There are many plants that provide striking ornamental bark during the winter months, many of which create wonderful, structural form too. If you visit the nursery at this time of year, you will spot several of them planted in our borders, their stunning colours a sight to behold against a cold winter backdrop or beautiful […]
If you are tidying up your leaves, watch out for hedgehogs! A pile of tightly compacted leaves, moss and garden debris at the base of thick hedges, under bramble bushes, shrubs or among piles of leaves may mean that you have a hibernating, spiky friend in your garden. Hedgehogs are fantastic friends to gardeners as […]
As we head toward the short, dark days of deep winter it is a good time to begin exploring those plants that work hard for us when most other varieties are awaiting milder conditions. One such group of plants is the Daphne: a genus native to Asia, Europe and North Africa which offers evergreen and […]
At Larch Cottage our borders are carefully designed for year-round interest. As well as the fabulous summer colours of our herbaceous borders and the stunning golds, russets and oranges of autumn, winter brings the wonderful blooms and fantastic fragrances of our favourite winter shrubs. Shrubs that perform best in the colder months are often shade […]
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that Larch Cottage has been voted by members of the public as the National Garden Scheme’s ‘Nation’s Favourite Garden’ in the competition’s North category. The award was collected by owners Peter and Jo Stott who on Monday 4th November attended the awards ceremony at the Garden Museum in London. The […]
The dark nights, colder temperatures and stronger winds begin to arrive in November but there are still several jobs that can be done in the garden this month. Protect outdoor container plants by raising them off the ground using bricks or special ‘pot feet’ available at the nursery. Insulate outside pots by wrapping them in […]
Hedging has fabulous practical and aesthetic purposes in the garden and, as the risk of frost passes and the ground becomes more workable, it is a good time to get planting one. Hedges can be used to mark boundaries and add definition to your garden; they can provide frame and focus, guiding the eye to […]
As herbaceous perennials die back and the last of the autumn leaves fall from deciduous shrubs and trees, there is a plant of delicate floral beauty that can lift the heart through the coldest, darkest months. Helleborus, commonly known as hellebore, are a genus that offer evergreen colour, and beautiful flowers, in shades of pink, […]
One of the questions we are often asked in the nursery is when is it the best time to plant. It can come as a surprise to discover that autumn is one of the best times to plant a perennial. Regardless of the temperature above ground, the soil is actually quite warm at this time […]
[foogallery id=”126063″] Share your experiences with us and win! We are running a photography competition to find a photograph that captures the beauty and tranquillity of Larch Cottage during the Autumn and Winter months. 1st prize is a £100 gift voucher for Larch Cottage and 2nd prize is a £50 gift voucher for Larch […]