Gardeners World 2024 Episode 25

Gardeners World 2024 Episode 25: In this latest episode of Gardeners’ World, Monty Don takes viewers through the essential steps of preparing the garden for the year ahead, offering valuable advice for both experienced and novice gardeners. As he looks forward to spring 2024, Monty begins by planting camassias and cyclamen, both of which promise to bring a vibrant spring display to his garden.

These perennials, known for their striking blooms, are carefully chosen for their ability to thrive in Monty’s garden, providing a beautiful contrast of colors when they flower next spring. In addition to preparing for the upcoming season, Monty turns his attention to his cut flower beds, sowing hardy annuals. These versatile flowers not only add splashes of color but also make excellent choices for floral arrangements.

Meanwhile, in the vegetable garden, Monty gets to work planting out strawberries. Strawberries are a rewarding crop for any gardener, and Monty shares his tips on ensuring a bountiful harvest, from selecting the right varieties to preparing the soil. As always, Monty emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and caring for each plant to ensure they thrive throughout the growing season.

The episode then shifts to Hillingdon, where Joe Swift meets a couple with a remarkable gardening story. After purchasing their new home, they discovered, to their surprise, a walled garden hidden within the grounds. What began as an unexpected find turned into a 25-year labor of love as they worked to restore the garden to its former glory. Joe explores the challenges and rewards of renovating such a space, from uncovering the garden’s history to reimagining it for modern times. The couple’s passion for gardening is evident as they share their journey of transforming the once-forgotten area into a beautiful, thriving garden.

Further exploring the diverse world of gardening, Sue Kent visits a garden in Herefordshire where blooms are carefully cultivated not only for their beauty but also for their potential as dried flowers. These flowers are grown specifically to be preserved and used in creative displays, offering a unique take on garden design. Sue meets with the gardener behind these artistic arrangements, discussing the techniques involved in drying flowers and how this timeless craft can bring the beauty of the garden indoors, even in the colder months. The garden itself is a testament to careful planning and creativity, with plants selected for their ability to retain their color and structure when dried.

Gardeners World 2024 Episode 25

The episode takes viewers on a journey to the heart of urban gardening, as Leyla Kazim, a food critic and passionate gardener, opens the gates to her cleverly designed compact urban garden. Despite its small size, her garden is brimming with an impressive variety of edible plants. Leyla demonstrates how thoughtful design and careful planning can make even the smallest of spaces productive. From raised beds to vertical gardening techniques, she maximizes every inch of her urban plot, growing everything from herbs to vegetables, and even some fruits. Leyla’s innovative approach to urban gardening is an inspiration for city dwellers looking to cultivate their own green spaces, no matter how limited.

Finally, in Derbyshire, the show visits a gardener who has drawn inspiration from the stunning natural landscape surrounding his home. Over the years, he has worked to create a family garden that blends seamlessly with the environment. Using native plants and materials, the garden is not only a beautiful extension of the surrounding countryside but also a haven for local wildlife. The gardener shares his philosophy of working with, rather than against, nature to create a space that feels both natural and personal. His efforts have resulted in a garden that is not only a joy for his family but also a reflection of the landscape that inspired it.

Throughout the episode, the theme of thoughtful planning and creative use of space weaves through each segment. Whether it’s Monty’s preparations for next spring, the restoration of a hidden garden, or the creation of an urban oasis, Gardeners’ World 2024, Episode 25 offers viewers a wealth of ideas and inspiration to carry into their own gardening projects. From city balconies to country estates, the episode highlights the diversity of gardens and the unique ways in which people connect with nature. As always, the show emphasizes the importance of planning, creativity, and a deep love for the land.

By the end of the episode, viewers are left with not only practical tips and techniques but also a renewed sense of inspiration. Whether planting for the future or uncovering the past, the gardens featured in this episode remind us of the endless possibilities that await in our own green spaces.

How to Grow Lathyrus (Sweet Peas and Perennial Peas)

Discover the joy of cultivating Lathyrus in your garden. Whether you’re raising the sweetly scented annual sweet peas or nurturing the robust perennial peas, this comprehensive guide will help you get started. Lathyrus plants are renowned for their vibrant colors and, in many cases, delightful fragrance, making them a favorite among gardeners.

Choosing Between Sweet Peas and Perennial Peas

When selecting Lathyrus varieties, consider factors such as fragrance, lifespan, color, and growth habit. Your decision will largely depend on whether you prioritize a fragrant garden and whether you prefer annuals that bloom profusely for a single season or perennials that return year after year.

Fragrance

If a fragrant garden is your goal, annual sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are the ideal choice. These plants are highly scented, filling the air with their sweet aroma and providing blooms perfect for indoor arrangements. While most perennial Lathyrus varieties are unscented, Lord Anson’s blue pea (Lathyrus nervosus) is a notable exception, offering both beauty and a pleasant scent.

