Thompson & Morgan Gardening Blog

Our gardening blog covers a wide variety of topics, including fruit, vegetable and tree stories. Read some of the top gardening stories right here.

Propagation, planting out and cultivation posts from writers that know their subjects well.

Fat free cherry cake recipe

by | Jul 20, 2023 | , , | 0 Comments

 

Closeup of cherry cake

Fat free cherry cake

Jacqui Brown
Jacqui Brown says: "Here is my favourite recipe that I bake at least once a week as I just love something sweet at the end of a meal, but being virtually fat free it isn't too naughty! We are lucky enough to have an orchard in Poitou-Charentes, France with 5 large cherry trees and we freeze the fruit to use all year round. We also have plum, peach, apple, pear and quince trees so I vary the recipe to use whatever is most abundant!"
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert

Equipment

  • Lined flat baking tin
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • Enough cherries to fill the bottom of a lined flan tin
  • 3 eggs
  • 65 g sugar
  • 110 g plain flour
  • 1 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp natural yoghurt
  • 50 g ground almonds
  • a few drops of almond essence

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat your oven to gas mark 4/160℃ fan/180℃
  • Beat the eggs and sugar for at least five minutes until very frothy and pale.
  • Gently fold in the yoghurt and almond essence, and then half the dry ingredients sieved, then the remainder.
  • Try and lose as little of the air as possible.
  • Pour the batter over the cherries and bake in a preheated oven for about 20 mins, or until the top is golden and springs back to the touch.
  • Leave to cool and then turn out upside down onto a plate.
  • Serve warm or cold with a healthy dollop of natural yoghurt.
Keyword fruit
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Lead image: Cherry ‘Stella’ from Thompson & Morgan

Poppies masterclass: best expert content

by | Jul 14, 2023 | , | 0 Comments

White orange and yellow icelandic poppies

Icelandic poppies deliver delicate bursts of pastel colour in summer
Image: Poppy ‘Iceland Mixed’ from T&M

The word poppy usually sparks an image of iconic red flowers in summer hay fields or pretty wildflower meadows, but there are so many more colours and shapes to enjoy! Think huge, exotic blue flowers, grey double blooms and purple pom poms that fill the garden with friendly pollinators. Whether you want to grow annual or perennial poppies, you’ll find plenty of helpful hints and tips in this collection of articles, videos and Instagram posts.

When you’re ready to place an order, browse our wide range of annual and perennial poppy seeds for inspiration.

read more…

How to grow lilacs

by | Jun 28, 2023 | | 0 Comments

Purple lilac flowers in vase

Lilacs look wonderful in cut flower displays
Image: Lilac Fragrant Trio Collection from Thompson & Morgan

Lilac is a quintessential cottage garden shrub, ranging in size from large ‘standard’ specimen lilac trees to compact bushes for growing in patio pots. It comes in a fantastic range of colours and has a lovely scent, making it a fabulous feature for every garden. These tough and undemanding shrubs burst into bloom every spring and need very little attention. They’re also wonderful for wildlife, with nectar-rich blooms that attract pollinating insects.

Learn how to grow low-maintenance lilacs with this handy guide. And browse our full range of lilac shrubs for inspiration.

read more…

Chaos gardening masterclass: best expert content

by | Jun 27, 2023 | , | 0 Comments

Wildflower meadow full of early annual flowers

Relinquish control and let colourful chaos reign in the garden
Image: Annual Early Flowering Mixed Seeds from T&M

Chaos gardening is the hot new trend of 2023. Think rewilding but with more colour, more intent and a bit of light design. A great way to get rid of extra seeds and avoid waste, we’ve pulled together a collection of helpful articles, videos and Insta posts to help you channel some chaos in your own outside space. 

When you’re ready to get started, browse our full range of quality seeds at Thompson & Morgan for fruit, veg, and flowers.

read more…

How to plan pretty pots and bountiful baskets

by | Jun 18, 2023 | , , | 0 Comments

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.

read more…

Edible flowers masterclass: best expert content

by | Jun 15, 2023 | , | 0 Comments

Yellow and orange nasturtiums

Nasturtium flowers have a strong peppery flavour
Image: Nasturtium ‘Ladybird’ from T&M

Edible flowers offer the double benefit of bright colours and delicious flavours. Whether you want to whip up a peppery batch of nasturtium butter, crystallise delicate primrose flowers or drizzle pink chive flower vinegar over your summer salads, we’ve collected some helpful independent content to get you off to a good start. Here’s your expert guide to growing edible flowers for use in the kitchen.

