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<p>Beautiful <strong>Lisianthus is the flower of the moment</strong> and there is no wonder why it is seen in many bouquets and floral displays. Lisianthus looks very similar to roses but much easier to grow. As a cut flower, they last for a really long time in a vase and are available in many different colours from white to yellow, pink and purple.</p>

<p>Beautiful <strong>Lisianthus is the flower of the moment</strong> and there is no wonder why it is seen in many bouquets and floral displays. Lisianthus looks very similar to roses but much easier to grow. As a cut flower, they last for a really long time in a vase and are available in many different colours from white to yellow, pink and purple.</p>
<h2>What does Lisianthus the flower of the moment look like</h2>
<ul>
<li>Lisianthus flowers have long stems with many flowers in calming, soft colours.</li>
<li>It is similar to Roses both with its buds and flowers which start to bloom from early summer.</li>
<li>Much like Gladiolus, they start to flower at the bottom of the stem and open up in succession from bottom to top.</li>
<li>The flowers on each stem bloom for up to four weeks which is a lot of flowering throughout the summer months.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Lisianthus the flower of the moment varieties&nbsp;</h2>
<p>With so many wonderful colours to choose from and because they are so easy to grow, you could pick any to suit your garden borders or as a cut flower for the vase. The variety of colours is always growing as well as breeders discover more for you to enjoy.</p>
<ul>
<li>Why not try Lisianthus ‘summer blue rose’ which has a bluish colour mixed with slightly grey/purple.</li>
<li>If pale pink is more your thing ‘arena baby pink’&nbsp; has gorgeous delicate pink petals.</li>
<li>For a more deep pop to your garden, try ’arena purple’&nbsp; or perhaps ‘croma silky white’ is more to your taste.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>How to grow Lisianthus the flower of the moment&nbsp;</h2>
<p>They are easy to grow from seed or from plug plants. Sow seeds between November to March, ideally in a heated propagator and then move them on to individual pots after germination. They will grow well in a greenhouse (frost-free) or even on a windowsill. Harden them off in Spring before planting them out when the risk of frost has passed. Of course, plug plants in Spring to be potted on and planted out at the right time are just as easy.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Lisianthus is the flower of the moment for this reason&nbsp;</h2>
<p>They look amazing in a vase! Once you have sown, nurtured and enjoyed seeing them grow in the garden, you can cut them to put in a tall vase. As they flower so long, you will be enjoying them for weeks. Make sure you change the water often to keep it fresh and give them a little flower feed if needed. If you have grown plenty, don’t forget to cut some to give to friends and family who will also love them as much as you. Lisianthus makes the perfect gift.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For Lisianthus seeds, a propagator and accessories to grow them, visit us in store.&nbsp;</p>

Lisianthus: flower of the moment

<p>As the days get shorter, nothing boosts the spirits like getting ready for the holiday season! Whether you’re planning a party, decorating your house or getting your garden in shape for winter, here are a few ideas to inspire you.</p>

<p>As the days get shorter, nothing boosts the spirits like getting ready for the holiday season! Whether you’re planning a party, decorating your house or getting your garden in shape for winter, here are a few ideas to inspire you.</p>
<h2>8 ideas to get your home ready for the holiday season</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Plant forced hyacinth bulbs in pots indoors now for gorgeous scented flowers at Christmas. Look for ‘prepared’ bulbs, which will have been given special cold treatments to encourage them to flower early.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Make ghostly gourds for Halloween. Choose gourds such as butternut squash that have interesting shapes. Paint the skins white, then draw on some scary creepy faces! And when you’ve finished using your gourds as decorations, they’re delicious to eat.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>When you’re out for a walk, take a bag with you and collect fallen pinecones. With a dusting of silver or gold spray paint, you can turn them into beautiful Christmas tree ornaments or incorporate them into wreaths. Or glue on some felt ears and pipe cleaner tails and turn them into cute wee mice or hedgehogs.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Decorate your own home-made cards with leaf prints. Choose leaves with strong shapes and prominent veins. Press them to flat between two sheets of paper weighted down with a heavy book and leave for a couple of days. Then paint the backs of the leaves with the colour of your choice and press them onto a card to make beautiful leaf prints.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plant up pots to give you colour right through winter and into spring. To make a ‘lasagna’ planter, plant layers of different bulbs in one pot. Put tulips in the lowest layer and cover with a layer of compost, then add a layer of daffodil bulbs and more compost. Top with winter bedding plants such as violas or cyclamens to give colour in winter before the bulbs start to flower in spring.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Turn your garden into your very own light show. Drape tree branches in twinkling fairy lights so that you can admire their shape as the nights draw in.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>When you’re cutting back the garden to tidy it up for the winter, save some of the most interesting dried seedheads like teasels and poppies for gorgeous dried flower arrangements. Dried lavender heads make a lovely scented addition to Christmas wreaths.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Remember to look after your garden wildlife in the holiday season. Set up a bird table and feeders to keep birds fed through the cold winter months, and make a bug house by tying bundles of twigs or bamboo canes together. Hang your bughouse on a sheltered, south-facing wall to protect it from the worst of the winter weather.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whatever you’re planning for the holiday season, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for in our centre. Come and visit us for great ideas on parties, decorations, gifts and much more.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

