Sweet Peas

Sweet Peas are perfect for cuttings thanks to their unbeatable fragrance and delightful colours. You can very quickly cover your garden head-to-toe with these intense growers once you know the basics of cuttings! If you don’t have any sweet peas yet, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Unwins and Greenfingers to bring the best of the best to your gardens. Our BGC Unwins Sweet Pea - Butterfly Blue combine the best of fragrance and colour!

You can cut Sweet peas by the standard method; simply find a non-flowering side stem and carefully remove it. Fill a small pot with well-draining soil and gently insert the cutting into a pencil-sized hole. Water the cutting generously to set the soil and place your pot in a warm space with plenty of sunlight. However, try to avoid direct sunlight and remember to consistently water them.

Sweet peas are such vigorous growers so be sure to keep on top of watering because they can easily dry out. They should be ready for the great outdoors in approx. 7 weeks.

Zinnias, Dahlias & Cosmos

Zinnias 

Remove the stem as normal, but instead of planting in freshly potted compost, place the base of the stem in a cup of luke-warm water. Submerge a good 2-3 inches of the steam and you need to change the water every day or two. Keep them in a sheltered spot that’s stays warm. Make sure you have no leaves submerged!

Roots will begin to grow in 7-10 days, afterwards they can be planted or potted wherever you’d like. They like being in full sun with well-draining soil. Try not to re-plant them too often, Zinnias are known for being very fussy and dislike being moved to different light levels.

Dahlias

Dahlias can be cut and potted by the standard method. Simply cut, trim off lower leaves and pot! If you have a propagator lid, Dahlias will love an extra level of warmth and should establish roots in their new pot in just 4-5 weeks.  However, be sure to keep them well watered without waterlogging the pot.

Once established, if the weather allows plant them out in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-draining soil. When winter rolls around, they will need to be brought to a frost-free shed or greenhouse in order to survive.

Cosmos

Following the same method of cutting a tall, non-flowering stem and trimming any lower leaves, place into a pencil sized hole in a small pot of fresh compost. Keep them in a full sun position and ensure they’re well-watered. They should establish their roots in 4-5 weeks, and will need to be planted outside after any threat of frost has passed in late May/early April. Cosmos are rather hassle free once established, and when winter rolls around you may need to bring them into a frost-free place. Alternately you can collect any seeds from the flowers in the summer and keep them safe over winter.

Caring for Dahlias

It’s important to know what you’re getting into before planting. Dahlias are such vigorous growers and will need feed to really flourish. They will need some additional feeding throughout their growing season and plenty of water in the summer months – especially ones planted in containers as these will dry out much quicker.

A good practice to get into is “deadheading”. This is simply cutting back spent flowers to stop the plant from producing seeds and instead produce more flowers. This will keep your gardens in bloom much longer.

“Pinching” a growing tuber can greatly boost its growth later by encouraging more flowers and bushier foliage. Once your Dahlia is around 30cm out of the ground, pinch out the top growth on the central stem of the plant. This will greatly boost its growth for thicker foliage and bloom more flowers.

Though do beware, you may find your summer border quickly overcrowded by these intense growers. It’s best to monitor your Dahlias growth and remove any overly excessive stems to keep them neat, tidy and unintrusive.

Lilies

Lilies produce huge flowers in a beautiful array of colours, ranging from solid whites and freckled petals to vivid, multi-coloured heads. They make for fantastic cuttings thanks to their unmistakable fragrance. They can thrive in sunlight or dappled shade and even some containers. Often considered quite easy to grow, these rather hardy perennials will need minimal aftercare.

You will find many different classifications of Lilies, but here are the most popular ones:

Trumpet Lilies – Producing the iconic “trumpet-mouth” flowerheads and typically in a solid colour. They emit a powerful fragrance and are considered a late bloomer. You can typically expect smaller flowers but plenty of them! They like full sun or partial shade and can thrive in any soil type.

Oriental Lilies – If fragrance is a priority, these are the perfect choice. Known for their intense scent, their flowers will bloom towards the end of summer and grow huge eye-catching clusters of colours. Expect anything from whites and red to multi-coloured, stripy petals. Oriental lilies will prefer acidic soil. If your unsure on how to find if your soil is acidic or not, check out our beginners’ guide to soil Ph.

