Abelia x grandiflora ‘Radiance’

(abelia ‘Radiance’)

A compact, semi-evergreen shrub, ‘Radiance’ offers an elegant blend of variegated green and cream leaves, accented with striking red stems. Lightly scented white flowers bloom from midsummer to autumn, adding fragrance and charm to your garden. This garden shrub is perfect for borders or as a low hedge.
More on Abelia shrubs

Berberis thunbergii ‘Golden Torch’

(Japanese barberry ‘Golden Torch’)

Brighten up any garden corner with the golden-yellow foliage of Golden Torch. This spiny, deciduous shrub grows upright and narrow, offering vibrant colour that transitions to pink and orange hues in autumn. Red berries and small white spring flowers add even more seasonal interest, making it a standout choice for structural planting.

Ceanothus ‘Autumnal Blue’

(Californian lilac ‘Autumnal Blue’)

Add a burst of blue to your garden with this bushy evergreen shrub. Glossy green leaves and clusters of sky-blue flowers create a lively display from late summer to autumn. Autumnal Blue thrives in sunny spots and works wonderfully as a feature plant or as a garden shrub in a mixed border.

Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’

(Mexican orange ‘Sundance’)

Bright yellow, aromatic foliage makes Sundance a cheerful addition to any space. This medium-sized, evergreen shrub produces fragrant white flowers in clusters. Ideal for brightening up darker garden areas, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires minimal maintenance.

Coprosma ‘Pacific Dawn’

(Looking glass plant ‘Pacific Dawn’)

For a splash of year-round color, Pacific Dawn delivers. Its rounded, evergreen leaves transition from green with cream-to-pink margins in spring to deep purples and reds in autumn and winter. This garden shrub makes a stunning container plant or focal point in mixed beds.

Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’

(Dogwood ‘Midwinter Fire’)

Create a dazzling winter display with Midwinter Fire. Known for its orange-red and yellow stems, this deciduous garden shrub shines during the colder months. It also offers oval green leaves and subtle white summer flowers, making it versatile for year-round interest.

Escallonia ‘Apple Blossom’

(Escallonia ‘Apple Blossom’)

Compact and evergreen, Apple Blossom is beloved for its glossy green leaves and delicate pale-pink flowers. Blooming from early summer, it’s perfect for low hedges, mixed borders with bedding plants, or as a standalone feature shrub in smaller gardens.

Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’

(Oregon grape ‘Winter Sun’)

Add architectural structure to your garden with Winter Sun. Its upright growth, spiny green leaves, and bright yellow, fragrant flowers make it an excellent choice for shaded areas. Blue-black berries follow the flowers, providing food for wildlife.

Philadelphus ‘Virginal’

(Mock orange ‘Virginal’)

Fill your garden with the heady scent of mock orange. This vigorous garden shrub offers double, white blooms that release their fragrance in early summer. It’s perfect for creating a cottage-garden feel or filling gaps in a larger planting scheme.

Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’

(Christmas berry ‘Red Robin’)

A firm favorite, Red Robin is both evergreen and eye-catching. Its glossy red young leaves mature to deep green, providing color contrast throughout the year. Clusters of creamy white spring flowers add another layer of appeal, making it ideal as a hedge, screen, or standalone garden shrub.

1. Measure Before You Go

It’s essential to know how much space you have in your home before selecting your tree. Measure the height of your ceiling (and remember to factor in the height of your tree stand and topper). This way, you can avoid bringing home a tree that’s either too tall or too short for your space.

2. Think About Shape

Trees come in different shapes—some are bushier and fuller, while others are more slender. Woolpit Nurseries displays their trees unwrapped, allowing you to fully assess the shape and decide which fits your room. If you have a smaller space or you’re placing your tree in a corner, a slimmer tree might be the way to go. For larger spaces, a full-bodied tree could be ideal.

3. Consider Needle Retention & Fragrance

If you’re someone who likes to keep the tree up for several weeks, a Nordmann Fir is a great choice. Known for its strong needle retention, this tree will keep looking good throughout the holiday season with minimal needle drop. If fragrance is more important to you, however, the Norway Spruce is your best bet—it has that classic Christmas tree smell.

1. Cut the Base

Once you get your tree home, it’s crucial to place the trunk in water. This helps the tree absorb water more easily, keeping it hydrated and reducing needle drop.

2. Keep it Watered

Real Christmas trees can drink up to a litre of water a day, so keep an eye on the water level in your tree stand. Refill the stand as necessary to ensure your tree stays hydrated and doesn’t dry out.

3. Avoid Heat Sources

Keep your tree away from direct heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, or heating vents. Too much heat will dry out the tree quickly, increasing the risk of fire hazards and causing the needles to drop sooner than you’d like.

Pruning:

Late autumn is a great time to prune your trees. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to reduce the risk of winter storms causing damage. For fruit trees, this is also the perfect time to thin out branches to improve airflow, which will encourage healthier growth and a better crop next year.

Mulching & Watering:

Applying a layer of mulch around the base of your trees helps insulate the roots from freezing temperatures. This also helps to retain moisture in the soil, which is essential for newly planted or young trees that are still establishing their root systems.

