Knowledgebase

Nigella damascena (Love-in-a-mist) is a classic cottage-style plant loved by pollinators.  A fast-growing annual the Persian Jewels mix comes in shades of blue, pink and white.  With feathery foliage and attractive seedheads it a good cut flower. Nigella likes full-sun in a south or west facing, sheltered spot.  It can either be left to self-seed […] (Read More)

Nepeta’s common name is Cat Mint and cat’s really do love it! Bees and other pollinators do too. It has lovely lavender flowers with silvery foliage this herbaceous perennial is great for the front of borders where it can spill out over a path.  It is low growing and spreading.  Nepeta thrives in dry soil […] (Read More)

Lupins are fabulous cottage garden plants with spires of colourful flowers which last most of the summer.  To keep them flowering remove the flower spike as the flowers die and they will put up more. However, don’t cut the plants back hard.  They don’t like it!  It can take them months to recover if in […] (Read More)

June – long days and tennis The start of June sees gardens full of colour. Many herbaceous plants are at their peak and summer baskets and pots are now out. However, all these flowers mean it’s  deadheading time . Regular deadheading encourages more flowers to be produced. Cut  roses just above a strong bud , below the […] (Read More)