Gardening: Attend to the rights of spring

Published on 07/04/2012 12:42

DESPITE this week’s brief flurry of snow blasting away memories of the recent heatwave, for gardeners this is still the start of spring and so the perfect time to start getting everything ready for the summer.

And while it’s impossible to predict just what the weather will bring, planting a bold, distinctive mix of brightly coloured plants now is the best way to make sure you bring a new lease of life to your garden, and set the scene for a long summer of outdoor living.

Luke Chamberlain, plant manager of Dobbies Garden World, Edinburgh, has some advice to help make the most of spring.

“Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour this spring. Planting bold colour combinations can create a stunning display.

“And mix perennials, shrubs and climbers to ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful garden, year after year.”

Of course, it’s not just about the plants. If you want to make the most of your garden, you need to make sure you have a place to sit, relax and just enjoy it all. And despite the temptation to put it off, getting the work done now on your patio area means when the sunshine returns you will be able to enjoy it to the full.

Luke adds: “Spring is also the ideal time of year to create or spruce up an existing alfresco living area.

“Coupling wooden garden furniture with funky accessories will keep things fresh and bright. Or use oversized patio pots, olive trees, citrus plants and a stylish chiminea to re-create an effortlessly warm Mediterranean style.”

Dobbies in-store experts are always on-hand to advise you on how to achieve your ideal garden. Garden Grow-How talks take place every Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 2pm and will cover a wide range of gardening topics. Upcoming themes this month include “The Veggie Patch” and “Ledge Veg”. Each chat will be followed by a Gardener’s Question Time, where customers can ask Dobbies’ gardening gurus about any gardening conundrums.

For further information visit www.dobbies.com