Brilliant article, JP. I think if I had a greenhouse and somewhere where I could store compost, plants, have a potting table, dibber, labels, pots etc I’d go for seeds but I don’t. I have a garage 50 metres away where everything has to be stowed away every.single.time 😱. It’s so easy to fall for the soft focus, brilliantly photographed seed catalogues but it’s hard, even though I find it incredibly exciting when the green shoots appear. I don’t think I’m brave enough for your trade tip, I’m a useless blagger, but the end of year advice is fantastic. It made me think about how we used to have nurseries rather than garden centres; I really don’t like the wood shaving pot pourri/Yankee Candle type where you’re followed around by the aroma of chips from the cafe. I generally go online now, much wider choice and the heavy stuff gets delivered to your door.
I’ve always wanted a greenhouse. I do love to potter and it would be great for cuttings and tender plants. Perhaps, then I might look at indoor seed growing again? Maybe not! 🤣 The thing is, I actually really love buying plants. Who doesn’t love a shopping spree? Particularly if everything is half price. I forgot to mention ‘The Shelf of Death’ too! B&Q, Homebase all have a garden section shelf of death and it’s all year round as the staff forget to water the plants. I bought all the blue hydrangeas there this year.
I have to say I rarely buy plants online. I like to see what I’m getting. I do buy bulbs online though and bare root plants. I like farmer gracy and also Jackson’s:
Hi Bea, like JP, Crocus is good generally, for sundries too, and I’ve always found them really well packed and healthy. I like Beth Chatto for an amazing choice of perennials and the website is really informative. Claire Austin (daughter of David Austin Roses (gorgeous roses) again is great for perennials but also specialises in peonies and iris. Knoll Gardens is an ornamental grass specialist. Burncoose has a fantastic choice and a really good choice of shrubs. Big Plant Nursery is amazing for something a little more exotic if you like the jungle look. I’ve had some beautiful plants from Ballyrobert Gardens, which has amazing value courier charges. That can be a downside of buying online; some postage costs are extortionate so you have to watch for that. Hope this helps.
I’d love a greenhouse too, one of those gorgeous Victorian-type Farrow and Ball painted ones. I think that’s my problem right there; I love the thought, not the execution! I’ve found that lavender and rosemary cuttings are easy to take and grow quickly.
Yes, they are a joy to propagate and so is Verbena Bonariensis. That’s the sort of greenhouse I want, but costs as much as all the renovation work we’ll be doing.
The garden has been pretty full of perennials now for over 20 years. I have no recollection of ever having split a plant, though Charles has split hostas sometimes, to have more.
I am not aware of any ill effects for lack of splitting (hurray!).
Brilliant read JP, was laughing so much at your trip to the trade centres, I definitely couldn't do that I seewould be a dead giveaway! I'm like you just have not got the patience or room to do seedlings, I like instant display! Great advice though going plant shopping at the end of season, I will try that. Xx
Oh this made my day(well 2.30 am actually my daughter just had a baby I can’t sleep clearly 😂 ) I’ve had every size garden from small to several acres now back to small living my downsize dream. I have to say even when I had greenhouses I only used them to over winter exotics and grow salads I’m far to excitable to be waiting for seeds to take and unlike you my friend the bigger the better😂 is my motto. Being parsimonious I only ever buy bargain basement babes they rarely let me down so I’m defo on your dead crap vibe here in leafy Warwickshire 👌🏽
Yep, same as you, no greenhouse (one day when we’ve moved and I’ve retired) we split perennials and swap plants with our neighbours. Highly recommend a Hori Hori knife for the splitting jobs, it’s the best garden tool ever!
I still can’t resist a garden centre trip now and again. Online David Austin roses are good because they have a 5yr guarantee which we have had to claim once before. A new specimen got sent without a problem.
Haha JP this made me chuckle! I am the worlds most obsessed seed sower and am currently surrounded by seed trays (well not actually right now as I’m lying on my sofa😂) BUT if seed sowing doesn’t float your boat then absolutely buy the bargains right now. OR I’ll beat you to it? Race you……. To the Death shelf!!
