Even though we’ve had such fluctuations of weather temperatures from early May and no rain for almost 4 weeks and very cool easterly winds – we’ve been removing a layer of clothing and adding a layer to suit but the poor plants in the borders soldier on. Hopefully tender perennials have had protection with a layer of garden fleece!

Herbaceous borders in Winter – Spring look almost dead or nothing there after major cut back in Feb/March, but slowly as the weather starts to warm up then growth starts to wake up and emerge from the ground, then colour, structure and form of the border begins to take shape.

The borders are now looking (in my mind) at their best, greens are still very fresh, flower spikes are heading upwards and clumps of plants are still in tidy mounds. Do remember to stake necessary plants – you can buy plant supports which can be left in situ all year round. Also dead head the flowers as it does help to encourage more.

If there is any plant which needs moving or splitting it is best to do it at the end of Summer or Spring before too much growth. Herbaceous plants are really very easy to manage and it’s so good to pass pieces on to friends!

There is a huge variety of herbaceous (perennial) plants suitable for all areas of a garden – full sun, dappled shade, deep shade, hot dry and damp areas.

When planning a herbaceous border try to think of an artist’s blank canvas – height, texture, form and colour. Do you like soft, cool colours – hot fiery tones – green and white – or even a mish-mash of clashing colour! Also try to have something in flower for the season.

So many perennials will self-seed such as aquilegia – this is easy to manage – just remove as a seedling if not needed or pass onto friends.
Honesty and foxgloves will also self seed but are biennial plants.
Lily bulbs are very beautiful planted in Spring amongst the herbaceous plants or even grown in a pot and plonked in gaps in the border – it is lovely to have fragrance in the garden too!

Of course if you need to fill in any gaps you can always use some annuals such as nicotiana (tobacco plant), cosmos, marigolds etc.

We have now come to the time of year for ‘Open Gardens’ – villages and the National Garden Scheme (Yellow book) this is a wonderful way of getting ideas and an enjoyable afternoon with fellow green fingered friends.

Do enjoy your garden and you can always ask for advice at Swanland –we are a friendly lot!

Here’s to warm sunshine

Judy