8 ideas to get your home ready for the holiday season

<p>It is time to <strong>start planting new garden plants</strong> as the summer comes to an end and we move into Autumn. You’ll notice the beautiful changing of the leaves, the drop in temperature and as the harvests may continue there will be plenty of clearing up to do in the garden and on the allotment. This time of year is great for reflecting on what you have grown, what you loved in the garden and what you might want to plant for next year. During Autumn, before it gets too cold, is the ideal time to plant out some perennials, shrubs and trees as it allows them time to settle in before the colder months and they will be ready to grow the following year. So, what do you consider when planting new plants at this time of year?</p>

<p>It is time to <strong>start planting new garden plants</strong> as the summer comes to an end and we move into Autumn. You’ll notice the beautiful changing of the leaves, the drop in temperature and as the harvests may continue there will be plenty of clearing up to do in the garden and on the allotment. This time of year is great for reflecting on what you have grown, what you loved in the garden and what you might want to plant for next year. During Autumn, before it gets too cold, is the ideal time to plant out some perennials, shrubs and trees as it allows them time to settle in before the colder months and they will be ready to grow the following year. So, what do you consider when planting new plants at this time of year?</p>
<h2>Check the weather before you start planting new garden plants&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Although this time of year is a great time to start planting because the soil is still warm and the weather is wet, it is really important to make sure the soil conditions are right and that frosts are not immediately imminent.</p>
<ul>
<li>Never plant into waterlogged or frozen soil as your plants will struggle to survive.</li>
<li>When you do plant, make sure you give your new plants a good mulch to protect them.</li>
<li>Generally, the right conditions for Autumn planting are up to six weeks before the first frosts.</li>
<li>If the weather is dryer, make sure you water your new plants to help them establish before the frosts.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Bulbs are a great way to start planting new garden plants&nbsp;</h2>
<p>The best time of year to plant our most popular and love spring bulbs is now. Choose from the many varieties of Daffodils available from classic yellow to white and even pink. Also, fragrant Hyacinth, Snowdrops and Bluebells can all be planted in Autumn. Tulips can be left until a little later in the year. Mix and match for a showstopper display of colour in your garden.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Start planting new garden plants this year with perennials</h2>
<p>Perennial plants can be planted out during Autumn, so you can take you can choose your favourite plants and let them establish roots, go into dormancy over Winter and then surprise you with new shoots and flowers the following year. From Agapanthus to Astrantia and Linaria to Lupinus, go with what you would like to see fill your borders and pots for next year.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Enjoy the warmer of the Autumn days, absorb some sunshine and enjoy planting out your new plants ready for next year.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Visit us in store. We have bulbs, perennials and accessories in store for you to starting planting right away!</p>

Start planting new garden plants

<p>It might feel a bit brisk outside this month, but October’s often the best time for beautiful crisp autumn weather. When it’s fine, seize the chance to get out and enjoy some stunning autumn colour in your garden. And while you’re out there, here are our top <strong>October garden jobs</strong> to keep things looking good through winter and get ready for next year.</p>

