COASTAL GARDENING

Tips from head gardener Chas Lowe:

1. Our light sandy soil is a mixed blessing – it drains quickly after rain or watering, and the nutrients are very quickly washed out. 2. On the positive side the soil is easily cultivated and warms up so much sooner than other soil types and is slightly acidic. 3. We always incorporate a good layer of moisture retentive organic matter in at least a 5cm layer on borders. We also add a good handful of slow release fertiliser and our own organic compost to all our new plants. 4. We try to plant according to the conditions and try to resist the temptation to be swayed by plants that will not necessarily thrive, but occasionally you just have to try and often the results are amazing. 5. Good plants for dry sandy soil that we have been successful with: TREES:

Acer negundo Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Katsura tree

Cercis canadensis, Forest Pansy Quercus Ilex, Holm oak SHRUBS

Abutilon vitifolium, Tennant’s White and Veronica Tennant Brachyglottis hectoris Phlomis chrysophylla Romneya coulteri PERENNIALS Agastache Catananche caerulea Iris foetidissima Liriope muscari Verbena bonariensis APRIL TIPS:

Keep on top of weeding – hoe out weeds regularly.

Protect fruit blossom from late frosts. Add an extra layer of good mulch to Erythroniums and Epimediums to show off their flowers. Remove moss from lawns.

Take cuttings from and divide Dahlias. Plant out Buxus.

Set out stakes for taller perennials.