Brilliant article, really enjoyed it. I’m the same tho, in the past I’ve spent so much money on seeds, pots and compost for it all to fail. So I’m a clearance shelf plant buyer now, much easier x
I’m team instant gratification! I went the seed route this year and decided it wasn’t for me! Zinnia seeds, sunflowers seeds and bulbs were my only friends! No judgement for anyone who chooses their way to garden…whatever floats your boat!💚😝😜🤪👩🏼🌾
I must admit having a year off seed sewing has been rather nice! I’m hoping to fit a little greenhouse (my first ever) in our ickle garden. Out of interest where do you keep your cheap buy plants overwinter? I’ve bought some limelight’s and been very tart about getting them in the ground so am thinking of leaving them till the spring. Xxx
There’s still plenty of time to get them in the ground, but otherwise, I bring them next to an outside wall/protected area and that usually does the trick. Just have to remember to water if we don’t get rain for a while, but what are the chances? 🤣
Excellent advice! Now I can stop feeling guilty about not being that enthusiastic about growing from seed. Oh, and I have a Magnolia tree that is now about 25 feet high - which I bought as a half-dead runt, just a foot high, that was languishing in a forgotten garden centre corner - what a bargain, it was £5!
Brilliant article, JP. I think if I had a greenhouse and somewhere where I could store compost, plants, have a potting table, dibber, labels, pots etc I’d go for seeds but I don’t. I have a garage 50 metres away where everything has to be stowed away every.single.time 😱. It’s so easy to fall for the soft focus, brilliantly photographed seed catalogues but it’s hard, even though I find it incredibly exciting when the green shoots appear. I don’t think I’m brave enough for your trade tip, I’m a useless blagger, but the end of year advice is fantastic. It made me think about how we used to have nurseries rather than garden centres; I really don’t like the wood shaving pot pourri/Yankee Candle type where you’re followed around by the aroma of chips from the cafe. I generally go online now, much wider choice and the heavy stuff gets delivered to your door.
I’ve always wanted a greenhouse. I do love to potter and it would be great for cuttings and tender plants. Perhaps, then I might look at indoor seed growing again? Maybe not! 🤣 The thing is, I actually really love buying plants. Who doesn’t love a shopping spree? Particularly if everything is half price. I forgot to mention ‘The Shelf of Death’ too! B&Q, Homebase all have a garden section shelf of death and it’s all year round as the staff forget to water the plants. I bought all the blue hydrangeas there this year.
Shelf of death! Love it! We just call it casualty corner but not any more!
🤣🤣
I LONG for a greenhouse....
Could you please suggest good online plant centres
I have to say I rarely buy plants online. I like to see what I’m getting. I do buy bulbs online though and bare root plants. I like farmer gracy and also Jackson’s:
https://www.jacksonsnurseries.co.uk/plants/bare-root/
Plus: https://rumwoodnurseries.co.uk/
But, I have used crocus a few times too for potted plants.
Hi Bea, like JP, Crocus is good generally, for sundries too, and I’ve always found them really well packed and healthy. I like Beth Chatto for an amazing choice of perennials and the website is really informative. Claire Austin (daughter of David Austin Roses (gorgeous roses) again is great for perennials but also specialises in peonies and iris. Knoll Gardens is an ornamental grass specialist. Burncoose has a fantastic choice and a really good choice of shrubs. Big Plant Nursery is amazing for something a little more exotic if you like the jungle look. I’ve had some beautiful plants from Ballyrobert Gardens, which has amazing value courier charges. That can be a downside of buying online; some postage costs are extortionate so you have to watch for that. Hope this helps.
Brilliant tips there Moira. I have driven past the Big Plant Nursery a few times recently. I must go in.
Crocus sent me a weed. It was clear - the pot itself was named, the weed was no geranium. I wrote with photo. More than once.
Not a peep and no replacement or refund.
I bet you were thrilled Anne.
I’ve just been looking this morning, JP. I’m so envious of you living near. Their postage charges are really reasonable too.
I’ll report back.
Thank you so much for all the information 🌟
I’d love a greenhouse too, one of those gorgeous Victorian-type Farrow and Ball painted ones. I think that’s my problem right there; I love the thought, not the execution! I’ve found that lavender and rosemary cuttings are easy to take and grow quickly.
Yes, they are a joy to propagate and so is Verbena Bonariensis. That’s the sort of greenhouse I want, but costs as much as all the renovation work we’ll be doing.
🙏🏻
The garden has been pretty full of perennials now for over 20 years. I have no recollection of ever having split a plant, though Charles has split hostas sometimes, to have more.
I am not aware of any ill effects for lack of splitting (hurray!).
