Alan's Bio:
Alan, a 3rd generation Nurseryman has been working on the family nursery for 23 years. His experience in gardening includes, designing award winning RHS displays, maintaining gardens, big and small and growing plants commercially for garden centres and the gardeners alike. These are his top picks for February 2024.
Alan's top plants for buying in April 2024
With April now here and with luck on our side, we will soon be enjoying warmer days and nights, and the garden will be springing into life. This month I have selected some of my favourite plants to buy in April, some of them will add colour and brightness to your garden, whereas others will add flavour and interest to your kitchen. So, what are you waiting for... Get into that garden.
Gerbera Garvinea
Gerbera Garvinea is a truly unique flowering perennial. The perennial Gerbera will fill your garden with bursts of colour and never fail to bring a smile to your face. Many of us think of Gerbera as the pretty daisy flowers, which brighten up bunches of flowers, but these special Gerbera are wonderful garden plants. The long-lasting blooms will flower all the way through the summer and when established, will produce an array of flowers. One of the main benefits to this plant, is how easy it is to grow, with the plants thriving in a well-drained soil, in a sunny position.
Mint
A herb garden would not be the same without mint. This easy to grow and very versatile group of plants, is loved the world over, for its refreshing scent and taste, as well as its ability to add a hit of flavour to the blandest of dishes. One thing that always surprises people, is the huge variety of mint. With flavours including Strawberry, Apple, Lime and many more. There truly is a mint for everyone.
Fuchsia Summermelody
Looking for a flower that really stands out? Look no further. The starry night collection of petunia, have wonderful velvety flowers, which are speckled like the night sky. This is a fantasLooking for a splash of colour all summer long for a container or pot? Look no further than the summermelody range of fuchsias. The habit of these varieties makes them a perfect choice for a patio. Unlike many more sprawling varieties, they maintain a neat “bush” and are covered in flowers from late spring, all the way through to the first frost. A truly fantastic container fuchsiatic container plant, where they will flower from mid to late spring, all the way though until September.
Thyme
Thyme is a must have herb, both in the garden as well as the kitchen. Thyme is one of the plants that spans being ornamental and useful perfectly. Many varieties are grown almost exclusively for ornamental purposes, with the golden leaves of archers gold and the bright white and green foliage, of sparkling bright. The really great news is, that as well as looking fantastic, these plants can be used in cooking too. Thyme really is a fantastic all-round plant.
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Geranium Little Lady
Beautiful blooms in a compact plant. If you are short of space or are looking for a smaller plant for a pot or container, the Little Lady range of Geraniums is for you. The stunning neat flowers of this range of Geranium really do pack a punch. Flowering all summer long, they are a plant that is fast becoming a nursery favourite. A really wonderful range of geraniums, that is a must, for your pots and containers.
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Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena really is a fragrant All-star when it comes to herbs. The vibrant lemon Sherbert scent and flavour is unmatched. Whether you are looking to make a quick and tasty tea, or add a lemony taste to your baking, lemon verbena is a fantastic choice. However, now you have two lemon verbenas to choose from, the very popular green leaved variety and the recently introduced golden wind, with its stunning golden foliage. The great news is that Golden Wind, has just as much flavour and scent as the traditional green, making it a fantastic choice.