Monkton Elm News, Events and Tips Blog

We’re inviting keen gardeners to receive free tips and a complimentary shrub at our recently launched Gardeners’ Group. It is a monthly club for gardeners to get together, have a chat and swap tips. The next session will take place on August 6 and again on September 3. An experienced member of our own Plant Team will host a talk that lasts for approximately 45 minutes. There will be an opportunity to ask questions afterwards. The first 50 people to attend the sessions will be offered the chance to take home a free one litre shrub from our starter range worth £3.99. The Gardeners’ Group takes place on the first Tuesday of each month. People should meet at our Pondside Café at 11am. Future talks will be taken by outside experts including those from nurseries and our key suppliers. Members will also receive exclusive offers from us. We hope to see lots of new faces there.

Our Plant Manager, Andrew Pitman, shares his secrets for success in preparing for the Taunton Flower Show. Our gardens have won a number of awards throughout the years, including Best in Show and many large gold awards.

  Ponds During periods of hot, dry weather, the water in ponds can be very short of oxygen, which will affect the fish and plants. If your fish are gulping at the surface it’s a sure sign they need more oxygen. Make sure your pond contains plenty of oxygenating plants and add a pump, waterfall or fountain as the constant movement of water is one of the best ways of aerating it. Fish will be very active now so feed them little and often with a high protein fish food. Just ask one of our friendly staff to show you what we stock to ensure you have a perfect pond.

*Please note that since publishing this post several of the products below are now out of stock. Please phone ahead to reserve if you are making a special trip to purchase them. It looks like the heat-wave is set to continue into and beyond this coming weekend. So we know that our customers have two very important things on their mind… Keeping cool and keeping their gardens well watered.

Did you know that as well as our traditional Four Seasons Restaurant we also have the Pondside Café?

Did you know we have a garden designer on-site? Expert garden designer, Jenny Short can assist with any plans you have for your outdoor space or any problems you cannot resolve.

Pest watch During the warm, dry days of summer, pests like red spider mite, aphids and whitefly and diseases like mildew can really take hold and get out of control. Check plants regularly, daily if possible, for signs of trouble and deal with it quickly. One or two pests can soon become a major outbreak during warm weather. Ready-to-use sprays are the quick and easy answer to your problems. If your plants have any problems, pop in and ask our friendly staff to help you choose a suitable product to deal with it.

At last the weather has started to cheer up and get a bit warmer. The sunshine is very welcome and it's full steam ahead in all of our gardens now. But if you fancy a break from the activity and a nice sit down why not pop in for a healthy lunch followed by a treat.

Our plant of the month for July is the Hydrangea. The plant is enjoying a renaissance as this iconic bloom, so representative of the classic English garden. As last year proved, a cool wet summer really sees them thriving and producing glorious flowers over a long period, although they will happily perform in a sunny summer too.