Find the latest gardening news on the T&M blog. From pumpkins to potatoes, we’ve got it covered!


Branded Garden Products Group Achieves Planet Mark Certification

Branded Garden Products (BGP) is excited to announce that it has become a Planet Mark Certified organisation – a reward for its commitment and efforts towards combatting climate change.

By reporting its carbon footprint for the period 1st September 2022–31st August 2023 and engaging its stakeholders, BGP is committed to significantly reducing its carbon emissions annually as part of the global movement towards a net-zero future.

Through Planet Mark Business Certification, BGP is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 2.5% annually, targeting a 5% reduction. On average, certified businesses make a 28% carbon saving per employee through reductions in energy, waste, water, travel, and procurement.

Commenting on the Certification, Chris Wright, BGP Managing Director, said:

“Driving sustainable processes and reducing carbon emissions is an increasing focus for us as leaders in the gardening sector. We are looking to create green processes around all our operations to help build a sustainable future for ourselves, our families, our colleagues and our customers.

Planet Mark accreditation will help steer our course through that process with a focussed approach, while allowing us to continue our wider discussion across our supply chain to ensure best practice.”

Planet certified business logo

What is Planet Mark Certification?

The Planet Mark Certification is an international sustainability accreditation that recognises continuous progress, encourages action and builds an empowered community of like-minded individuals.

This is an incredible accomplishment for BGP, made possible with the support of the entire business. Achieving the Planet Mark Certification highlights BGP’s commitment to improving its impact on the planet and society by reducing its carbon emissions year on year.

What this means for BGP customers

In signing up to Planet Mark, BGP is also contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener, which sets out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet a net zero target by 2050, to help create a sustainable future.

BGP customers can be assured that they are purchasing goods from a Group committed to reducing its carbon emissions and having a positive impact on both society and the planet.

BGP’s Journey to Planet Mark Certification

Achieving Planet Mark Certification involved undertaking a three-step process:

1. Measurement: BGP is committed to reducing its carbon emissions yearly so that together we can all halt climate change and measurement is key to monitoring the Group’s progress.

2. Engagement: Employees and wider stakeholders are engaged throughout the process, to unlock their talent and knowledge, driving year-on-year progress in sustainability.

3. Communication: Transparent communication is essential for transformational change.

Holders of Planet Mark Certification deliver results that go beyond compliance, reaching new levels of sustainability and engaging their people in the process.

How to plan pretty pots and bountiful baskets

Orchid style petunias in containers

Petunias are an excellent and cost-effective way to fill a container
Image: Petunia ‘Orchid-Flowered Mixed’ F1 Hybrid from T&M

It’s amazing what a difference a few pots and baskets can make, regardless of how much space you have. Pots, planters and hanging baskets are a great way of creating a garden, even in a small soil-less courtyard or on a bland balcony. If you grow plants from seed, you can fill your containers with colour without breaking the bank. We asked radio garden expert Shaun Gagie how he makes his own pots and baskets interesting, pretty and productive. Here are his five top tips…

In the meantime, browse our collection of hanging baskets and accessories if you need to stock up.

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RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year Winners 2023

T&M is thrilled to announce that Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’ has been crowned the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2023


RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year winner

When four of our entries were shortlisted, we hardly dared to hope that one of these would take the winning spot. We are immensely proud to have scooped a hat trick with Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’ exhibited by Sparsholt College and supplied by Thompson & Morgan taking the top spot. Closely followed by Hydrangea ‘Euphoria Pink’ and Weigela ‘Camouflage’ both exhibited by Stonebarn Landscapes and supplied by Thompson & Morgan taking the runner up and third place spots respectively.


RHS Plant of the Year 2023 Winner

Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’


Agapanthus Black Jack

Larger and longer-lasting blooms produced in profusion!

‘Black Jack’ offers bigger flowers and more blooms through the season. This amazing Agapanthus produces 10 times as many florets per flowerhead for a flowering season twice as long as its competitors.

The “must have” Agapanthus for a striking display

Easy to grow and heat tolerant, ‘Black Jack’ boasts strong vigour and a striking presence in borders and containers. Large flowerheads are filled with black buds that open to deep black-purple striped blooms – these fade to deep purple and take on a dazzling metallic sheen with age.

