A ‘world’ of plants

Travelling to other countries is a wonderful opportunity to see plants growing in their native habitats, as well as enjoying more cultivated ‘exotics’ in gardens and parks. Often these plants are remarkably familiar, because many of our so-called ‘garden’ plants have originated from countries all around the world, and even some that we consider native to the UK were brought here hundreds, even thousands of years ago.

Observing plants in the wild, it is also fascinating to see the conditions in which they truly thrive.  Today’s gardeners have an enormous range to choose from – the latest edition of the RHS Plant Finder lists over 76,000 different plants –  and so it can be really hard to follow the often-quoted advice of ‘right plant, right place’. For example, on a recent visit to Mallorca, rocky verges and mountain paths were lined with shrubby cistus, rosemary and euphorbias in full flower, so they’re obviously perfect for the poorest soils in sun.

Closer to home, the Chelsea Flower Show provides a truly magnificent opportunity to see a whole world of plants gathered together, for one glorious week in May. The giant marquee or ‘Great Pavilion’ is horticultural heaven with more than 90 of the world’s best growers, nurseries and florists inside the super-sized structure which covers nearly three acres. Here the seasons concertina together with daffodils and tulips rubbing shoulders with roses, vegetables, tropical blooms and fantastic flower arrangements. Outside, show gardens large and small include some with themed or exotic designs, and are packed with ideas to take home or to simply gaze at in admiration. Although Chelsea 2018 has now passed, it’s well worth making a diary note to buy tickets early next year, and the RHS Hampton Court Flower show is still to come on 2-8 July. For more information go to www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events.

Seasonal jobs

Plant up patio pots to enjoy months of colour through summer and into autumn. Always use good quality potting compost and remember to feed, starting 6-8 weeks after planting. Either apply liquid fertilizer every week or two, or take the easy route with a one-off application of controlled release fertilizer.

Quick-growing vegetables like lettuces, salad leaves and baby beet should be sown little and often to ensure a regular supply and avoid gluts. Vegetables to sow outdoors now include carrots, peas, French and runner beans, turnips and sweetcorn.

Control pests the eco-friendly way by using biological controls, which is the use of a specific living organism to target particular pests like vine weevil, slugs, leatherjackets and chafer grubs. Most need to be applied at a minimum temperature of 10° C, which has ruled out most of the year so far!

Sue’s top tips

Thrifty: Making your own compost is a great way to recycle waste and improve your garden for free. Make a free compost bin by using four wooden shipping pallets tied together. Insulate the sides using flattened brown cardboard boxes, and cover with a piece of old cardboard or plastic.

Green: After making a hot drink, pour leftover boiling water over weeds in paving cracks – it’ll kill top growth and young weeds, though not roots of perennials, alas). Loose tea, teabags and coffee grounds can be added to the compost heap. Coffee is also an excellent slug repellent so I save my grounds for the most susceptible plants, like hostas, lilies and lettuces.

Wildlife: Hedgehog populations have plummeted, but small actions can make a big difference. Because they travel large distances, create ‘hedgehog highways’ by making entry/exit points (15cm square) at the bottoms of gates and fences. Also, as they do a great job of scoffing slugs and snails, avoid using chemical pest controls.

Time saving: The growing season has been delayed hugely by the cold weather, with plant growth put back by 4-6 weeks. Catch up by buying ready-grown vegetable and flower plants from some of our excellent local nurseries and markets – though do check if they need hardening off (acclimatising to the outside) before planting out.

Looking good

Euphorbias are wonderfully structural perennials that are at their best in early summer. They vary in size from giant Euphorbia mellifera down to the little prostrate E. myrsinites. Cut off flowerheads once they’ve faded, but beware the milky sap which can irritate skin.

Oriental poppies make a magnificent show, although their flowering season is relatively short. The foliage dies back in the summer, so grow in the middle of a border surrounded by other plants that will fill the gap.

Roses of all types start to burst into bloom this month. With so many to choose from, the best approach is to visit gardens to decide on varieties to order and plant for the autumn – particularly if you’re after scented ones.

Favourite plant: hardy geraniums. These summer stalwarts bloom for many weeks and are ideal for growing between and under many shrubs, particularly roses. Two of my favourites are the giant shocking-magenta Geranium psilostemon, and blue-and-white Geranium ‘Rozanne’ which was voted ‘Plant of the Centenary’.

Read more gardening tips, news and information on Sue’s new website and gardening blog: www.suefishergardens.co.uk