In the meantime, take inspiration from our full range of quality edible flower seeds.

read more…

From Rake To Bake – Cheats Curry for One

by | Jun 10, 2023 | , | 0 Comments

 

Vegetable curry collage images with aubergines

Cheats Curry for One

Amanda Davies
June is perfect for making Cheats Curry for One.
With crops sown in late winter now bursting in the allotment, greenhouse or garden, this month, I thought I’d take advantage of some of ingredients available right on our doorstep, along with a way to use up any of last year’s sauces you may have hidden in the freezer.
The list of ingredients used was enough to make just a meal for me as my partner doesn’t like aubergines. Just double/triple etc, the quantities to make extra portions and use up a glut of crops.
Note – I have not used salt in the list of ingredients as I do not cook with it, however you may wish to use it, therefore just season to taste. You may also add chilli flakes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Defrost Time 12 hours
Course Main Course
Servings 1

Equipment

  • Chopping board.
  • Potato peeler
  • Vegetable knife
  • Small saucepan
  • Large saucepan with lid
  • Colander
  • Spatula
  • Wooden spoon.
  • Garlic Press or heavy handled knife.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small bowl of defrosted homemade sauce containing onion, red pepper, garlic, red and yellow tomatoes and herbs and spices.
  • 1 small potato.
  • 1 snack sized sweet pepper (any colour)
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1/4 aubergine
  • 3 dried apricots
  • Handful of raisins
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Garam masala
  • Curry powder
  • Black pepper

Instructions
 

  •  Defrost the homemade sauce the night before.
  •  Peel the potato, cut into bite size chunks and par-boil in the small saucepan.
  • While the potato is boiling, de-seed and slice the sweet peppers. Wash and slice 1/4 of the aubergine into identical shaped cubes.
  • Chop the dried apricots into quarters. Slice and dice the onion and press the garlic. If you don’t have a press just bash the handle of a heavy knife onto the garlic on a chopping board.
  •  Drain the potatoes and leave in a colander.
  • In the large saucepan, on a low heat mix curry powder, garam masala and black pepper with the olive oil, and allow the spices to infuse.
  • Add the garlic and onion and fry until translucent. Next add the aubergines. The aubergines will soak up the oil, but don’t add any more, just turn down the heat and keep moving the pieces around with the spatula/wooden spoon.
  • Add the sweet pepper and fry for about two minutes. Next pour over your sauce, stir well, cover with the lid and heat for ten minutes.
  • Add the cooked potato, apricots and raisins. Taste and add more spices if needed.
  • Replace the lid and heat on low for a further ten minutes. If your sauce is getting too thick you can either add some vegetable stock or a splash of boiling water.
  • When you have the desired consistency and taste, serve immediately.

Notes

Serving suggestions:
  • Go traditional and eat with rice and naan bread.
  • Go British and serve with chips.
  • Go lazy and just eat with brown bread and butter.
Keyword aubergine, curry, seasonal vegetables, vegetables
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Plants for shade masterclass: best expert content

by | May 30, 2023 | , | 0 Comments

Field of different coloured foxgloves

Foxgloves thrive in a shady position
Image: Foxglove ‘Mixed’ from Thompson & Morgan

Need the perfect plant to bring a shady spot to life? See this helpful compilation of articles, videos and Instagram posts from some of our favourite gardening experts. Whether you have a dry north-facing border or a damp woodland garden, find out which plants transform gloomy gaps into an eye-catching feature.

From tall and exotic Australian tree ferns to silvery athyriums, browse our high quality plants for shade collection to find your favourites.

read more…

RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year Winners 2023

by | May 23, 2023 | , | 0 Comments

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

New Plants Shortlisted For RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2023

by | May 17, 2023 | | 0 Comments

T&M is proud to announce that four of our new flowering plants have been shortlisted for the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2023 award and will be judged at the show on 22nd May. All plants are available to view in the floral marquee during the event!

T&M’s Shortlisted Plant of the Year Varieties

Hydrangea serrata ‘Euphoria Pink’

Hydrangea serrata 'Euphoria Pink' T&M RHS Chelsea 2023 plant of the year shortlisted variety shown in full bloom with vivid pink flowers and variegated pink and green foliage in a white planter on a wooden table
Hydrangea serrata ‘Euphoria Pink’

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.

