Gardeners World episode 8 2017

Gardeners World episode 8 2017

In Gardeners World episode 8 2017, Carol Klein visits another of her gardening heroes, Penelope Hobhouse, and finds out about her lifetime of making grand gardens and how she has now created a low-maintenance haven for herself filled with foliage and colour in her small Somerset garden. Nestled in the picturesque Somerset countryside, Penelope’s garden brims with foliage and color, reflecting her lifetime of dedication to creating grand, awe-inspiring gardens. This episode dives into the fascinating world of gardening, showcasing the work of passionate individuals who have transformed their plots into breathtaking havens.


Carol Klein’s visit to Penelope’s low-maintenance sanctuary reveals the magic that unfolds when experience meets creativity. Drawing inspiration from her gardening heroes, Carol delves into the rich tapestry of garden design, highlighting the importance of balance, color, and structure in creating a captivating outdoor space.

Another passionate gardener, Gill Bagshawe, shares her unique approach to gardening in the Peak District. With a landscape adorned with raised beds, Gill’s garden overflows with a stunning variety of cut flowers. Her dedication to cultivating diverse blooms demonstrates the boundless potential of even the smallest plots. As the Gardeners World ep 8 2017 continues, the spotlight turns to Alan Power, an acclaimed horticulturist who celebrates the elegance and versatility of the Japanese maple. This remarkable tree earns the prestigious golden jubilee award for its enduring beauty and adaptability in various garden settings.



Gardeners World episode 8 2017

 

The Allure of Herbaceous Peonies

Herbaceous peonies are a gardener’s dream, offering lush, vibrant blooms and low-maintenance care. This blog post will delve into the world of these elegant flowers, discussing their history, how to plant and care for them, and the different varieties available to gardeners. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to grow your own stunning peonies. Herbaceous peonies provide invaluable colour to borders and cut flower material in late spring and early summer. Their large, often double flowers in whites, pinks and reds add an element of romance and glamour to any garden.

A Rich History

Herbaceous peonies have a long and fascinating history, dating back over 2,000 years. Originating in Asia, these plants have been cultivated for their beauty and medicinal properties. In ancient China, peonies were so highly revered that they became the national flower. As trade routes expanded, peonies made their way to Europe, where they quickly gained popularity in gardens and as cut flowers. Today, herbaceous peonies are a staple in gardens worldwide, enchanting gardeners with their irresistible charm.

Planting and Caring for Your Peonies

Growing herbaceous peonies is a rewarding endeavor. With proper care, these perennial plants can thrive in your garden for decades, providing you with stunning blooms each spring. Follow these tips to ensure your peonies flourish:

Soil and location: Choose a well-draining soil and a sunny spot in your garden. Peonies can tolerate some shade but will produce more blooms in full sun.

Planting: Plant peony roots in the fall, about 1-2 inches deep, with the “eyes” (growth buds) facing upward. Space the plants about 3-4 feet apart to give them room to grow.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, but avoid over-watering to prevent root rot.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and again in the fall to promote healthy growth.

Pruning: Prune dead or damaged stems in the fall, and remove faded blooms during the growing season to encourage more flowering.

Support: Use stakes or a peony cage to support heavy blooms and prevent them from drooping or breaking.

There is a multitude of herbaceous peony varieties, each with its unique charm. Here are three popular options to consider for your garden:

Paeonia lactiflora: Also known as the Chinese peony, this variety is prized for its large, fragrant blooms in shades of white, pink, and red. Some cultivars also feature unique petal shapes and patterns, such as the ‘Shirley Temple’ and ‘Sarah Bernhardt’.

Paeonia officinalis: The European peony boasts smaller flowers than its Chinese counterpart, but its blooms are no less stunning. This variety is known for its deep red and purple hues, like those of the ‘Rubra Plena’ and ‘Black Panther’.