Planting New Trees:

Autumn is the best time to plant new trees, as the soil is still warm enough to encourage root growth. Consider planting bare-root trees, which are often more affordable and establish quickly when planted in late autumn or early winter.

Frost Fleece:

Drape frost fleece over delicate plants and shrubs during particularly cold nights.

Water Early:

Water your garden plants early in the day to prevent overnight freezing, which can damage roots.

Insulate Pots:

Move pots to sheltered areas or wrap them in bubble wrap to protect them from frost.

Geraniums, also known as pelargoniums, are a great choice for summer bedding displays in Suffolk gardens. With their bold, colourful blooms and lush green foliage, geraniums add a touch of classic elegance to any garden setting. Whether planted in garden containers, borders, or window boxes, these versatile plants thrive in sunny positions, are heat tolerance and have long-lasting flowers. From vibrant reds and pinks to soft pastel hues, geraniums provide a spectrum of colours to suit every garden style and preference. Visit our plant nurseries at Woolpit to choose from our wide range of geranium varieties and colours and elevate your summer garden with these timeless beauties.

Petunias are a beloved staple of summer bedding in Suffolk gardens, with trumpet-shaped flowers and a trailing habit. Whether cascading from hanging baskets, spilling over garden pots or in borders, petunias create a stunning visual display with their vibrant blooms and abundant flowering. Available in a myriad of colours, including shades of purple, pink, white, and blue, petunias offer endless possibilities for creative garden designs. Visit Woolpit Nurseries to discover our wide selection of petunias and add a splash of colour to your summer garden with these versatile plants.

For gardeners seeking a mix of lush foliage and abundant blooms, begonias are an ideal choice for summer bedding in Suffolk. Whether grown as bedding plants or in garden containers, begonias offer a dazzling array of colours and textures to enhance any garden space. With their versatility and ease of care, begonias are a great addition to any Suffolk garden. Visit Woolpit Nurseries to explore our range of begonia varieties and bring a touch of elegance to your outdoor oasis.

Marigolds are cherished for their cheerful blooms and foliage, making them a popular choice for summer bedding in Suffolk gardens. With their vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and rust, marigolds add a burst of colour to borders, containers, and vegetable plots. Beyond their ornamental value, marigolds are also valued for their ability to repel pests, making them a practical and attractive addition to any garden space. Visit Woolpit Nurseries to discover our selection of marigolds and enhance your summer garden with these versatile plants.

For gardeners seeking to add a touch of blue to their summer bedding displays, Lobelias are an excellent choice for Suffolk gardens. With their delicate flowers and trailing habit, Lobelias create a stunning contrast when paired with other summer bedding plants or perennials. Whether used as edging along pathways or cascading from hanging baskets, Lobelias provide a splash of colour and texture that elevates any garden setting. Visit Woolpit Nurseries to explore our range of Lobelia varieties and introduce these charming plants to your outdoor oasis.

Salvias are prized for their spiky blooms and aromatic foliage, making them a popular choice for summer bedding in Suffolk gardens. From compact bedding varieties to taller perennials, salvias offer a wide range of colors, including vibrant blues, purples, pinks, and reds. Whether used as focal points in borders or massed together for a dramatic effect, salvias bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to any garden space. Visit Woolpit Nurseries to discover our selection of salvia cultivars and enhance your summer garden with these beautiful plants.

With their delicate, daisy-like flowers and feathery foliage, Cosmos add an air of whimsy to summer gardens in Suffolk. Easy to grow from seed and beloved by pollinating insects, Cosmos come in a range of colours, including shades of pink, white, and purple. Whether planted en masse in borders or scattered about the garden, Cosmos provide a profusion of blooms that dance in the summer breeze. Visit Woolpit Nurseries to explore their range of Cosmos varieties and infuse your garden with the charm of these delightful plants.

Verbena are prized for their clusters of small, colourful flowers and trailing habit, making them a versatile choice for summer bedding in Suffolk gardens. Whether cascading from hanging baskets, spilling over garden pots, or in garden borders Verbena add a splash of colour and texture to any outdoor space. Available in a wide range of colours, including shades of purple, pink, red, and white, Verbena offer endless possibilities for creative garden designs. Visit Woolpit Nurseries to discover their selection of Verbena plants and enhance your summer garden with these beautiful plants.

Greenhouse Maintenance

For gardeners with greenhouses, May is a busy month filled with essential maintenance tasks to ensure the best growing conditions for tender plants and seedlings. As temperatures rise, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on greenhouse ventilation to prevent overheating and promote airflow. Open greenhouse vents and doors on warm days to allow air circulation and prevent the buildup of excess heat and humidity. Additionally, check for any signs of pest or disease infestations and take prompt action to address any issues before they escalate. By staying proactive with greenhouse maintenance, you can create an optimal growing environment for your plants and maximize their growth potential.