<p>It might feel a bit brisk outside this month, but October’s often the best time for beautiful crisp autumn weather. When it’s fine, seize the chance to get out and enjoy some stunning autumn colour in your garden. And while you’re out there, here are our top <strong>October garden jobs</strong> to keep things looking good through winter and get ready for next year.</p>
<h2>Garden tips for October</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Cut back herbaceous perennials as they die down, and divide overgrown clumps of perennials such as crocosmia, daylilies and hardy geraniums. Use the sharp edge of a spade to divide woody roots, or insert two garden forks back to back to lever apart fibrous root clumps.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Move tender plants like pelargoniums and citrus trees into a greenhouse or conservatory before the first frosts. Keep citrus trees away from draughts and radiators.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>In cold areas, lift dahlia tubers after the first frost. Let them dry, then store them in a box, covered with dry compost. In milder areas, you may get away with simply mulching heavily.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plant onion, shallot and garlic sets now for a bumper crop next year.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Sow hardy pea varieties like ‘Avola’ or ‘Meteor’ outside now for early crops next year. Cover the ground with netting or spread prickly holly leaves to protect the seeds from hungry mice.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you’re growing Brussels sprouts for your Christmas dinner, stake the plants and firm the earth well around the roots to protect them against autumn winds.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Harvest the last of your peas and beans, then cut the plants down to ground level, leaving the roots to release their stored nitrogen back into the ground. Harvest squash and pumpkins before the first frosts.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Pick any unripe tomatoes and peppers and ripen them indoors by placing them in paper bags together with a banana or an apple – these fruits release ethylene which encourages ripening. Check on them regularly and remove any rotting fruits.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Prune climbing roses, and reduce the height of shrub roses by half to protect them against wind rock.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Scarify, aerate and top-dress lawns, then give them a low-nitrogen autumn feed. Repair damaged lawns by laying turf or sowing seed.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Raise pots on pot feet to improve drainage and reduce the risk of frost damage to both pots and plants.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Now’s a good time to move existing deciduous shrubs and trees, and to plant new ones. It’s also the ideal time to plant hedges.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plant spring bulbs in pots and borders.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Replant pots and hanging baskets with winter heathers, ivy, violas and cyclamens for winter colour. Plant wallflowers now too, for spring blooms.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plant hyacinth bulbs in pots indoors now to give you flowers at Christmas. Look for bulbs marked ‘Prepared for indoor growing’, which will have been given cold treatments to encourage them to flower early.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>We’re here to help with all your gardening projects, so visit us soon to see what’s in stock this autumn.</p>

15 garden tips for October

<p>There’s a new houseplant in town. <strong>Crotons</strong> are back in fashion, and they come in such a wide variety, there’s one for every home. Their colourful variegated leaves can be significant and rounded or narrow and twisted, and they’re not merely green, but purple, black, scarlet or orange too. Crotons used to have a reputation for being a bit fussy, but with the right care, they make spectacular house plants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There’s a new <strong>houseplant</strong> in town. <strong>Crotons</strong> are back in fashion, and they come in such a wide variety, there’s one for every home. Their colourful variegated leaves can be significant and rounded or narrow and twisted, and they’re not merely green, but purple, black, scarlet or orange too. Crotons used to have a reputation for being a bit fussy, but with the right care, they make spectacular house plants.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>All about crotons</h2>
<p>The plants we call crotons (Codiaeum variegatum var pictum) are from the same family as euphorbias. Coming from tropical forests in south-east Asia, they like a warm, humid environment, and need bright light to develop the best leaf colour, although hot mid-day sun can scorch their leaves. Like euphorbias, the plants are toxic and contain a milky sap that can irritate the skin, so always wash your hands after handling them and place them out of reach of pets.</p>
<h2>Care tips for growing crotons</h2>
<ul>
<li>Place your croton where it will get direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon, with protection from the hot mid-day sun. Avoid draughts - crotons need a minimum temperature of 15ºC (60ºF).&nbsp;</li>
<li>Water when the top of the soil feels dry.&nbsp;</li>
<li>To create a humid atmosphere around your croton, mist the leaves once a week. Alternatively, put a layer of gravel in a shallow bowl, cover with water and place it next to the plant. Please don’t put your plant near a radiator, as the dry air will cause it problems.</li>
<li>Wipe the leaves once a month with a damp cloth to stop dust building up.</li>
<li>Feed monthly in spring and summer with a liquid houseplant feed.</li>
<li>When re-potting, use a well-drained compost.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Common problems with crotons</h2>
<p>The most common complaint about crotons is that they <strong>drop their leaves</strong>. They do this when stressed, so if you find your plant surrounded by a pile of fallen leaves, don’t be alarmed, but take a look at its environment to see what needs to be fixed. It’s likely to be either over- or under-watering, low humidity, low temperature or not enough food.</p>
<p>If your croton has <strong>brown leaf tips</strong>, it is probably too dry. Increase watering gradually (you don’t want to overwater either) and mist the leaves weekly.</p>
<p><strong>Brown leaf edges</strong> indicate that the temperature is too low, or that the plant is sitting in a draught.</p>
<p>If the <strong>leaves start to lose their dramatic variegated colouring</strong>, this means your plant needs to be moved to a brighter spot.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Like many of us, crotons don’t like sudden changes to their environment, so if your croton has <strong>dropped its leaves after being moved</strong>, give it a few days to settle down before changing anything. It will probably start to put on new leaves, in which case you can continue to water and feed it as normal.</p>
<p>Whatever your style, we’ve got the perfect houseplant for you. Come and visit our centre to see our range and chat to our friendly plant experts.</p>

