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<p><strong>Tradescantia</strong> is a genus of plants native to the Americas, named after John Tradescant, a famous 17th-century plant-hunter. Many species grow outdoors, but three, in particular, make lovely houseplants, with long stems that trail elegantly over the edges of pots and hanging baskets. Tradescantia zebrina has green and silver variegated leaves that show a flash of purple on the undersides. Tradescantia pallida has dark purple leaves, and Tradescantia fluminensis has green and white-striped leaves.</p>

<p><strong>Tradescantia</strong> is a genus of plants native to the Americas, named after John Tradescant, a famous 17th-century plant-hunter. Many species grow outdoors, but three, in particular, make lovely houseplants, with long stems that trail elegantly over the edges of pots and hanging baskets. Tradescantia zebrina has green and silver variegated leaves that show a flash of purple on the undersides. Tradescantia pallida has dark purple leaves, and Tradescantia fluminensis has green and white-striped leaves.</p>
<p>They flower intermittently, producing small three-petalled flowers, but the colourful foliage is the main attraction.</p>
<h2>Where to grow Tradescantia&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Tradescantia is a very accommodating houseplant. They can cope with surprisingly little light, although if the levels are too low, the leaves will lose their variegation, turning green. Too much direct light will scorch the leaves, so a position with bright, indirect light and a temperature between 15-26°C (60-80°F) is ideal.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Caring for Tradescantia as houseplants</h2>
<p>Tradescantia like moist but not soggy soil, so plant them in well-drained potting compost mixed with sand or vermiculite, in containers with good drainage holes. Water weekly in summer, and reduce watering in winter. Mist regularly.</p>
<p>They don’t need much feeding – a dose of half-strength liquid feed once every two months during spring and summer will do fine. Pinch off the growing tips of the stems occasionally to encourage the plants to grow bushy.</p>
<p>Keep an eye out for signs of aphids or spider mites and wipe them off with a damp cloth before infestations have a chance to develop. Alternatively, cut off affected stems and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Taking Tradescantia cuttings</h2>
<p>After two or three years, Tradescantia plants will start to look tired and leggy. Fortunately, it’s very easy to grow new plants from cuttings. Here are three simple ways to take Tradescantia cuttings:</p>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Cut a 2-3cm (1in) long section of stem with a leaf, and push the lower end into a pot filled with compost. Water regularly. The cutting will root within a few weeks and grow into a new plant.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Pinch off a section of stem and place it in a glass of water. Leave it for a couple of weeks, changing the water weekly, until it develops roots, then plant in a pot filled with compost.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Fill a small pot with moist compost. Select a long stem and, without detaching it from the mother plant, pin it down across the smaller pot so that one of the leaf nodes is touching the compost. In a few weeks, the stem will start to develop roots at this point. Once the roots are well developed, cut the stem off the mother plant and let it grow on in the new pot.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>If you’re looking for a houseplant to add a new touch to your home this year, come and see the exciting range of plants in our centre. You’re sure to find one that’s right for you.</p>

All about the Tradescantia

<p>If there’s an empty space in your home after the Christmas tree comes down, don’t be despondent. Instead, fill the gap with a beautiful houseplant that will look good all year round. Here are a few of our favourite houseplants, with tips on how to take care of them. Please take a look at our list of <strong>big houseplants that substitute the Christmas tree</strong>.</p>

