Autumn is well and truly here and it is at this time in the year that I like to re-appraise my garden and think what I need to do over the winter to improve it for next year.
Coincidently, Cranes Sheds and Summerhouses approached me with a view to being listed in their designers directory, which reminded me of an article I wrote 'A Shed for All Seasons' (see page 13, Garden Confidential Spring Issue, 2009).
Summerhouses make such a difference to a garden. They are one of the few design features that actually serve a functional purpose as well.
I have just the spot to situate my summerhouse - in my orchard. This is a tranquil area complete with little wildlife pond. Every year I wish I had a place to sit there with an evening drink enjoying the sunset and this winter I am going to make sure I do. I am going to install a summerhouse.
If you too would like to do similar, give me a call to discuss best location and also have a look at Cranes Sheds and Summerhouses for some more inspiration.
Friday, 9 October 2009
Friday, 2 October 2009
Astronomical Asters!
I am sure you are all enjoying this Autumn sunshine but for me the high point has been the Asters. Always gorgeous in Autumn - this year they have been phenomenal. My lovely blue Aster x frikartii 'Monch' started flowering in early July and has not stopped blooming. In August, Aster Novae Angliae 'Mrs S. T. Wright began her outstanding display in lilac at the back of my border and is still at it! I suppose my very favourite is Aster 'Alma Potschke' - rather an acquired taste as it is shocking pink -but it is such an amazing colour and looks gorgeous next to any autumnal foliaged plant. And I am just waiting for my later and smaller Aster 'Purple Dome', which is a lovely dark purple, to open up and complete my aster package. Have a look at some in My Portfolio in the set 'Asters'
I do urge everyone to invest in asters. As proved conclusively this year they are drought tolerant and perform best in well drained soil. Although they should not be divided until Spring, new plants in containers are quite suited to being planted now. Indeed those planted now will be fully establish by next summer to provide an excellent display in your borders.
If you need further inspiration take a day out and visit Upton House near Banbury in Warwickshire. Apart from an amazing art collection in the house, the garden has the National Collection of Asters.
If however you would like to plant some Asters, give me a call and I can advise and purchase for you.
I do urge everyone to invest in asters. As proved conclusively this year they are drought tolerant and perform best in well drained soil. Although they should not be divided until Spring, new plants in containers are quite suited to being planted now. Indeed those planted now will be fully establish by next summer to provide an excellent display in your borders.
If you need further inspiration take a day out and visit Upton House near Banbury in Warwickshire. Apart from an amazing art collection in the house, the garden has the National Collection of Asters.
If however you would like to plant some Asters, give me a call and I can advise and purchase for you.
Friday, 4 September 2009
Plan Design and Planting of Your Garden Now
Now is the time to take a hard look at your garden. Its more or less done its bit for the year and you know where it did and didnt quite do it for you.
Seek professional advice and call in a garden designer. He or she or I will look at your space with an unbiased eye. As it is still in flower it is far easier to appraise. One can immediately tell what's good and what needs to go. In late autumn or winter, after die-back, one can only guess and its amazing how even you can forget quite what is and isnt planted.
Even a garden that needs a total overhaul benefits from an early site analysis. Overhanging trees for example are not nearly so obvious in winter. By the time you have got a design, approved, got quotations for the work, started and completed construction -it will be the end of October. November is the perfect month to plant. Although one can plant in Spring, if it's a dry Spring as we have been experiencing these last 3 years, it is not nearly as desirable as planting in late Autumn. All new plants need massive watering and no irrigation system works as well as Nature.
As soon as you have called your garden designer, go out and buy a couple of garden magazines for inspiration. It will make you feel that much more confident when chatting to the designer and also help the designer know what the effect is that you would like to achieve.
After all its your garden , your space and you know how you want to use it.
Call me now on 077 100 37002 to arrange a time.
Seek professional advice and call in a garden designer. He or she or I will look at your space with an unbiased eye. As it is still in flower it is far easier to appraise. One can immediately tell what's good and what needs to go. In late autumn or winter, after die-back, one can only guess and its amazing how even you can forget quite what is and isnt planted.
Even a garden that needs a total overhaul benefits from an early site analysis. Overhanging trees for example are not nearly so obvious in winter. By the time you have got a design, approved, got quotations for the work, started and completed construction -it will be the end of October. November is the perfect month to plant. Although one can plant in Spring, if it's a dry Spring as we have been experiencing these last 3 years, it is not nearly as desirable as planting in late Autumn. All new plants need massive watering and no irrigation system works as well as Nature.
As soon as you have called your garden designer, go out and buy a couple of garden magazines for inspiration. It will make you feel that much more confident when chatting to the designer and also help the designer know what the effect is that you would like to achieve.
After all its your garden , your space and you know how you want to use it.
Call me now on 077 100 37002 to arrange a time.
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