Episode 21

The Bank Holiday weekend is a great time to visit a garden whether it be an RHS garden (see link, right), National Trust property (see link, right), heritage estate or private garden. Looking at how other people design and use a space and what plants they use to fill it is the best way to get inspiration and ideas for your own garden. Follow the link below for the National Gardens Scheme which lists gardens which are open for charity all over the country.

National Gardens Scheme (www.ngs.org.uk)

Hyde Hall is an evolving estate. Once exposed farmland, it is now an extensive garden with shelterbelts of trees, manicured lawns, herbaceous borders, rose walks and bog gardens. One of the most well-known areas is the Dry Garden. Developed in response to the region’s low rainfall and as a sustainable solution to climate change and water usage, it boasts a range of drought-tolerant plants which thrive in this sun-baked part of the garden.

Hyde Hall is open year round, so if you’re in the area and fancy a visit, click on the link below for more information.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Creephedge Lane
Rettendon
Chelmsford
Essex
CM3 8ET
Tel: 0845 265 8071

RHS Hyde Hall (www.rhs.org.uk)

Communities, councils and private individuals from all over the country have been taking part in Britain in Bloom for the last 50 years. The aim is to use horticulture to improve a local area, but those who enter may also be trying to impress the judges.

Margaret and Chris Dudden create magnificent displays in their front garden for themselves, passers-by and the Britain in Bloom judges. This year, they have used The Red Arrows 50th display season as their theme and hope to scoop another prestigious Britain in Bloom award.

The link below has lots of information about the campaign, how to get involved and, later in the year, the results of the Britain in Bloom 2014 competition.

Britain in Bloom (www.rhs.org.uk)

The turf team at RHS Hyde Hall work hard to ensure their lawns stay lush and lovely all year round. They even encourage people to take off their shoes and socks to really appreciate the quality of their grass! Nigel Downs, their Turf Technician, says aeration is the key to a good lawn along with a top dressing in the autumn. 

Autumn lawn care (www.rhs.org.uk)

The long, whippy growth of rambling and climbing roses can wave around in the wind, getting damaged and scratching passers-by. Take the long growth and tie it in loosely but don’t be tempted to remove it as it will provide the best flowers next year.

How to prune rambling roses (www.rhs.org.uk)

In herbaceous borders, some flower heads can be left over winter as they have rigid stems and attractive seed heads. Some, however, have flower heads that start to rot and detract from the display. With these, it’s best to remove the spent flowers as soon as they look tatty, and cut the stems right down to the base where they join the main plant to promote strong, new, bushy growth. 

More on cutting back perennials (www.rhs.org.uk)

Once a wisteria’s framework has been formed, the long lateral growth which has grown this year can be cut back. Prune back laterals to five or six buds to reduce the weight of the plant, prevent damage and most importantly, encourage the plant to form new flower buds for next year’s display. You will need to return to the plant in winter and prune back to two buds as this will ensure the plant produces numerous, large flower heads on a structure that can support them.

More on how to prune a wisteria (www.rhs.org.uk)