Monkton Elm News, Events and Tips Blog

The Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) has declared herbs as its plant of the month for June and we’re keen to pass on as much free advice as possible to help you get the best from your plants. 

  June is the perfect month for creating your own culinary herb garden and the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) has declared herbs as its plant of the month.

Our plantaria team is on hand this month to offer you lots of free advice on how to get your garden looking blooming lovely this June.

The Princess series of Alstroemeria offers stunning long lasting flowers in many different colours but on a dwarf plant.  This makes it ideal for the patio in a pot, or at the front of the flower border.  It requires no staking, only reaching around 20 cm in height.  Grow in a sheltered site, in either full sun or partial shade, in free draining soil.

We want all you crafty folk out there to put your sewing skills to the test and create a felt unicorn using a kit our Pet and Craft Centre’s have created in aid of charity. 

With the evenings now longer and brighter, you will want to make use of and enjoy your garden this month.

Our Outdoor Living Department Assistant, Hana Parker, will be displaying a container at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show (May, 2016) as part of a national Rising Stars programme.

Thinking about buying some new garden furniture for the summer? Here’s our expert Tom’s advice on the topic…

  The summer is the best season to sit back and enjoy your garden, relax and appreciate it from the comfort of a garden chair or recliner.

  We’re offering free advice on how to have everything from a party for friends and family to an intimate dinner for two in your garden this summer.

Even if you just have a small patio you can create a wildlife haven on your doorstep with a little careful planning. Here are our suggestions on how to go wild in your outdoor space this year... Select native plants that provide flowers and fruits in different seasons, as they will provide food all year round. If you’re short on space use climbers such as ivy and clematis – they provide places for birds to nest and butterflies to rest. Rather than creating fences to divide off areas, plant native hedges – they provide perfect shelters for birds and small mammals. Plant pollen rich plants such as buddleia, lavender and sedums. Butterflies aren’t keen on the shade so plant in a sunny spot. Build a log pile or a bug hotel – the former will provide a home for slow worms and field mice. Leave areas of lawn uncut – long grass is great for insects. Plant a wildflower meadow Don’t pull up your nettles as they attract butterflies.

At this time of the year there are many things to consider doing in the garden. Perhaps one of the most important jobs is sorting out the tubs and hanging baskets for the summer. Here are a few handy hint to help you plant up your own containers this month...

Each year our giftware department sells hundreds of candles. You love them, we love them and there is no better gift to receive than a beautifully crafted candle and holder. We sell a wide range, from large scented Yankee candle jars down to handmade Tealight size miniatures.

    For anyone with a greenhouse or polytunnel there are a few things to be getting on with this month to help keep production up together:

    You don’t need to spend a fortune to give your garden a mini makeover. Divide up the outside and create ‘rooms’, each one can have a different theme, colour palette, scent and mood.