<p>If there’s an empty space in your home after the Christmas tree comes down, don’t be despondent. Instead, fill the gap with a beautiful houseplant that will look good all year round. Here are a few of our favourite houseplants, with tips on how to take care of them. Please take a look at our list of <strong>big houseplants that substitute the Christmas tree</strong>.</p>
<h2>1. Zamioculcas</h2>
<p>Also known as the ZZ plant, Zamioculcas has a great contemporary look, like a giant fern with glossy green foliage. It does best in bright but indirect light, with afternoon shade.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Plant it in compost with added horticultural grit to improve drainage, and let the surface of the compost dry out between waterings. Water sparingly in winter, as the roots are prone to rotting in cold, wet soil, and never let the pot sit in water. Feed monthly with a portion of balanced liquid food.</p>
<h2>2. Christmas cactus&nbsp;</h2>
<p>The best thing about Christmas cactuses (Schlumbergera) is the exotic-looking, colourful flowers that appear in December, so it’s very frustrating if they refuse to flower. The secret to getting your Christmas cactus to flower at Christmas is to let it rest twice a year, once after Christmas and again in September.</p>
<p>Once the Christmas flowers have finished, move the plant to a cool room and reduce watering. In April, move it back into a brighter, warmer space, water regularly and feed monthly. Move it back into the cool in September and reduce watering until the buds form, then put it in pride of place where you can enjoy the flowers.</p>
<h2>3. Peace lily&nbsp;</h2>
<p>For rooms that don’t get much direct light, a peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) is the perfect houseplant. With big, glossy green leaves and the occasional hooded white flower, they look elegant and stylish wherever they are.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Peace lilies prefer a warm, humid, semi-shaded environment. To increase humidity around the plant, stand it on a tray filled with pebbles and keep the tray topped up with water. Mist the leaves of your peace lily regularly and wipe them occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust. Water when the surface of the compost is dry. Peace lilies normally flower in spring, producing one or two flowers that last for several weeks.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>4. Areca palm</h2>
<p>Tall and elegant, with arching feathery fronds, areca palms add a tropical feel to the home. Like most other houseplants, they prefer bright but indirect light, and the leaves will turn yellow if they get too much direct sun.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Areca palms need to be watered regularly but not overwatered. To make this easier, plant them in a well-drained potting compost, and stand the pot on a tray filled with pebbles so that the pot is never standing in water.&nbsp; Water regularly, so that the compost stays just moist, and mist frequently. Water less often in winter.</p>
<p>Start the New Year on a positive note with a new plant for your home. You’ll find a fantastic range of beautiful indoor plants in our centre, so visit us soon!</p>

Banish the post-Christmas blues with a house plant

<p>Wondering <strong>how to make the start of 2021 unforgettable</strong>? After a difficult year in 2020, it is really important to get 2021 off to the start you need to make 2021 much better than the year before. There are many ways to kick off the new year doing fun, exciting and different things so you can make sure it’s a start not to forget. Try some of these ideas to enjoy the start of 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wondering <strong>how to make the start of 2021 unforgettable</strong>? After a difficult year in 2020, it is really important to get 2021 off to the start you need to make 2021 much better than the year before. There are many ways to kick off the new year doing fun, exciting and different things so you can make sure it’s a start not to forget. Try some of these ideas to enjoy the start of 2021.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Wild swimming will make the start of 2021 unforgettable&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Grab your wet suit and brave the elements with a New Year swim. With friends and family, safely take to the water and feel exhilarated with a fresh start to the new year. There are even new years day organised swims, some to raise money for charity. You can even dress up! Have a laugh at the start of the year.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Make the start of 2021 unforgettable with marshmallows in the garden</h2>
<p>After a tough year for everyone, many of us have found pleasure in the simple things and been creative with many ways to have a little fun. Toasting marshmallows in the garden is a great way to get the family outside, no matter what the weather and enjoy a toasty start to the new year. Grab your hat, scarf and coat and get the grill or a small fire ready. Toast your marshmallows and for an extra treat, dip them in some melted chocolate.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Treat yourself to make the start of 2021 unforgettable&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Is there one thing you really would love to have? Don’t forget it’s the January sales, so take a good look online or in store and see if that plant, water feature or birdbath is available. Treat yourself; you totally deserve it.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Make the start of 2021 unforgettable with a photo montage&nbsp;</h2>
<p>We’ve been away from friends and family for a long time, so why not spend some time yourself building a photo collage or montage with happy photos of you with your best friends and family. Every time you walk by, take a look and smile.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Do something different to make the start of 2021 unforgettable&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Why not book yourself in to do something you have never done before.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Step out of your comfort zone or straight into where you really want to be.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>What about ballroom dancing classes, taking a gardening course, an art class or join a fitness club.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Whatever is it that you want to do that is different to anything you have done before, why not give it a go.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Seize the day and charge into 2021 just the way you want to.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Why not plan the garden of your dreams and start in store by taking a look around.&nbsp;</p>