Asiatic Lilies – You’ll find that these bloom much earlier than others, they produce vibrant flowerheads in a multitude of vivid colours. They lack the intense fragrance of other lilies but still make for eye-catching cuttings. They dislike waterlogged soil and will grow slightly shorter than other varieties.

Begonias

Chosen as an easy to grow, versatile flower they can be grown in all sorts of places. Best known for being in potted and hanging displays they flower all summer long, right up until the first frost! They thrive best in dappled/partial shade as if in direct sunlight their foliage can burn and lose its colour. They will require well-draining soil before planting to prevent waterlogging.

You may encounter different types along your journey, here are some of the key varieties to look out for:

Tuberous Begonias – With an incredibly long flowering season, you may spot a few different flowers on one bush. Tuberous begonias flower with male and female on the same plant, and you may one flashier than the other. Often picked for hanging baskets, tuberous Begonias are typically planted as annuals, though can be salvaged if brought inside each winter.

Fibrous-rooted Begonias – These have the typical “ball” of thin roots and are usually dwarf bedding varieties. You may notice these bloom with smaller leaves and flowers, making them fantastic for containers. Primarily annuals, these are often removed at the end of season and replanted for next year.

Foliage Begonias – As their name suggests, these Begonias a grown for their show-stopping leaves in borders or even as houseplants! You should expect large leaves in a multitude of colours and patterns, from spotted pinks or purples to reds and silvers. They prefer dappled shade with a nice humidity, as direct sunlight can tarnish their colours by burning a few leaves.

Caring for Begonias

The aftercare for Begonias is considered easy and doesn’t change much depending on what varieties you planted. Keep them well watered (especially potted varieties), and let the soil dry in between watering. Beware of overwatering your begonias as they commonly will rot if left in boggy conditions, so ensure your compost is well-drained. If you notice any drooping or dropped flowers, the soil is potentially too dry.

Foliage Begonias won’t need feeding as often, although for others its recommended to feed them every other week in summer for steady and strong growth. You may find your foliage Begonias sprouting tiny flowers, it is common practice to remove these as they can often be less interesting than the foliage itself.

When winter rolls around, after the first frost tuberous begonias will need to be lifted and stored indoors or in a frost-resistant shed (but don’t forget to still water them!). Typically, the less hardy varieties are treated as annuals, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t shield them from frosts.

Begonias are susceptible to powdery mildew; root rot and even fungal leaf spots so always keep a keen eye on your plants. Watch for slugs and snails, you may find little nibbles on various leaves appear overnight. Theres plenty of organic ways to deal with pests without harming the rest of your summer border. Find one that best suits you Online or at your local British Garden Centre.

Is there anything for a beginner?

No matter your style of garden or the types of plants, we’ve got you covered. If you’re yet to start your green-thumbed journey, fret no more! Whether you’re new to the scene or a hardened grower, you’re sure to find something to fill yours shelves and your borders!

You can find beautiful Clematis Montana and Pieris at your local British Garden Centre to kickstart your growing adventure in beds & borders. These are perfect for bringing colour and character whilst being simple to grow.

Clematis Montana are incredibly vigorous deciduous climbers, they bloom into large single white flowers and are typically fuss-free when it comes to maintaining them. They are hardy perennials, so they will flower year after year and won’t need much protection in the winter months.

Pieris are an evergreen, hardy perennial shrub perfect for keeping your gardens in colour during winter months. They love acidic soil and are incredibly low maintenance. If you’re unsure on how to check if your soil is acidic, check out our guide on soil Ph.

Fill your sheds to the brim and grow more for less with this weeks Family Card offers. If you haven’t already, you can register your Family card here to receive offers and all our promotion codes for online shopping. If you don't have a family card, simply pop into any one of our 62 centres and bring one back with you!

Climate Resilience

As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, gardens that are built to withstand extreme conditions will be showcased prominently. RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 will display gardens that are designed to handle both drought and heavy rainfall, showcasing how adaptable and resilient gardens can be in the face of changing climates.