Lifespan of the Plant

Annual sweet peas complete their life cycle in one year, dying after setting seed. However, they are exceptionally easy to grow from seed, allowing you to enjoy their blossoms every season. Perennial species like Lathyrus latifolius return each year, offering long-term beauty in your garden. Keep in mind that perennials generally lack fragrance and offer fewer varieties compared to annuals.

Color Variety

Annual sweet peas provide the widest selection of flower colors, including stunning bicolored forms that can add a vibrant touch to your garden. While perennial types have fewer color options, they include unique shades like yellow and orange, which are less common in annual varieties.

Growth Habit

Most Lathyrus plants are climbers, making them excellent for adding vertical interest to your garden. They require support from canes, netting, or nearby shrubs to climb effectively. Alternatively, clump-forming varieties like the spring-flowering Lathyrus vernus and dwarf bushy sweet peas such as ‘Snoopea’ and ‘Bijou Mixed’ have a more compact growth habit. These are ideal for ground cover and container planting, as they do not require support.

Purchasing Sweet Peas and Perennial Peas

A vast selection of sweet pea seeds is available from online seed suppliers, offering numerous options to suit your garden’s aesthetic. Garden centers also carry seed packets for convenience. In spring, some nurseries offer pots of germinated sweet pea seedlings, which can be separated and grown in pots before transplanting outdoors. For perennial Lathyrus, seeds are available from specialized suppliers, but many gardeners prefer purchasing established plants for immediate impact. Tools like the RHS Find a Plant can help you locate specific varieties.

When to Plant Sweet Peas and Perennial Peas

• Annual Sweet Peas: Sow seeds in October-November for overwintering or from late January to April for spring planting. Transplant seedlings outdoors in April after the last frost.
• Perennial Lathyrus: Plant in spring or autumn, giving the plants time to establish before extreme temperatures.

Where to Plant Sweet Peas and Perennial Peas

Select a sunny spot in your garden with enough space for the plants to climb or spread, depending on their growth habit. While full sun is ideal, a location with light dappled shade is also suitable, especially for varieties like Lathyrus grandiflorus.

How to Plant Sweet Peas and Perennial Peas

1. Harden Off Seedlings: Gradually acclimate indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions over 10-14 days to prevent cold shock.
2. Prepare the Soil: At least four weeks before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter like well-rotted manure or garden compost to improve fertility and structure.
3. Fertilize: Apply a general-purpose fertilizer such as Growmore, Vitax Q4, or blood, fish, and bone according to package instructions.
4. Watering: Thoroughly water your plants before planting to ensure the roots are well-hydrated.
5. Planting: Carefully remove seedlings from their pots without damaging the stems. Space plants 20-30 cm (8 inches to 1 foot) apart.
6. Support for Climbers: For climbing varieties, plant them 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) away from their support structures. If using a wigwam of canes, position two plants at the base of each cane.
7. Post-Planting Care: Water the plants immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Ongoing Care

• Supporting Growth: Tie new shoots of climbing plants to their supports using garden twine or sweet pea rings. While tendrils will naturally grip, regular tying prevents damage and encourages upward growth.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist. Check ground-planted sweet peas every 3-4 days during dry weather and potted plants daily. Water deeply to reach the entire root system.
• Feeding: On light or less fertile soils, feed your plants with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer, like tomato feed, once or twice a week to promote flowering.
• Deadheading and Harvesting: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. For annual sweet peas, preventing seedpod formation is crucial, as the development of seeds signals the plant to stop producing flowers.
• Additional Tips: Consult resources like the National Sweet Pea Society for expert advice and additional tips on cultivating sweet peas successfully.

Pruning and Training

• Pinching Out: To encourage bushier growth in garden sweet peas, pinch out the shoot tips of young spring-sown plants when they reach 7.5-10 cm (3-4 inches). This stimulates side branching and leads to a fuller plant. Autumn-sown seedlings often branch naturally and may not require pinching.
• Cordon Training: For larger blooms, suitable for exhibition or impressive floral displays, train your sweet peas as cordons. Select the strongest shoot and remove all tendrils and side shoots as they develop. This method focuses the plant’s energy on producing larger flowers. Tie the main stem to a tall stake or bamboo cane using soft garden twine or sweet pea rings, securing it in a figure-eight pattern to prevent damage.
• Height Potential: Cordoned sweet peas can exceed the usual height of 2 meters (6.5 feet), creating a striking vertical feature in your garden.