Make the start of 2021 unforgettable

<p>Happy new year everyone, we wish you all a happy, healthy and green 2021 Do you already have some new years resolutions?&nbsp;Forget all those dismal resolutions to read more improving books, lose weight or eat less chocolate. This year, why not <strong>make some New Year’s resolutions for your garden</strong> instead? Here are a few ideas to get you started.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Happy new year everyone, we wish you all a happy, healthy and green 2021 Do you already have some new years resolutions?&nbsp;Forget all those dismal resolutions to read more improving books, lose weight or eat less chocolate. This year, why not <strong>make some New Year’s resolutions for your garden</strong> instead? Here are a few ideas to get you started.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>1. Make a seed organizer</h2>
<p>Remember when we used to use photo albums? If you have old albums you don’t need (the ones with plastic sleeves to hold photos), then turn one into a seed organiser. Label one page for each month of the year, then slip your seed packets into the plastic sleeves for the months when they should be planted. No more forgetting to plant things until it’s too late!</p>
<h2>2. Check your tools</h2>
<p>When you’re busy gardening in the summer, there’s never time to get tools sharpened, so now’s your chance.&nbsp; Take your lawnmower to be sharpened, and you’ll be rewarded with another year’s worth of beautifully cut lawns. Clean secateurs and shears with penetrating oil like WD-40 to get rid of rust and grime, and sharpen them with a sharpening stone.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>3. Hit the sales</h2>
<p>Take advantage of the sales to pick up some great gardening buys. From Christmas decorations to plants and furnishings, there are some fantastic bargains to be had at your local garden centre, so set aside a couple of hours for a visit and stock up for the gardening year ahead.</p>
<h2>4. Plan next year’s vegetable garden</h2>
<p>Whether you’re an expert vegetable grower or just getting started, everything goes better when you plan ahead. Draw up a list of what you’d like to grow this year (remember, start with what you actually want to eat) and where it’s going to do best. Look up planting times and buy your seeds, so you’re all ready to go when spring arrives.</p>
<h2>5. Mulch your beds</h2>
<p>If you didn’t have time before Christmas, do this now. A good thick layer of mulch on your beds will suppress weeds, improve the soil structure and get the beds ready for whatever you plan to plant.</p>
<h2>6. Plant shrubs and trees</h2>
<p>In winter you can really see the structure of your garden, so take a good look at it. Do you need some winter colour? More evergreen structure? New hedges? Provided the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, winter’s a good time to plant deciduous shrubs and trees or to move plants that are in the wrong place.</p>
<h2>7. Buy a rainwater butt</h2>
<p>Connect a rainwater butt to a downpipe to collect all that winter rain, and use it to water your garden in spring. Rainwater is much better for plants than tap water, especially if you live in a hard water area, and becoming more waterwise is definitely a worthwhile New Year’s resolution.</p>
<p>Whatever your plans for your garden in the coming year, we’re here to help. Visit our centre to find all the tools, plants and inspiration you need.</p>

7 New Year’s resolutions for gardeners

<p>It’s fun to <strong>decorate your house for New Year's Eve</strong> and to see 2020 out with a party, even if it is just a few of you, will be great fun and bring hope and joy for the new year! After an unexpected year, why not enjoy a night of partying and decorate your house for that party vibe. Think fun paper crafts and natural decorations for no waste and enjoy seeing out 2020 and welcoming in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It’s fun to <strong>decorate your house for New Year's Eve</strong> and to see 2020 out with a party, even if it is just a few of you, will be great fun and bring hope and joy for the new year! After an unexpected year, why not enjoy a night of partying and decorate your house for that party vibe. Think fun paper crafts and natural decorations for no waste and enjoy seeing out 2020 and welcoming in 2021.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Get crafty to decorate your house for New Year's Eve&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Take some time to focus on some relaxing crafts at home after the festivities and before the New Year celebrations to make your own craft decorations. Make paper bunting with glitter and ribbons to add some sparkle and try some origami shapes for fun out of colourful paper. Try your hand at paper flower garlands and make paper shapes for the walls.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Decorate your house for New Year's Eve with nature&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Take a walks outside to get some fresh winter air and walk off the festive treats while you collect some natural materials to make party decorations. Fallen twigs and longer stems or branches can be sprayed sparkly colours or used as they are to hang baubles and treats from for a lovely natural indoor display. Display them in vases and twirl some fairy lights on them as well.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Bring plants to the party and decorate your house for New Year's&nbsp;Eve</h2>
<p>Plants can add so much to a room so why not include them in your party. Group together a lot of houseplants from tall Palms to smaller Cacti and drape lights on and around them plus some tinsel for a show-stopping plant corner of fun.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Decorate your house for New Year's Eve outside&nbsp;</h2>
<p>The party might be inside but welcome your guests or just to brighten up the neighbourhood with an outside light show. Make your house the party house with flashing lights, and fun lawn figures to get the party started.</p>
<h2>Make a dance floor to decorate your house for New Years Eve&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Every party needs a dance floor, even if it is just two of you doing the dancing! Grab a glitter ball and some party lights. Turn the room lights off, music up and dance the night away. Don’t forget to keep your eye on the time so you don’t miss the midnight countdown to welcome in the new year. Have fun!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>See what you can find in store to get your home party-ready!</p>

