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.

Season’s Greetings Gardeners

As Christmas approaches and I write my final blog for “My Year in the Greenhouse 2015 ” I feel a kind of sadness as my project has come to an end. But, I also feel very privileged to have shared the journey with you. From the start of Mark erecting the greenhouse in January, to the excitement of today Sunday the 13th of December when I pulled a cracking crop of carrots. This is the first time in my gardening life that I have grown decent ones and just I had to share them with you.

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Thompson & Morgan back on TV with QVC

Thompson & Morgan’s mail order plants and gardening sundries are to be brought to life on TV screens from January as the horticultural specialist teams up with QVC UK, the leading video and e-commerce retailer, to offer viewers a range of quality garden products through 2016.

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Christmas at Hyde Hall

After scrolling through Royal Horticultural Society’s website for information on different plant varieties and how to grow this and that in more detail, I came across the ‘gardens to visit’ section and thought it was about time I actually checked it out in real life, rather than staring at pretty pictures through a screen.

It was probably the worst day I could have visited on. The wind was crazy! It was so windy that they had to restrict the areas you could walk around. The New Zealand and Australian Gardens and the Woodland Walk were both out of bounds. Two areas I actually wanted to snoop around, although, it’s probably the perfect excuse to re-visit next year.

It wasn’t all bad though, as we were able to save some money on entry with a 2 for 1 offer this particular weekend. It’s always worth checking out deals and events that are happening before you go. In the past they have had some great events, such as an official tour of the gardens, fun kid’s events and arts and crafts workshops to take part in. Pretty much something to cater for everyone!

The weekend we went there was a Christmas fair; perfect to get into the festive mood and even better for looking for homemade and unique Christmas gifts.

Christmas at Hyde Hall

Trying to keep my hat on!

We were greeted by about 5 different members of staff within 5 minutes of walking through the door. I always appreciate friendly customer service (after all, I am in customer service myself!) and we got exactly that. We were handed a map and we were off on our way! We explored for a good hour and a half before being defeated by the wind and returning to the marquee to browse the gift fair.

I’m not sure what I was expecting from the gardens in the winter. I guess as a new gardener’s outlook I was half expecting dead looking plants and trees from every angle I looked. I’ve quickly learnt that winter is not a time to ignore your garden. There’s still plenty of colour around and beautiful evergreens in every bed.

Christmas at Hyde Hall

I particularly loved the shrubs and trees with the various coloured berries. They’re perfect for attracting wildlife too; I can imagine such a Christmas image, a robin on a beautiful red berries hedge. These Firethorn shrubs we sell here at Thompson and Morgan and I’m definitely buying one of these for my garden next year! They’re quite quick growing and easy to maintain. That is ideal for me as a new young gardener who is still learning what to grow and how to look after.

A lot of plants were dormant or past their best as we walked around, however Rosa plants were still in bloom and looking sweet and delicate, Nerines were bobbing around in the wind (or viciously being thrown around on this particular day) and colourful autumnal leaves clinging on several trees. It was really lovely to stroll from place to place and take inspiration from the largest RHS garden in the UK.

Christmas at Hyde Hall

Hyde Hall also hosts some of The Chelsea Flower Show on its over 300 acre patch, and I’d love to return at that time of year and see the entire buzz surrounding it. Working for Thompson and Morgan allows an insight into the event and the company has won several awards for plants such as the Foxglove Illumination Pink. It would be nice to see it up close and in person.

After walking around and checking out the various nooks and crannies of the gardens, and the beautiful restaurant area, we headed to the Christmas fair. I didn’t buy any presents, although did spend some pennies on a mulled wine. Well, it is the festive season after all!

Christmas at Hyde Hall

I’d definitely recommend a visit to one of the 5 RHS gardens in the UK. Hyde Hall was really enjoyable; however I’d probably have preferred a warmer day in spring or summer to visit. It did give me some great ideas for my own garden over winter though, and has left me with plenty of designs I could use in my own little patch of land.

Have you visited Hyde Hall before and what were your thoughts? Feel free to drop a comment and let me know your favourite gardens in the UK – I’m always looking for new gardens to visit!

Growing Mistletoe

It was a few years ago when this particular time of year gave me an idea on attempting to grow a particular plant! Seeing bunches of Mistletoe (Viscum album) in various shops and market stalls I got to thinking on how to go about growing your own and what is involved in this. I did have some idea that Apple trees can be a host and also that it is like a type of parasitic plant but other than that I had absolutely no idea on how to go about attempting to grow it. So I did what most people do these days to suss out a bit of information and that was to look it up on the internet.

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Gardening Resolutions

It’s that time of year where we start to make commitments to join the gym, stop smoking, or to tick something else off our bucket list. But, what we want to know are your gardening New Year resolutions 2016. Is there anything you did wrong last year that you will not repeat this year? Do you want to try growing something in particular or do you want to become more self-sufficient and grow your own produce?

