Brits warned not to make 'common mistake' at garden centre this weekend

Daily Mirror

01-05-2025

A gardening expert has warned Brits not to make a common mistake when buying plants at garden centres - and has shared the best flowers to plant in April and May
Gardening experts are being urged to dodge a common trap at the garden centre that could compromise their efforts. A horticulture expert has dished out key tips on selecting the right plants and pinpointed one thing to steer clear of.
Sue Townsend, an experienced garden designer, has warned plant enthusiasts against getting drawn in by blossoms in full swing at the garden centre stalls. Speaking to Gardens Illustrated, she advised: "Try not to be wooed by the flowers on display at the garden centre, which will offer a limited period of interest, leaving you with little to look at for the rest of the year.
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"Instead, ask the nursery staff which plants are best for different seasons, or use online suppliers such as Crocus and Burncoose, which offer an extensive range of plants, plus details of how and when they perform."
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She continued to share her philosophy: "I look at the garden as if I am the conductor of an orchestra, selecting plants for spring colour, summer flowers, autumn berries and foliage, and winter structure to create a continual performance."
Distilling her approach, she said: "I think about how each plant will emerge, flower and fade, and group those with similar or contrasting shapes, textures or colours, depending on whether I want a calming or more dynamic scheme."
Adding to the conversation, a horticulture guru took to Quora to state: "Plants only do one thing well at a time. If they are flowering, they will be less likely to put on roots quickly. The longer it takes to start growing roots, the longer it will be before they start to grow."
Green-fingered enthusiasts take note: "If they don't grow, they won't bloom more. It's always best to buy plants without flowers on them. It's also good to cut the flowers off before you plant them. Also, loosen the roots before planting. They will get established faster."
Looking for the perfect blooms to add to your garden as spring takes hold? Experts recommend getting your hands dirty with gorgeous varieties such as freesias, cosmos, poppies, angelica, cornflowers, sunflowers, zinnias, nasturtiums and lavender, reports the Express.