Decorate your house for New Year's Eve

<p>Time to <strong>protect plants, shrubs and trees against the frost</strong> to make sure that they are safe during the colder months of the years so they will continue to thrive through all seasons in the future. There are many ways to protect your plant against the frost. Read our top tips to maintain your plants during winter.</p>

<p>Time to <strong>protect plants, shrubs and trees against the frost</strong> to make sure that they are safe during the colder months of the years so they will continue to thrive through all seasons in the future. There are many ways to protect your plant against the frost. Read our top tips to maintain your plants during winter.</p>
<h2>Mulch will help to protect plants, shrubs and trees against the frost&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Mulching is a great way to protect plants from freezing temperatures and blankets of snow. It will provide insulation especially to shallow roots from the cold and then quick thawing as well. There can also be dry spells in the winter, so mulch helps to retain moisture.</p>
<h2>Protect plants, shrubs and trees against the frost with covers&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Horticultural fleece and shrub jackets can be really useful for any plants that are particularly susceptible to freezing temperatures.</p>
<ul>
<li>Wrap fleece around the tree and tie gently but firmly</li>
<li>Use shrub jackets that slip straight over the top of the shrub for protection.&nbsp;</li>
<li>If you haven’t been able to move tender plants under cover, cloches will help to give them the cover they need.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Have a move around to protect plants, shrubs and trees against the frost</h2>
<p>If you have potted plants, it is a good idea to move them to a sheltered place and group them together. This can help both frost and wind damage, and together they can provide some protection and insulation. Not only that but if they need to be covered, it is much easier to lay some horticultural fleece over a group of pots rather than individual pots around the garden.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Protect plants, shrubs and trees against the frosts with windbreaks</h2>
<p>Wind damage can be brutal for plants, so by using windbreaks in your garden, you can create a natural microclimate and help your plants to cope through the winter months. This can also be useful to limit frost damage. Living windbreaks are idea from a row of plants, evergreen hedging or trees but also fences and other barriers will work as well.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Dust off snow to protect plants, shrubs and trees against the frosts&nbsp;</h2>
<p>When there is heavy snow that lays on branches, this can break or damage plants and trees. Grab your hat, scarf, boots and gloves and breathe in some fresh winter air as you knock off the snow to minimise any problems. Don’t forget when you are outside also to break any ice that has formed in your pond or birdbaths as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For all of your plant protection needs, please visit us in store.&nbsp;</p>

Protect plants, shrubs and trees against the frost

<p>Although the garden centre is closed to the public, we are able to take orders for Gifts, Christmas trees, Gift Tokens and Other things over the phone. You will be able to pay by card and collect your items at the gate or at the farm shop (which is still open) So please don&#39;t despair, we are here to help.&nbsp;</p>

Click & Collect

<p>Even though the weather is much colder and most of the garden is taking a rest, there is no reason why the barbecue has to be put away just yet. It can be an opportunity to cook up some delicious food on the BBQ and enjoy the fresh air. So wrap up and get your blankets out, warm hats on and enjoy the garden even during Autumn and Winter. Here are&nbsp;our <strong>top 6 recipes to serve from the winter barbecue</strong>.</p>

