Gardeners World episode 4 2002: Chris Bradshaw looks for daffodils in an unusual place and Alan Titchmarsh moves alpines from raising bed. Joe and Rachel tackle their latest project.
Gardening show packed with good ideas, tips, advice from experts and timely reminders to get the most out of your garden, whatever its size or type.
Gardeners World episode 4 2002
Daffodils
Daffodils have long been considered one of the heralds of spring. Planted in autumn, they spend several months developing roots before the flowers burst forth in spring. They can be planted in borders and containers.
Daffodils are one of the most reliable spring-flowering bulbs, blooming year after year with little attention. They grow well in containers, borders and grass, with a wide range of flower shapes, forms and sizes to choose from, to brighten up your garden throughout spring.
Daffodils (Narcissus) are one of the most popular spring bulbs, typically with yellow or white flowers rising above long slender leaves. The distinctive flowers have six petal-like tepals, surrounding a central trumpet or corona.
They mainly originate in southern Europe and North Africa, although there is a native British species, Narcissus pseudonarcissus. Daffodils have been widely cultivated for centuries, resulting in the vast range now available, with various flower shapes, sizes and colours. Most are hardy, low maintenance and long lived, and they suit almost every style of garden, growing well in containers as well as in the ground.
Agapanthus
Agapanthus are known for their large, blue drumstick-headed flowers in summer. These South African perennial plants are equally suitable for borders and large containers. Agapanthus look great when planted with drifts of ornamental grasses, sun-loving rudbeckias and goldenrod (Solidago). Most agapanthus are hardy and their leaves die down in winter. Evergreen forms are more tender and usually need the shelter of a greenhouse from early winter to spring.
Agapanthus have mounds of strappy, bright green leaves. Sturdy stems shoot up in summer carrying loosely spherical heads (up to 25cm (10in) across) of trumpet-shaped flowers – usually in varying shades of blue, with a few white selections too. Typically reaching 60cm-1.8m (2-6ft), a few dwarf varieties such as ‘Lilliput’ with a height of 40cm (16in) are also available.