Cutting Back

• Perennial Lathyrus: Cut back perennial varieties to ground level in autumn. Alternatively, leave the dead stems until late winter (February) to provide habitat for wildlife during colder months.
• Annual Sweet Peas: Once flowering has finished at the end of summer, remove annual sweet peas from the garden. Compost the plants to recycle nutrients. In hot, dry seasons, flowering may cease earlier, prompting an earlier removal.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully cultivate both sweet-scented annual sweet peas and resilient perennial peas, enhancing your garden with their beauty and charm. Whether you prefer the vibrant colors and fragrances of annuals or the enduring presence of perennials, Lathyrus plants are a delightful addition to any garden.

Camassia (Common Name: Quamash)

Camassias are striking perennial plants celebrated for their tall spires adorned with vivid star-shaped flowers. Typically showcasing shades of deep blue or violet, these blossoms make a brilliant and bold display in any garden setting. Not only are they visually captivating, but camassias are also tough, long-lived, and virtually trouble-free, making them an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet impactful plants.

Their robust nature allows them to thrive in a variety of environments. Camassias are perfect for permanent plantings in borders, where their height adds structure and depth, and by ponds, where their love for moist soil can be fully appreciated. They are equally impressive when naturalized in light shade or wildflower meadows, creating a serene and effortless look as they multiply over the years. Moreover, their tall, elegant flower spikes make them excellent candidates for cut flowers, bringing a touch of the garden’s beauty indoors.

Appearance

Camassias produce upright spires that can reach over 1 meter (approximately 3⅓ feet) in height, making them stand out in any planting scheme. From late spring to early summer, these spires are adorned with numerous star-shaped flowers arranged in a loose raceme. While the most common hues are vivid blue and violet-blue, some varieties offer blossoms in white or pink, providing options to suit different garden color palettes.

Beneath the impressive flower spikes lies a rosette of long, narrow, rich-green leaves. These leaves form a lush base that adds texture and interest even when the plant is not in bloom. The combination of towering flower spikes and dense foliage makes camassias a focal point in any garden design.

Preferred Growing Conditions

Camassias thrive best in moist but well-drained soil, making them ideal for gardens with naturally damp areas or those near water features like ponds and streams. They prefer full sun to light shade, ensuring they receive ample light to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. While they enjoy moist conditions, it’s crucial to avoid waterlogged soils, as excessive moisture can lead to bulb rot.

Left undisturbed, camassias will naturalize gracefully, increasing in numbers over the years through bulb offsets and self-seeding. This natural proliferation makes them an excellent choice for gardeners looking to fill large spaces or create a meadow-like effect with minimal effort.

In regions with particularly cold winters, applying a thick layer of mulch in autumn is advisable. Mulching with materials such as straw, leaf mold, or compost provides insulation, protecting the bulbs from severe frost and temperature fluctuations. This simple step ensures the plants emerge healthy and vigorous when spring arrives.

Care and Maintenance

Camassias are relatively low-maintenance once established, but a few care practices will keep them thriving:

• Soil Drainage: Ensure the planting site has good drainage. If your garden soil is heavy clay or prone to waterlogging, consider amending it with organic matter or planting in raised beds.
• Sunlight: While camassias tolerate light shade, planting them in full sun maximizes flower production and overall vigor. Deep shade should be avoided, as it can inhibit growth and reduce flowering.
• Container Growing: These plants are not ideally suited for long-term container cultivation. They resent being disturbed, so if planted in pots, plan to transfer them to the ground within a year or two to prevent stress and ensure continued health.
• Foliage Care: Allow the foliage to die back naturally. The leaves photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for the next year’s growth. Cutting them back prematurely can weaken the plant and diminish flowering in the following season.

Pests and Diseases

Camassias are generally resistant to most pests and diseases, a quality that adds to their appeal for low-maintenance gardening. However, young shoots may occasionally attract slugs and snails. Regular monitoring and, if necessary, environmentally friendly control methods can prevent significant damage.

Propagation

Propagation is straightforward and can be done through seed or by dividing bulb offsets:

• Seed Propagation: Collect seeds after the flowering period when the seed pods have matured. Sow them in pots or seed trays filled with a well-draining compost mix. Keep them in a cold frame over winter. Germination may be slow, and it can take several years for seedlings to reach flowering size.
• Bulb Division: The easiest and quickest method. After the foliage has died back, carefully lift the bulbs and separate the smaller offsets from the parent bulb. Replant them at the appropriate depth (about 10 cm or 4 inches deep) and space them to allow for growth.

Companion Planting

Camassias combine beautifully with other moisture-loving plants. Consider pairing them with:

• Hostas: Their broad leaves contrast nicely with the slender foliage of camassias.
• Ferns: Adding a woodland feel and complementing the vertical spikes with feathery textures.
• Astilbes: Offering plumes of flowers that bloom around the same time, enhancing the visual interest.
• Grasses: In meadow settings, grasses provide a naturalistic backdrop that highlights the camassias’ vibrant colors.