What am I doing right???
I’d love to know Anne!
Brilliant read JP, was laughing so much at your trip to the trade centres, I definitely couldn't do that I seewould be a dead giveaway! I'm like you just have not got the patience or room to do seedlings, I like instant display! Great advice though going plant shopping at the end of season, I will try that. Xx
Yes, the acting skills very much come into play at the trade nursery! 😆 See the little tip I mentioned to Moira too. Xx
We will have to agree to disagree on the seed sowing bit! Off scouting this morning at the garden centre!
You do you Lou. Takes all sorts and I love the variety. Let us know what you buy in chat later. Take a pic!
I may have said this before JP, but move over Monty Don! 👋🏼
Great read and tips! 🌿 Best day of my life was when my eldest grandson recently said to me, Nana can we go to a garden centre please. Oh yes!! 🤩
Have a lovely Sunday! 💙
Now that’s the best kind of grandson! 🤣
Oh this made my day(well 2.30 am actually my daughter just had a baby I can’t sleep clearly 😂 ) I’ve had every size garden from small to several acres now back to small living my downsize dream. I have to say even when I had greenhouses I only used them to over winter exotics and grow salads I’m far to excitable to be waiting for seeds to take and unlike you my friend the bigger the better😂 is my motto. Being parsimonious I only ever buy bargain basement babes they rarely let me down so I’m defo on your dead crap vibe here in leafy Warwickshire 👌🏽
Hope you eventually got some sleep Sue! Same here, had every size garden going, but much prefer a smaller one - garden that is!
😂😂
Yep, same as you, no greenhouse (one day when we’ve moved and I’ve retired) we split perennials and swap plants with our neighbours. Highly recommend a Hori Hori knife for the splitting jobs, it’s the best garden tool ever!
I still can’t resist a garden centre trip now and again. Online David Austin roses are good because they have a 5yr guarantee which we have had to claim once before. A new specimen got sent without a problem.
I didn’t know that about David Austin Roses Amanda, good to know.
What a great, refreshing and honest read. Im a novice gardener and this is really helpful.
Keep up the awesome work ❤️
My absolute pleasure Arlene. Don’t let me put you off seed-sowing though. Lots of people love it.
Haha JP this made me chuckle! I am the worlds most obsessed seed sower and am currently surrounded by seed trays (well not actually right now as I’m lying on my sofa😂) BUT if seed sowing doesn’t float your boat then absolutely buy the bargains right now. OR I’ll beat you to it? Race you……. To the Death shelf!!
🤣🤣 on your marks! Sophie you are the queen of seed-sowing! I wish I had your patience. Xxx
Brilliant article, really enjoyed it. I’m the same tho, in the past I’ve spent so much money on seeds, pots and compost for it all to fail. So I’m a clearance shelf plant buyer now, much easier x
Certainly saves a lot of time.
Loved this! 👍
Thank you
I’m team instant gratification! I went the seed route this year and decided it wasn’t for me! Zinnia seeds, sunflowers seeds and bulbs were my only friends! No judgement for anyone who chooses their way to garden…whatever floats your boat!💚😝😜🤪👩🏼🌾
I think that’s it Chriss, everyone should just do whatever is right for them. Xxx
I must admit having a year off seed sewing has been rather nice! I’m hoping to fit a little greenhouse (my first ever) in our ickle garden. Out of interest where do you keep your cheap buy plants overwinter? I’ve bought some limelight’s and been very tart about getting them in the ground so am thinking of leaving them till the spring. Xxx
There’s still plenty of time to get them in the ground, but otherwise, I bring them next to an outside wall/protected area and that usually does the trick. Just have to remember to water if we don’t get rain for a while, but what are the chances? 🤣
Excellent advice! Now I can stop feeling guilty about not being that enthusiastic about growing from seed. Oh, and I have a Magnolia tree that is now about 25 feet high - which I bought as a half-dead runt, just a foot high, that was languishing in a forgotten garden centre corner - what a bargain, it was £5!
Now that’s the best bargain I’ve ever heard about. Twenty-five feet now, wow!
Your writing is hilarious - which keeps me reading
Thank you so much. I’m glad it brightened your day Bea. Have a great Sunday.
YES JP! Free me from the tyranny and obligation of seedlings. (Which I always kill.) I love this!
Do you fancy your hand at blagging it in a trade nursery Natasha? What name would you imagine for yourself?