Related News

Q: We got raised flower beds built last year to surround our patio, but have yet to have much success with planting them. I’m wondering what could you advise what to plant to a) offer some height to the area; and b) to be relatively fast growing, to fill out the gaps in the beds, and maybe offer a nice smell? Part of the area gets full sun, and part is shaded. FR, Dublin

A: This looks like a very charming little courtyard-style garden that’s brimming with potential. My first piece of advice is to strip the damaged trellising from the white section of wall, and then paint it the same grey colour as the rest of the walls and fencing to underscore the space’s lovely sense of seclusion, give a sense of depth, and act as a handsome foil to any subsequent planting.

My second piece of advice is to make sure that the soil in your raised beds is as good as it can be, to support vigorous, healthy plant growth in the years ahead. It should be dark, crumbly, easy to dig, and ideally enriched with some very well-rotted manure to fortify it and help it retain moisture. It also needs to be at a finished level that’s just a little – roughly 3cm – below the wooden retaining boards, which means (judging by the photo) that the existing soil level needs to be topped up in places. Use a really good-quality graded topsoil to do this, very gently treading it down as you do so to stop it later sinking. Then mulch the entire surface with some well-rotted manure, and some sprinkled handfuls of a slow-release pelleted organic fertiliser in preparation for planting.

As regards the latter, the secret to making this kind of intimate courtyard space feel lush and serene is to focus on ornamental climbers and wall shrubs that can be trained against its walls to make best use of all that wonderful vertical growing space. In particular, concentrate on species that will provide lots of evergreen interest throughout the year as well as interesting contrasts of leaf shape. Examples include star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), a great climber for a sheltered sunny wall, whose jasmine-like white flowers are both pretty and perfumed; spring-flowering Clematis “Avalanche”, which is happy in sun or light shade as long as it’s given a sheltered spot; and the summer-flowering Seemann’s climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea seemannii). Add some ornamental wall shrubs as well as a few deciduous clematis (varieties of shade-tolerant spring-flowering Clematis alpina and late summer flowering Clematis viticella) and one or two compact climbing roses (examples include the claret-flowered, shade tolerant, repeat-flowering Rose “Souvenir du Docteur Jamain”) to ring in the seasons.

[ Gardening: 10 fast-growing, ultra-productive annuals that can be sown right now ]

Bear in mind that the garden’s existing climber (the flowering plant to the left) is a pretty but slightly thuggish evergreen known as Chilean potato vine or Solanum crispum “Glasnevin”, that will need an annual spring pruning to stop it hogging too much space.

You can also add some fast-growing, low-growing/creeping plants to give additional interest. Lavender is great for a sunny, sheltered, free-draining spot where its perfume can be fully appreciated, as are thyme and prostrate rosemary. For shade, use architectural ferns (Polystichum setiferum), hellebores and ornamental grasses (Carex “Irish Green”). For some short-lived immediate colour while you’re waiting for these perennials, shrubs and climbers to mature, use fast-growing summer flowering annuals such as cosmos, marigolds and scented sweet pea.

Source: irishtimes.com

Growing up, I was surrounded by gardens that looked like they belonged in a fairy tale. Between my grandmothers, great aunt and parents, I’ve always known how a beautiful, thriving garden should look. That also means I know just how much hard work goes into cultivating and creating great lawns and gardens. 

For beginner gardeners, the sheer amount of effort it takes to begin growing your own flower or vegetable garden — or even just cultivating a great looking lawn — can be overwhelming. There’s plenty of contradictory information about the right way to do things, and it’s easy to get bogged down in trying to be a perfect gardener. 

From my perspective, the best way to start gardening is to arm yourself with the necessary tools and information, and then let all the complicated watering patterns, lawn designs and composting strategies come later. I’ll explain some essential tips and tricks for getting your garden started this spring. 

For more, here are the 10 best places to buy plants online and five questions to ask before buying outdoor furniture. 

Read (and hang on to) your plant labels and seed packets

One of the very best things you can do to set yourself up for gardening success is to read the seed packets and plant labels before planting or even buying your plants. The information on your seed packets will tell you everything you need to know about what your plants will require and what environment they’ll thrive best in. 