Wildlife-Friendly Lawn Care

Maintaining a lush and healthy lawn is a top priority for many gardeners in May, but think about balancing your lawn care with wildlife conservation. Maybe consider leaving some areas of your lawn uncut to provide habitat and food for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. These “wildlife zones” can serve as valuable refuges for biodiversity and contribute to the overall health and resilience of your garden ecosystem. Additionally, mow areas of your lawn less frequently to allow wildflowers to bloom and provide nectar for bees and other pollinators. By adopting wildlife-friendly lawn care practices, you can create a more sustainable and ecologically diverse garden that benefits both you and the local wildlife.

Spring Bulb Maintenance

As the last remnants of spring fade away, it’s time to turn your attention to the care and maintenance of daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs ready for next spring. In May, many daffodil clumps may become overcrowded, leading to reduced flowering and diminished visual impact. To rejuvenate these clumps and encourage healthy growth, consider lifting and dividing overcrowded bulbs. This process not only allows you to replant bulbs in new areas of the garden but also promotes better airflow and prevents disease. Take advantage of this opportunity to refresh your garden beds with a vibrant display of daffodils and other spring bulbs, adding a touch of color and elegance to your outdoor space.

Known for their versatility and ease of care, Heucheras make an excellent perennial plant to add to any garden. With their colourful foliage and compact growth habit, they provide beautiful ground cover and add visual interest to borders and containers.

Perfect for both beginner gardeners and experts alike, Heucheras thrive in partial shade and are sure to impress with their year-round appeal.

Renowned for their bold blooms and captivating fragrance, Asiatic Lilies are a must-have for April planting.

These hardy perennials come in a wide range of colors, from fiery oranges to soft pastels, and are sure to make a statement in your garden. Whether planted in beds or borders, Asiatic Lilies reward gardeners with abundant blooms and effortless beauty throughout the summer months.

For a burst of colour and drama in your garden, look no further than Dahlias. These show-stopping flowers come in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a favorite among gardeners of all skill levels. From pompon to dinner plate varieties, Dahlias offer endless possibilities for creative planting schemes.

Plant them in well-drained soil and watch as they dazzle with their spectacular blooms from midsummer to autumn.

Add a touch of elegance to your garden with the graceful blooms of Alstroemerias. Also known as Peruvian Lilies, these perennial favorites produce an abundance of colorful flowers on tall, slender stems. With their long-lasting blooms and low maintenance requirements, Alstroemerias are a delightful choice for borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements.

Plant them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and enjoy their beauty year after year.

March marks the ideal time to prune bush and climbing roses, setting the stage for a season of abundant blooms. Proper pruning not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your roses but also promotes their overall health and longevity. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, mastering the art of rose pruning is essential for cultivating thriving plants year after year.

Nothing compares to the satisfaction of growing your own fresh produce, and March presents the perfect opportunity to get started. Planting shallots, onion sets, and early potatoes not only ensures a bountiful harvest but also adds a delightful array of flavours to your kitchen. With the right guidance, even beginners can enjoy the rewards of homegrown vegetables straight from the garden to the kitchen.

Transforming your garden into a vibrant tapestry of colours begins with the simple act of planting summer-flowering bulbs such as Alliums, Oriental Lily, Freesia, Crocosmia. These add a splash of elegance to borders and containers, infusing your outdoor space with the magic of spring. Whether you’re a gardening novice or a seasoned expert, the allure of blooming bulbs is irresistible.

Maintaining healthy, vigorous plants is a cornerstone of successful gardening, and March offers the ideal opportunity to divide overgrown clumps of perennials. By dividing perennials regularly, you not only rejuvenate the plants but also multiply the plants in your garden year after year. Agapanthus, Aster, Bergenia (elephant’s ears), Delphinium, Euphorbia, Hosta, Iris, ornamental grasses, Verbena to name a few perennials, these all benefit from this practice, ensuring a thriving garden for seasons to come.

Containers brimming with blooming plants are a hallmark of spring, and March is the perfect time to refresh your garden containers. Top-dressing containers with fresh compost nourishes your plants and revitalizes their display, infusing your outdoor space with colour and vitality. Whether you’re a gardening novice or a seasoned expert, container gardening offers endless possibilities for garden beauty.

A lush, vibrant lawn is the crowning jewel of any garden, and March sets the stage for its rejuvenation. Mowing the lawn on dry days, when needed, promotes healthy growth and eliminates unwanted weeds, ensuring a picture-perfect lawn throughout the season. With proper care and attention, even novice gardeners can achieve a verdant carpet of grass that enhances the beauty of their outdoor space.

March is the time to cut back Cornus and Salix, the ensure colorful winter stems next winter. Whether you’re pruning for aesthetic appeal or promoting vigorous regrowth, pruning these shrubs is essential before the start of spring growth and leaves appearing. With a little know-how, even novice gardeners can master the art of shrub maintenance with confidence.

Weeds are the bane of every gardener’s life, but with persistence, they can be kept at bay. Hoeing and mulching weeds early in the season stifles their growth and prevents them from wreaking havoc on your garden beds. By embracing organic control methods, both beginners and experts can maintain a weed-free garden without resorting to harmful chemicals.