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July 2011 - Agapanthus
Commonly known as the African lily. The name agapanthus is derived from the two greek words: ‘agape’ meaning love & ‘anthos’ meaning flower.
Agapanthus are striking herbaceous perennials with showy flowers in shades of blue, purple, white and pink, which last for weeks.
Agapanthus thrive in any well drained, sunny position in the garden. They are fantastic container plants which suit a whole variety of styles.
Protect with bark or a few layers of fleece in winter or move to a dry, frost free place in autumn.
August 2011 - Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemone or windflowers are great for long-lasting colour in late summer/autumn border. The flowers come in a range of whites, creams and pinks as singles, semi and fully doubles.
These herbaceous perennials will grow happily in both full sun or partial shade in well-drained, light soil. They do like moisture though, which is why often pop up between paving where their roots have a cool run. They are fully hardy and flower between August and October, until the first frost. Depending in the type, they can grow to 120cm, but the upright stems won’t need staking.
Planted in big clumps, they’ll make a wonderful display, especially when used with other herbaceous perennials such as asters and sedums. Once established they’ll steadily fill any gaps in the border - they spread by underground roots. Plants can be divided between October and April, when they’re dormant. Protect them from the worst of the winter weather with a thick covering of mulch.
Good companion plants include: Aconitum (monkshood), Asters, Buddlejas, Fuchsias, Hibiscus, Hydrangeas, Rudbeckias.
September 2011 - Daffodil
The sight of daffodils swaying in the spring breeze lifts the spirits with the promise of new beginnings. However, for the best effect, the bulbs need to be planted early in autumn, preferably in a warm, sunny, well-drained site.
Daffodil is the common English name for Narcissus. It is thought that the name derived from the Greek word ‘narcoa’ meaning to grow numb, is a reference to the plant’s narcotic properties.
Mostly yellow or white, daffodils can be used effectively in borders, grassland and containers. In borders, plant in groups of six at a depth three times the height of the bulb and at least the width of two bulbs apart. For a natural look in grassland, choose smaller bulbs and scatter them randomly, planting where they fall. In containers, they are best planted along side bulb that flower at different time in order to give a  succession of colour throughout the season for maximum effect and value.
Feed with growmore, then with a high potash feed after flowering, and avoid drying out once the flowers are over, as this is the time is the time when next season bulbs form. Allow foliage to die down naturally, rather than cut or tie up, to allow nutrients to build up in the bulb for the following year.
October 2011 - Conifers
Evergreen trees large and small.
Conifers come in a vast range of colours and many change shade through the year. Careful choice can give you a splash of colour in Autumn and Winter.
Because they are evergreen often with strong shape, conifers are perfect for bringing shape, height and form to your garden. There are a number of options:
Columnar - tall and narrow, cylindrical:
These are great used in a shrub border to give extra height, at the end of a vista or as a feature set in the lawn.
Pyramidal - pyramid shape, narrow at the top, wide at the bottom:
These can make a stunning feature in the middle of a large lawn, or they can be used to hide unsightly features.
Globose - spherical, bun shaped:
These conifers look amazing as punctuation points at the apex of a border, on either side of entrances, or giving strong shape in a border of daintier perennials.
Dwarfs - tiny conifers which reach a height of three feet at most:
These are brilliant in containers and rockeries and provide year-round interest.
Interesting colour:
Apart from the whole palette of different blues, greens, golds, greys and bronzes which conifers include, there are some which change colour as the year goes on.
December 2011 - Cornus
 Cornus, collectively known as dogwoods are a great value shrub offering colourful interest all year round. In autumn the leaves take on fiery tones, but after they have fallen the vibrant  bare stems are the scene stealers.
 Cornus are hardy, reliable and very low maintenance. They can be planted in full sun or partial shade in any moderately fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Dig in plenty of organic matter at the planting time and in winter apply a good garden mulch around the base of the plant. A dark material such as shredded bark or well rotted garden compost really highlight the stems in the winter garden. Prune old stems in March each year to ensure bright new stems for the following winter.
Seasonal Plants Hedging Roses
January 2012 - Primula
Primulas are one of the first flowers of the year. Their common name, primrose, derives from prima rosa meaning first flower. Fully hardy, they are hugely popular autumn bedding and container plant. Some flowering primulas are known as polyanthus - they are thought to be a natural hybrid between the cowslip and the common primrose.
Ideal for filling damp, shady spots, primula are stunning in large groups in bog and woodland gardens. While the wild primrose will cope with ‘non intervention gardening’ in meadow planting, most cultivated types need lifting and dividing every two years. Primulas grow well in partial shade in neutral to slight acidic, moist but well-drained soil (with lots of organic matter added).
February 2012 - Camellia
Camellias are one of the best plants for brightening up the winter garden. The range of colours is vast, from light pinks to dark reds and stunning whites, with single, double and other flower forms available such as peony and anemone. Depending on the variety, you can enjoy flowers from November through to April.
An evergreen with handsome. Glossy green leaves, camellias are woodland natives and so prefer a sheltered, shady position, ideally in spot that avoids direct morning sun. You can grow them in more exposed position but you must keep them well watered.
Camellia are happiest in free-draining, acid soil (ericaceous). Mulch in winter with a deep layer of leaf mould or rotted bark.
Plant of the Month
March 2012 - Vinca
The creeping,arching stem of Vinca minor, the lesser periwinkle, grow quickly to form an attractive carpet of bright green, evergreen foliage. The addition of showy flowers from April through to September, makes this a very useful and attractive groundcover plant for small beds and borders. It also works well in winter hanging baskets and patio containers, or planted under shrubs and roses where it will cover bare soil, helping suppress weeds.
Fully hardy and happy in most soil types (except bone dry or permanently soggy). Most usefully, it is good at colonising the shady area under trees, where it can even be grown as a substitute for grass.
Vinca major, the greater periwinkle, is a close relative. It is more vigorous than V.mnor, with is a faster growth rate and larger flowers and leaves. Like its smaller cousin V.major can be grown in a wide range of soils and planted alongside shrubs and trees, where strong robust groundcover is required.