Preston Bissett Nurseries and Country Shop

Preston Bissett Comp Safari Team

2012-02-09T00:04:00.000-08:00

A Comp Safari venue near Marlborough on Sunday saw Peter and Oak take the vehicle out for it's first run.
Tidworth is noted as one of the most extreme courses, used as a tank training ground and the snow this weekend added to the extremities.

Oak has spent the last couple of years building the vehicle originally a Range Rover. Unfortunately at 16 he does yet have a driving licence so Oak was co-driver and sponsor dad Peter drove. We may not have won but it was a huge acheivement to build a vehicle and take part.

Thanks to cousin Russel for coming along to help.

Links to Alan Marsh Photography

Extreme Motor Sport Images

Next Event

2012-01-29T05:05:00.000-08:00

Looking at Winter Colour

This is a FREE Garden Club talk AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE

It is FREE to become a member of our garden club. We will keep you reminded of talks and workshops and there are good gardening promotions available to members

Saturday 18th Februrary 11am.

Full details of talks and events for 2012 on our website

Full Programme
Event details

2012 Programme of Events

2012-01-20T09:40:00.000-08:00

Full programme of events for 2012 at Preston Bissett Nurseries & Country Shop

Our Garden Club is FREE

We keep you informed of our events by email

Learn about gardening and plants in our talks and workshops

Regular promotions saving you money

Meet The Animals

2011-12-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

Carl and Gemma

Call in at weekends in December and meet our festive farm animals. We have 2 little shetland ponies, woolly sheep, Turkeys Happy, New and Year, Sebright bantums, call ducks and Peggy the calf.
In the shop we are offering mulled wine a none alchoholic winter punch mince pies and chutney tasters.

Christmas Trees

2011-12-15T10:26:00.000-08:00

Blue Spruce

How should I choose a Christmas Tree?

The three main commercial Christmas trees are:Nordman Caucasian Fir (Abies Nordmanniana), Blue Spruce (Picea Pungens Glauca)and Norway Spruce(Picea Abies)
Preston Bissett Nurseries have sold Christmas trees since 1984 and can tell you with confidence the most commonly asked questions are:
Which one is the non drop ? Is there such a thing as a non drop tree ? Is a well watered late cut basic fir just as good as a non drop variety? What makes the wonderful fragrance of a true Christmas tree ?
The answers are simple:

Nordman Fir-A None Drop Tree

Nordman Fir
This tree is native to the Caucasian mountains which are between Russia and Iran. It looks a lusher deeper green than most other firs and its needles are soft almost plastic to the touch.
We frequently refer to this as the non drop tree. This tree has earned its reputation. The needles will eventually drop, like any tree brought into an unnatural environment. In a house and often sat by the radiator. It is much slower to drop. The needles are larger than most firs and therefore able to retain their moisture longer. This is probably why they do not smell as wonderful as the conventional Norway spruce.
If it is fresh cut and allowed to stand in water than it will retain its needles even longer. Almost without exception they grow into a good shape Blue Spruce(Picea Pungens Glauca)

Originating from the Rocky Mountains of North America. This tree is easily identified by the silvery blue grey pine needle. It has a frosted look about its appearance. It retains moisture reasonable well, especially when sold as a smaller potted tree. It has a unique smell not as pungent as the conventional Norway spruce, but more than the non drop. When the tree is kept moist the aroma is quite limited. Of all the trees it is quite spiky but it more than makes up for than with its winter silvery colour and even shape.

Norway Spruce(Picea Abies)
This is the original Christmas tree introduced into Britain in the 16th Century from Northern Europe and Russia. It became fashionable when Prince Albert brought it to Windsor Castle. It is the only tree that truly smells like a Christmas tree. The smell is the moisture or sap in the needle as it dehydrates in our warm houses. It has soft green needles that we have all learned to love, and its conical shape is as good as the grower who tended and pruned it in its infancy. This is the tree that truly smells of Christmas.

To have a successful tree it needs to be cut and brought into the house as late as possible, preferable stood in some water and the water needs to be topped up regularly.

