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Archive for October, 2013
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013
Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ (wallflower) £7.99
Position: full sun Soil: poor to moderately-fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil Rate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: February to July Hardiness: borderline hardy ( may need winter protection)) This long-flowering, bushy, vigorous wallflower produces long spires of deep mauve flowers from late winter to summer (and usually into autumn), above narrow, grey-green leaves. It is a short-lived plant, but it makes a vivid display for many months in a sunny border. Try it as part of a colour-themed scheme, or contrast it with vivid yellows. It also looks good in a rock garden or raised bed. Garden care: Requires little attention. Provide cloche protection where frosts are very severe or prolonged.
Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ (wallflower) £6.99
Position: full sun Soil: poor to moderately-fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil Rate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: February to July Hardiness: fully hardy This long-flowering, bushy, vigorous wallflower produces long spires of deep mauve flowers from late winter to summer above narrow, grey-green leaves. It is a short-lived plant, but makes a vivid display for months in a sunny border. Try it as part of a colour-themed scheme, or contrast it with vivid yellows. It also looks good in a rock garden or raised bed. Garden care: Provide cloche protection wh ere frosts are very severe or prolonged.
Filed: Crocus
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013
This is a lovely plant that the bees will really love. Pick the pretty blue flowers and either freeze them in ice cubes for a really lovely addition to summer drinks or paint them with egg white and sugar and preserve them for the tops of cakes.
white borage (white borage) £1.99
Position: full sun or light shade Soil: fertile and moist Rate of growth: fast Hardiness: fully hardy The white flowers of this borage make a fresh change to the more traditional blue. The bees will still flock to the nectar-rich blooms, and if picked, the petals can be used to decorate ice bowls and dress soups and salads. The young leaves of this annual have a cucumber-like flavour and can be added to many recipes. They are often used in pasta dishes, while the flowers can be used in ice cubes, salads and even dipped in batter and deep fried. Plant them between your tomatoes to reduce attacks of hornworm. At the end of the year, add the plants to the compost heap as they will promote many beneficial minerals. Borage is an annual plant, but it will self-seed readily in good conditions. If you don’t want more plants, dead-head the flowers as soon as they fade. Garden care: Form shallow drills at 30cm intervals in a well prepared bed, and sow thinly, just covering the seed before watering well. The seeds have a higher germination rate when temperatures are between 15 – 25C, so early sowings can be covered with a cloche. When big enough to handle, thin the seedlings to 25cm. Sow: March – May Flowering: June – September Approximate quantity: 75 seeds.
borage (borage – organic) £1.99
Position: full sun or light shade Soil: fertile and moist Rate of growth: fast Hardiness: hardy annual (it will die within one year) A wonderfully useful as well as decorative plant. The young leaves and vivid blue flowers of this annual herb have a fresh cucumber-like flavour, so are often used in salads, soups, chilled drinks or simply as a garnish. The flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, while the foliage has been known to reduce attacks of hornworm when planted between tomato plants. At the end of the year, add the plants to the compost heap as they will promote many beneficial minerals. Borage is an annual plant, but it will self-seed readily in good conditions. If you don’t want more plants, dead-head the flowers as soon as they fade. Garden care: Form shallow drills at 30cm intervals in a well prepared bed, and sow thinly, just covering the seed before watering well. The seeds have a higher germination rate when temperatures are between 15 – 25C, so early sowings can be covered with a cloche. When big enough to handle, thin the seedlings to 25cm. Sow: March – May Flowering: June – September Approximate quantity: 75 seeds.
Filed: Crocus
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013
Elaeagnus x ebbingei (oleaster) £34.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: October and November Flower colour: creamy-white Other features: tolerates dry soil and salt-laden coastal winds Hardiness: fully hardy Lustrous, dark green leaves with silvery undersides and fragrant, creamy- white autumn flowers. This versatile, shade-tolerant, evergreen shrub is equally at home in the shrub border or grown as an informal hedge. The plain green foliage is an excellent foil for ornamental or feature plants and for screening or linking areas of the garden. Garden care: To keep hedging specimens tidy in late summer cut back long or misplaced shoots using secateurs. Remove any plain green-leaved shoots as soon as they appear, cutting them back to the origin.
Elaeagnus ‘Quicksilver’ (oleaster) £24.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: June and July Hardiness: fully hardy Wonderful willowy, metallic-silver leaves are accompanied by small clusters of mainly inconspicuous, but well-scented, yellow flowers in summer. This vigorous, deciduous shrub is ideal for a sunny border close to an entrance or well-used path, where it has space to develop its broadly pyramidal shape. It’s particularly suitable for warm coastal gardens as it tolerates dry soil and salt-laden air. Garden care: In mid-summer after flowering cut back the flowered shoots to strong buds or young lower growth. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant after pruning.