<p>Even though the weather is much colder and most of the garden is taking a rest, there is no reason why the barbecue has to be put away just yet. It can be an opportunity to cook up some delicious food on the BBQ and enjoy the fresh air. So wrap up and get your blankets out, warm hats on and enjoy the garden even during Autumn and Winter. Here are&nbsp;our <strong>top 6 recipes to serve from the winter barbecue</strong>.</p>
<h2>1. BBQ root vegetables</h2>
<p>Carrots and parsnips are incredibly delicious slightly charred on the BBQ. They will be even better if you have homegrown them as well! Marinade your roots in a sticky sauce of your choosing and sprinkle with herbs because cooking them on the BBQ.</p>
<h2>2. Sweet potato and onion skewers</h2>
<p>Grab some skewers and alternate sweet potato chunks with thickly sliced onion. Make sure they have oil, salt, pepper and paprika on and get them on the BBQ. You could add on peppers or any other vegetables you have. Dip them in some buffalo sauce for additional flavour.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>3. Sliced butternut squash</h2>
<p>Delicious butternut squash can be sliced thinly lengthways, covered in oil and herbs then grilled on the BBQ in foil. Another great way to use butternut squash especially if you have grown your own and been storing them for a great recipe. Very easy and simple to make and will fill you up on a cold night.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>4. Grilled mixed vegetables&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Raid the fridge and slice up any vegetables you have available. Peppers, courgette, broccoli and anything else can be added to a hot BBQ for a chargrilled taste sensation packed full of great nutrition. Make sure they have been coated with olive oil, salt and pepper then cooked in some foil. Tuck into the tasty, colourful BBQ veg.</p>
<h2>5. Marshmallows and chocolate&nbsp;</h2>
<p>A classic and must do for a winter BBQ. Grab some large marshmallows and pop them onto a skewer followed by some chocolate. Let the chocolate melt onto the marshmallow as you hold it over the BBQ. A perfect dessert or just for fun with friends.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>6. Baked apples</h2>
<p>Make winter baked apples in the oven to serve up for a sweet treat at your BBQ, Mix some flour, oats, cinnamon, a little butter and brown sugar. Then chop some apples and mix everything in a saucepan. Hollow some apples, fill with the hot filling from your saucepan and bake in the oven. An absolutely wonderful way to enjoy some wintery food while sitting outside in the garden watching the night sky.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Make sure your BBQ is in top shape and find all of the accessories you need in store.&nbsp;</p>

Top 6 recipes to serve from the winter barbecue

<p>When it’s cold outside, a <strong>bouquet of beautiful flowers</strong>, stems and berries is a lovely way to brighten up your home. And despite the winter chill, it’s still possible to find the colour and even flowers in the garden now to add a seasonal note to your flower arrangements. Here are a few of our <strong>favourite plants for a beautiful Christmas bouquet</strong>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When it’s cold outside, a <strong>bouquet of beautiful flowers</strong>, stems and berries is a lovely way to brighten up your home. And despite the winter chill, it’s still possible to find the colour and even flowers in the garden now to add a seasonal note to your flower arrangements. Here are a few of our <strong>favourite plants for a beautiful Christmas bouquet</strong>.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>1. Hellebores</h2>
<p>Hellebores are one of the few plants likely to be flowering in the garden at Christmas. Helleborus niger is even called the Christmas rose, the name coming from a legend which tells how hellebore flowers blossomed in the snow the from tears of a young girl who had no gift to give the Christ child in Bethlehem. Hellebores are toxic, so wash your hands after working with them.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>2. Ivy</h2>
<p>Sprays of elegantly trailing ivy make a beautiful addition to any Christmas bouquet. A traditional evergreen often used in wreaths, ivy has long been used to decorate homes for the festive season.</p>
<h2>3. Holly</h2>
<p>With its glossy green leaves and bright red berries, holly adds a note of Christmas cheer to bouquets and vases. Holly was traditionally believed to protect homes against evil spirits – but watch out for its prickly leaves.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>4. Viburnum x bodnantense</h2>
<p>Viburnum x bodnantense is a large shrub that flowers in winter, bearing clusters of scented pink flowers on bare stems. If you’re lucky enough to have one in your garden, pick a few stems for a vase and let the fragrance fill the room. If not, plant one now for next year.</p>
<h2>5. Cornus stems</h2>
<p>The shrubby dogwoods (Cornus sanguinea and Cornus sericea) are at their most striking in winter once the leaves have fallen and the bright red, orange or lime-green stems are revealed. Cut a few stems to add structure and vibrant seasonal colour to your flower arrangements.</p>
<h2>6. Winter jasmine</h2>
<p>Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is a splash of colour in winter, with bright starry yellow flowers gleaming on bare stems. Combine sprays of winter jasmine with trailing ivy for an arrangement that hints at the freshness of spring to come.</p>
<h2>7. Beautyberry</h2>
<p>The beautyberry bush (Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’) is an unassuming deciduous shrub that really comes into its own at Christmas, bearing clusters of glossy purple berries that look like shiny sweets (but don’t eat them, they’re very bitter).</p>
<h2>8. Snowberry</h2>
<p>Another shrub that takes centre stage in winter is the snowberry (Symphoricarpus), with its sprays of large pink or white berries on bare stems. The berries are beautiful but toxic, so handle with care.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>9. Eucalyptus leaves</h2>
<p>For foliage with the seasonal touch, you can’t beat eucalyptus. The silvery foliage makes a beautiful contrast for berries or flowers and fits in perfectly with Christmas decorations.</p>
<p>If you need some Christmas inspiration, visit our centre where you’ll find everything you need, from decorations and homeware to gifts for the gardeners in your life.</p>

