ground rough to allow

maximum penetration by frost.

Make a fresh compost heap

Plant winter lettuce in cold frames


NovemberROTATE On the vegetable plot, don’t forget

to rotate your cropping plan both to reduce

any build-up of pest or disease, and to create

the right levels of food in the ground for

various crops. In general, lime for brassicas,

incorporate manure for legumes, and apply

general fertiliser for root crops.

CUT MINT Use shears to cut back clumps of

mint to near ground level. Take the opportunity

to remove any weeds which may have become

established, and then apply a top-dressing of

compost or leaf-mould. The old growth is not

suitable for drying, but an extra supply can

be had by lifting a clump of roots, potting or

boxing them and placing them in a glasshouse

or by a window, where the temperature will not

fall below 13C (53F).

ROOT PRUNING Any root pruning due to be

carried out to reduce vigour and induce fruiting,

should be carried out before conditions deteriorate.

LIFT OR LEAVE? Although parsnips and

horseradish are hardy, and the flavour of

parsnips is improved by frost, it still makes

sense to lift and store a proportion of the crop

to allow for days when the ground is too frozen

for lifting.

ENGINE CARE Four-stroke engines on garden

machinery that is not to be used for some time,

will benefit if a little protective oil is squirted into

cylinder and then the engine rotated until both

valves are closed.

PINCH SPROUTS Encourage the topmost

Brussels sprouts to swell by pinching out the

stem tip.


DecemberGLADIOLI Gladioli, lifted and tied in bundles

or placed in boxes to dry, may be ready for

cleaning. If the foliage has withered completely,

force the old corm from beneath the new with

your thumb nail. Pull off the dried leaves and

store in a dry, frost-free place.

WHAT - NO CATALOGUES? If you find yourself

without catalogues, send off straight away. The

season for planning next year’s displays and

produce is upon us.

CLOCHE CELERY The tops of celery can be

protected, either using straw or by placing

cloches along the ridge.

PINCH CHERRIES If a new flush of growth

starts to appear on Christmas cherries -

Solanum capsicastrum - and threatens to hide

the colourful fruits, it should be pinched out.

CHOOSE WITH CARE When buying

poinsettias, choose plants with healthy bracts

and good colour. Also check the small flowers

in the centre of the head. Ideally these should

just be showing colour. If they have already

opened fully or gone over, then the display will

be that little bit shorter.

PRUNING CARE When pruning out larger

branches with a saw, first make a cut on the

underside, prevent bark tearing back as the

branch comes away. With some branches it is

a good idea to cut through initially some way

from the final position, leaving a smaller and

more manageable piece to be removed with

less chance of damage.

When choosing Poinsettias select plants with healthy bracts and good colour

Local Clubs & Societies


Here are details of some of the great gardening clubs and societies in your area:

Ainsdale Horticultural Society

The society first met in 1911 with the aim of

promoting horticulture through exhibitions and

lectures.

The society celebrates its centenary next year,

although it will not be the 100th show as the

club’s equipment was damaged by a German

bomb during World War II.

The club is keen to have new members and

exhibitors and has a strong children’s and

teenagers’ section.

For details call 01704 545062 or see www.ainsdalehorticulturalsociety.org.uk

Aughton and Ormskirk Gardening Society

The society meets on the second Wednesday

of the month at 8pm, from September to May at

Aughton Village Hall, Winifred Lane.

New members and guests are welcome.

Formby Flower Club

The society, founded in 1968, holds regular

meetings with demonstrations from professional

flower arrangers and trips to gardens and

competitions.

Meetings are held on the third Wednesday

of each month, except August and December,

7.30pm at Oakleaf Hall Royal British Legion,

Whitehouse Lane, Formby.

For membership details call 01704 872760.

Formby Horticultural Society

Founded in 1886, the society holds a annual

summer and autumn shows and gives prizes for

the best front and back gardens in the village.

Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of

every month, with a break during the summer,

at the luncheon club, Rosemary Lane, Formby.

If you are interested in joining the society call

01704 872881.

Hightown Gardening Club

The club, celebrating its 25th anniversary in

2010, has more than 70 members and holds

regular events and talks throughout the year.

Meetings are held on the second Monday of

each month, 7.45pm, at St Stephen’s church

hall, St Stephens Road, Hightown.

For membership details call 0151 9292124.

Maghull and District Flower Club

This relatively new club was founded in

1999 and holds talks, visits and workshops

throughout the year.

Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the

month, except August and December, 7.30pm

at St George’s Social Centre, Station Road,

Maghull.

To join call 0151 526 5755 or 0151 526 6869.

Local Clubs & Societies


Maghull Horticultural Society

The society will celebrate its 70th anniversary

next year, after forming in 1941 as a response to

the Dig for Victory campaign.

Monthly meetings are held from September

to May at the United Reformed Church Hall, off

Larchwood Avenue, Maghull.

Parbold, Newburgh and District Gardening Society

The club was formed in 1970 and meetings

are held on the second Wednesday of the

month, from February to July and September

to November, in the WI Hall, The Common,

Parbold.