A unique variety from 20 years of breeding

De Wet Plant Breeders, South Africa, set out to produce disease resistant, vigorous, heat-tolerant and multi-flowering cultivars and a black cultivar was always high on the wish list. 17 years into the program, they finally got “the one”! ‘Black Jack’ is a unique Agapanthus that’s the result of years of dedicated hybridised breeding.

Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’

Flowers: July to September
Height: 80cm. Spread: 70cm

1 x 9cm Potted Plants
Code: KF2470
£14.99

3 x 9cm Potted Plants
Code: KF4998
£29.99

Find out more


RHS Plant of the Year 2nd Place

Hydrangea serrata ‘Euphoria Pink’


Hydrangea Euphorbia Pink

Exhibited in partnership with Mr. Nagasaki T. from Japan representing Osco Garden BV, Aalsmeer/Netherlands.

The first Hydrangea serrata that’s all about stunning foliage AND flowers!

The striking tricolour foliage of this handsome Hydrangea flushes vibrant pink, white and green each spring. As the pink fades, unique lacecap-style blooms burst from pale pink buds into two-tone red flowers with pale centres.

Ideal for pots, containers & borders

This easy to grow shrub is ideal for moisture-retentive but well drained soil in sun or shade and is hardy down to -20C.

Flowers: July to September
Height: 80cm. Spread: 70cm

The latest in Hydrangea breeding

Hydrangea serrata ‘Euphoria Pink’ was discovered in a long-term Japanese breeding programme with rooted cuttings sent to Osco Garden BV in Aalsmeer, The Netherlands. Van Son & Koot Nursery BV from Kaatsheuvel / Netherlands rooted cuttings under license and prepared the plants for The Chelsea Flower Show.

Hydrangea serrata ‘Euphoria Pink’

1 x 13cm Potted Plants
Code: KF1217
£19.99

3 x 13cm Potted Plants
Code: KF4999
£34.99

1 x 3 Litre Potted Plant
Code: KF1218
£29.99

2 x 3 litre potted plants
Code: KF5000
£49.99

Find out more


RHS Plant of the Year 3rd Place

Weigela ‘Camouflage’


Weigela Camouflage

Vivid variegation plus bright red blooms!

‘Camouflage’ is a stunning compact Weigela with variegated bright green and dark black/green foliage. These petite plants become smothered with bright ruby-red funnel-shaped flowers borne on aching stems in May and June, attracting pollinators to the garden.

Sensational for small spaces

Weigela ‘Camouflage’ is a deciduous, low-maintenance, fully hardy shrub that’s perfect for small gardens and container growing. Grow in a sunny or semi-shaded position, in any well-drained soil.

From T&M’s own breeding programme

T&M’s Weigela breeding programme began in 2008 with the aim of producing compact plants with fabulous, coloured foliage, which are ideal for any size of garden. The programme continued until 2018, when selections were made from stock in the field and ‘Camouflage’ is the first in a series with variegated foliage.

Flowers: May to June
Height and spread: 60cm

Weigela ‘Camouflage’

1 x 9cm Potted Plant
Code: KF0321
£12.99

3 x 9cm Potted Plants
Code: KF5161
£29.99

Find out more


T&M’s New 2023 Flowering Plants Range

The plants featured are only a small selection of the new flowering plants on offer from T&M and the full range is available to browse and buy online.

View all new plants for 2023

Four New Flowers Shortlisted

For Plant Of The Year 2022 at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022

We are delighted to announce that all four of our new flower plant nominees for the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2022 award have been shortlisted for judging at the event:

Azalea ‘Starstyle Pink’
Salvia ‘A Little Bit’
Weigela ‘Magic Carpet’
Geranium ‘Intense’

Azalea 'Starstyle Pink' and Salvia 'A Little Bit'

Weigela 'Magic Carpet' and Geranium 'Intense'

Our new introductions for 2022 include show-stopping, high-performing and breeding breakthrough varieties to inspire you!

This much sought-after award recognises innovation, appeal, excellence and impact in plant breeding, so we are proud to have all of our nominees shortlisted this year. The finalists and winners will be announced on 23rd May and we wish the best of luck to our fellow shortlisted companies.


RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year Award 2022

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year award celebrates the new and exciting plants launched at the show. The prestige of winning is recognised worldwide and the show is the ideal global platform for the launch of new plants, which often go on to be bestsellers.

The judges will be looking for the winning criteria which will need to include all three of the following features:

Innovation
The plant must be genuinely new and offer significant benefits within those features. This will outweigh a new colour on an existing plant for example.

Appeal
Will the plant stand the test of time? It will need to sustain its popularity to secure a place with those of true significance.

Excellence and impact
Judges (and gardeners) will be looking for the “wow” factor.

The judging panel is comprised of industry experts with a wealth of knowledge and passion who come together, volunteering their time, to make the incredibly tough decision on the winning plant.


Our Shortlisted Plant of the Year Varieties

 

Azalea ‘Starstyle Pink’

 

Yes, this really is an Azalea!

This distinctive little Azalea is delightfully different, fun and exciting, making it ideal for modern gardens.

The result of 23 years of breeding, Azalea ‘Starstyle Pink’ is a unique new variety with compact growth, profuse unusual flowers twice a year, plus highly decorative lush evergreen foliage. Height and spread: 50cm.

Azalea 'Starstyle Pink'

Available as:
1 x 10.5cm potted azalea plant (KC8105)
1 x 3 litre potted azalea plant (KC8109)


 

 

Weigela ‘Magic Carpet’

 

Weigela ‘Magic Carpet’ is the outstanding outcome of a 10-year breeding programme to produce compact plants with vivid foliage, plus an abundance of flowers. It will delight you with its pretty pink flowers and fabulous colour changing foliage. Height: 60cm. Spread: 46cm.

Weigela Magic Carpet

Available as:
1 x 9cm potted weigela plant (KC0879)
2 x 9cm potted weigela plants (KC7820)


 

 

Geranium ‘Intense’

 

New Geranium ‘Intense’ is a neon pink sensation!

Intense by name, intense by nature, its non-fading, vivid pink blooms and extreme flower power will astound you!

This compact hardy perennial has the flower power to stand alongside annual summer bedding, while offering much more versatility and a longer season of interest. Height: 25cm. Spread: 50cm.

Geranium Intense

Available as:
1 x 9cm potted geranium plant (KC7851)
3 x 9cm potted geranium plants (KC7852)


 

 

Salvia ‘A Little Bit’

 

This new Salvia ‘A Little Bit’ is more than just a little bit special!

A seedling selection from a crossing of Salvia nemorosa and Salvia pratensis, the ravishing result is a compact and extremely hardy perennial with big, bold blooms.

These compact, tidy plants boast a long flowering season, a wide range of garden uses and true winter hardiness making Salvia ‘A Little Bit’ the obvious option for gardeners looking to add impact to their planting schemes. Height: 25cm. Spread: 30cm.

Salvia 'A Little Bit'

Available as:
1 x 9cm potted salvia plant (KC8104)


All varieties featured above are available to buy online at https://www.thompson-morgan.com/chelsea-2022

Announcing our Plant of the Year nominees

Announcing our Plant of the Year nominees for The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022

World-renowned, inspirational and quintessentially British, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an unforgettable experience for gardening enthusiasts and the jewel in the crown for growers hoping to win the prestigious Plant of the Year 2022 award with their new introductions.

We have submitted four fabulous flower plants as our nominees for the RHS Chelsea 2022 Plant of the Year award – the best varieties for a floriferous display of long-lasting colour, with outstanding performance in the garden.


Four fabulous flowers for a glorious garden!

Azalea ‘Starstyle Pink’

Yes, this really is an Azalea!

This distinctive little Azalea is delightfully different, fun and exciting, making it ideal for modern gardens.

The result of 23 years of breeding, Azalea ‘Starstyle Pink’ is a unique new variety with compact growth, profuse unusual flowers twice a year, plus highly decorative lush evergreen foliage. Height and spread: 50cm.

Azalea 'Starstyle Pink'

Fabulous flower power

Enjoy masses of distinctive hot pink, star-shaped flowers blooming profusely in spring and again in autumn, set against long, narrow, pointed evergreen leaves.

