If you’re anything like us, then at the first sight of cherry blossoms and blue skies, you’re taking a breath and spending time outside. Spring is in full swing, and there’s nothing quite as relaxing, nurturing and comforting as a spot of gardening.
Whether you’re planning some outdoor improvements or hunting for showy blooms, our virtual garden centre has all your projects covered. Connecting with nature is the perfect way to shake off those winter blues, and we have some fabulous plants to show you, as well as outdoor furniture and more to help you create the perfect oasis of calm, peace and wellbeing. Leaf on for some ideas!
Glorious blooms
Gardens and gardening make us feel better, and there’s nothing quite as pleasing as admiring your favourite plants as they blossom in their full vitality. A graceful, tropical-looking option, we’re already swooning at this Agapanthus ‘Sea Breeze’ trio from Thompson & Morgan. With marvellous blue flowers growing in clusters on stems, they’ll bloom into white as they grow throughout the summer.
Native to South Africa, these exotic Agapanthus love a sunny spot, flowering from June through to September. They’re available through Advanced Order, so you can snap up a bunch now and receive them in early June, ready to plant.
After fragrance as well as beauty? Don’t miss out on the Nicotiana Cuba Garden Ready Mix from Plants2Gardens. These quick-growing tobacco plants bloom at the start of June with incredible star-like flowers that give off a delightful perfume. Just plant them at the front or back of a border, and enjoy the sweetly fragrant experience on calm days and especially in the evenings.
Looking beyond summer, we’re casting a gardener’s gaze on these Festuca Sunrise from Plants2Gardens. This is a wonderful compact grass that grows into a mound of blue-green arching foliage, then in summer, deep orange-flowering stems rise above the leaves, moving beautifully in the breeze.
As autumn arrives, the ends of the leaves turn to a warm shade of copper like a sunrise in your garden. An exceptional choice for structure and year-round colour, they’ll brighten even the coldest of winter days. ‘Sunrise’ looks particularly attractive planted in groups, or on its own in an architectural pot for a contemporary patio feature.
Elevating your space
How great is it when we manage to snatch some downtime outside? Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, a well thought out garden offers relief, a place to meditate or socialise. So why not do it in style and comfort? Whether you’re catching up with friends or whistling away Sundays in the sun, put your feet up with this Acapulco Chair from Bundleberry by Amanda Holden.
As dusk falls, imagine telling stories with your dearest around a wood-burning Firepit from Innovators. Add some Mandala Floor Cushions to the mix, and you’ve got yourself all the cosiness of camping, just without the tent part! Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine or roasting marshmallows with the kids, a firepit is a great way to maximise your garden’s use throughout the year.
So, now that your garden is looking gorgeous, what’s left to add? It may be beautiful lighting to accentuate your favourite tree, or some final touches by way of decor, perhaps an LED Buddha Head, or a stunning water feature from Garden Reflections. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find a whole host of options in our Garden Room.
All is well outdoors
It’s spring and we’re feeling good in the sunshine, but how about our plants? They need TLC just as much as we do, and luckily our plant care range can help. From Peat-free Compost and Cell Propagators to Hand Tool sets and Richard Jackson’s premium formulas (including Flower Power and Root Booster), we have everything you need to nurture your plants.
Even if you things are getting out of control in the garden, or you’re working in a smaller space, there are always ways to expand your green-fingered potential. Take, for example, this Premium 4 Tier Greenhouse from Garden Gear, which is so easy to construct with sturdy, coated steel frames and a protector. Get ready to enjoy home-grown vegetables and the stunning plants you’ve always wanted!
After a good start to the growing season, we’re tuning up our tools, digging out the gloves and getting back in the dirt! How about you?