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Too many 'impulse buys' in spring, when the general feeling of reawakening
induces most people to visit a garden centre, can produce a good flourish of blooms until
June. After the first flush is over, however, the garden tends to look tired and
colourless in midsummer. This is when we use the outdoor space the most, and in time it is
worth gradually substituting any poor spring performer with reliable plants which take
centre stage now.
The last minute acquisition of annuals in pots to fill the gaps is usually the only
solution fast enough to give appreciable results within the same season. This is true
particularly of begonias and busy lizzies which grow well in any situation provided they
have enough moisture. Considering the unreliable weather, many sun lovers, like petunias
and pelargoniums, can perform poorly in rainy conditions. As an alternative, next year try
sowing nasturtium (Tropaeolum) seeds sometime between April and the end of June to ensure
pretty flowers and foliage to take over the show with minimum cost. (An attempt could be
made even as late as now, although they won't reach the size of earlier ones.)
Sow the large, easy-to-handle seeds directly in the soil under shrubs or around spring
flowering perennials, which can then be cut back or tidied up as needed. Early sown
seedlings will emerge as soon as conditions are suitable, while those planted in May or
later usually come up very fast (7-14 days) to catch up with the growing season. Although
they tolerate drought and require no fertilisers once developed sufficiently, keep the
soil moist to help germination and until they start to flower.
Also put some seeds in near the edges when you plant up window boxes, pots and baskets
with summer flowering plants so they can trail down the sides, doubling the display. Use
the climbing types ('Jewel of Africa', 8 ft) to grow up trellises, small arches and other
supports, or as temporary infills near more permanent climbing species which are slower
growing. The creeping ones are excellent ground cover, so remember to set the seeds in the
centre-rear of the border rather than right at the front to avoid them spilling over too
much into paved areas or lawns.
In small spaces it pays to be more discerning and look for specific varieties with compact
growth, more visible flowers and better foliage instead of the common type which buries
its blooms under large leaves and grows a bit too energetically. Try 'Empress of India'
(beautiful blue leaves, dark red flowers) or 'Mahogany Jewel' (semi-double, dark red
flowers). 'Cherry Rose Jewel' is another compact type, early to produce semi-double deep
pink flowers. Finally, to prove that nasturtiums don't need to be loud, 'Whirlybird Cream'
has buttermilk semi-double flowers held well above rich green foliage. A further advantage
is that leaves, flowers and buds make a great addition to summer salads, the peppery taste
being quite similar to the very trendy rocket.
Contact Luisa Ferrari on 020 7249 6762 for advice on gardening.
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125 Stoke Newington Church Street
N16 0UH
tel:020 7923 7488
Enjoy our attractive back garden
Sunday 6.00 -11.30
Every Evening 6.30 - 11.30
Voted
'Best of its Kind'
Pacific Rim restaurant 2001
Time Out Good Food Guide
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 Newington
Studios
Established
since 1969
Romantic and creative wedding photography
A large selection of Wedding Albums
Relaxed and informal photographs
our speciality
Children's and babies' and passport photographs while you wait
Your films developed and printed on the premises
Colour or black and white enlargement
Our studio is open six days a week,
call in or phone for price list
161 Stoke Newington Church
Street
London N16 0UH
Tel: 020 7249 4927 |
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