Great looks & behaviour

This compact and versatile evergreen is perfect for patio pots, borders, conservatories or even inside the house thanks to its good heat and cold tolerance.

A low maintenance marvel

‘Starstyle Pink’ is low maintenance, fully hardy and perfect for adding a pop of colour wherever it is needed in the garden.

Available as:
1 x 10.5cm potted azalea plant (KC8105)
1 x 3 litre potted azalea plant (KC8109)


Weigela ‘Magic Carpet’

Weigela ‘Magic Carpet’ is the outstanding outcome of a 10-year breeding programme to produce compact plants with vivid foliage, plus an abundance of flowers. It will delight you with its pretty pink flowers and fabulous colour changing foliage. Height: 60cm. Spread: 46cm.

Weigela Magic Carpet

A Weigela with the wow factor

Compact ‘Magic Carpet’ will whisk you away with a profusion of pink, funnel-shaped flowers on arching stems in May and June, bridging the gap between spring and summer and offering early support for pollinators.

First of a kind foliage

The fabulous colour changing foliage of this pretty plant transitions from apricot orange to golden yellow as the seasons change, giving months of interest even as the blooms fade.

A versatile variety for the garden or patio

‘Magic Carpet’ is the perfect choice for containers and will also look amazing as mass landscape planting, brightening beds and borders with a carpet of colour.

Available as:
1 x 9cm potted weigela plant (KC0879)
2 x 9cm potted weigela plants (KC7820)


Geranium ‘Intense’

New Geranium ‘Intense’ is a neon pink sensation!

Intense by name, intense by nature, its non-fading, vivid pink blooms and extreme flower power will astound you!

This compact hardy perennial has the flower power to stand alongside annual summer bedding, while offering much more versatility and a longer season of interest. Height: 25cm. Spread: 50cm.

Geranium Intense

Glowing ground cover with neon pink blooms

More vivid than other pink varieties, masses of stunning, neon bright, single blooms sit perched on short stems, attracting butterflies and bees from June to September.

Hardy and versatile

Versatile, vigorous and with a trouble-free growth habit, this hardy geranium is ideal for mass planting as ground cover, borders and all types of containers, so you can enjoy these beautiful blooms wherever you wish in the garden.

Colour changing foliage for added autumnal interest

The fragrant semi-evergreen foliage turns red in autumn as an added bonus.

Available as:
1 x 9cm potted geranium plant (KC7851)
3 x 9cm potted geranium plants (KC7852)


Salvia ‘A Little Bit’

This new Salvia ‘A Little Bit’ is more than just a little bit special!

A seedling selection from a crossing of Salvia nemorosa and Salvia pratensis, the ravishing result is a compact and extremely hardy perennial with big, bold blooms.

These compact, tidy plants boast a long flowering season, a wide range of garden uses and true winter hardiness making Salvia ‘A Little Bit’ the obvious option for gardeners looking to add impact to their planting schemes. Height: 25cm. Spread: 30cm.

Salvia 'A Little Bit'

Giant deep purple flowers

Salvia ‘A Little Bit’ is a hardy cultivar of Salvia nemorosa but with much larger, showy, deep violet-blue flower spikes of Salvia pratensis.

Colourful and compact

The beautiful blooms are held on a tidy, low and compact plant reaching just 25cm high – perfectly proportioned for smaller borders and a fabulous focal point in a patio planter.

Long flowering and low maintenance

Successive flower spikes are produced below the first main spike, making ‘A Little Bit’ an especially long-flowering perennial. These pretty plants are easy to grow, winter hardy and an important food source for pollinators.

Available as:
1 x 9cm potted salvia plant (KC8104)


All varieties featured above are available to buy online at https://www.thompson-morgan.com/chelsea-2022

How to pinch out fuchsias

Fuchsia ‘Swingtime’ from Thompson & Morgan

Compact bushy fuchsias look fantastic planted in patio containers
Image: Fuchsia ‘Swingtime’ from Thompson & Morgan

Longtime fuchsia enthusiast Carol Gubler explains here how to pinch out your fuchsia plants to control flowering time, grow bushier plants, and kickstart extravagant blooming. Carol draws from a lifetime of experience with these fabulous flowers to create excellent tips and advice you can trust. Don’t miss the video demonstration below too!

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