Gardeners’ World 2022 episode 14: The team head to Birmingham for one of the highlights of the horticultural calendar – the annual Gardeners’ World Live event. Monty Don, Arit Anderson, Nick Bailey, Adam Frost, and Rachel de Thame bring a wealth of inspiration to garden enthusiasts, showcasing the best design tips from the exquisite show gardens. Their insights delve into innovative landscaping ideas, creative plant arrangements, and practical solutions that transform any outdoor space into a verdant paradise. Each presenter, with their unique style and expertise, contributes to a comprehensive guide on garden design that is both accessible and inspirational.
At the heart of the event is the floral marquee, a haven for plant lovers. Here, visitors can explore an astounding variety of plants, from vibrant annuals to perennial favorites. The marquee is a treasure trove of botanical wonders, offering something for every gardener, whether you are a seasoned horticulturist or a passionate beginner. The presenters guide viewers through this floral wonderland, highlighting standout specimens and providing valuable tips on plant care and selection.
One of the highlights of the show is catching up with Frances Tophill. This year, Frances has taken on the exciting challenge of designing and creating her very first show garden. Her journey, filled with creativity and determination, offers a fascinating glimpse into the process of bringing a garden from concept to reality. Frances shares her experiences, triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way, making her story both relatable and inspiring for aspiring garden designers.
Additionally, the show features interactions with expert growers who have dedicated their lives to cultivating specific plant varieties. These passionate horticulturists share their knowledge and enthusiasm for penstemons and hydrangeas, two plants that are beloved for their beauty and versatility. Their insights into breeding, growing, and caring for these plants provide valuable information that viewers can apply to their own gardens.
Overall, the show is a rich tapestry of gardening wisdom, blending design inspiration, practical advice, and personal stories. It celebrates the joys of gardening and encourages viewers to explore new ideas, try different plants, and create their own garden masterpieces. With expert guidance from Monty Don, Arit Anderson, Nick Bailey, Adam Frost, and Rachel de Thame, alongside the enthusiastic contributions of Frances Tophill and dedicated growers, this program is a must-watch for anyone passionate about gardening.
Gardeners’ World 2022 episode 14
Hydrangea
Shrubby hydrangeas brighten borders in mid to late summer with their showy, but delicate, long-lasting flowers in shades of pink, white or blue. Many have attractive autumn colour and leaf shape. Climbing hydrangeas flower in summer and are well suited for covering north and east-facing walls. Most popular is the fully hardy Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris. Evergreen Hydrangea seemannii and Hydrangea serratifolia need shelter as they are prone to cold damage.
Shrubby hydrangeas are well suited to borders adding structure and colour from mid-summer onwards. More compact cultivars can be grown in containers. The flowers fade to shades of pink and can last well into the winter months. They form round or conical tightly packed flower heads or flatter flowers with a ring of large flowers surrounding tiny inner one.
Small- to medium-size shrubs, with dome, upright or vase-shapes and handsome, toothed leaves. Mophead types (Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea arborescence) have round, tightly-packed flowerheads. Others (Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea quercifolia) have a conical shape. Lacecap hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea serrata and Hydrangea aspera) have flatter blooms with a ring of large petals surrounding tiny inner flowers.
Hydrangeas like moister soils that are not prone to waterlogging. Improving the soil and mulch with organic matter, such as garden compost or a manure-based soil conditioner, will help to keep soil moist. Plant hydrangeas in sun or light shade in a spot sheltered from cold winds.
Growing hydrangeas in very dry soil and full sun can lead to leaf scorch and poor flowering. The new spring growth is prone to frost damage, so plant away from frost pockets and scorching wind.
Penstemons
Penstemons are reliable summer-flowering perennials in all but the coldest regions. With semi-evergreen foliage in winter and a flowering season from summer into autumn, they bring welcome colour to the garden.
These upright, bushy plants, with narrow pointed leaves, produce spires of thimble-like flowers, sometimes flaring at the tip. Colours include white, pink, red, blue and purple; some flowers combining two colours known as bi-colours. Penstemons grow in most soils that drain freely, flowering prolifically in fertile soils. They need full sun. In cold areas, they appreciate the protection of growing near a sunny, warm wall.
March to mid May is an ideal time to plant; the soil will be warming up in spring, the roots will quickly settle in, and the plants start putting on growth. If you miss this time, don’t worry, you can plant container-grown plants anytime from March to October, as long as the soil is not too dry or you water to keep it moist.