On a plant label or seed packet, you can find information on how much light your plant will need, how much space your plant requires, and your plant’s hardiness. Hardiness refers to the lowest winter temperature a plant can withstand. For instance, citrus trees won’t be able to survive very low winter temperatures the same way other plants can. You can also see your region’s hardiness zone using this map from the US Department of Agriculture.

By arming yourself with all the information you can get about what you’re planning to plant, you’ll be setting your plants up for a long and healthy life. 

Watch your yard (and yes, I mean watch)

Just like you need to gather all the information about what you’re going to plant, you’ll need to get all the info about where you’ll plant it. By watching your yard, you can observe what areas get the best morning or afternoon sun, and which areas get good shade. 

You don’t want to place light-sensitive plants in an area of your yard where they’ll get hours of hot, afternoon sun. Getting to know your yard better will help you avoid any planting mistakes right out of the gate. 

Get to know your soil 

It’s quite possible that the dirt in your yard won’t be very conducive to growing plants, and it’s pretty easy to test your soil. All you have to do is dig up a small patch in the area where you want to plant your garden. 

You’ll want to see if your soil is sandy, mostly made of clay or if it’s rich and dark. Don’t worry if you’re not a soil expert, you just need to be prepared to make observations about how your soil looks and feels (this guide from University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is helpful). You can even buy a soil testing kit, to take out some of the guess work. 

If your soil isn’t quite right for planting, never fear. You can buy topsoil or potting soil from your local nursery or lawn and garden store. These soils will be able to provide your plants with all the nutrients they might need. It’ll just take a bit of extra investment on your part. 

Equip yourself with the right tools

Investing in simple but high-quality gardening tools when you get started gardening can make your life much easier down the road. All you need to get started is a small spade and a digging fork; a decent pair of gloves; and a foam knee pad. 

Getting started with planting 

Once you’ve picked the right spot, purchased your seeds, and acquired all your tools, it’ll finally be time to start planting. I’d recommend fencing off, or at the very least marking, where you intend to place your first plants. 

Depending on whether you’re working with pregrown flowers, or if you’re starting from seeds, you’ll want to prep your garden in different ways. For instance, if you’re planting pregrown flowers, you can simply dig a small hole, place the root ball inside and then cover with top soil. If you’re working with seed packets, the packet will tell you exactly how you should be planting your seeds. 

Additionally, you can turn to the seed packet or plant label when it comes to deciding how regularly to water your plants, and any other special needs your plants might have as they grow. When in doubt, turn to your plant labels and seed packets. 

For more, here are the best garden subscriptions and here’s how to make your grill shine before firing it up for the first time this season.

Source: cnet.com

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced some big changes to the future of its much-loved flower shows.

The RHS runs an annual calendar of shows to celebrate the best of UK horticulture, design and talent, from the world’s most prestigious Chelsea Flower Show to the world’s largest Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. But from 2025 there will be some significant shifts, in what the gardening charity describes as being ‘the biggest changes in a generation’.

The RHS hopes to make gardening more accessible for all and take more of its shows across the country to encourage more gardening enthusiasts to experience the joy of horticulture. This means there will be some new shows in new locations, the latter of which includes a royal venue: King Charles and Queen Camilla’s private Sandringham Estate.

See all the details below of the affected shows and new plans:

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

• Location: Chelsea, London.

• RHS Chelsea is regarded as the world’s most famous flower show. The prestigious event, which takes place in May, is loved for its spectacular world-class garden designs and magnificent floral displays.

Any changes in 2025? No.

Good news, everyone’s favourite flower show, RHS Chelsea, will ‘continue as usual for 2025 and beyond’, the RHS confirms.

BUY TICKETS FOR RHS CHELSEA 2024

RHS Malvern Spring Festival

• Location: Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire.

• Offering a fun day out for all the family, the Malvern Spring Festival in May is loved for its inspiring gardens, spectacular blooms and plenty of take-home ideas.

Any changes in 2025? No.

There will be no changes to Malvern and it will continue as usual for 2025 and beyond.

BUY TICKETS FOR RHS MALVERN 2024

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

• Location: Tatton Park, Cheshire.

• A celebration of summer, the Tatton Park Flower Show in July offers a brilliant day out for all the family, with unique gardens, floral installations, children’s activities, and lots of markets and stalls.

Any changes in 2025? Yes.