For example, designs may include rain gardens to capture and manage excess water during heavy rainfall, as well as drought-tolerant landscapes featuring native plants that thrive in dry conditions. The Flood Re: Flood Resilient Garden will demonstrate how gardens can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change's effects and inspire visitors with ideas for flood-proofing their gardens.

Native Planting

The use of native plants and wildflowers is another major theme this year. Designers will aim to create naturalistic gardens that celebrate the beauty and diversity of local flora, while also supporting wildlife habitats. These gardens will mimic natural ecosystems, providing essential resources for birds, bees, and butterflies, and include The Stroke Association’s Garden for Recovery which will use a "biodiverse matrix" of native and non-native plants. The National Garden Scheme Garden features a plant palette designed to thrive in clay soil that tends to dry out, reflecting the challenges of the current climate. The WaterAid Garden will also showcase plants specifically chosen to handle different levels of rainfall.

Wellness

The show will also focus on gardens designed for wellness and tranquillity. These spaces are intended to promote relaxation, meditation, and overall well-being, serving as sanctuaries for mental and physical health.

The Muscular Dystrophy UK Forest Bathing Garden is inspired by the ancient Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku which means bathing in the forest atmosphere or 'forest bathing' and reconnecting with nature through the senses whilst the World Child Cancer’s Nurturing Garden is a sensory haven, which brings joy, hope and escapism through nature for children undergoing cancer treatment.

Community

The show will also spotlight gardens designed with a focus on community. These spaces aim to bring people together and foster engagement, highlighting how gardening can create welcoming environments for everyone. The Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond with the National Trust is an urban community wildlife garden and will promote both sustainability and the idea of gardening as a shared experience, showing how urban gardens can serve as gathering spaces, facilitating connections and enriching lives.

Marigolds with vegetables

If you are looking for a natural and effective way to ward off harmful insects like aphids and whiteflies, French marigolds could be the perfect solution and act as a natural repellent for pests that can damage your vegetable patch. We recommend planting French marigolds alongside peas, beans, potatoes, and sweetcorn to improve the productivity of your garden by promoting healthy growth and deterring harmful insects.

Onions with carrots

Did you know that planting onions alongside carrots can be extremely beneficial for both vegetables? Onions have a strong scent that acts as a natural repellent for root flies, which are known to damage carrot growth. By planting onions alongside carrots, you can protect your carrot plants from these pests and enjoy fresh summer crops. Not only does this method offer a practical solution for pest control, but it also maximises the use of your vegetable patch by allowing you to grow two crops in the same area.

Tomatoes and Basil

Planting basil near tomato plants can be beneficial as the aromatic oils released by basil can enhance the flavour of tomatoes. Basil also has natural pest-repelling properties, which can help protect tomato plants from insects like aphids and whiteflies. This can be especially useful for gardeners who prefer to use natural methods for pest control. Basil can attract bees and other pollinators to your garden too, which can improve the overall health and yield of the tomato plants.

Lavender and chilli

Planting lavender and chilli together offers multiple benefits for your garden. Lavender's aromatic scent acts as a natural pest repellent, deterring insects like aphids and moths that can harm chilli plants, while also attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination and resulting in a better chilli harvest. Lavender's purple flowers complement the vibrant green foliage of chilli plants, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your garden with a colourful display.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are not just a cheerful addition to your garden; they are also a magnet for bees. The large, vibrant blooms of sunflowers allow bees to see the plant from afar, making them a top choice for nectar. The large, open flower heads of sunflowers make it easy for bees to access their food source.

Wildflowers

Planting wildflowers can help create a rich and diverse environment that sustains bee populations and enhances overall ecosystem health. Wildflowers are so easy to sow and will grow anywhere with a long flowering period and offer crucial support to bees and other vulnerable pollinators facing threats from habitat destruction and pesticide use. Look for seed mixes in your local British Garden Centres store which will not only attract bees but also provide a haven for birds and insects.