For information on joining the society or if you

wish to attend a meeting, call 01704 893124.

Skelmersdale Horticultural Society

This is an allotment society, which over the

years has dramatically improved an overgrown,

under used and vandalised site to 25 full working

plots at Houghtons Road, Skelmersdale.

The site has a 2.4m security fence, water

standpipes and storage facilities.

For more details contact Stephen Martin on

01695 720636 or email shsociety@tiscali.co.uk.www.skelmersdalehorticulturalsociety.co.uk

Southport Chrysanthemum and Gardening Society

From September to May, usually on the last

Wednesday of each month, the society holds

its meeting at Lord Street West Church Hall,

on the corner of Lord Street and Duke Street,

beginning at 8pm.

Now in its 60th year, the society has a

membership of more than 200 and new

members are always welcome.

Contact secretary Alan Foxall on 01704

214164.

www.southportgardeningandchrysanths.org.uk

Southport Horticultural Society

Originally formed in 1987 to preserve the

Southport Flower Show, Southport Horticultural

Society hold meetings at the Royal Clifton Hotel,

the Promenade, on the third Thursday of each

month.

New members are welcome to attend the

meetings. The club also organises social events

and trips throughout the year and a plant sale

each May.

For details of how to join call 01704 224687 or

01704 578296.

West Lancashire Flower Club

The club was founded in 1953 and has more

than 200 members. Meetings are held at St

James’ Memorial Hall, Lulworth Road, Birkdale,

Southport, at 2pm on the third Wednesday

of every month, except September when it

is the fourth Wednesday. No meetings are

held in August or December. For membership

information call 01704 579195.

Top Tips“A waterbut fed from the gutter that overflows into two small

ponds the first one for frogs and the second one for goldfish

are ideal. Never ever put the goldfish in with the frogs because

they eat tadpoles. Its not rocket science to get it right and

very soon your own airways will be blessed with damsel and

even dragonflies. Yes and swallows dipping down to feed on a

myriad of tiny insects.

“For those who can only sport a wall, try espaliered crab

apples, blossom to attract in the bees of may and food for

migrating birds in autumn. Hanging baskets (no sphagnum or

other moss please) and window boxes bring the scents and

sensibility of biodiversity back into our lives.

“Then please support your local flower show and I hope to

see you at Southport this year.”

Prof David Bellamy

“We’ve had a harsh winter but one useful tip is not to do

anything drastic with trees, shrubs or climbers that look as if

they have succumbed until the beginning of July. It’s surprising

how long some things take to recover and my advice is don’t

dig out anything perennial unless it has failed to show any green

growth by 1st July.”

Prof Stefan Buczacki, Southport Flower Show patron

“It is important to enrich your soil with a good soil

conditioner in April. When growth starts in May, follow up with

a plant food that encourages flowering such as pelleted poultry

manure, good but smelly!”

Richard James (Foxbury),

member of the National Gardens Scheme

“Remove all objects such as stones and glass from the soil

before planting carrots, or if the carrot hits them as it grows it

will cause ‘legs’ to form.”

Derek Thomas, chairman of Town Lane Allotment Association

“For a impressive lawn you need to cut it, feed it and water

it regularly.”

Peter Thornton, award-winning Formby gardener

“When your first seeds have germinated, don”t go mad

and grow everything in sight. It is exciting when you see your

first seeds come up, but only grow what you will eat. It is very

tempting to grow far too many vegetables, even those you don”t

particularly like.”

Tricia Pearce, chairman, Ainsdale Horticultural Society

“Just as the winter tried gardeners’ patience, so I am sure

the summer will bring unexpected surprises as plants respond

to the challenge to make up for lost time. No matter how difficult

the season, I always say that nature sorts thing out in the end

and this year there will be no better or more rewarding place

than The Southport Flower Show to see the results.”

Prof Stefan Buczacki, Southport Flower Show patron

“Put comfrey leaves or horse manure in a plastic builders”

bag, tie the top and punch holes in the bag – put it in a water

butt and you’ve got liquid manure.”

Derek Thomas,

chairman of Town Lane Allotment Association

“Don”t neglect plants you are growing in pots - they need

water more than ever during the summer.”

Adrian Williams, chairman of Maghull Horticultural Society

“Herbs are a great way to add flavour to your dishes. Grow

them near to the kitchen door, but sow basil indoors on a

windowsill and put in a greenhouse or sheltered situation –

remember it’s a Mediterranean plant.”

Tricia Pearce, chairman, Ainsdale Horticultural Society

“A well ordered compost heap does away with the need for

peat and a wild patch buzzing with biodiversity like butterflies,

moths, bees, hoverflies, worms and other creepy-crawly corner

is number one in any garden that is big enough.

“Any form of pesticide or herbicide should be banned from

this area indeed, I beg you to go easy with such chemicals in

your real quality time working out in the garden.”

Prof David Bellamy


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