The Chelsea Chop is a useful pruning method that we regularly use at Larch Cottage to control the flowering times of a wide range of herbaceous perennials. Named the Chelsea Chop, as the technique is used around the time of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in late May to early June, it can ensure a […]
May is a fantastic time to be in the garden: the weather begins to warm up and the beds and borders respond to changes in day length and temperature, meaning there are many jobs for the busy gardener. Now is the time to begin hardening off tender, young plants. Place your plants outside during the […]
The Easter break saw spring arrive in force at Larch Cottage. Always a fabulous time, this year was made even more magical with soaring temperatures and beautiful spring sunshine. The sudden change in temperature was a welcome relief from the cold, easterly winds and overnight frosts that have been clinging on; strange to think that […]
There are many plants that you can grow in your vegetable patch that will encourage beneficial insects, redirect the unwanted attentions of pests and attract pollinators that will feed on unwelcome visitors, as well as improving crop yields and the overall health of your plants. Some strongly scented crops, planted alongside one another can be […]
North facing aspects which do not receive direct sunlight can take a little extra thought to plant. There are, however, a large collection of shade tolerant shrubs and perennials that will do just fine in a shaded area, provided soil conditions and moisture levels are suitable. North-facing walls can be softened with a number of […]
As the days lengthen and the milder temperatures arrive there are lots of jobs you can be doing in the garden this month: get on top of the weeds early in the season: hoe annual weeds but make sure that you completely remove perennial weeds as they will regrow from any roots left in the […]
At Larch Cottage Nurseries and Gardens we have already spotted the first butterflies feasting on nectar in the borders: as early as mid-March a red admiral was seen feeding upon the offerings of a Maddenia hypoleuca growing in our perennial borders. Providing a welcome habitat for butterflies in our garden becomes all the more important […]
[foogallery id=”115092″] Container growing is a great way to add colour to your garden and can be particularly useful when you have limited outside space. Most shrubs, climbers, herbaceous perennials, grasses and even some trees and roses can be grown successfully in containers if provided with the correct compost and maintained regularly. If you […]
We recently did a collaboration with myhotelbreak on why their guests should visit us here at Larch Cottage. Find out what they discovered in this special guest blog edition: When on a hotel break having fun and interesting attractions nearby can make the trip that little bit more memorable. For guests looking to stay in […]
Damp weather did not discourage a group of enthusiastic gardeners who spent an enjoyable Wednesday morning at Larch Cottage Nurseries learning how to prune winter vines and wisteria. The course began in the wonderful La Casa Verde Restaurant with a warming coffee, where head gardener Nichola explained how a consistent pruning regime is essential in […]