The latest in Hydrangea breeding

‘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 show.

Exhibited in partnership with Stonebarn Landscapes, stand GPF090, and Mr. Nagasaki T. from Japan representing Osco Garden BV, Aalsmeer/Netherlands.

Hydrangea serrata 'Euphoria Pink' T&M RHS Chelsea 2023 plant of the year shortlisted variety shown in close-up on its variegated pink and green foliage
Hydrangea serrata ‘Euphoria Pink’ foliage detail

Hydrangea serrata ‘Euphoria Pink’

Flowers: June to September
Height and spread: 120cm.

1 x 13cm Potted Plant
Code: KF1217
£19.99

3 x 13cm Potted Plants
Code: KF4999
£29.99

1 x 3-Litre Potted Plant
Code: KF1218
£29.99

2 x 3-Litre Potted Plants
Code: KF5000
£49.99

Find out more

Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’

African Lily

Agapanthus 'black jack' T&M RHS Chelsea 2023 plant of the year shortlisted variety shown in close-up on one big dark purple bloom
Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’ flower detail

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’ is exhibited in partnership with Sparsholt College, stand GPA008.

Agapanthus 'black jack' T&M RHS Chelsea 2023 plant of the year shortlisted variety shown in full blooms, with dark purple flowers and strappy green foliage, in a terracotta planter on a sandy garden rockery area with a bird sculpture
Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’

Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’

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

1 x 9cm Potted Plant
Code: KF2470
£14.99

3 x 9cm Potted Plants
Code: KF4998
£27.99

Find out more

Tradescantia andersoniana JS® ‘Brainstorm’ PBR

Spider Lily

Tradescantia 'JS® Brainstorm' T&M RHS Chelsea 2023 plant of the year shortlisted variety shown growing in a two-tone yellow and terracotta planter, with strappy green foliage and bright purple flowers
Tradescantia JS®Brainstorm

A breakthrough in breeding!

Tradescantia ‘JS® Brainstorm’ produces masses of blooms with a high flower count per flower head for an eye-catching display. Dark purple buds open to reveal large magenta-purple blooms with prominent bright golden anthers with fluffy filaments.

The longest-flowering Tradescantia – enjoy flowers for 6 months!

Flowering continuously over an astonishing six months from June to November, ‘JS® Brainstorm’ blooms for two months longer than most other Tradescantia.

Selected from a long-term Tradescantia breeding programme

‘JS® Brainstorm’ was initially selected for its purple foliage and subsequently for its large flowers, number of flowers per umbel and long flowering period. This easy-care perennial is versatile, low-maintenance and hardy to -30C.

Tradescantia ‘JS® Brainstorm’ is exhibited in partnership with Hare Spring Cottage Plants, stand GPD065.

Tradescantia 'JS® Brainstorm' T&M RHS Chelsea 2023 plant of the year shortlisted variety shown in close-up on one of the bright purple flowers and closed dark purple buds
Tradescantia JS®Brainstorm flower detail

Tradescantia andersoniana JS® ‘Brainstorm’ PBR

Flowers: June to November
Height: 50cm. Spread: 40cm

1 x 9cm Potted Plant
Code: KF0834
£12.99

3 x 9cm Potted Plants
Code: KF1572
£24.99

Find out more

Weigela ‘Camouflage’

Weigela florida

Weigela 'Camouflage' T&M RHS Chelsea 2023 plant of the year shortlisted variety shown in full bloom with red trumpet-shaped blooms, in a wood-effect planter outdoors on a gravel garden
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

Our 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.

Weigela ‘Camouflage’ is exhibited in partnership with Stonebarn Landscapes, stand GPF090.

Weigela 'Camouflage' T&M RHS Chelsea 2023 plant of the year shortlisted variety shown in close-up on its variegated leaves and red trumpet-shaped blooms

Weigela ‘Camouflage’ flower detail

Weigela ‘Camouflage’

Flowers: May to June
Height and spread: 60cm

1 x 9cm Potted Plant
Code: KF0321
£12.99

3 x 9cm Potted Plants
Code: KF5161
£27.99

Find out more

RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2023

The RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year award celebrates the new and exciting plants launched at the show and the prestige of winning is recognised worldwide. RHS Chelsea 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 includes the following:

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.

New 2023 Flowering Plants Range

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

View all new plants for 2023

 

 

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