Growing Guides

We believe that cyclamen should have a place in every garden. Although originating mostly from lands bordering the Mediterranean, several species are perfectly hardy in Britain and they have proved indispensable for providing colour in the garden in autumn, winter and early spring. The hardy autumn flowering cyclamen are an irresistible part of the autumn […]

Salvias are a fascinating genus of plants, indispensable in the Summer and Autumn display. They are prolific in flower and their colour range is outstanding; intense blues, vibrant scarlets, soft yellows, apricots, pinks and even the occasional black. Surprisingly there are very few white salvias. All have nectar-rich flowers that are loved by bees, butterflies […]

Lewisias are real show-stoppers in the garden, giving a spectacular show of brilliantly coloured flowers in spring, often followed by a second flush of flowers in summer. These have many uses in both the garden and alpine house and much can be learnt about their cultural requirements from looking at their habitat in the wild. […]

Hellebores are easy to grow providing a few simple guidelines are followed. They prefer a rich soil with plenty of available moisture during their flowering period, but they also require excellent drainage: they are after all ‘snow-melt’ plants. If you can grow them on a slope, they will naturally be well drained. Most are found […]

Camellias are an essential part of the winter and spring scene and no garden is complete without them. Their bold evergreen foliage is indispensable for giving form and structure, but it is for the exquisite beauty of the blooms that they are so prized. Flowering can begin as early as November and frequently carries on […]

Lewisia seed requires a period of cold to germinate successfully. We recommend sowing in February or March, either in a cold greenhouse, cold frame, or even outdoors in the shelter of a north wall. (Artificial heat is quite unnecessary, but some protection from very severe cold is advisable). We use a good quality multi-purpose compost […]