Agrostemma githago
This is a lovely summer-flowering annual which has grey-green leaves and large magenta flowers. It is easy to grow and best suited for growing as a border filler. It can be sown in situ in early spring or in pots in autumn before planting out the ... [... more]
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Iris reticulata 'Gordon'
Find out how to grow Iris reticulata 'Gordon' 'Gordon' is a member of the Reticulata group of iris. It produces blue flowers with golden yellow and white throats in early spring. It is ideal for pots or rockeries. Plant the bulbs 5-10cm (2-4in) ... [... more]
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Anemone blanda
One of the joys of early spring is this lovely species from the Eastern Mediterranean where, long before the tourists arrive, it graces rocky places, shrubs and open woodland in sheets of colour. The delightful flowers, like large daisies, have a ... [... more]
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Narcissus 'Topolino'
Perfect for borders, this delicate narcissus produces small, star-shaped, highly fragrant flowers with white petals and a golden yellow trumpets in early spring. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it their prestigious Award of Garden ... [... more]
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Tulipa 'Oratorio'
Find out how to grow Tulipa 'Oratorio' Cultivar: 'Oratorio' 'Oratorio' blooms in early spring, producing rose-pink flowers, with black bases, that are flushed with apricot-pink inside. The leaves are attractively marked with dark purple. ... [... more]
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Hacquetia epipactis
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Chalky/alkaline, Moist, Boggy One of Matthew Biggs' favourite plants for shade, Hacquetia epipactis produces its unsual green, yellow-eyed bracts in late winter and early spring. Emerald-green leaves follow this ... [... more]
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Growing carrots
How to choose the right variety for your patch and get them off to a good start. Start digging over your soil in late winter or early spring, removing any stones you find and thoroughly turning the soil until it has a fine, crumbly texture. ... [... more]
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Grow crops in pots
You may not have room for a vegetable patch or time for an allotment, but you can plant up pots from early spring onwards with edible crops and enjoy fresh, tasty, homegrown produce all summer. Lots of varieties are happy in pots if you look ... [... more]
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Lift and divide irises
Lift your irises in autumn or early spring to break up overgrown clumps, make new plants and encourage flowering. Cut the leaves in half horizontally so they need less water as the roots regrow. Split the clumps apart with a sharp knife, making ... [... more]
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Dividing perennials
Dividing plants will keep them healthy and strong and is a good way to control growth. It is also a great way to get new plants for free. In early spring or autumn, lift plants, taking care not to damage the root system. Divide each plant into ... [... more]
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Iris reticulata
Iris reticulata is an early flowering iris, usually appearing from late winter to early spring. The blooms vary from pale blue to deep violet with central yellow splashes down the middle of each petal. In recognition of its outstanding ... [... more]
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Iris 'Edward'
Find out how to grow Iris 'Edward' 'Edward' is a member of the Reticulata group of iris. It produces purple-blue flowers with golden yellow and white throats late winter and early spring. It is ideal for pots or rockeries. Plant the bulbs 5-10cm ... [... more]
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