Tree & Shrub Planting

When planting new trees and shrubs the most important factors to consider are suitability, size, root health, weather, soil conditions and aftercare. Let's look at some of these.

First, consider whether the new additions will look right. The style of some trees will be better suited to some gardens than others. For example, wild, free-flowing trees may not look suitable in formal, sleek modern gardens.

Consider whether when the new tree or trees are planted and have grown to their full potential size, will they fit into and look appropriate in the space they occupy? Similarly, try to establish whether a fully-grown tree will create any problems such as the blocking of natural light and sun, or become a nuisance to adjacent properties or gardens.

Also, try to understand the level of maintenance and aftercare a tree will need to thrive once planted. In particular consider whether you as the homeowner are able to administer such care or whether you will need the services of a professional.

Planting is best undertaken between October and April, but best avoided when a garden surface and soil is saturated or frozen.

Hedge Planting

Hedge plants form a cohesive and effective garden boundary quite quickly. Planting a new hedge is the first and most critical part of its lifecycle. Poorly planned and executed planting can cause catastrophic problems for the hedge in the short, medium and long term.

Prior to the planting process itself, the preparation of the land and broader site is vital, including marking out planting positions and excavating the area.

Evergreen and quasi-evergreen hedges such as box, privet and yew are best planted in early autumn, however, in reality with the right weather conditions, they can be planted any time from late autumn until late winter.

Similarly, deciduous hedges such as plant beech, hawthorn and hornbeam are best planted from mid-autumn until late winter.

Climber Planting

Plants which grow vertically up hard surfaces are perfect for creating a natural feel in a garden pretty quickly. Typical examples include clematis, ivy, honeysuckle, akebia and Russian vine.

Climbing plants are either perennial or annual. They are very popular in domestic gardens due to their versatility as decorative enhancements designed to add a softer appearance to the harsh, clinical lines of harder garden surfaces and features such as fencing, walls, pergolas, walkways, arches and trellis.

Climber options are vast, but in our experience perennials are the most commonly used. Their primary benefit is the fact that they don't require re-planting each year. They can be ignored, in the nicest possible way, and they will grow year after year.

Perennial, Fern & Grass Planting

Perennials are generally planted in beds and borders in gardens; sometimes mixed in content sitting alongside trees, shrubs and bulbs. That said, herbaceous perennials, which fade away in winter time, have traditionally been grown on their own in what is know as an herbaceous border.

Perennials can grow anywhere in a garden, reagrdless of the weather conditions most prevelant; in the shade, in the sun, wet, dry - there are perennials suitable for all conditions. It is important though to choose the right perennial for a location's conditions.

Ideally, it is important to know that when aiming to grow a wide array of perennials, they are best being located in calm, sunny conditions. Perennials should be planted in spring (March to May) or autumn (mid-to-late September to October), while the ground is on the wet side.

Ornamental grasses are among our favourite perennials because they are vibrant and eye-catching with their range of colours, varied heights and textures. Grasses are best used to  create varied texture and swaying movement in a garden, creating a calming sound in the wind.

Blub Planting

Who doesn't love a blend of daffodils, snowdrops, scillas, lillies, nerines, gladioli and tulips in a beautifully maintained garden?

Different bulbs blossom and peak at different times during spring and summer, creating an ever changing landscape to a garden for months on end. Bulbs can be planted during three of our four beautiful seasons (skip winter), and the origins of different bulbs require them to be planted in different locations and conditions.