Why not get
live plants direct from online plant catalogs. Although local garden centres and shops supply the mass plant market, they don’t seem to keep plants in good condition. They sell so many other things nowadays that plant stock is often an inconvenience to them. But the real growers rely totally on plant sales, and they usually have to bear the cost of replacements.
I’ve never yet received mail order plants in poor condition – fact. Also, online plant catalogs are perfectly focused on the gardener’s desire for new and unique varieties that set you apart from your neighbours.
Most online plant catalogs are full of irresistibly exquisite plants that are grown to perfection. Furthermore, their websites contain interesting details about the varieties and how to grow them. You simply don’t get that in shops and garden centres.
FOR U.K. & EUROPE:
SUTTONS SEEDS - traditional supplier with me. Pioneered developments in seedsmanship, and now live plants to your door. This year a new tools range for propagating, planting, pruning, composting etc… Click here
DOBIES - a similar choice to the above. Definitely worth trying too… Click here.
CROCUS - stylish offerings of shrubs and perennials… … Click here.
FOR AMERICAN GARDENERS:
DIRECT GARDENING - do take a look here because they can’t be beaten on price! - I’ve checked - the range is good too, so you can plant more… … Click here.
MICHIGAN BULB CO. - offer a comprehensive gardener’s range, bulbs, roses, perennials, hedges, fruit & more... it makes your mouth water... Click here.
The thornless climbing rose
Zephirine Drouhin
which has been lovely in my garden for many years is currently available from
Park Seeds on this link
Check the above links for plant collections – flower gardens and choice vegetables.
So now you have no excuse:- when you’re in a hurry – have no heat to germinate seed – your seedlings are difficult to grow – no time or space for seedlings – or it’s too late in the season sow.
Bedding and Flowers - Grow From Plug Plants
Once upon-a-time mass bedding was the reside of big corporations, large estates and local government parks and gardens. Greenhouse gardeners alone stood proud of ordinary folk in raising similar displays from seed. But the growth in garden centres has brought mass displays of spring bulb flowers and summer bedding plants to everyone’s garden.
Certainly anyone can grow an amazing garden from plug-plants. I recommend that you choose the larger plugs if they are available. These young plants are always stronger. Online suppliers may bundle in free plants or bulbs too.
Now the plant catalogs have moved on again. In addition to traditional bulbs, perennials, and bedding plants, suppliers make available some truly magnificent and distinctive feature-plants. Add to this the expanding ranges of seasonal fruit and veg plants, like special tomato and cucumber varieties and all-season vegetable plant collections!
Yes, bad weather and crop failures or late orders may cause them to send replacements for unavailable plants. Once I was sent plants from a different supplier with inadequate labels. On another occasion I remember some of the cauliflowers came up as cabbages. But also I remember getting many - more leek plants than I’d bargained for. That’s gardening.
PICTURE: - Sweet William plug plants - sent as
free-be with my order.
1) wood stick pokes plug out of module (2) moist plugs planted in moist organic enriched soil (3) planting knife to make hole and to lever soil around plug (4) gently firm down. Always better to
order larger (jumbo) plug plants if they're available.
Planting and Growing in Flower Beds
Several things to consider when planting flower beds:
- Choose plants to suit the growing conditions
- consider soil type: clay, sandy, organic?
- is the site very dry or very moist?
- is the site sunny or shady?
- Prepare the ground well - deep cultivation is good
- break down heavy soils by cultivation - digging perhaps
- work in plenty of organic matter - use a fork
- remove all perennial weeds
- top-dress with organic fertilizer
- Plan the flower bed layout bed before you plant
- many plant catalogs offer ready made borders and small gardens
- blend flower colours, shapes and textures tastefully
- in mass plantings, group similar plants together
When you receive your plants do unpack them as soon as possible. Plant catalogs usually send out at the correct planting time. If frost is likely either delay planting or protect plants. Plant when soil conditions are suitable i.e. not frozen, not too dry. You may need to harden plants off gradually to the weather. With tender plants in plastic pots you can delay planting for a short time if you prevent pots from drying out.
PLANT CATALOGS FOR AMERICAN GARDENERS:
DIRECT GARDENING - do take a look here because they can’t be beaten on price! - I’ve checked - the range is good too, so you can plant more… … Click here.
MICHIGAN BULB CO. - offer a comprehensive gardener’s range, bulbs, roses, perennials, hedges, fruit & more... it makes your mouth water... Click here.
PLANT CATALOGS FOR U.K. & EUROPE:
SUTTONS SEEDS - traditional supplier with me. Pioneered developments in seedsmanship, and now live plants to your door. This year a new tools range for propagating, planting, pruning, composting etc… Click here
DOBIES - a similar choice to the above. Definitely worth trying too… Click here.
CROCUS - stylish offerings of shrubs and perennials… … Click here.