They also work well with other spring bulbs like alliums and late-flowering tulips, creating a succession of blooms that extend the garden’s display season.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Camassias hold a significant place in the history and culture of Native American tribes, particularly among the peoples of the Pacific Northwest. The plant’s bulbs were a vital food source, rich in carbohydrates. They were traditionally harvested in the wild and prepared in various ways:

• Roasting: Bulbs were cooked in earth ovens, a method that involved slow-cooking them over several days. This process caramelized the bulbs, enhancing their sweetness.
• Boiling: The bulbs could be boiled down to create a molasses-like syrup, used as a natural sweetener.
• Trading Commodity: Due to their nutritional value, camassia bulbs were also traded among tribes, serving as an important economic resource.

The harvesting and preparation of camassia bulbs were deeply embedded in the cultural practices and seasonal rituals of these communities, reflecting a profound connection to the land and its resources.

Etymology and Classification

The genus name Camassia is derived from the Nez Perce word qém’es, meaning “sweet,” a nod to the bulb’s taste. The common name “quamash” also originates from Native American languages. Camassias belong to the family Asparagaceae, which includes other well-known plants like asparagus and agave.

Conservation and Environmental Impact

While camassias are not currently endangered, their natural habitats have been affected by urban development and changes in land use. By planting camassias in gardens and public spaces, gardeners contribute to the conservation of this native species. Additionally, camassias are beneficial for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and other insects, thus supporting local ecosystems.

Camassias are a remarkable addition to any garden, combining aesthetic beauty with ease of care. Their tall, vibrant flower spikes bring a dramatic flair from late spring into early summer, while their lush foliage adds texture and interest throughout the growing season. Whether planted in borders, near water features, or naturalized in meadows, camassias offer versatility and enduring charm.

By incorporating camassias into your garden, you not only enhance its visual appeal but also participate in the preservation of a plant with rich historical significance and ecological value. With minimal maintenance, these resilient plants will reward you with a spectacular display year after year, embodying the perfect blend of beauty and sustainability.

Conclusion Gardeners World 2024 Episode 25

Gardeners’ World 2024 Episode 25 serves as a vibrant tapestry of horticultural inspiration, weaving together stories of meticulous preparation, creative innovation, and deep-rooted passion for the natural world. Monty Don sets the stage by emphasizing the importance of planning ahead, showcasing how planting camassias and cyclamen now can lead to a breathtaking spring display. His hands-on advice in sowing hardy annuals and cultivating strawberries offers both novice and seasoned gardeners practical steps to ensure a bountiful and colorful garden in the coming seasons.

The episode transcends beyond mere gardening tips by delving into remarkable personal journeys. The couple in Hillingdon, who transformed a hidden walled garden into a restored paradise over 25 years, embody dedication and the transformative power of nature. Their story is a testament to how forgotten spaces can be revitalized through vision and perseverance, turning history into a living, breathing sanctuary.

Sue Kent’s exploration of a Herefordshire garden specializing in blooms for drying introduces viewers to the artistry within horticulture. By focusing on plants that retain their beauty when dried, the garden bridges the gap between outdoor splendor and indoor aesthetics, allowing the essence of the garden to be enjoyed year-round. This segment highlights how traditional practices can be adapted to modern design, enriching our living spaces in innovative ways.

Leyla Kazim’s compact urban garden is a masterclass in maximizing space without compromising on variety or productivity. Her clever use of design principles demonstrates that even the smallest plots can become abundant sources of fresh produce. Leyla’s approach provides a blueprint for urban dwellers to reconnect with nature, fostering sustainability and self-sufficiency in densely populated environments.

In Derbyshire, the gardener who harmonizes his garden with the surrounding landscape offers a profound lesson in ecological mindfulness. By utilizing native plants and materials, he creates a seamless extension of the natural environment, promoting biodiversity and providing a haven for wildlife. His philosophy of working with nature rather than against it underscores the role of gardeners as stewards of the earth.

The detailed guides on growing Lathyrus and Camassia further enrich the episode, equipping viewers with knowledge to cultivate these stunning plants successfully. These sections combine practical advice with cultural and historical context, deepening our appreciation for the plants we nurture.

Collectively, the episode celebrates the myriad ways in which gardens enrich our lives—be it through aesthetic beauty, personal fulfillment, environmental stewardship, or historical preservation. It inspires us to view our gardens not just as individual projects but as integral parts of a larger ecological and cultural tapestry. As we carry these stories and lessons into our own gardening endeavors, we are reminded that every garden, regardless of size or location, holds the potential to be a place of growth, discovery, and profound connection with nature.

F.A.Q. Gardeners World 2024 Episode 25