Caring for your Tree.
Choose your variety carefully. Do not choose a spiky tree in a house with a baby. If you have the heating up high spend the extra and go for the best none drop and water it well.

Consider the size. A large tree will take up more moisture and space.

If you want the aroma then you need the traditional Norway Spruce.

Consider buying a potted or bare rooted tree, they will absorb moisture from their roots and stand the very best chance of not drying out. They can also be replanted in the garden after the festive season.

A lolly pop Olive tree decorated for Christmas

Alternatively if you are limited for space or worried about animals, children and fir needles don't have a fir at all choose a rich red pot and plant a topary Holly, Box or a lolly pop Olive tree and you will have a beautiful alternative Christmas display.

Get Set For Christmas

2011-12-05T07:13:00.000-08:00

This week we have 2 Holly Wreath workshops 11am on Thursday 8th and 2pm on Saturday 10th just ring 01280 848038 to book. Saturday 17th December we have a chance to make Christmas Table Decorations with our visiting florist. 11am-1pm ring to book.

We have mulled wine and mince pies on the shop to enjoy while you choose you British Christmas tree and at weekends we also have a collection of festive farm animals including turkeys to admire (not to be eaten) !

If you are stuck for Christmas present ideas why not make up one of our hampers or alternatively try a selection of our chutneys.

Our new range of stoneware

The New Shop

2011-10-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

The relaunch is this weekend Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October. There will be Cheese and Wine. We will also have 10% off all shop items for this weekend only.

Florestry Workshop

2011-09-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

The next workshop in now on Saturday 17th December making Christmas table decorations. Call or email to book. In a response to requests from those of you who are working we have changed the workshop dates to Saturdays rather than week days.

Shop Relaunch

2011-09-25T04:09:00.000-07:00

September Garden Notes

2011-09-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

September Jobs in the Garden

Helanium-Echincea-Triollius

As autumn draws near there are jobs to be done. Make the most of the time you can catch in the garden between showers to plant bulbs move plants and cut back as well as harvest the fruits and vegetables.

Now we have an opportunity to sort out mistakes and move plants because they are in the wrong position or the wrong colour. They will have plenty of time to re-establish well for next year. It’s a particularly good time to trim hedges and evergreens. Cut them back into shape without the risk of any new fresh shoots getting frosted. Bare patches in the lawn should seed really well. Rake in a bit of compost and perhaps sand to the bare patch prior to seeding, this will help the new grass establish.

It’s also the perfect time to plant drifts of Daffodils or Small Narcissi, Tulips, Bluebells, Fritillaries, Hyacinths, Crocus, large Alliums, Scillas etc.

Remove seed heads from herbaceous plants that have finished flowering and they may give you another flush before going to seed. If you remembered to cut back your Lupins, Delphiniums, Salvias, Campanulas, Lavenders etc after they finished flowering I hope you are now enjoying a second flush of colour. I am certainly pleased I remembered to keep dead heading my David Austin Roses as I see I have a new burst of buds.

Leucanthem

Gardens should be full of colour but if yours is dull plant some of the wonderfully easy to grow herbaceous plants that are delighting us now. Asters, Sedums, Heleniums, Anemones, Penstemons, Echinacea (lots of new colours) and Leucanthemum daisies to name but a few. Planting now allows a good root system to establish which they can draw on during their next growing season from about April onwards when the soil warms up. Anything you plant now you will be enjoying this time next year. Planting now gives you the perfect opportunity to fill any gaps with colours and shades that you want to see. You can see what colour you have and plant those that blend or contrast. There are some lovely plants flowering right now.

Penstemon

As an illustration of September colour here at the Nurseries we have successfully mixed a whole array of yellow, white, lime green and rusty shades together. Big spiky plumes of Kniphofia Percy’s Pride combine with the limey foliage of Choisya Ternata Gold Finger. We’ve included Gladious Callianthus which is white. Rudbeckia Goldsturm has large daisy style yellow flower heads and Trollius Golden Queen is the most beautiful and unusual flower in a rich glowing orangey yellow. Heuchera Miracle is named appropriately as the yellow foliage turns red as it gets colder. Satolina Edward Bowles has fluffy textured foliage and a soft cream flower. Hosta Great Expectations host the most wonderful green gold large leaves. Phormium Yellow Wave stands tall and has large stripy spikes of electric yellow and green. It’s about 50cm tall and will eventually reach 1.5m. Finally to add more texture and the perfect finishing touch we’ve added the soft rustling grass Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’.