Houseplant of the month October: Croton

<p>Why not <strong>spoil your pets for World Animal Day</strong> and consider helping to improve the welfare standards of animals all around the world by taking part. The day is a celebration of all welfare movements that unite to make the world a better place for animals. Everyone celebrates it differently but to create a world where animals are recognised as sentient beings, and their welfare is given the utmost respect. Why not spoil your pets even more than usual and think about how you can help promote and support animals worldwide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Why not <strong>spoil your pets for World Animal Day</strong> and consider helping to improve the welfare standards of animals all around the world by taking part. The day is a celebration of all welfare movements that unite to make the world a better place for animals. Everyone celebrates it differently but to create a world where animals are recognised as sentient beings, and their welfare is given the utmost respect. Why not spoil your pets even more than usual and think about how you can help promote and support animals worldwide.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Spoil your pets for world animal day with big cuddles&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Well, we know your pets always get cuddles but make them extra special on this day. Why not snuggle up together with a cosy pet blanket and give them even more love. Dogs, cats, guinea pigs all pets love to connect with you so its time for a big cuddle.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Try some new treats to spoil your pets for world animal day&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Whether you have fish, budgies or hamsters, why not pick up a few delicious treats to spoil them on this day. They could try something new, just a little to see how they get on and let them know how much you love them. From fresh food to treats in toys, we are sure they will love something new to try.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Spoil your pets for world animal day with a long walk&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Whatever the weather, if you have a pet that can go out for a walk, grab your coat, some treats and water for your pet and get walking. Take the coastal path or through the country, perhaps up in the mountains. Wherever you go, make it quality time for you and your beloved pet.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How&nbsp;about a new bed to spoil your pets for world animal day&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Does your pet rip up its bedding? Or perhaps they’ve just had the current one for ages. We all love a comfy bed and pets are no different. There are so many options from wiping easy beds to fluffy beds that pets can sink into. Many are machine washable and come in all kinds of shapes and sizes.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Spoil your pets for world animal day and have fun with a new toy&nbsp;</h2>
<p>So many pets love to play with a fun toy. There are many different types available from squishy bears and ducks to noisy balls and pull ropes. For small animals, there are chewable and tasty toys to go in a cage and for larger animals try a hard to chew toy full of food. With so very many options, your pets are bound to have a lot of fun.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whatever you need to have a fun-filled day with your pets, we have it in store so check out our pet department.&nbsp;</p>

