Readers’ gardens
An urban oasis in Twickenham combining trees, shrubs and general planting with a variety of pondlife and wildlife.
The main jobs in the garden and allotment are watering and harvesting. Most plants will survive with a really good soaking once a week, rather than a little every day. I’ve moved the pots into the shade to help conserve moisture. However, I’m not complaining as it’s lovely to see the sunshine!
Some plants seem to have minds of their own! My white dierama ‘Guinevere’, which was planted as part of a red and white scheme and planted alongside the striking grass Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’, has decided to flower in bright pink!
During my day at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, purchases included garlic bulbs ‘Early Purple’ and ‘Provence White’ for autumn planting. It’s a real privilege to speak to the growers and get their expert advice. The show provides so much inspiration – colours, fragrance and new varieties. The show gardens are on a realistic scale and showcase what you can achieve in a small space.
My window boxes are looking good, with a simple red, white and blue theme. Red geraniums, white trailing geraniums and blue trailing lobelia. Other pots have cascading begonias which have yet to flower, although I’m sure they won’t be as amazing as those on display at Hampton.
On the allotment, ‘Little Gem’ lettuces are doing well, but snails have munched their way through my ‘Saladin’ crop. ‘Charlotte’ salad potatoes and climbing French beans ‘Cobra’ are all being dug up and harvested. They both make a great addition to a salad along with fresh mint and chives. Herbs are doing great in pots at the kitchen door. My favourites are basil, chives, mint, oregano, parsley and coriander.