Planting: What, why and where?

19th February 2024

Home » Planting: What, why and where?

As we approach March, the sunny days are a calling to you to get out in to the garden. They bring the promise of spring and a glimpse of warmer days to come. Using this time of year to get plants in the ground is invaluable. It is the perfect time to be planting, allowing the plants to start establishing long before the hot and dry days of summer.

Plants planted now require less watering in the summer compared to if they were planted in three or four months time, allowing you more time to enjoy your outdoor space.

When making new planting decisions, it is important to choose a plant suitable for the area. Ask yourself, is it:

  • Sunny or shady?
  • Wet or dry?
  • Sheltered or exposed?

Generally, plants are quite resilient things and want to survive wherever you put them, but considering these things first, will make the difference between just clinging on to life, and thriving.

The other benefit of planting now, before spring hits, is that you will get to enjoy the full display of spring blossom at home. Planting spring flowering shrubs and trees now will fill your garden with flower in the coming spring months. If you have space for a tree, flowering cherries and crab apples and the very heralds of spring, thriving in well drained conditions in a nice open, sunny spot.

Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’ (Cherry)
Malus ‘Royalty’ (Crab apple)

Magnolias are another classic of the spring garden, ranging from mid-sized shrubs at only a couple of metres tall, to grand trees.

Magnolia x hybrid ‘Galaxy’

Why do we need trees?

Planting a tree in your garden has so many benefits that go beyond simply looking pretty. Trees reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and offer food and protection for wildlife.

For a smaller space, dwarf Cherries like Prunus ‘Kojo-no-mai’ and Camellias are will worth considering. Camellias are happy in full sun or partial shade, in a neutral to acidic soil. Insider tip here – don’t plant Camellias where they will receive early morning sunshine, it can cause the flowers to go brown!

Whatever size your garden, don’t miss this opportunity to plant, especially spring flowering shrubs. You won’t have to wait too long until you are really appreciating them.

Planting Service

Our team of experienced landscape gardeners will make sure your ground is prepared to the highest standard and your plants are positioned and staked correctly. They’ll leave you with full aftercare instructions and planting warranties. Our planting service is the best way to instantly transform your garden, from borders to specimen trees and rows of screening plants.

Contact us for more information

Tel: 0118 934 1757

E-mail: info@thebigplantnursery.com