Rosemary

Rosemary is not just a versatile herb for cooking; it's also a fantastic plant for attracting bees. The small blue flowers of the rosemary plant are a rich source of nectar for bees and bloom in early spring and can bloom multiple times throughout the year, offering a consistent supply of food. Rosemary's aromatic flowers attract bees, and the plant is easy to grow and low maintenance making it a valuable addition to your garden and kitchen!

Echinacea

Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are a favourite of bees and butterflies alike. Their spiky, colourful petals provide a landing pad for bees to collect pollen and nectar, making them a top choice for a bee-friendly garden. Echinacea has a long blooming period, often from mid-summer to autumn, providing an extended food source for pollinators.  It is also hardy and adaptable, thriving in a variety of soil types and conditions, making it ideal for UK gardens.

Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia or Black-eyed Susans are a classic garden flower that bees adore with their vibrant yellow petals, a dose of sunshine of all. The blooms are a beacon for bees, providing a vital food source for these essential pollinators, flowering from August to October.  It also also makes a great cutting flower for vases or bouquets.

Limnanthes

Often called the Poached egg plant, limnanthes has Nectar-rich flowers that are attractive to bees and pollinators in late spring and summer.  It is one of the earliest food sources for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter. Limnanthes is also a firm favourite with hoverflies which eat aphids, making it an ideal companion plant for your roses.

Marigolds

Marigolds are not only colourful and easy to grow, but they also attract bees with their bright blooms. Planting marigolds in your garden will not only add a pop of colour but will also provide a valuable food source for bees. Marigolds are often used as companion plants in vegetable gardens because they help deter pests and are tolerant of heat and drought, making them a versatile choice for many gardens.

Sage

Sage is not just a fragrant herb for cooking; it's also a top choice for attracting bees. The tall spires of sage flowers are a favourite of bees, making it a valuable addition to any bee-friendly garden. Sun-loving plants that are easy to grow, beautiful, have a long bloom time and are generally tolerant of dry conditions.  Sage is also also great for cooking with and the leaves can be picked all year round.

The best plants for a shady garden:

Gardens often have shady areas and even more dependent on the sun’s location. If your garden is known to be shady, most-likely north facing, then there are certain plants perfect for these conditions.

Check out our top 6 plants for shady gardens, all available in your local British Garden Centre.

 

• Hosta – these low growing plants thrive in shady gardens and sheltered spaces. They are specious perennials and can grow up to 24inches wide. Don’t forget they need protection from slugs and snails.
• Digitalis - this stunning large-scale plant is loved by bees and can grow up to 2 metres tall. Thriving in dappled shade this plant is perfect for the back of borders and against fences.
• Hydrangea – these come in all shapes and sizes, from small to large petals. They are perfect for any garden space in pots or borders and enjoy shady spots. These intelligent plants not only love water but depending on the soil their petals can change colour over-time.
• Hardy Ferns – are plants that need very little maintenance and great for creating woodland garden spaces. Many of these are evergreen and very easy to grow and let thrive within the garden space.
• Astrantia – this is a cottage garden must-have plant! This angelic plant is perfect for garden pots and patio decoration. They come in many different colours and loved by pollinators.
• Ivy – this pollinator friendly plant is a classic English garden evergreen plant and easy to grow. Thriving in trailing pots, it can look great in any space. Add it to hanging baskets for an effective design.

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Hardy plants for any garden:

English weather can be very temperamental, and the winter season can often last longer than expected with cold periods throughout the year. If you are looking for colour and greenery all year-round hardy plants are perfect for your garden.

Check out our top 6 hardy plants, all available in your local British Garden Centre.

 

• Sarocococca– with glossy dark leaves this plant is a winter gem with almost all varieties being entirely hardy. They are great for winter flowering and adding greenery to the garden all year-round.
• Buddleja– are commonly problem-free plants and can be planted any time of year but primarily bloom in late summer. The flourish best in loose well-drained soil and are magnets for butterflies.
• Achillia– these reliably hardy plants have long flowering periods and feathery foliage. They make great filler plants for borders adding in bursts of colour. And they are loved by all pollinators.
• Poppies - this stunning plant is versatile and hardy, thriving in a wide variety of soil types. The perennial is large and blousy with an iconic shape creating a flamboyant flowery display.
• Scabiosa– these small pincushion style flowers can often be found in wildflower meadows. They make great cut flowers and loved by bees, the delicate flower can thrive in extreme hardy conditions.
• Veronica – The perfect plant for border creating a height and definition, they are low maintenance and pest proof. Their flowers will die off in winter but maintain green leaves due to their evergreen nature. Don’t forget bees love them.