9 seasonal plants for Christmas bouquets

<p><strong>It's&nbsp;time to prune plants, roses and fruit trees</strong> as they enter dormancy. The temperature drop and less sunlight mean many garden plants will now drop leaves, stems will die back, and you may think some perennials have disappeared! In fact, they will be storing energy under the soil so they can burst back into bloom the following year when the weather warms up again. It’s a great time to tidy up in the garden, so here are some gardening tips to help you during the colder months.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>It's&nbsp;time to prune plants, roses and fruit trees</strong> as they enter dormancy. The temperature drop and less sunlight mean many garden plants will now drop leaves, stems will die back, and you may think some perennials have disappeared! In fact, they will be storing energy under the soil so they can burst back into bloom the following year when the weather warms up again. It’s a great time to tidy up in the garden, so here are some gardening tips to help you during the colder months.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Now it's time to prune perennials</h2>
<p>You will notice many perennials will have already died back. Make sure you remove any dead foliage, or it could go mushy in the soil, encouraging pests and diseases. Remove stems and any remaining foliage for the compost heap. Most perennials can be pruned back to the ground and mulched for the winter period. You might want to leave some with stunning seed heads for structure and interest over the next few months, and many will also provide food and homes for insects and other garden wildlife.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Time to prune roses</h2>
<p>The abundance of gorgeous blooms will be well and truly finished by late Autumn, with perhaps a few petals desperately holding on. Depending on the type of rose that you are growing, but generally, now is the time to prune off any dead, diseased or damaged material including any remaining flower heads. Prune back any suckers from your roses to the ground, and your roses will be nice and tidy.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Now is the time to prune some fruit trees&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Most deciduous trees should be pruned when dormant in late Autumn and no later than early March. There are various methods dependant on the type of fruit tree. Make sure you have some sharp tools such as secateurs and loppers. For larger branches, a pruning saw will be needed. Remove any stems and branches that are crossing over or rubbing on each other as this can contribute to damage and disease. Prune out any dead or diseased materials and your trees will then be given some shape and good airflow.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Pruning plants in late Autumn allows them to use all of their energy in storing nutrients so they can regrow and thrive in the following years. It’s an essential gardening task, so wrap up warm, grab a flask of tea and enjoy late Autumn in the garden.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We have many options in store to help you prune your plants from tools to bags and compost bins.</p>