We asked the Thompson & Morgan staff theirs;

gardening new years resolution ‘I want to grow some rainbow vegetables, and check out some new flavours and maybe even devise some new recipes.. Imagine purple carrot cake!!’ – Michael Perry

 

gardening new years resolution ‘My new year’s resolution is to grow more vegetables! Last year I only grew tomatoes, but next year I want to grow cucumbers, salad leaves, and maybe even some chilli peppers in containers on my balcony.’ – Andrew Morley – Online Merchandising Manager

 

 

gardening new years resolution ‘I really must revamp my pond in 2016. The frogs love it but the Water Iris (Iris pseudoacorus) has taken over and now you can barely see the pond! I just need to time it right in order to minimise the disturbance to my frogs – late summer might be best. I’m also planning to lift and divide the tired perennials in my borders and give them a really good mulch in the spring’ – Sue Sanderson, Horticulturist

 

gardening new years resolution ‘My resolution is to add some wildlife friendly plants in my garden. I love seeing bees and butterflies, so adding some bee and butterfly friendly plants into my garden such as Buddleja ‘Buzz’™, lavender and verbena would be perfect’ – Holly, Online Development Manager.

 

 

‘Trying not to kill anything this year… I would love to be more self-sufficient and be able to cook a whole meal from all things grown by myself. Maybe a Vegetable Ragu with home-made dough bread’ – Natalie, Customer Care

Do you have any?

Sowing and growing in December

Some may think that as the months get cooler there really isn’t much that can be done in the garden. The ground becomes frozen and unworkable, so nothing can be sown, and without Arctic clothing you really don’t want to spend too much time in the garden. You’d be surprised as to how much you can actually do in the winter months, even from the comfort of your chair. So here is my round up;

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Veg in the Park

We ran an allotment completion this year so that we could see what you make of your allotments and why they mean so much to you. Our winning entry was from Caroline Lawson from Veg in the Park, who told us all about their community growing up;

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Must-have Christmas gift plants revealed

Exotic hibiscus overtake traditional poinsettia in battle for Christmas number one, but scented hyacinths still can’t be beaten.

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Update from the Greenhouse

Hello Everyone,

Despite it being the mildest November since records began, winter has arrived in Pembrokeshire, with 50mph winds, continuous rain and short dreary days. In fact over the last week we have had enough rain to fill the forty gallon water butt from the gutters of the greenhouses. The glass was rattling so loudly in the greenhouses on Sunday 15th that I felt a teeny bit scared to be in them. However, I had to go in and try to salvage my plants.

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Top 10 Greenhouses

There’s a greenhouse to suit every garden – be it large or small! The protected growing conditions that greenhouses provides is invaluable. Just think how much earlier you could start germinating seeds, or maybe you would like to grow some of the less hardy plants available. Better still, a greenhouse offers a dry sheltered spot for potting and sowing, or maybe just to drink a well earned cuppa while you shelter from the elements. A greenhouse can completely revolutionise the way that you use your garden, opening up so many new opportunities.

There are so many greenhouses available that choosing the right one can prove daunting. We’ve brought together our top 10 favourite greenhouses from our range to help you narrow it down. Take a look at this handy article and find your perfect greenhouse today. Alternatively, you can browse our entire range of greenhouses available to buy online.

 

  1. GreenhouseEezee greenhouse – A portable plastic greenhouse

For a no fuss portable, plastic greenhouse that can be erected in just 10 minutes the Eezee Greenhouse is perfect. Ideal for potting on your perennials or germinating seeds this super little greenhouse is a great first time greenhouse or is space is at a premium in a small garden. Tall enough to stand up in, it folds away when not needed to a handy-sized package which can be stored away during the winter months. This great mini growhouse is ideal for protecting plants from cold, wet and rainy weather, and the adjustable vents mean you can regulate air flow allowing your young plants the best start in life. No accessories needed.

 

  1. Halls 4ft x 2ft Wall Garden Lean To – A small lean-to greenhouse

If space is at a premium in your garden or outdoor space, this fantastic little lean to greenhouse will give you ample growing room under glass. Halls Garden Lean To has enough space to grow seeds in trays, potted plants and perhaps also a tomato plant, meaning you have enough room for all the average gardeners needs. Best constructed against a wall in a sunny position, this lean to looks great over decking and patio areas. This lean to has a strong aluminium frame and an opening roof vent, with a sliding door for easy and convenient access, making this great lean to perfect for all your garden needs. No accessories are required.

 

  1. GreenhouseEden 6ft x 4ft Wide Birdlip – Our smallest freestanding greenhouse

One of the smallest freestanding structure greenhouse in our range the Eden Birdlip Greenhouse is ideal if space is tight or you have a particularly small garden. Perfect for the allotment or if you are new to gardening with a limited budget. This compact greenhouse is perfect for raising young plug plants, for overwintering your perennials and for springtime hardening off. The open roof vent means you can regulate air flow, and the smooth action sliding door allows for easy access, and as it is a sliding door it will not take any room up in the garden or greenhouse. The Eden range comes with an extensive range of accessories to maximise your growing environment and utilise space.

