Gardening tips from the National Trust
Using paint is a fabulous way to transform your exteriors with colour. But no outdoor space is complete without plants and florals that display the beauty of nature.
You might want to fill a large garden with sprawling foliage and wildflowers. Or it could be that you have a sun-trapped balcony which is perfect for a herb garden.
We spoke to the National Trust’s Senior National Consultant on Gardens and Parklands, Pamela Smith, to discover their gardening tips. Read our Q&A with Pamela to find out how to create your own garden oasis…
What are your gardening tips for the summer?
“Good soil – full of worms and organic matter – retains water and nutrients. Use collected rainwater early morning or in the evening to help you focus your watering efforts on those plants that are more susceptible. The good news is that you can leave your lawn; no matter how brown it goes, an established lawn will green up again when the rains come.
Ideally, you should plant in spring or autumn, so for now, get a few tips (and cuttings) from other gardens, and start your wish list of plants. When you plant in the autumn, you can also plant spring flowering bulbs, but make a note or you will forget what you planted where!”
What are your top tips to get started with your garden?
“If you’re planning your new garden, take your time. Think about where you want to sit – is there a great place you can catch the morning sun for a cup of tea, or the evening sun for after work relaxation? You can then start connecting these spaces with views and paths. A stepping stone trail through a border, or a grass path that doubles as your lawn are a lot easier to create than hard paths – and simple to move if you change your mind.
Instead of a one-stop visit to the garden centre or nursery, create your garden recipe with a hierarchy of ingredients. If you have room for a shrubbery or hedge, then a mix of native species of dog rose, spindle, holly and hawthorn can provide year-round interest. For herbaceous plants, think about planting them in groups of three of five, as you get a much better effect.
Some plants self-sow to continue the display, such as spring blue forget-me-nots, tall bright purple Verbena bonariensis, poppies and daisies. With these, you just need to do a spot of light editing as they move around your garden. And don’t forget the other free plants that appear in your garden. The creeping Herb Robert is a favourite, and Feverfew pops up everywhere once you have it.”
Do you have any advice for gardening in smaller outside spaces, such as balconies or courtyards?
“Container gardening is great for patios and balconies, but choose plants that like the drier conditions, otherwise you will spend a lot of time watering. Herbs such as sage and rosemary prefer drier soils. Bulbs come with their own stored water source, so they can tolerate drier conditions too. Tropical-looking climbers like Canary Creeper and Spanish Flag can be sown in spring for an exotic display, and will last until the first frost.
Take time to sit and watch your garden grow, and enjoy the wildlife you share it with. I love collecting four or five things from my garden every few days throughout the year – a magpie’s feather, a pinecone, cut flower or dried seed head. They take pride of place in various bottles and cups on my kitchen windowsill.”