Spoil your pets for World Animal Day

<p>No matter what size garden you have, <strong>perfect garden plants for patios</strong> can be useful information to know. If you have a more extensive garden, you will likely have a deck where your pots will be full of plants. If you have a smaller space, such as a patio without any other garden or a balcony, you might want to make the most from your area and create an impact on containers. Many plants will grow on a patio, too many to list here but we’ve picked a few we think you will love and that will enjoy a patio pot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No matter what size garden you have, <strong>perfect garden plants for patios</strong> can be useful information to know. If you have a more extensive garden, you will likely have a deck where your pots will be full of plants. If you have a smaller space, such as a patio without any other garden or a balcony, you might want to make the most from your area and create an impact on containers. Many plants will grow on a patio, too many to list here but we’ve picked a few we think you will love and that will enjoy a patio pot.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Go big with an Olive Tree which is the perfect garden plant for patios</h2>
<p>There is nothing like an Olive Tree for a taste of the Mediterranean in a garden. Not only do they provide shade, but they also have a history in their glorious gnarled bark. You can pick from small trees to specimens that are hundreds of years old in a huge pot. They will thank you for some seaweed feed, but otherwise, they are very easy to look after. Pair it up with Lavender, Russian Sage, Rosemary and any other plants that make you feel like your garden is a holiday destination.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Perfect garden plants for patios include pollinator-friendly wildflowers&nbsp;</h2>
<p>A straightforward but effective way to make your pots look pretty is to sow wildflowers in May or September and let them go wild. This can be great for kids as well but even better for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Wildflowers will produce some stunning colours such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Scabious,</li>
<li>Oxeye Daisy,</li>
<li>Achillea.</li>
</ul>
<p>Keep them watered in dry spells, and you will have many months of flowers to enjoy.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Pick a perennial as a perfect garden plant for patios&nbsp;</h2>
<p>There are so many perennials that grow well in pots, you could create your own display of Hostas or Hydrangeas plus climbing plants from Clematis to Passionflower can be trained up a wall or fence from a pot. The options are endless so never feel restricted by your space.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The perfect garden plant for patios has&nbsp;to be annual bedding</h2>
<p>The classic pot plant has to be the Begonia along with Geraniums and Petunias. They create immediate impact and are easy to look after. Plant a few annuals in a pot, and water as needed along with maintaining deadheading to ensure they flower for as long as possible. There are so very many colours to choose from you can be colour coordinated or go for a happy clash. Try Petunia ‘Queen of Hearts’ or ‘ Night Sky’ or perhaps the lovely pink coloured ‘Pink Lemonade’. Whatever you do decide on, annual bedding never disappoints in a pot.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Plant up your pots with our massive range of plants to choose from in store.&nbsp;</p>

Perfect garden plants for patios

<p>Less is more, so choose your accessories carefully. Look for natural materials like stone, earthenware pottery and bamboo to keep your designs grounded in nature. To get your creative juices flowing, here are our <strong>top six Oriental garden accessories</strong>.</p>

<p>There’s something special about <strong>Oriental gardens</strong>. Beautiful, tranquil and reflective, designed to be in harmony with nature, they’re a celebration of the art and traditions of the east.&nbsp; Whether you want to create a complete Oriental garden or simply add a touch of Eastern atmosphere, choosing the right garden accessories can help give you the effect you want.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Less is more, so choose your accessories carefully. Look for natural materials like stone, earthenware pottery and bamboo to keep your designs grounded in nature. To get your creative juices flowing, here are our <strong>top six Oriental garden accessories</strong>.</p>
<h2>Top&nbsp;6 Oriental garden accessories</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p><strong>Stone lanterns&nbsp;</strong><br />
These are often called pagoda lanterns because of their tiered shape. Originally, stone lanterns were used to light pathways in Buddhist temples and were later incorporated into Japanese tea gardens as ornaments. You could use your stone lantern to mark the beginning or end of a path or place it in a border surrounded by hostas and other Japanese-style plants.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Bamboo water fountain</strong><br />
The sound of running water adds something special to any garden, and Japanese gardens in particular always include water in some form. Hollow bamboo stems make perfect water pipes, and you could add a decorative dish or stone bowl to catch the moisture or let it fall gently into a pond.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Stone bench</strong><br />
Oriental gardens are designed for rest and meditation, so place a stone bench in a secluded corner, giving you somewhere to pause, relax and appreciate your garden.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Buddha statue&nbsp;</strong><br />
Whether you choose a laughing Buddha, praying Buddha, or merely a Buddha head, these statues instantly evoke the temples of south-east Asia, bringing a sense of spirituality to your garden. Traditionally, a Buddha statue should face the east and be raised off the ground on a pedestal or platform.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Stone water basin</strong><br />
These water basins are traditional in Japanese tea gardens, to be used for ritual cleansing before tea ceremonies. They come in different shapes and sizes. The Natsume water basin is tall and upright, taking its name from the similarly-shaped tea caddy used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. A Tsukubai bowl, or ‘crouching bowl’, is lower, encouraging visitors to a tea garden to get into an appropriately humble mindset before a tea ceremony. Add a bamboo dipper and let your guests scoop the cold, cleansing water over their hands.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Oriental planters</strong><br />
Containers make ideal Oriental garden accessories, used as focal points in a big garden, or planted with a beautiful Japanese maple or azalea on a balcony or patio. Look for containers with simple lines in natural materials such as stone or terracotta, or go for traditional blue-and-white porcelain planters that make beautiful ornaments in their own right.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Whatever garden style you want to create, whether it’s a classic Oriental garden, a cottage garden or a contemporary look, you’ll find plants and accessories to inspire you in our centre.&nbsp;</p>

