Garden And Gardener

Everything for the Gardener and their Garden

New products at Crocus

by Sarah - December 9th, 2009.
Filed under: Crocus, New Products.

New items today at Crocus

daphne
daphne £19.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moderately fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soilRate of growth: slow-growingFlowering period: December to MarchHardiness: borderline hardinessClusters of small, sweetly scented, pale pink flowers open from purple-pink buds in December among lustrous, lance-sh lance-shaped, dark green leaves with yellow margins. The flowers are followed by spherical, red fruit. This evergreen shrub thrives in a sunny, sheltered position where its handsome, variegated foliage will brighten the winter garden. Try it at the edge of a mixed border or next to a path where its intoxicating fragrance can be appreciated.Garden care: Keep pruning to a minimum since the plant is susceptible to die-back. Where necessary after flowering, lightly trim to remove misplaced branches and maintain a compact habit.

joseph-bentley-traditional-stainless-steel-digging-fork
joseph-bentley-traditional-stainless-steel-digging-fork £19.99
The Traditional Range of garden tools has been inspired by the look, feel and quality of the tools offered in the early 1900’s. They are well crafted, manufactured with FSC Timber and Stainless Steel.
blueberry mid - late fruiting
blueberry mid – late fruiting £9.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: prefers moist, well-drained acidic soil but will grow in sandy or normal soilRate of growth: fastOther features: light blue berries (June – July)Hardiness: fully hardyThis mid to late variety produces blueberries the size of cherries, so holds the illustrious title for the world’s largest blueberry. The giant size has not affected the flavour though, as the fruits are delicious and they have a long ripening season, so you can pick them for around 6 weeks over summer. This is a fast growing plant that has a slightly spreading habit.Garden care: Prepare the ground well before planting. Blueberries can also be grown in large pots and containers if ericaceous compost is used. Prune in winter, cutting out dead or damaged branches. In spring, feed with sulphate of ammonia, sulphate of potash and bonemeal and top-dress with ericaceous compost.
bellflower
bellflower £5.49
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: well drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: July to SeptemberHardiness: fully hardyMasses of pretty, pure white, bell-shaped flowers appear on branched stems from July to September among heart-shaped, mid-green leaves. These elegant bellflowers look great cascading over the edges of a sunny rock garden outcrop or raised bed. Robust and long flowering, this is a useful little perennial for filling in gaps. Garden care: Protect the tender foliage from slug damage using environmentally friendly slug pellets or beer traps. During the growing season water freely and headhead with scissors to prolong flowering.
winter aconite
winter aconite £2.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, humus-rich, neutral to alkaline soilRate of growth: average to fast-growingFlowering period: February and MarchFlower colour: bright yellowOther features: all parts of the plant may cause mild stomach upset if ingested, and contact with the sap may irritate skinHardiness: fully hardyBulb Size: 9+Carpets of bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers in February and March surrounded by ruffs of fresh green leaves. Winter aconites originate from damp woodland and shady places in Eurasia so are perfect for naturalising under deciduous shrubs and trees. They are a welcome sight in late winter as they are one of the first things into flower in the garden.Garden care: For the best results, chose a spot with fertile, humus-rich soil that remains moist in summer. Plant the tubers (it doesn’t matter which way up) 5cm deep and 5cm apart.
white-flowered snake's head fritillary
white-flowered snake’s head fritillary £2.24
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: humus-rich, moisture-retentive soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: April and MayFlower colour: whiteOther features: narrow, grey-green leavesHardiness: fully hardyBulb Size: 5+Pretty, pendent, white bells on slender stems emerge in April and May. These delightful wildflowers were once widespread throughout the UK, and are perfect for naturalising in a moist woodland edge or wildflower garden. It’s essential to select a site where the soil remains moist in spring.Garden care:Try to plant the bulbs as early as possible so the roots have a chance to grow before the worst of the winter weather. Plant them in a random clump or drift 10cm deep and 5cm apart and keep them well watered in spring – then dryer in summer.
single early tulip
single early tulip £1.99
Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: early AprilFlower colour: yellow and redOther features: excellent cut-flowersHardiness: fully hardyBulb Size: 12/14A single, early hybrid with deep yellow cups that are heavily streaked with blood-red flames. The flowers are quite small but nevertheless they pack a real punch when planted in bold drifts, or where their bright flowers can add early colour to a hot border.Garden care: In September to December plant bulbs 15-20cm deep and 10-15cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq. After flowering dead-head and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each week for the first month. Once the foliage has died down naturally lift the bulbs and store in a cool greenhouse.