Wind-tolerant plants for garden spaces:

Larger garden spaces can often experience windy conditions due to the lack of shelter around. If a plant isn’t wind-tolerant it can cause moisture to be lost from plants causing them to wilt faster or die off.

Check out our top 6 wind-tolerant plants, all available in your local British Garden Centre.

• Cordyline – these stunning plants have an exotic palm-like appearance and make for a dramatic look in any garden. Perfect for coastal and urban gardens and creating an eye-catching feature.
• Hebe – this evergreen shrub is a stunning garden feature that can be grown in both containers and borders. It can even be used as dynamic hedging. The bushy plant flowers in the summer with stunning purple, pink or white stems.
• Heathers – a low-growing evergreen shrub perfect for filling our borders or planters. This compact plant flowers in both winter and spring, helping to provide an early source of food for wildlife.
• Hawthorn - famed for its white scented blossom, this stunning plant is known to cope well with strong winds in coastal spaces. The hawthorn berries are great for wildlife and also are edible with medicinal benefits.
• Carex – this evergreen grass-like plant can bloom in various colours and looks great in prairie style planting. Not only can thrive in windy conditions but they also enjoy mostly full sun spots.
• Gaura – a true cottage garden flower is perfect for filling gaps in borders and also works well in containers. Their long flowering period allows for colour all throughout summer and into autumn.

Biennial

Biennial plants have a two-year life cycle. During the first year, the biennial plant typically produces a rosette of leaves close to the ground and stores energy in its roots or stems. In the second year, the plant develops a flowering stalk, produces flowers, sets seeds, and then dies. After the seeds are dispersed, the life cycle begins again with new seedlings sprouting the following year. Foxgloves and hollyhocks are biennials.

Deadheading

Plants with multiple blooms need to be deadheaded, which means you remove the dead flower from the plant. This redirects its energy from seed production towards producing new flowers, prolonging the blooming period. This encourages helps to keep the plant looking tidy and prevents it from appearing unkempt. Good examples of this are geraniums hydrangeas and roses.

Ericaceous

A type of plant that prefers acidic soil. Ericaceous plants typically thrive in soils with a pH level below 7. They often struggle in alkaline soils, where the pH is higher. Gardeners who grow ericaceous plants often need to amend their soil to make it more acidic or grow these plants in containers filled with ericaceous compost. Examples include rhododendrons, azaleas, heather and blueberries.

Hardening off

Acclimatising plants that have been grown indoors, inside a greenhouse or under protection to outside weather conditions. This helps to prevent transplant shock and prepares the young plants for growth outdoors. By gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions, you help the plants develop stronger stems, thicker foliage, and better resistance to environmental stress ultimately improving their chances of survival and success in the garden.

Mulching

Mulch is material that covers the soil, inhibits the growth of weeds, and boosts nutrients whilst holding in moisture and warmth. It is a low-maintenance and effective way to prevent weed growth, nourish soil, and fertilise plants. It can also reduce watering frequency and protect plants from frost. Biodegradable mulches like leaf mould, garden compost, and bark chippings work well, as do non-biodegradable options like slate, pebbles, seashells, and gravel

Perennial

A perennial plant lives for more than two years and comes back every growing season. Unlike annual plants, perennials continue to grow and bloom year after year, often going dormant during the winter months and regrowing in the spring. Some common examples of perennial plants include lavender, roses, irises, sedum, phlox and hostas.

Rootbound

Used in container gardening or for houseplants, rootbound is when potted plants are confined to a pot for too long and their roots have nowhere to go. Signs include the plant noticeably outgrowing its pot with roots coming out the bottom and yellowing leaves. The best time to repot houseplants is typically in the spring, as this is when plants are entering their active growing season. We recommend from March to May as this provides time for the plants to recover from the stress of being reported, develop new roots and adjust to their new home.