Top 6 Oriental garden accessories

<p>Gardeners will always want to <strong>move perennial garden plants</strong> at some point. Gardens are ever-evolving, and sometimes a shuffle around is needed, maybe due to the design or a new patio or perhaps a new house extension. Maybe it is to make room for even more plants or even because they need to be repositioned as they aren’t happy where they are. Whatever the reason, moving perennials usually works really well as long as it is done at the right time and with care. Here are our tips for moving your plants and keeping them in good condition during the process, so they thrive in their new home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gardeners will always want to <strong>move perennial garden plants</strong> at some point. Gardens are ever-evolving, and sometimes a shuffle around is needed, maybe due to the design or a new patio or perhaps a new house extension. Maybe it is to make room for even more plants or even because they need to be repositioned as they aren’t happy where they are. Whatever the reason, moving perennials usually works really well as long as it is done at the right time and with care. Here are our tips for moving your plants and keeping them in good condition during the process, so they thrive in their new home.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>When should you move perennial garden plants&nbsp;</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Your garden plants can be moved in the spring or autumn when the plants are dormant, just finished flowering or have only a little new growth.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Moving plants when they are blooming can put the plant under a lot of stress, and its chances of thriving are greatly minimised.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>You can move them any time, but very carefully, so spring and autumn are best.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Also, if the weather is warm, move them on a cloudy day or at least in the afternoon.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Move perennial garden plants the right way&nbsp;</h2>
<p>When you move your plants, make sure there is a little root disturbance as possible unless you are dividing them.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Dig around the root ball and gently lift the plant.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Ideally, you will already have your new planting hole ready to move the plant into straight away and if needed, incorporated some well-rotted organic compost in the hole plus given it a good water.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Move your plant to its new position, fill in with soil and make sure it is well watered.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The water helps the plant to establish better after root disturbance during the move.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you do move a plant in flower, cut the flowers off! Use them in a vase indoors and give your plant the best chances of survival.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>How to care for recently moved perennial garden plants&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Some perennial plants won’t take too kindly to be being moved,&nbsp;and you might see some leaf drop, or it may not flower in the first year after moving, but the majority will soon establish and provide you with some lovely growth. Keep an eye on it, especially for watering because it might need a little more while it is getting used to its new home. Don’t forget to remove any dead or diseased material and if needed, protect them from hot sun or freezing weather conditions. Your plant will soon grow strong and provide you with many more years of lovely growth. Hopefully, it will thank you for moving it!&nbsp;</p>
<p>For garden tools that will help you get the job done easily visit us in store to choose from our range.&nbsp;</p>

Move perennial garden plants

<p>When you’re choosing an <strong>indoor plant</strong>, please take a good look at its <strong>leaves</strong>.&nbsp;Flowers are great, but they come and go, and indoor plants need to look good all year long. Do you want year-round fantastic indoor plants? Choose <strong>indoor plants with fantastic foliage</strong> that last&nbsp;all year. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor plants with amazing leaves, and here are three of our favourites.</p>