Cream Tea Grand Total

2011-08-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

This bank holiday Monday, we've raised £527 including the raffel. This will go the the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.
Thank you to to every one who made donations. Thank you also to those who came to the June Cream Teas. These raised £580 over 2 days.

We will continue to take donations in the shop through the year.

Thank you.

Herbalist Joanne Oliver

2011-08-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Natural Healing Inspiration with Jo Oliver!

Jo is giving her 3rd Herbal workshop here at the Nurseries on the 17th September. Joanne and Medical Herbalist Sue Jamieson have given us some wonderful talks at the Nurseries over the last 2 years. I thought you might enjoy a peak at Jo's inspirational newsletter.

Hello and welcome to my new Monthly Newsletter!

From September 2011 I intend to send a monthly newsletter to all my clients past and current who would like to receive my FREE Natural Healing Inspiration each month.

I love my work and I am very grateful for the fact that I get to experience and see on an almost daily basis how energy and natural healing really change and enhance the lives of my clients. I am the first to admit that I don’t have all the answers and that I can’t provide quick fix answers.

I believe that healing and health are all part of a journey or process that in the end helps us to realise just how truly powerful we actually are. Our physical bodies are capable of great changes and for the most part we can influence many of these changes through our actions, thoughts and beliefs.

Our modern lives bring both great opportunities and great obstacles in all areas of life, but perhaps especially well-being and health.

With this in mind, I have created exciting new support options for regular, new and returning clients which will start from Monday September 19th.

Before I explain more don’t forget my final workshop of 2011;

Reminder - Upcoming Workshop on Coughs & Colds September 17th

Please click on this link to read more about this workshop http://www.joanneoliver.co.uk/pages/joanne-oliver-workshops-2011.php

New for September 2011

I have run 5 workshops this year which has been great fun and thank you to everyone who attended.

Over this year I have asked what areas you would like me to share more information, support and guidance. The answers have led me to make some exciting changes to my clinic starting on September 19th for those of you who are looking to get started with Natural Healing strategies that work.

Tasting of unusual recipes/foods – The workshops really showed me that getting to try and taste unusual recipes, drinks and food really helped many of you to move beyond ‘just reading about’ a food to actually having the confidence to use it at home. Result! So from September I will do my best to always have a free sample for you to sip, nibble or take home at your regular appointment.

More about meditation, energy, healing and spirit

I can’t claim to be any kind of an expert or teacher in these areas, rather a fellow student of 25 years! However for those that have been asking for more, I have decided to explore how we can do this. I just don’t have time to set up meditation groups, but I am happy to offer this kind of support within my current 30 or 60 minute 1 to 1 consultations. If you are interested please contact me.

Healthy Living System

Creating natural healing and health can be amazing and life-changing, even almost too simple, BUT most people do not find it EASY.

So I have put together a Healthy Living System pack that helps you create your own individual food plan – which I like to call The Clean Foundation. So many of us are confused by the conflicting advice from experts that I decided to design myself a system that was down-to-earth, simple and flexible to follow. The idea is that you can adapt this system in many ways, yet still keep your core foods healthy and supportive.

This pack is FREE to every client booking an appointment from September 2011 and will be a great tool you can use to get the most out of your time with me. During September I will be providing additional resources to help you all get the most out of this system.

On-going support

I have been listening as you share your biggest hurdles and challenges with natural healing and the truth is that most of us need more support than a healing treatment every 4 – 8 weeks. The feedback I get is that for a week or so after your treatment you are strong, but then the challenges of daily life get in the way and some of you feel you make little progress between treatments.

So, from October I will be providing weekly support around cravings, sugar addictions, your need for healthy desserts, and candida support along with recipes. I will also focus on motivation and inspiration as MIND SET is so important. All will be set out as friendly step-by-step challenges with plenty of options to suit your needs.

