Secrets of a Head Gardener
Give bamboos plenty of TLC to get the most out of them. Each spring, we prune and mulch our 60 different bamboo species and varieties, which improves their appearance and promotes vigorous growth. Pruning out the older canes lets light in at the base, creating space for new shoots to form and thrive.thrive
A generous layer of composted mulch traps in moisture for when it’s needed.
Two acres of blue Hydrangea macrophyllaa form a massed display here. To create a strong plant structure that supports the weight of the flowers, after frost risk has passed, we prune out a third of thehe old wood, leavingving two thirds in place to produce thisis year’s flowers. Thehe more open framework amework allows new ew shoots to form from om the base. Last year’s ear’s wood is then pruned runed back to threehree buds, which stimulatestimulates new shoothoot growth, that hat will, in turn produce flowers.
Tree ferns need some assistance. They either come in potted form or as a trunk, in which case they’ll need staking until roots have formed. Water frequently to start with, at the top of the plant where fronds form. In colder parts, protect from winter cold by placing straw into the crown, tying up the fronds and wrapping layers of fleece around the trunk.
Garden space is valuable and winter-flowering crocus, cyclamen and snowdrops are a great way to introduce early colour in unused areas, such as grass and under deciduous
trees. Cyclamen coum flowers in January and February and is ideal for establishing under deciduous trees.
Hardy exotics are a great addition to any garden. Hailing from Vietnam mountainsides, many new varieties of schefflera survive down to -9C (16F) once established and their decorative, evergreen leaves form in whirls. Hedychiums flower late in the season, and choice forms include beautifully scented H. gardnerianum and ‘Devon Cream’. With a good mulch, they should return the following year.