<p>When you’re choosing an <strong>indoor plant</strong>, please take a good look at its <strong>leaves</strong>.&nbsp;Flowers are great, but they come and go, and indoor plants need to look good all year long. Do you want year-round fantastic indoor plants? Choose <strong>indoor plants with fantastic foliage</strong> that last&nbsp;all year. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor plants with amazing leaves, and here are three of our favourites.</p>
<h2>Growing crotons indoors</h2>
<p>If you like your indoor plants colourful, then crotons are the plants for you. Their leaves can be big or small, rounded, narrow or twisted, and they’re variegated in green, orange, scarlet, purple or even black. Whatever your colour scheme, there’s sure to be a croton indoor plants to suit it.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Care tips for crotons</h2>
<p>Crotons need some sunlight to develop the right colour, but not too much. Give them direct sunlight in the morning or evening, but shade them from the hot midday sun.</p>
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<p>Keep the temperature above 15ºC</p>
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<p>Water when the surface of the soil feels dry, and mist the leaves once a week.</p>
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<p>Feed monthly in spring and summer with a general houseplant feed.</p>
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<h2>Growing calatheas indoors</h2>
<p>Calatheas, also called prayer-plants, peacock plants and cathedral plants, have leaves that look as though an artist has painted them. Intricately variegated in green and cream, with touches of maroon and pink, they make an eye-catching addition to any room.</p>
<h2>Care tips for calatheas</h2>
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<p>Calatheas do best in warmth and indirect light.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Don’t overwater. Wait until the surface of the soil is dry before watering.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Water regularly in summer, less frequently in winter.</p>
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<p>Mist the leaves from below weekly to increase humidity.</p>
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<p>Feed monthly in spring and summer with a general houseplant feed.</p>
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<p>Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to get rid of dust</p>
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<h2>Growing begonias indoors</h2>
<p>You can never get bored of begonias. With over a thousand species and countless varieties, there are begonias of all shapes and sizes. Indoor begonias, including the famous Begonia rex and Begonia metallica cultivars, are grown for their spectacular foliage as well as their flowers. The leaves are often big and bold, with beautiful green, red, purple or silver markings.</p>
<h2>Care tips for begonias</h2>
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<p>Begonias do best in bright but indirect light. Keep them out of direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Water regularly, keeping the compost moist but not soggy.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Don’t mist begonias, as this can encourage mildew. To keep the humidity levels around your begonia high, stand the pot on a tray filled with gravel and topped up with water.</p>
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<p>Feed fortnightly in spring and summer with a high-potassium food to encourage flowers.</p>
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<p>Keep the temperature above 13ºC</p>
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<p>There’s a fantastic range of indoor plants in our centre, so visit us soon and fill your home with fabulous foliage.</p>
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Indoor plants with fantastic foliage

<p>Are you wondering how to <strong>move house without damaging your plants</strong>? It can be a stressful time with all of the packing, unpacking, planning and organising but if you have plants both inside and outside you will need to take a few steps to ensure they will get moved without being broken or even lost. If you plan well in advance, you can tick it off your moving house list and be sure they are in safe hands. Here are our tips to ensure your plants are happy during your move.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Are you wondering how to <strong>move house without damaging your plants</strong>? It can be a stressful time with all of the packing, unpacking, planning and organising but if you have plants both inside and outside you will need to take a few steps to ensure they will get moved without being broken or even lost. If you plan well in advance, you can tick it off your moving house list and be sure they are in safe hands. Here are our tips to ensure your plants are happy during your move.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Dry soil can help you move house without damaging your plants&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Moving plants in pots can be heavy work, and if the soil is wet and the pot is large, you may need two people to lift the pot. If you ensure the plants have been well watered in the run-up to the move but not in the previous three or so days, this should minimise water weight and ultimately accidents from the pots being too heavy. If any of your plants desperately need water, try using a mist sprayer instead.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Move house without damaging your plants by repotting them first&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If any of your plants look like they need more space, going to topple over or in broken pots, make sure they have been repotted and are in good shape before they are transported. This will give them the best chance of survival should there be any accidents, plus it will help them to overcome the shock of moving to a new environment.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Choose a pot that is at least 20% bigger than the current one</p>
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<p>Fill the bottom of the pot with hydro grains</p>
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<p>Add potting soil&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Place the plant in the new pot</p>
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<p>Fill up the pot with more potting soil</p>
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<p>Water&nbsp;</p>
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<h2>Pruning will be needed to move house without damaging your plants&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Wayward leaves and stems can get caught on other items and broken so as you repot your plants that is the time to prune them as well. Plants do get shocked when they move house so all of this will put them in an excellent position to thrive when they get there.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Move house without damaging your plants by using old bags&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Try not to lose any soil and avoid potential damage to your plants' roots, but placing the pot into a bag and gently tying the bag up around the stem. This will mean even if they do topple over. You've got it covered with a bag and can put the soil back in the pot when you are in your new home.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Propagate to move house without damaging your plants&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If you have any plants you are particularly concerned about, why not propagate them first to give you plenty of chances to keep the plant growing. Also, if you have plants in the garden that you love or have sentimental value to, you why not take them with you? Dig them up, pot them or divide them, take cuttings or collect seeds.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Move house safely with some new pots, compost and propagation tools from our store.&nbsp;</p>