Thinning

This simply means removing seedlings when you have planted too many seeds in an area or pot. Each plant needs room and nutrients from the soil to grow healthy and strong, so overcrowding will result in seedlings competing for these. Thinning is typically done after seeds have germinated or seedlings have emerged and developed to achieve proper spacing between plants.

Variegated

This refers to plants with leaves that have more than one colour. The leaves are often mixtures of green, yellow, white, and cream. Examples include hostas, euphorbia and pothos, calathea, coleus and acers.

Finding the right Tools for the Job

Don’t be discouraged if you lack a large garden, you can start planting just about anywhere with the right equipment. For a larger planter you can browse our available range of VegTrugs, and for smaller gardens you can browse all sizes of propagators here to get your seeds started off right.

If you predict a frosty cold spell in the near future, either plant close to a wall for natural shelter or be prepared to shield your crops with a horticultural fleece. When it comes to deciding where to plant, most veg love being in full sun but can still thrive in dappled shade.

Time to Plant!

Now you’ve got your planters and chosen your favourite seeds, it’s time to set the stage. If you choose to plant in a pre-established border, be sure to remove any weeds and top up with fresh compost. Make sure to flatten your soil and remove any rogue stones until you have a fine compost layer on top. When planting in either a border or raised planter, if you’re starting off with seeds it’s best to clear a little area with your hand and thinly sow your seeds to prevent over-crowding as this can reduce your overall yield.

Not all seeds can be sown outside. If your seeds are starting their journey in a small propagator, make sure to fill each cell with plenty of compost and gently place seeds in each cell. Cover these up with a tad more compost and don’t forget to label them! Try not to overcrowd each cell: if all the roots are competing with each other you won’t have a very abundant yield later on.

What Now?

Be sure to keep a keen eye on your growing vegetables, and depending on the weather you may only need to water them a few times a week depending on what you planted. A great way to quickly check if they need a top up is to place your finger in the soil next to your crops, being sure not to disturb the roots. If the soil is still moist they’re good to go. If not give them a quick top up! Try not to overwater your gardens as you may stunt your vegetables growth and see a few drooped leaves.

 

Our very own Grow Your Own Guide can give you some guidance on when to harvest, but you can typically find this information on the back of your seed packets too! Now it’s time to sit back, relax and wait. You should see steady growth over the coming weeks, and soon you can taste the glory of home-grown flavour.

Screening and hedging

Beyond its aesthetic charm, our braided willow can also serve a practical purpose by providing effective screening and hedging. Want to hide an ugly part of your garden, or separate your outdoor spaces into zones, our willow trees are the answer. While offering privacy, its woven stem adds an extra layer of sophistication, transforming what were hidden neglected areas into artistic statements.

Structural elegance

The braided stems of our willow trees bring a sense of structural elegance to any garden. These majestic trees stand out as focal points, contributing to year-round visual interest, even when they have lost their leaves. Braided willow is versatile, with different heights available, allowing for dynamic visual compositions within the garden. Whether towering over the patio or pruned into more compact forms in a container on a balcony, the height variability of braided willow adds depth and dimension to garden designs.

Great for wildlife

In addition to their aesthetic and functional benefits, braided willow trees contribute to environmental conservation by supporting biodiversity. They provide essential habitat and food sources for various wildlife species, further enriching the ecosystem within your garden.

How to plant

Caring for braided salix is straightforward, requiring regular maintenance and ample watering, particularly during sunny, breezy summers. To encourage healthy growth, trim back the top growth in early spring, shaping the crown 2 or 3 times throughout the summer while removing any occasional leaves on the bare stems.

When planting, select a sunny or partially shaded spot for your braided willow. If planting in a container, ensure there is sufficient drainage and fill with soil-based compost such as John Innes No. 3. Whether in pots or directly in the ground, water the newly planted willow thoroughly and maintain daily watering for the first four weeks to keep the soil consistently moist.

Don’t miss out on British Garden Centres’ special 20% discount off braided salix from the 15^th to the 29^th April at your local store!