Paeonia tenuifolia: The fernleaf peony is a unique variety with finely-divided, fern-like foliage and small, single red flowers. This variety is perfect for adding texture and interest to your garden.

Herbaceous peonies are an excellent addition to any garden, providing breathtaking beauty and requiring minimal care. By understanding their history, planting and caring for them properly, and selecting the right variety for your garden, you can enjoy these elegant blooms for years to come.

Why Hardening Off Tender Plants is Crucial for Garden Success

Understanding the Hardening Off Process

Hardening off is an essential step for acclimatizing young, tender plants to the harsh outdoor environment. It’s a gradual process, which usually takes about a week, during which time the plants are exposed to outdoor conditions for progressively longer periods each day. By the end of the week, the plants are ready to be transplanted into their permanent outdoor home.

The transition from a protected, indoor environment to the fluctuating weather and temperatures outside can be quite stressful for young plants. Without proper hardening off, they can suffer from transplant shock, wilting, or even death. By taking the time to harden off your tender plants, you’ll increase their chances of thriving in your garden. Plants raised indoors or in a greenhouse need to be acclimatized to cooler temperatures, lower humidity and increased air movement for about two to three weeks before they are planted outdoors. This ‘toughening up’ process is known as hardening off.

Steps to Harden Off Your Tender Plants

To ensure a successful transition, follow these steps for hardening off your tender plants:

  1. Choose the right time: Begin the hardening off process when daytime temperatures consistently reach at least 50°F (10°C) and there’s no risk of frost. The best time to start is usually in the late morning or early afternoon, when the temperature is milder, and the sun is not too intense.
  2. Gradually increase exposure: On the first day, place your plants outside in a sheltered, shady spot for one to two hours, then bring them back inside. Over the next 7-10 days, gradually increase the amount of time they spend outdoors, adding an extra hour or two each day. Eventually, expose them to direct sunlight for part of the day.
  3. Monitor weather conditions: Be attentive to sudden changes in weather, such as strong winds, heavy rain, or frost. Bring your plants back inside if the conditions become too extreme. You can also use a cold frame or cloche to provide extra protection during the hardening off process.
  4. Water and fertilize: During the hardening off period, water your plants regularly to prevent them from drying out. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Once your plants have fully adjusted to outdoor conditions, you can start applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To prevent problems during the hardening off process, avoid these common mistakes:

  1. Skipping the process: Neglecting to harden off your tender plants can lead to transplant shock, resulting in stunted growth, wilting, or death. Always take the time to acclimate your plants to outdoor conditions.
  2. Rushing the process: Be patient and give your plants enough time to adjust. Don’t try to harden off your plants in just a few days. Gradually increase their exposure to outdoor conditions over a week or more.
  3. Ignoring the weather: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and adjust your hardening off schedule accordingly. If conditions become too extreme, such as frost or heavy rain, bring your plants back inside or provide extra protection.

By following these guidelines and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll set your tender plants up for a successful transition to the great outdoors. With proper hardening off, you can look forward to a bountiful and beautiful garden season.

How to grow bananas – Gardeners World episode 8 2017

Bananas (Musa and Ensete spp.) produce large, elegant leaves and the occasional bunch of fruits, which certainly make a majestic addition to any garden or conservatory. Although they are tender plants, some species are hardy enough to leave outside over winter, especially in the milder parts of the UK, so they are worth experimenting with in the garden.

Grow tomatoes – Gardeners World episode 8 2017

Tomatoes produce abundant delicious fruits in a range of colours, shapes and sizes. They are easily grown in gardens, greenhouses or containers, and are appreciated by children and adults alike.

How to grow sweetcorn

Sweetcorn is delicious eaten fresh and there are some new selections that are easier to grow in the UK. Mini sweetcorn is a good choice if you haven’t grown your own sweetcorn before as, unlike the large sweetcorn, it doesn’t need to be grown in blocks and you should get five or six cobs from each plant. The plants also make a useful windbreak.

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