There are so many plants to choose from at this time of year it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, here is a handy list of our top plant picks for April:
1. Magnolia
Far more inspiring than the paint of the same name, Magnolia has many varieties to choose from. The most popular are Magnolia stellata ‘Susan’, ‘Heaven Scent’ and ‘Yellow River’.
2. Cercis canadensis ‘Avondale’
Deciduous shrubs or small trees with heart-shaped leaves and clusters of bright pink flowers. The ‘Avondale’ produces many clusters pinky/purple flowers during April before the leaves appear.
3. Camellia japonica
Evergreen shrubs, perfect for brightening up wall borders and courtyard gardens <find out more>
4. Rhododendrons
From the Ancient Greek “Rose Tree”, there are over 11024 species of Rhododendron! The sweet, nectar type smelling flowers evokes images of tropical islands and tiny Hummingbirds!
5. Syringa vulgaris (Lilac)
Originally native to the Balkans, Lilac is now a widely cultivated ornamental shrub. Perfect for attracting pollinators such as butterflies to your garden.
Spring is finally with us and the daffodils and blossom trees are starting to flower. It is a lovely time of the year to start spending more time out in the garden. To keep your garden looking its best throughout the growing season it is a good idea to start as you mean to go on by keeping on top of the jobs as they crop up.
Top 10 jobs this month:
- It’s the perfect time to plant. Why not visit for inspiration on what to plant to plug those gaps!
- Protect fruit blossom from late frosts
- Tie in climbing and rambling roses
- Help to improve and feed your soil with a good mulch. Keep weeds under control (the mulch will help and we stock fine composted bark for just that job)
- Trim formal hedging such as box
- Increase the water given to permanent planting in pots. Turn irrigation systems back on after winter.
- Feed hungry shrubs and roses
- Sow new lawns or repair bare patches
- Prune fig trees
- Divide bamboos and waterlilies