Continuous effort — not strength or intelligence — is the key to unlocking our potential.

~ Winston Churchill

Sugar and sweeteners – my big challenge

In my research for my last workshop about sugar I came across lots of new and old, but still true information on why we ALL need to become aware of our sugar intake. I freely admit that sugar is my personal big hurdle and this is why I have spent so much time finding solutions and support – so I can help myself as well as my clients!

Before you dismiss sugar, remember that all artificial sweeteners count as sugar, as does High Fructose Corn Syrup, honey, alcohol and many ‘healthy’ cereals and snack bars. Look at the labels on your daily food – you might be shocked how much ‘sugar’ you consume without realising.

A small amount of sugar a couple of times a month is not a problem.

What I learned is that each year we consume more sugar/sweeteners than the year before and the last 30 years or so the modern world is eating far too much.

Top reasons why sugar is bad for us;

1. Rots your teeth

2. Raises your blood sugar level

3. Is addictive (almost as much as drugs)

4. Can create the urge to binge

5. Robs your body of minerals.

6. Robs you of energy

7. Can suppress your immune system

8. Causes blood sugar lows such as sadness, anxiety and depression

9. Promotes wrinkling and aging skin.

10. Contributes to; candida, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart problems, ulcers, gallstones, eczema, arthritis.

Join me this autumn as I share a ton of resources that I am excited to explore and use to help myself, my family and clients reduce our sugar addiction.

I am already fully booked until Thursday 22nd September so if you are thinking about booking either a new or follow up appointment please contact me soon. Tel 01280 844965 or email jo.chillzone@btinternet.com

Summary

From September 1st I will be sending out the Healthy Living System including a bonus e-book to each client who has booked an appointment. From September 19th regular clients (appointments booked) will start to receive FREE weekly support via email.

For everyone else I will be back in a months’ time!

Inspiring words to leave you with;

(Fabienne Fredrickson)

"Be someone who deeply believes that your future is going to be better than your past. The people who are the most successful have a belief system that says I am continually growing and advancing, my future will be better than my past."

Kind Regards

Joanne Oliver

Herbalist and Intuitive Natural Healer

Evenley, Northants, NN13 5SJ

Email; jo.chillzone@btinternet.com

Tel 01280 844965

Why not visit my website www.joanneoliver.co.uk

Willow Workshop August 20th 2011

2011-08-25T12:17:00.001-07:00

Click here for more information about workshops in 2012

Bees And Honey Talk

2011-07-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

Bank Holiday Monday Cream Teas

2011-07-18T22:30:00.001-07:00

Heligan-Gardens To Visit

2011-07-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

Finally we have managed a trip to Heilgan and it was brilliant. Its a real working garden.

Forest Gardening

2011-07-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year we had a fabulous talk about the principles of Forest Gardening. The Eden Project have set up their own small Forest Garden and here are a few of the plants they used.

Agroforestry has a place in every garden. Whether it is a small pocket or the entire garden. Many attractive ornamental plant have great sustainability. Everyday plants like Mahonias, Elaeagnus, Cornus Kousa . I am guessing not many of us would know these produced tasty edible fruits or leaves.There are so many sustainable plants we can grow to eat, all year round. Forest gardening is not just a nice concept it really works and it it beneficial to all. Many every day plants work well planted into this scheme.

Fundamental to this way of growing is how we look after the soil. The process of deep mulching on a bed of cardboard will develop a wonderful, weed free, humus rich, worm filled base in which to plant. We can avoid chemicals and digging all together. This is why it is sometimes refered to as 'No Dig Gardening'.
The Lili Organisation-Low Impact Living Initiative www.lowimpact.org/index.htm sells some very useful books on the subject.

Mandy Burton Community

Project Manager.

Pictured in the

Shitake mushroom patch.

Adapt any garden with the right plants, to produce sustainable berries, nuts, edible leaves and fruit. This is not intensive vegetable growing, but simple adaptations to the canopies within any garden. Learn to make the most of your space.

Mandy gave us a wonderful talk in the spring. She has developed a community Forest Garden in Milton Keynes.

