Colin Evans

Hot footing it back from the Chelsea Flower Show I'm full of enthusiasm about adding extra trees to my garden.

There is something about horticultural shows that fire the creative side of us gardeners. This is because most exhibits and show gardens cover a very small area.

When we look at our own plots it's obvious they could do with more trees and shrubs.

However, beware, show gardens last about a week where our gardens will support new plants for many years to come.

Verbascum

Don't get carried away and over plant. You'll only regret it when five years from now a chain saw is needed to rid the garden of the offending culprits.

The best bet is to use the ideas sparingly because the chances are you'll get it right the first time.

With a little tweaking based on what you have seen at The Chelsea Flower Show, your garden will look even better.

Verbascum, (Pink Petticoats Sweden) has become a firm favourite with herbaceous growers.

This wonderful border plant gives great impact to any border scheme, especially when planted to the rear.

Perennials

This tall growing perennial adds contrast to other tall ones such as Foxglove and Delphinium. It can be grown from seed or purchased as plants from local suppliers.

Planted into well drained soil, once the frost has passed will always be a welcome addition to large borders.

Bedding plants and hanging baskets residing under cover can now be moved outside. The baskets should be hung in a sheltered spot and bedding plants can be planted into the open ground.

Give them some liquid feed to help them grow.

Moths

Moths will be looking for places to lay their eggs. If you have apple and pear trees then pheromone traps hung in the trees, lure the male moths and will help reduce infestations.

A Moth

When the males can't get to the females then the eggs don't fertilise.

Give Rhododendrons and Azalea's with an ericaceous feed. This will help keep the plants healthy.

If you have slightly alkaline soil then regular applications of feed will help make it more neutral.

Happy gardening.