Move house without damaging your plants

<p>When the <strong>Japanese anemones</strong> bloom, you know autumn is just around the corner. These tall, elegant perennials flower in late summer, just as other plants are starting to fade. With their sculpted pink or white flowers on long slender stems, they’re a dramatic presence in the border, keeping summer going just that little bit longer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the <strong>Japanese anemones</strong> bloom, you know autumn is just around the corner. These tall, elegant perennials flower in late summer, just as other plants are starting to fade. With their sculpted pink or white flowers on long slender stems, they’re a dramatic presence in the border, keeping summer going just that little bit longer.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Despite the name, Japanese anemones are in fact native to China. There are several different species, but the ones you’ll come across in most gardens are varieties of either Anemone hupehensis, or Anemone x hybrida, a hybrid form that flowers slightly later.</p>
<h2>Where to plant Japanese anemones</h2>
<p>Japanese anemones do best in partial shade and a humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. They can also be grown in full sun, as long as the soil isn’t allowed to dry out. They will cope with full shade, but won’t flower as well, and may get leggy and flop over. With their tall flower stems, they’re ideal for adding height at the back of a border, and the large maple-shaped leaves make a good foil for other plants earlier in the year.</p>
<h2>How to care for Japanese anemones</h2>
<p>It can take Japanese anemones a year or two to settle in after planting, but once they get going, they are very easy to care for. A word of caution – if they are happy with their conditions, they will spread, sending out underground stems called rhizomes that will put out roots and grow into new plants. To keep them under control, remove unwanted new shoots in spring as they appear.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>When their flowers fade, Japanese anemones develop small round fluffy seedheads, which are a popular food source for little birds like goldfinches. Once the birds have had their fill and the flower stems start to look untidy, cut them back to ground level. In spring, remove the dead leaves. New leaves appear early in the year, giving the plants long-lasting presence in the garden.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Anemones are usually not much troubled by garden pests and diseases, and they’re less attractive to rabbits and deer than many other perennials, so they’re a right choice for gardens where this is a problem. Butterflies love the flowers.</p>
<h2>Which Japanese anemone to plant?</h2>
<p>Over the years, plant breeders have produced many beautiful Japanese anemone varieties. Here are a few to look out for:</p>
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<p>Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ AGM – 1.2m (4ft) tall, with pure white flowers,</p>
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<p>Anemone hupehensis ‘Praecox’ – 90cm (3ft) tall, with soft pink flowers. Early-flowering.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Anemone hupehensis var.japonica ‘Splendens’ – a compact variety, 80cm (32in) tall with pink flowers. Good towards the front of a border or in large pots.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Anemone x hybrida ‘Königin Charlotte’ AGM – very tall, at 1.5m (5ft) high, with large pink flowers.</p>
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<p>Anemone ‘Wild Swan’ – an unusual variety, 45cm (18in) tall, with a blue-grey streak on the undersides of the white petals. It flowers intermittently from late spring to late autumn.</p>
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<p>For gorgeous late summer colours in your garden, visit our centre to see our great range of Japanese anemones and other late-flowering perennials.</p>

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