Check out David Holmgren's work in Australia http://www.permacultureprinciples.com/

Gardening Notes June 2011

2011-06-21T04:04:00.000-07:00

Summer Shiners

If you have a few gaps in your borders you need some good summer shiners to fill them. A dousing of rain has made planting now a little easier, so take advantage of the good growing conditions. Cheat and plant some substantial annuals or strong cottage garden plants in your empty spaces and maximise on colour for the whole summer long. Annuals are the ideal way to plug unwanted gaps in summer borders we want to enjoy now, whilst we decide what could be planted on a more permanent basis and enjoyed next season at a later date.

Perfect Plants For The Summer.

There is an array of super sized annuals that have been given space and grown into large plants. Take advantage of bold extravagant double busy lizzies in peppermint pink. These are a good low ground cover or edging plant that can cope well in shadier positions and the pinky colour is a definite talking point. If you would like something tall and spiky what about using colourful Antirrhinums. Anthirodora varieties are fragrant. Large begonias produce a profusion of plump rose shaped flowers in very bright colours and handle drier positions better than most bedding. Salvia Victoria Blue is another tasteful spiky flower ideal for home borders. It is the most wonderful deep blue and I would choose to plant swathes of this blue to bask in all summer. Nemesia always fills spaces quite softly with a swathe of natural little flowers. If you like rich purpley blue colours like me Heloptrope is the one to choose. The flower head is a midnight blue and the fragrance is divine. Finally don’t forget the good old Dahlias, Cosmos and Argyranthemums. They all flower well are are study and they last. All these plants are equally suited to filling a few extra pots around the patio or giving the front kerbside entrance a little lift of colour.

Annuals last until the first frosts usually in November so you have all summer to soak up the colour.

Cottage Garden Plants Looking Good Now

These will always provide a great spectacle of colour and this time of year is no exception. At the moment Lavender has come into its own. It looks gorgeous and so quintessentially English. I love mixing it in pots with bedding just as much as in the borders. Nepeta is a close contender for Lavender. Adored by the cats (I call it cannabis for cats!) they love to rub against it and chew it. Nepeta Six Hills Giant is the most wonderful rich blue and Racemosa Walker’s Low is similar but lower growing so better for ground cover. This is an ideal complementary plant to put with roses. We also have spiky blue Salvias (Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’) that look outstandingly good in summer herbaceous borders and Veronica spicata which has just come into flower and joined in the spiky blue wave of colour. We also have dwarf varieties of blue Veronica that stay compact.

Lupins are dazzling us everywhere with their extravagant tall blooms along with delicious Delphiniums, also looking fresh and summery they come in lots of shades. I have also spotted an abundance of tall Phlox plants just beginning to produce clouds of colourful flower heads.

Percicaria is an interesting plant to add which I find it very tough. Some of the larger varieties like Bistorta ‘Superba’ (75cm) are ideal for places that dry out or water log and struggles to grow anything. I like the smaller leaved lower growing Percicaria Affinis (25cm tall). This plant will make a great ground cover and the rosy pink almost grass like bloom is very reliable colour.

I have to mention Penstemons because they are brilliant colour. I slip them into all my borders for good measure. George V in red is looking particularly lush at the moment but there is a whole array of rather feminine flowers to enjoy and they make a bold statement in the beds. Here at the Nurseries there is an opportunity to learn more about how colour works. We have a free informal talk with the usually refreshments here at Preston Bissett Nurseries about ‘Colour In The Garden’ on Saturday 16^th July. We also have a free ‘Water Colour Workshop’ on the 23^rd August.

Summer Roses

Roses deserve a page to themselves but I have to mention them before signing off. They are just looking fabulous. Silver Anniversary, Silver Jubilee, Golden Celebration, Ruby Wedding, there is certainly a rose for every occasion and colour scheme. The newer varieties are gaining strength through careful breeding and the limitations of weaker pesticides and fungicides. If you want soft pink tones try David Austin’s Wisley or Lady’s Blush or perhaps if you’d like something a little brighter try Summer Song in rich golden orange. Ultimately wait for the new white double climber available later this year. ‘William and Kate’ was on display to delight the public for the first time at Chelsea a few weeks ago.