Time to prune perennials, roses and fruit trees

<p>Today, it's <strong>Poinsettia Day</strong>! With their bright red flowers and deep green leaves, poinsettias truly are the colours of Christmas. Their vibrant flowers brighten up our homes in the depths of winter. And with a bit of care, it’s possible to keep your poinsettia going right through the year, and even get it to flower again next Christmas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Today, it's <strong>Poinsettia Day</strong>! With their bright red flowers and deep green leaves, poinsettias truly are the colours of Christmas. Their vibrant flowers brighten up our homes in the depths of winter. And with a bit of care, it’s possible to keep your poinsettia going right through the year, and even get it to flower again next Christmas.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>About poinsettias</h2>
<p>Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where they grow in tropical forests, so they are happiest in a warm, humid environment. They are what’s known as a short-day plant, so will only start to flower once they sense the day length starting to get shorter.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Caring for poinsettia</h2>
<p>One of the keys to keeping your poinsettia looking good over Christmas is not to let it get cold.&nbsp; This starts right from the moment you buy your plant, so put it in a closed bag before leaving the shop to avoid a sudden shock of cold air.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Once you get your poinsettia home, keep it at a constant temperature, ideally between 15-18°C (59-64°F) and never below 13°C (55°F). Poinsettias do best in bright but indirect light.&nbsp; Avoid putting them on windowsills, as the nighttime temperature right next to a window can get freezing.</p>
<p>Create a humid environment around your poinsettia by placing it on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and keeping the tray topped up with water. Regular misting also helps keep the atmosphere around the plant humid.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Don’t overwater your poinsettia. Please wait until the compost is starting to dry out before watering, and never leave the plant with its roots sitting in water. Feed monthly with high potash food.</p>
<p>If your plant’s leaves turn yellow, it probably means you are either over-or under-watering it. Check the dampness of the compost with your finger and adjust your watering routine accordingly.</p>
<h2>How to keep a poinsettia alive after Christmas</h2>
<p>Getting a poinsettia to rebloom takes a bit of effort, but the results are well worth it. Here’s how it’s done:</p>
<ul>
<li>Let your plant go dormant after Christmas by letting the soil dry out so that the leaves wilt and drop off. Move the plant somewhere cool, and water sparingly, just enough to keep the compost slightly moist.</li>
<li>In spring, cut it back to 10-15cm (4-6in) high. Repot it and place it in a bright spot at a temperature of between 15-18°C (59-64°F). It should start to grow back. Water regularly through summer and feed fortnightly.</li>
<li>When autumn starts and the days get shorter, mimic this indoors by putting your poinsettia in a dark cupboard for 12 hours each day. For the other 12 hours, keep it somewhere bright at a temperature of around 18°C (64°F). After about four weeks, you should see signs of the bracts starting to turn red. After eight weeks, the plant should be in full bloom.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>If you’re looking for a plant to brighten up your home this winter, come and visit our centre. With our sensational range of indoor plants, you’ll be spoilt for choice.</p>

Plant of the moment: Poinsettia

<p>Know what your <strong>pet needs for Christmas</strong> so you can be sure that they have everything needed to enjoy the Christmas period without having to worry about what they might run out of. Enjoy the festivities with your pets and have some great fun together with these ideas to make sure you and your pets have the most wonderful festive time in December and be ready for the new year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Know what your <strong>pet needs for Christmas</strong> so you can be sure that they have everything needed to enjoy the Christmas period without having to worry about what they might run out of. Enjoy the festivities with your pets and have some great fun together with these ideas to make sure you and your pets have the most wonderful festive time in December and be ready for the new year.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Food is definitely something your pet needs for Christmas!</h2>
<p>Top of the list, is, of course, enough food for the festivities, so when you go shopping to fill the fridge with goodies to enjoy don’t forget to stock up on pet food as well. Since it is Christmas, you’ll be treating yourself to some delicious treats and why not do the same for your pets? From dog-friendly chocolate to guinea pig Christmas style munchies, please give them a little food treat as well.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>A blanket is something your pet needs for Christmas&nbsp;</h2>
<p>As the weather gets colder, just like us, your pet will want to snuggle up in a warm blanket. From fleece to wool and easy clean, why not treat them to a new blanket they can curl up in and watch as the festivities get underway? Your pet might even like to curl up with you, and it’s a new blanket for some relaxing time too.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Pet needs for Christmas has to be new toys</h2>
<p>Of course, all pets will be thankful for some new toys for Christmas! Just like the children, they will get excited at new balls, squeaky toys, teeth gnawing materials and all the festive bells and whistles! There is nothing more fun than watching a pet enjoying a new toy, especially at Christmas. With such a wide variety of toys now available, you are sure to find something that is both special and perfect for your beloved pet.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Don’t forget the accessories your pet needs for Christmas&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If you want to switch up collars and leads, bedding and cages, why not make that happen for Christmas. If your pet accessories are looking a bit tired or even unsafe, now is the time to take a look at changing them. You might even find just what you are looking for in the sales.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The biggest thing a pet needs for Christmas is love</h2>
<p>Whatever you are doing for Christmas, however many toys your pets have and treat for the festive period, your pets want nothing but love from you. So, spend some quality time with them out on walks, or having cuddles or cleaning out cages and just enjoy each others company because after all, that is what Christmas is all about.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Visit our pet shop in store to find everything you need for your pet to have the perfect Christmas.&nbsp;</p>

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