After this summer’s 25th anniversary show, the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park will no longer return annually. Instead, it will be back every three years, returning in 2027 to celebrate gardening in the North West.

In its place in 2025 will be an RHS Show taking place at Wentworth Woodhouse in South Yorkshire, which is described as one of the grandest stately homes in the country. Then in 2026, the RHS will host a show on the Sandringham Estate, the private Norfolk country home of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

BUY TICKETS FOR RHS TATTON 2024

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

• Location: Hampton Court, London.

• A showcase of glorious gardens and fabulous flowers, as well as food and entertainment, the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in July is perfect for a family day out.

Any changes in 2025? Yes.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival will take place this year and in 2025, before becoming a biennial festival (occurring once every two years) at the iconic palace.

For 2026, the RHS has announced that a new show will be taking place in the historic grounds of Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire, before returning to Hampton Court Palace in 2027.

BUY TICKETS FOR RHS HAMPTON 2024

RHS Urban Show

• Location: Depot Mayfield, Manchester.

• The RHS Urban Show provides city dwellers with ideas to spruce up balconies, windowsills, tiny lawns and compact courtyards, as well as houseplant inspiration for small spaces.

Any changes in 2025? Yes.

The RHS Urban Show took place in Manchester earlier this month and was the RHS’ first ever large-scale indoor gardening show. The show will be returning next year but in a new location to encourage more people to embrace indoor gardening.

Why has the RHS made these changes?

The RHS wants to promote gardening to as many people as possible and hopes to deliver world class horticulture to the doorsteps of members who may not have an RHS Garden near them. Plus, they say creating shows in fixed venue sites means better sustainability opportunities, too.

‘Our RHS Shows are without a doubt the best horticultural events in the world, however we must not and should not stand still,’ said RHS director general Clare Matterson. ‘We owe it to the horticultural world, our invaluable RHS members, our visitors and our nation of gardeners to look at how and what we can do to create new content, work with new contributors and find ways to generate interest and inspiration both within our current much loved British events and in new locations with new shows to work with new populations and people.

‘These are some of the biggest changes we’ve made to our shows in a generation and we’re delighted to be extending our reach and making the RHS more accessible and welcoming to more people.

‘We want to inspire current and new audiences with world class horticulture and provide access to UK’s best plants people to help even more people garden and grow.’

Follow House Beautiful on TikTok and Instagram.

You Might Also Like

Source: uk.style.yahoo.com

Smart Gardening messages shared at Escanaba Kiwanis Home & Garden Show/Pancake Feed

Michigan Extension Master Gardeners directed showgoers to “don’t guess, soil test” and “don’t fight the site.”

Even though the days were sunny and springlike, community members still came out to help support the Escanaba Kiwanis at their annual home and garden show/pancake feed on April 12-14, 2024. The partnership with the Escanaba Kiwanis allows for Michigan State University Extension’s consumer horticulture and nutrition staff, along with Extension Master Gardeners, to interact with the public while sharing educational resources on Smart Gardening and healthy choices. From family-friendly gardening activities, referring them to free Smart Gardening tip sheets, to listening to presentations and demonstrations, participants chose what they would like to participate in.

What happened at Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s Smart Gardening booth?

Throughout this three-day event, over 2,600 people were introduced to MSU Extension Smart Gardening and nutrition education and resources. Key messages included “don’t guess, soil test,” “right plant, right place,” as well as protecting shorelines and pollinators. At least 40 people participated in the free presentations focused on small space gardening, creating your own soil blocks, caring for honey bees and much more.

Over 75 children and families enjoyed a seed identification game, planted wheatgrass or created their own flower. Dianna Lawson, an Extension Master Gardener, generated the creating your own flower project. Children constructed their own plant from paper while identifying its different parts. The flower and pollen and their importance to bees (pollinators) was an integral component to this activity.

Extension Master Gardener Volunteers make it happen

Extension Master Gardeners were again key to the success of this event. They volunteered tirelessly to assist with any task required. From booth setup, volunteering during the event, gathering door prizes to taking down displays, they were an integral part. Twelve different Extension Master Gardeners volunteered over 68 hours, which amounted to over $2,100 in economic contribution during this weekend community event.

For more information on the first step in becoming an Extension Master Gardener, visit the Foundations of Gardening website.

Source: canr.msu.edu