Finally if you are interested in garden herbs and the use of plants you may enjoy our free talk this Saturday. We have two herbalists here talking about every day plants and how to use them medicinally. There are free refreshments and the talk starts at 11am.

Chelsea 2011 Unusual Flower Fashion

2011-05-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

Chelsea's unusual fashion on my sister in laws fashion blog

I can take credit for the fashion photo's as we went together!

Gardening Notes May 2011

2011-05-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

Summer Pots Baskets and Borders Made Easy

Here are some of my recommended favourite summer plants.

Marguerite

Summer wouldn’t be summer without Daisies. A white Marguerite always brings a smile. I can also recommend the Madera series of Argyranthemums. They range from compact doubles flowers to some lovely rich warm wine shades.

Argyanthanthemum Madera

Why not fill a large terracotta pot or urn with three or five depending on the size of the pot. Often simple unfussy planting can be extremely effective.

Salvia Hot Lips

Salvia Icing Sugar

I love the effect of planting 3 Icing Sugar (pink) or Hot Lips (red) Salvias in one container. They stand about a foot and a half tall and form a well balanced pot. There is something quinticentially English about them, perfect for the front of an old cottage. They also work well mixed in borders, standing tall enough to be seen but mixing well with other plants like a wave of Gypsophilia in a bright colour.

Gaura is another great plant for summer pots and borders. Feathery red foliage and butterfly like flowers on long stems make it not only colourful but interesting. I’ve seen them planted as ground cover in Japanese style gardens at Chelsea but they are also suited well to simple summer pots.

Let’s not forget the traditional Dahlias. The Happy series takes a lot of beating for reliability. The dark red leaves and the mass of single flowers in pinks, reds and whites are a great addition to any summer border or equally fitting planted in pots. Dead head these and they will keep on flowering until we have frost in November.

If you haven’t got excited about scented Geraniums yet it’s time you did - ginger, pine, citrus and ever coca cola. The natural oils in the scented leaves are very uplifting. I plant them near my front door with lavender and all the other fragrant plants that give me a lift as I rush in and out. Geranium Quercifolia has pest control properties and help deter mosquitoes. I think they would be ideal near any areas you like to sit out and eat in the summer.

If you just want something very traditional you can’t beat pots of red geraniums. The new Trend varieties are ideal as they are a little larger and robust, making a very bold pot or statement in a border.

Mixed baskets, troughs and pots flower all summer making them well worth making. I would recommend planting blues, whites and yellows in your shady areas and Caribbean colours or hot colours in your sunny spots. The pale colours tend to be lost in full sun. In very shady areas Fuchsia and Busy Lizzie thrive well. In bright hot spots it’s often worth choosing plants that will not wilt at the first drought. Geraniums and Begonias, Scaevola and Bidens cope very well. The Salvias I mentioned earlier handle hot spots exceptionally well.

Nemesia Berries and Cream

As always there are one or two plants that are so delicious I have to plant them. This year I wouldn’t be without Berries and Cream Nemesia. It’s come back stronger then ever with two tone purple and white flowers. Nemesia sweet lady is beautiful pale with the most divine scent of vanilla. Calibrachoa the trailing petunia with miniature cascading flowers is now available in so many colours and plants anywhere. It’s a real alternative to Surfina. I would also mention the double trailing Petunia or Tumbelina in lots of lovely shades. They are a real talking point.

I am taking hanging basket workshops now so if you want to have a go at making your own basket with a little bit of help now is your opportunity. The next two are here at Preston Bissett Nurseries on Thursday 19^th May at 2pm or 7pm. Please call 01280 848038 to book.

Yoga Taster This Summer August 2011

2011-04-25T23:06:00.000-07:00

Yoga is a wonderful gentle way to avoid all the aches and pains we develop through bad posture.

Do something for yourself.

Yoga Taster-Fully booked

with Tracey Gallie

2.30pm Thursday 18th August

We've all seen Calender Girls! This is our chance to have a bit of fun. Yoga in the Nursery Garden, enjoying the fresh air. This is a free taster workshop suitable for beginners or Yoga enthusiasts alike. Yoga is the best excersize to keep gardeners supple and prevent strains!
We are a bit weather dependant with this workshop though we will be under the trees and we have a small canopy should we need it. Tracey is a wonderfuly dedicated teacher who has been teaching for many years in Buckingham.There are limited places so please book.