 

  1. Eden Burford 6ftx6ft Wide Greenhouse – The ideal beginners 6×6 greenhouse

A great first time greenhouse the Eden Burford Greenhouse is perfect to house your young plants, or overwintering your perennials or hardening off in springtime. With 2 large roof vents more air is able to flow through, keeping the temperature regulated and making sure your young plants have the best start in life. This great little greenhouse comes with built in guttering to collect rainwater, and with a smooth-action single sliding door that allows easy access, and wont take up room in the greenhouse. The Eden Burford range comes with an extensive range of accessories to maximise growing room and utilise space in the greenhouse.

 

  1. GreenhouseGrowhouse Classic Lean-To (6ft x 10ft) – A large Victorian tall wall greenhouse

When space is at a premium but gardening is your passion, the Growhouse Classic Lean To is perfect for you. Ideally suited to a south facing wall or large courtyard garden this well designed, and highly functional Victorian tall wall greenhouse is ideal for overwintering your plug plants, hardening off your springtime vegetables and germinating your seeds. With an apex roof which is perfect for those taller plants and ample room for both shelving and staging you will be amazed at how much you can grow, and with the added bonus of roof vents you can regulate temperature to suit your plants, making this lean to more like a fully functioning greenhouse. Accessories available to increase your growing environment.

 

  1. 6×10 Growhouse Cedar Greenhouse – A wooden frame greenhouse

Growhouse Cedar Greenhouse is one of the most attractive stand alone greenhouses which will compliment your garden colour scheme perfectly. With a generous footprint providing room for growing your plants from seed, overwintering young plug plants, this fantastic natural finish greenhouse is perfect if you are new to gardening. This wooden greenhouse will serve as a great place to relax and unwind while enjoying some sedentary gardening and with 4 good sized vents giving greater air volume control and reduced temperature fluctuation you won’t beat this beautiful greenhouse. Growhouse accessories available to extend your growing environment.

 

  1. GreenhouseHalls Supreme 12ft x 8ft Double Door Greenhouse – A medium size double door greenhouse

A larger garden needs a larger greenhouse, and this beautiful Halls Supreme 12ft x 8ft Double Door Greenhouse has a traditional feel with functionality as key. With double doors which can open out to allow air flow in and regulate temperature, and 4 roof vents for added control, you will be able to include many new varieties of plants and seeds with the extensive footprint of this greenhouse plus all the usual greenhouse activities of potting up perennials or hardening off vegetables during spring and cultivating seeds, and with the extra room perhaps grow some of the more exotic varieties. Large enough to include a table and chairs and plenty of room for tomatoes, and other hot house plants this large, traditional greenhouse is perfect for the serious gardener and allotment grower to produce everything they want.

 

  1. Juliana Premium Greenhouse (9ft x 9ft) – A medium high specification greenhouse

This premium greenhouse is an excellent choice for the more serious gardener and allotment grower. Unique and sophisticated the Scandinavian design is the only aluminium greenhouse endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society. Perfect for all the usual greenhouse activities including overwintering delicate plants, protecting new shoots, cultivating from seed and as there is more room perhaps growing those exotic plants can be a reality.

One of the best features of this greenhouse is the double stable doors, opening outwards to give maximum space inside, and like all stable doors they open at the top to keep the fresh air flowing in and by closing the bottom keep the garden pests out. A low threshold entrance allows easy access for both wheelchairs and wheelbarrows providing excellent manoeuvrability making this wonderful greenhouse a perfect addition to your garden. Juliana comes with a full range of accessories and glazing options.

 

  1. GreenhouseHalls Magnum 14ft x 8ft Wide Greenhouse – A large all-purpose greenhouse

This large all-purpose greenhouse will provide the serious gardener or allotment grower with all the space required to grow and cultivate a whole variety of plants. From hothouse plants such as tomatoes to growing exotic varieties never tried before, this large greenhouse has room for it all. With 4 large vents for controlling air flow and temperature regulation this greenhouse serves every possible need, and is large enough to include a table and chairs so it can double up as a conservatory. With a choice of colours to match garden colour schemes and with double doors to allow excellent manoeuvrability this extra large greenhouse will make a good looking addition to your garden. Halls Magnum comes with a full range of accessories and glazing options.

 

  1. Juliana Gardener Greenhouse (12ft x 19ft) – An extra large high specification greenhouse

One of the largest greenhouses in our range is designed for the professional gardener and allotment grower who needs more than the average greenhouse working space. This huge greenhouse is perfect for the gardener who wants to have maximum space to grow, plant, experiment and improve their gardening techniques, and does not want to leave any variety out from their extensive range of produce. This enormous greenhouse is perfect for all the normal greenhouse activities, such as overwintering your perennials and delicate plants, growing your own herbs and vegetables all year round, cultivating from seed old favourites and new and exotic varieties; and because it is so big you will find you never have to choose which plants you want to grow and which you just do not have any room for. The expertly designed double stable doors, which open outwards keep the fresh air flowing in and the closed bottom half keep the garden pests out. With a low threshold entrance allowing easy access for both wheelchairs and wheelbarrows, this extremely large greenhouse has enough room to add a table and chairs and has the appearance of a much more expensive orangery, making this greenhouse perfect for all your needs and much more besides. Juliana comes with a full range of accessories and glazing options.

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