In the Garden with Pat Duke

Things to do this Week

There is good news for gardeners even with the aquatic conditions. Once we’ve moved the resident ducks from the lawn we can be assured that water will be in plentiful supply. Indeed, even the water companies have been brave enough to suggest dusting off the hosepipe. 

Underground moisture will be at deeper levels which will encourage healthy and resilient root development meaning stronger, more stable and healthy plants. Not only that, we can keep them in the manner they ve been accustomed to by regular but sensible watering. 

As soon as things start to warm up through exposure to sunshine then nature will press the fast forward button and we’ll be oversubscribed with weeding tasks and tying in new growth. 

There’s never been a better time to drop in bought plants in order to contribute to the gardener's ultimate challenge of year round colour. Their roots will naturally seek out deeper pockets of moisture. 

Ranunculus ‘Pauline chocolate’ is a reliable tender perennial for the front of the border you can plant when the frosts have gone and then overwinter it indoors. They’re  like ruby red intense miniature roses. 

Dahlia tubers can be potted up now and kept away from frosts. When it warms up they can be planted outdoors and will generally look after themselves. Don’t be put off by thinking they’re only plants that your granny likes as there are some stunning varieties even she wouldn't recognise. ‘Verrones Obsidian’ has silky dark purple almost chocolate spindly petals around a deep ochre at the centre. Like all dahlias its leaves are edible and can be thrown into a salad to impress or shock depending on your guest. 

‘After Dusk’ is a water lily shaped chocolate dahlia that also looks like an anemone so search out any of these sophisticated flowers as they really are low maintenance colour for late summer and autumn. 

Rudbeckia ‘Herbststonne’,  Sedum ‘Autumn Joy and Aster varieties can go in once things start to warm up and are good options for perennial autumn colour. Im terrible for not planning a colour scheme but just buying something I like the look of and dropping it in a bed which is what I've done with these in the past.  

On the Plot

Once plants are in the ground after the tide has receded on the plot they will undoubtedly fly into growth. It’s easy to think you’re behind with everything, but keep planting indoors and nurturing seedlings so that when we are kissed by the sun things will catch up quickly and we'll be where we should be. 

Potting on is key at right now as seedlings might ordinarily go outside so their natural growth can be maintained in larger pots. Lift the seedlings out of their current home using a ‘dibber’ which can be anything from a biro, a lolly stick or something bought for the very purpose and lift by the leaf whilst it's supported underneath by the dibber. Make sure they are firmed in and watered in a larger pot and they'll grow in no time before ending up outside. 

I've made multiple plantings of cavalo nero recently as I love them as an edible leaf and in the flower beds. They attract pollinators to the beds and offer them a distraction to breed and be healthy. Any you want to eat yourself make sure they are scrupulously netted under lock and key as the butterflies seem to be experts at breaking and entering butterfly netting. 

So for now, the main message is don’t get stressed by the rain and thoughts of getting behind. Nature knows what she’s doing and things will catch up to where they usually are. If you have any disasters every garden centre sells seedlings at various stages of growth, but that’s the last resort however useful.