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Fuchsia Anna-belle
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Fuchsias are wonderfully plants. In the wild they flourish in mountainous areas with a damp and humid climate in our gardens and containers, they will thrive in a range of different conditions, as long as they receive a little shade and a touch of humidity. Today fuchsia are grown and loved throughout the world and they are available from the traditionally hardy with their small delicate flowers but incredibly robust growth, to the exotic double flowered varieties that grace countless tubs and hanging baskets during the warm months of the year. Colour is not just limited to the flowers, foliage also occurs in all imaginable shades of green. Some leaves have matt finish, while others have a glossy sheen. Many fuchsias have variegated foliage that can include grey, cream, yellow, pink and bronze in all kind of combinations. This variation of foliage helps to create a splash of colour long before the plants are in flower. Sample the delights of this exotic easy to grow flower and you will never be disappointed.
Spring begins in earnest this months this daffodils and early tulips playing a prominent part. As the weather improves and the soil warms up seems if nature is stirred for action. As the new season gets on the way for the gardener is the start of a busy period.
Newly planted trees and shrubs benefit from a top dressing of organic matter to assist establishment. Any plants planted in the autumn should be checked. Firm any loose soil and lightly fork in and sprinkle of fish blood and bone meal to promote growth.
Prepare the ground in the vegetable garden before the planting for next month. Shallots, onion and artichokes as well as garlic and early potatoes can all be set out now. Potatoes need protection from frost.
Spring bulbs: To enjoy the effect of massed bulbs now, it must be remembered that they need ordered in summer for autumn planting. Rather than plan individually which it is time consuming, dig holes sufficient to take a number. Groups of eleven or more throughout a border will give a full and natural impression. After flowering dead head and leave foliage to wither.
Early spring perennials: Border at this stage of the year looks somewhat bare as the summer perennials have yet to come into proper growth. It is important therefore to cultivate plants which, alongside spring bulbs, will flower early. Many of these early perennials, such as hellebores, the epimediums and the primulas, have attractive foliage which will remain looking good long after the flowers have faded and gone. Regular dead heading ensures the plants retain a freshness which is necessary to the overall appearance of the border.
Drumstick primulas are easy to grow in any soil which doesn’t dry out completely in summer.
Epimedium, the delicate flowers rise from a base of fresh new leaves. Old foliage should be removed immediately before flowering.
Shrubs are the backbone of mixed borders and their framework contributes structures throughout the year. Magnolia stellata is one of the first magnolias to flower and an established plant will be covered in small white stars.
Repot plants with fresh compost to ensure that they are in good heart for the new season. A top dressing of horticultural grit will improve appearance. In preparation for summer bedding schemes half hardy annuals should be sown under glass in seed trays or pans. Compost should be moist and firm before seeds are scattered. Seeds, unless very small should be covered with thin layer of compost. As soon as seedlings break through remove glass. Prick out when first leaves have formed. harden off.
Top dress newly planted trees and shrubs, plant shallots and onion sets. Sow early potatoes. Deadhead early flowering bulbs lift and divide summer flowering perennials, plant new borders. Start programme of lawn care. Repot container plants and cut back ornamental grasses, prune roses. Continue pruning fully hardy late summer flowering shrubs. Under glass start overwintering tubers of dahlias by watering and bring them into light. Protect new shoots from slugs, particularly herbaceous and clematis.