Traditionally most of the world’s forced rhubarb was grown in West Yorkshire in forcing sheds in an area called the rhubarb triangle. It can however be successfully forced in our home gardens or allotments. Two to three year old crowns (roots) should be used. In December or January the crowns should be covered with a[…]
Forcing Rhubarb
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Fruit and veg gardening, Winter Dec 24, 2019
Plantaholic’s Choice – Top Dogwoods
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Ornamental gardening, Plantaholics choice, Shrubs, Winter Dec 11, 2019
Cornus or Dogwoods are very presentable in the spring and summer months. They have flowers around May and June and some have variegated leaves, but it is in the autumn and winter that these wonderful plants come in to their own. In autumn the foliage turns fiery colours and when the leaves fall to the[…]
Plantaholic’s Choice – Helleborus Niger Christmas Carol
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Ornamental gardening, Perennials, Plantaholics choice, Winter Nov 27, 2019
Many of us will be familiar with Helleborus Niger, the Christmas Rose. It’s English name however is a bit of a myth as it is rarely in flower before late winter in our gardens. Helleborus Niger Christmas Carol however can be in flower from Christmas through to mid spring. This evergreen, hardy perennial will provide[…]
Plant Profile – Jacobinia Pauciflora (Brazilian Fuchsia)
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Container gardening, Exotic Plants, Houseplants, Ornamental gardening, Plant Profiles, Shrubs, Winter Aug 07, 2019
This beautiful, exotic plant is sometimes also known as Justicia rizzinii or Justicia floribunda. Despite it’s common name it is not a Fuchsia at all but does originally hail from Brazil. It bears it’s scarlet and yellow tropical, pendulous blooms non stop throughout the winter and spring months when most other plants are at their[…]
Indoor plant gifts for Christmas 2018
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Christmas gifts, Houseplants, Winter Dec 03, 2018
Frosty nights and dark cloudy days mean that at this time of year even the most avid gardener likes to bring their hobby indoors. This makes houseplants the ideal gift for the gardeners amongst your friends and family. Below we have chosen just a few of our favourite indoor plant gifts from Waitrose Garden to[…]
Heavenly Hellebores – The Harvington Hybrids
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Ornamental gardening, Perennials, Winter Oct 31, 2018
Hellebores are my personal favourite of the winter flowering plants. From December through to the end of March their blooms provide welcome relief from the winter dullness before the spring bulbs begin to show their heads above the cold soil. The early bees use them as a precious source of nectar. Their charming flowers rival[…]
Special Offers – Autumn Garden Guide by Robert Dyas
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Autumn, Garden birds, General Gardening, Special offers, Winter Oct 11, 2018
Autumn is upon us and it’s time to prepare your garden for this season and next. As the temperature drops and the light fades, your outdoor space and the wildlife that inhabit it, need some extra TLC. Whilst the lawnmower can be stored away until the Spring, other items can emerge from their summer holiday.[…]
Plantaholics choice – perfect pansies winter/spring 2018/19
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Autumn, Container gardening, Gardening for beginners, Ornamental gardening, Plantaholics choice, Spring, Winter Sep 20, 2018
Pansies are a key ingredient of our autumn, winter and spring garden displays, whether it be in containers or borders. Their bright, happy blooms add colour at a time when few other plants are in flower. Below are a handful of varieties that I would recommend from the online catalogues for this season. Pansy[…]
Ideas for your winter/spring containers for 2018/19
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Container gardening, Gardening for beginners, Ornamental gardening, Spring, Winter Aug 28, 2018
The collections below have been put together by the expert eye of presenter and writer Sarah Raven, taking the guesswork out of putting together your own combinations for your winter/spring containers. The colours have been mixed as if by an artist and all the plants have been tested previously in Sarah’s garden at Perch[…]
Hellebores of impeccable pedigree
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure General Gardening, Ornamental gardening, Perennials, Winter Dec 24, 2017
There are various types of Hellebores. Here I want to talk about Helleborus x hybridus, better known as the Lenten rose. They grace us with their nodding blooms from late January through to March, when so many of our garden plants are in their winter slumber. They are a very hardy, tough perennial with evergreen[…]
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