Homes & gardens
Winter is a time to get creative DESIGNS ON YOUR GARDEN
While you are sitting in a deep armchair by a log fire, glass in hand, it is the perfect time to be make plans for your spring garden.
Inevitably, some areas of the garden will have become a little staid and the ways the garden is used may have changed. Older children may need space to “grow their own”, little ones might like a sandpit, or adults enjoying their retirement might prefer more sitting- out areas or a place to attract wildlife. Others might want to produce more of the family’s five-a-day or perhaps grow more flowers for cutting.
The best gardens evolve, enhancing, adapting and making changes that will suit every member of the family. However small the garden area, with thought and planning it’s possible to redesign the space to full advantage – and a great deal can be achieved on a small budget.
It isn’t necessary to prepare the sort
of plans drawn up by a graduate garden designer, but it would be a good idea to sketch ideas on paper with a clear indication of what goes where.
Now is the time to investigate summer-flowering bulbs. Like their spring counterparts, most summer bulbs are easy to grow, they multiply and represent remarkably good value. Go for the old favourites, but be daring – select some new ones too. And don’t forget that some bulbs – lilies for example – are deliciously scented. Plant them in tubs, near doors and windows and on sitting-out areas, where you will be able to enjoy them.
Gardeners deserve some time out for
enjoyment and inspiration, and what better way to pick up ideas than to visit some of the gardens open to the public. The National Trust has any number of gardens that are particularly wonderful in the spring. Try Emmetts at Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks – the very best time is when the bluebells are in flower. Sissinghurst is a delight and the Lime Walk is a very special part of the garden. Harold Nicholson was responsible for much of the design and planting in this part of the garden and the long beds of tulips, hyacinths and fritillaries deserve particular attention.
Hever Castle gardens are always
stunning, with a great display of chinodoxia, tulips, daffodils, scillas, camellias trained against the walls of the Italian garden and much more.
Hadlow College’s Broadview Gardens
burst with colour in the spring and the 10 acres are free to visit. The adjoining award-winning Broadview Tearoom is open seven days a week for coffee,
lunch and afternoon tea.
The majority of gardeners grab any opportunities to learn, and gardening clubs and grower groups are rarely short of members. Gardening programmes are amongst the most popular on television, books about gardening sell well and talks are generally well attended. Guided garden visits are generally full to capacity.
Hadlow College’s Short Courses (at the main campus in Hadlow and the out- centre at Canterbury) are perfect for people who enjoy the opportunity to improve practical skills. Courses include plant propagation, garden design, computer-aided design (CAD), plant health, introduction to hydroponics, introduction to garden history and many more.
For further information telephone 0500 550434 or send an A4 envelope to Patricia Crawford, Barham Court, Teston ME18 5BZ
Mid Kent Living 45
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