Elaeagnus x ebbingei ‘Limelight’ (oleaster) £11.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: October and November Flower colour: creamy-white Other features: the variegated foliage is excellent for flower- arranging Hardiness: fully hardy Lustrous, dark green leaves with lime-green and yellow-splashed centres and fragrant, creamy-white, autumn flowers. This versatile, variegated plant is ideal for illuminating dark areas of the shrub border or for growing as an informal hedge. One of the toughest evergreen shrubs, it copes well with dry soil and salt-laden air. Garden care: To keep hedging specimens tidy in late summer cut back long or misplaced shoots using secateurs. Remove any plain green-leaved shoots as soon as they appear, cutting them back to the origin.
Elaeagnus x ebbingei (oleaster) £8.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: October and November Flower colour: creamy-white Other features: tolerates dry soil and salt-laden coastal winds Hardiness: fully hardy Lustrous, dark green leaves with silvery undersides and fragrant, creamy- white autumn flowers. This versatile, shade-tolerant, evergreen shrub is equally at home in the shrub border or grown as an informal hedge. The plain green foliage is an excellent foil for ornamental or feature plants and for screening or linking areas of the garden. Garden care: To keep hedging specimens tidy in late summer cut back long or misplaced shoots using secateurs. Remove any plain green-leaved shoots as soon as they appear, cutting them back to the origin.
Filed: Crocus
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013
Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’ (sweet box) £12.99
Position: partial to deep shade Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well- drained soil Rate of growth: slow-growing to average Flowering period: December to March Flower colour: creamy-white Other features: the flowers are followed by spherical, black or blue-black berries Hardiness: fully hardy A suckering, evergreen shrub that gradually forms a dense thicket. The new shoots are flushed with an attractive dark purple-pink hue which gradually fades as the stems mature. The stems are clothed with slender, tapering, dark green leaves and in winter sweetly scented, pink-tinged, white flowers appear, which are followed by rounded blue-black fruit. Garden care: In late-winter or early-spring lightly trim or prune back shoots that spoil the plant’s symmetry. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost around the base of the plant.
Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna (sweet box) £12.99
Position: partial to deep shade Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well- drained soil Rate of growth: slow-growing to average Flowering period: December to March Flower colour: creamy-white Other features: the flowers are followed by spherical, black or blue-black berries Hardiness: fully hardy Clusters of small, creamy-white, tassel-like flowers and slender, mid- to dark green leaves. This compact, thicket-forming shrub is perfect for planting below a window, close to an entrance or path. Excellent evergreen groundcover for a moist, shady spot, the unassuming flowers are deceptive – their vanilla-like scent is one of the headiest winter fragrances. Garden care: In late-winter or early-spring lightly trim or prune back shoots that spoil the plant’s symmetry. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost around the base of the plant.
Filed: Crocus
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013
A great plant for winter colour
Mahonia eurybracteata subsp.ganpinensis ‘Soft Caress’ (mahonia Soft Caress) £24.99
Position: full sun to full shade Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: August to October Flower colour: bright yellow Other features: the flowers are followed by spherical, blue berries Hardiness: fully hardy Recently released onto the market, and winner of “Plant of the Year” at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2013, this is the first Mahonia to have spine-free leaves, which means that they can be planted near to paths or doorways where you may brush past them. ‘Soft Caress’ is a compact, evergreen shrub, so it is ideal for larger pots, where it will provide year-round interest. Alternatively, it will make a fine addition to either a sunny or partially shaded border. Garden care: Every second year after flowering prune specimens grown as groundcover to just above ground level to encourage bushy growth and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.
Mahonia nitens ‘Cabaret’ (PBR) (mahonia) £19.99
Position: full sun to partial shade Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist or well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: August to November Hardiness: fully hardy This delightful new introduction has only recently become available, so we are one of the first to offer it for sale in the UK. It has the same glossy, holly-like, evergreen foliage, that you would expect to see on a Mahonia, but this compact variety produces its flowers from the end of summer and all the way through autumn. These appear initially as elegant racemes smothered with bright orange-red buds, that open from the base of the spike to reveal cheerful yellow flowers. Once the flowers have faded, bluish-grey berries form, which contrast beautifully with the winter foliage. Garden care: Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring.
Mahonia eurybracteata subsp.ganpinensis ‘Soft Caress’ (mahonia Soft Caress) £14.99
Position: full sun to full shade Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: August to October Flower colour: bright yellow Other features: the flowers are followed by spherical, blue berries Hardiness: fully hardy Recently released onto the market, and winner of “Plant of the Year” at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2013, this is the first Mahonia to have spine-free leaves, which means that they can be planted near to paths or doorways where you may brush past them. ‘Soft Caress’ is a compact, evergreen shrub, so it is ideal for larger pots, where it will provide year-round interest. Alternatively, it will make a fine addition to either a sunny or partially shaded border. Garden care: Every second year after flowering prune specimens grown as groundcover to just above ground level to encourage bushy growth and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.
Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’ (mahonia) £12.99
Position: full or partial shade Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist or well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: November to March Hardiness: fully hardy Slender spikes of bright yellow flowers appear from November to March, above rosettes of large, handsome, dark green, holly-like leaves. The flowers of thi s lovely, upright, evergreen shrub have a fragrance reminiscent of lily-of-the-v alley, and seem to glow in the wintry sunlight. They are followed by bunches of highly ornamental, round, deep purple berries. This mahonia makes a lovely focal point for a shady spot in the garden, where its glossy, architectural lea ves can be appreciated all year round. Give it space, as its leaves will spread, and conceal its long ‘legs’ with spring-flowering bulbs and small, shade-loving perennials. Although it prefers shade, it will tolerate sun as long as the soil remains moist. Garden care: Prune in spring after flowering, reducing overlong, leggy stems to a sideshoot or a whorl of foliage and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.
Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ (mahonia) £12.99
Position: full or partial shade Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist or well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: November to March Hardiness: fully hardy Slender spikes of pale yellow flowers appear from November to March, above rosettes of large, handsome, dark green, holly-like leaves. The flowers of this lovely, upright, evergreen shrub have a fragrance reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley, and seem to glow in the wintry sunlight. They are followed by bunches of highly ornamental, round, deep purple berries. This mahonia makes a lovely focal point for a shady spot in the garden, where its glossy, architectural leaves can be appreciated all year round. Give it space, as its leaves will spread, and conceal its long ‘legs’ with spring- flowering bulbs and small, shade-loving perennials. Although it prefers shade, it will tolerate sun as long as the soil remains moist. Garden care: Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring while it is getting established. No pruning required.
Filed: Crocus
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013
Lawn Mowers UK has these new items today
 Tanaka TEA 500 Two Man Auger (without bit) £875.00
The Tanaka TEA-500 post hole borer is a 2 person operation earth/post auger powered by a 50cc 2-stroke petrol engine which produces 1.9kw of power, with dual throttles for better user protection. The wrap around handles have anti-vibration foam covers which give extra user comfort and control. The handles on the TEA-500 can fold up and down easily for storing or transportation to and from work sites. A machine like the Tanaka TEA-500 is used to quickly drill down large, deep holes. Although shown with the bit attached the actual machine is supplied without the auger bits. The Tanaka TEA 500 has a 25mm shaft and can take auger drill bits up to 250mm in diameter. There is a choice of 50mm, 100mm, 150mm, 200mm and 250mm diameter drill bits which can be ordered separately. Please Note : Image shown with auger bit attached but not included. Specifications: Engine : 50cc Maximum Power : 1.9kW Fuel : unleaded petrol Oil : 2 stroke Fuel Tank Capacity : 1000cc Dimensions : 1,200 x 600 x 490mm Weight : 17kg
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Filed: Lawn Mowers UK, New Products
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013
Price cut on this product at John Lewis
Angry Birds Lunchbag was £8.00 now £7.60
This lunchbag is a must for any Angry Birds fan, sporting a colourful design inspired by the hugely popular computer game. Made from thermally insulated PEVA, it’ll help to keep packed lunches cooler and fresher for longer.
Filed: John Lewis, Price Reductions
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013
New product at John Lewis
Filed: John Lewis, New Products
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013
Suttons Seeds has these new items today
 Garden Ready Autumn Bedding Plants Collection £35.96
This superb collection features 15 garden ready plants of the following 4 varieties Pansy Plants – F1 Select MixThis superb pansy boasts a superb colour range, both with and without faces! Plants are very hardy, producing some colour throughout winter, reaching a climax in spring. Flowers September-June.Forget-Me-Not Plants – Sylva BlueMasses of bright blue flowers with little white eyes. Ideal for edging, interplanting with spring bulbs or in mixed containers. Flowers March-late MayBellis Plants – Spring Star MixA superb strain, with large, fully double pompon blooms. The flowers, in shades of red, rose, white and a rose bicolour, are held above neat rosettes of foliage, making them an ideal edging. Flowers February to AprilPolyanthus Plants – F1 Spring FeverSpecially bred for improved winter hardiness, Spring Fever always carries an impressively large number of blooms in a wide variety of colours. It flowers late winter through to spring, putting on a beautiful display not just for one spring season, but for many years to come.
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Filed: New Products, Suttons Seeds
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013
Crocus reduced the price on these items today
Narcissus ‘Jetfire’ (cyclamineus daffodil bulbs) was £4.99 now £2.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: well-drained soil (for container-grown bulbs use two parts John Innes No2 compost to one part sharp grit) Rate of growth: average Flowering period: March and April Flower colour: yellow Other features: narrow, strap-like leaves; contact with the sap may cause skin irritation Hardiness: hardy Bulb Size: 10/12 The dramatically swept back golden yellow petals surround a bright orange trumpet, giving this sturdy daffodil a windswept look. They appear in early spring and are ideal for naturalising in bold drifts where they will carpet the ground with their golden flowers. Also suitable for pots if space is limited, so their bright and cheerful colour can be enjoyed close at hand. Garden care: Plant 10-15cm (4-6in) deep from late summer to early autumn. After flowering feed with a balanced fertiliser, dead-head and allow the leaves to die back naturally.
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Filed: Crocus, Price Reductions
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