Click here to link to Tracy's websiite.

Bring a Yoga mat or blanket to lie on.

Garden Notes For April

2011-04-13T01:38:00.001-07:00

Create Some Early Sensations!

The few warm days have woken the garden. We can see spring blossom everywhere. Bulbs are emerging, the Daffodils will soon be exchanged for Tulips and the Bluebell woods will spring into life. Most of us have given the grass its first cut through necessity. We also discovered we have a few things to replace that have been lost over the cold and wet winter and now is the ideal time. Dig in a bit of soil conditioner, grab a box of bone meal to sprinkle under the roots and your ready to plant. The question is what to choose. There are so many things bringing colour at the moment so if your garden still looks dull there are lots of things that could brighten it up now.

There is blossom on quite a few of the trees. I am enjoying the Amalanchia lamarckii covered in a mass of star shaped blossom. It was well deserving of the AGM awarded by the RHS. This is a tree for every season, from blossom to berries and coppery foliage that turns green and then takes us into Autumn colour. It also copes well with most soil types, even the dreaded heavy clay. It won’t overpower your garden as it reaches a comfortable 5m in height. Looking around there is also a good show of blossom on some of the Plum trees. It’s cascading from my lovely petit silver ornamental weeping Pear Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula (AGM) and I have a Prunus Nigra ornamental plum which has very dark red, almost black, foliage and this is ensconced in a mass of rose pink blossom (12m eventual height and spread). These are all easy trees to establish with elements of interest right through the seasons.

Every year I am grateful for the sturdy Viburnum Tinus by my front door. The evergreen waxy leaves make an idea screen of hedge and the early white blossom is always so welcome. I do actually grow it as a hedge and it shields us from the north east winds across the fields. If there are staple plants for every garden this large evergreen is top of the list. Other amazing Viburnums in spring are Burkwoodii ‘Anne Russel’ (which is semi evergreen and has a crimson foliage in Autumn) and Bodnantense Dawn, both of which are currently covered in sweet scented pale pink blossom

The deciduous (loses its leaves in winter) shrub I will be asked for on the nursery is Spiraea Arguta. This is the bridal wreath plant because all of a sudden it is covered in blossom that hangs like a veil of white. It’s an easy medium sized shrub to grow, it doesn’t make any great demands and I think it can be squeezed into most borders and planting schemes fairly effortlessly. There is in fact a whole family of Spiraeas in a variation of colours. Perhaps the most common are Spiraea japonica goldflame with bright yellow foliage and the dark red Anthony Waterer. They are all quite unassumingly easy to grow. Before we leave the bridal theme, I know I am going to be asked for another shrub called Exochord macranthus or ‘The Bride’. I see they are budding up early this year and about to burst into fabulous white blossom.

The early Clematis climbers have sprung into flower. I have been admiring Alpini varieties with the little bell flowers and Clematis Macropetala (meaning many petals) which are slightly more open flowers. ‘Blue Lagoon’ looks particularly striking. All of these and the Montana varieties, which have tiny flowers out very soon and grow extremely tall, can be grown on any aspect. I think my favourite early Clematis is still ‘Early Sensation’ an evergreen variety with limey cream nodding bells that open. This likes a warm position but like those above does not require a lot of fussy pruning.

The herbaceous plants never let us down and we always have some form of seasonal interest. My favourite plant of the moment is the drum stick primrose, Primula denticulata. Its flower stands like a lolly pop with a 5cm head. It’s a tough little thing and it comes back to reward us every year in shades of purple, blue and white.

As if by magic Pulmonaria (Lungwort) covers the ground everywhere I look. It requires very little care and seams to thrive in the damp clay, shady and sunny, soil we have here. It’s ecologically sound as the bees are particularly fond of it and they desperately need a spring feed as they come out of hibernation.

Aubrietia Arabis and Saxifraga are cascading over our garden walls growing in those difficult places and provides a mass of spring colour. The Saxifraga ‘Scarlet’ looks particularly exciting.

Pulsatilas look delectable with their velvety bell shaped flowers in white and some lovely rich colours. I love the curious fluffy seed head once the flower has finished. I find they are as attractive as a flower. Provide it with some well drained soil or mix in some gravel but don’t let it sit in wet conditions. This is such a lovely flower it’s worth a bit of care when planting.

Aquilegias are suddenly appearing, that is Granny’s Bonnet to you and me, due to the bonnet shaped flower. We now have some brilliant colours from two toned shades to very deep Barlow Black and Blue.

I saw my first Dicentra flowers this week. Bleeding heart, the popular red variety Spectablis, with its classic heart shaped flowers all hanging on one stem. I like the white version Alba. I find it so beautiful and apparently fragile yet robust and reliable at the same time. Dwarf varieties have emerged and they have strong merits for flower and ground coverage. Formosa Luxuriant in dark pink or Alba with white flowers that hang like little lockets.

Last but not least everywhere I look I see Euphorbia (Spurge) originally a woodland plant, great in the shade of trees. There are more new varieties developing and foliage is becoming more varied and colourful. This is a great little perennial to pop in your shady spots.

Compact varieties like Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow (flushed with shades of red and orange around the margins of the leaf with a lime green flower) or Euphorbia Velvet Ruby and Blackbird which are also deep red foliage and are great for covering more ground but at 40-45cm the growth is nice and neat.

Euphorbia Griffithii Fireglow will be unmistakable in a few week with bright orange flame like flowers, alternatively there are some lovely silver varieties Euphorbia Silver Swan which is not too tall and ideal in a subtle planting scheme.

Grow Your Own

2011-04-05T23:08:00.001-07:00

Garden Notes For April

2011-04-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Create Some Early Sensations!

Aubrietia Arabis and Saxifraga are cascading over our garden walls growing in those difficult places and provides a mass of spring colour. The Saxifraga ‘Scarlet’ looks particularly exciting.

Richard Fisbourne -Will Be Back This Autumn

2011-03-29T11:19:00.001-07:00

Richard Fishbourne is an inspirational naturalist, formally of Wiggly Wigglers. He is an expert in creating wildlife environments. He was here this April and gave our Gardening Club advice on how to create a natural pond . He will be back this Autumn to talk about Composting and Wormaries.

More information about Richard.

Richards website

The Four Shires

2011-03-13T01:32:00.000-08:00


The Four Shire cover Picture provided by Preston Bissett -Jacky Richardson Flower Photography

http://www.fourshires.co.uk/20110304614/march-four-shires-hits-the-streets.html

Preston Bissett Flower Prints are available in the shop-

Garden Security

2011-03-12T05:13:00.000-08:00

26th March Following our David Austin Roses Talk there is an opportunity to brush up on your garden security as our local police force are here to advise. Click here for more information.

Spring Is On Its Way

2011-03-09T03:49:00.000-08:00

Despite the cold we have felt the first breath of spring and a lot of us are back in the Garden preparing for another year. We don’t need to wait for warmer weather to have interesting borders as there is a lot of exciting stuff going on now. We already have colourful flowers, foliage and bark so there is no excuse for a gloomy border. Early flowers and catkins are crucial as they not only give us a lift they have an important roll in the life cycle of our struggling bees, providing the necessary sustenance for the Queen Bumble bee as she emerges from hibernation.

Here are a few ideas of what we can plant to keep our gardens interesting in late February early March.

Hybrid Primrose

Easy Instant Colour Now

The snowdrops are out, the bluebells have come through the ground and in some places the Daff and Narcissi stalks have also appeared. Primroses have come into their own. There are pretty violas in abundance and bright pansies. Most of us can’t resist at least a handful of the colourful hybrid varieties in our pots and tubs.

Common Primrose

I think there is nothing more beautiful than the soft yellow primrose Primula Vulgaris (the common Primrose) naturalising with the Bluebells under the trees. What we forget is how many different primroses exist and how pretty and unusual they can be. Cow slips, the common Oxslip or cow slip as it was originally called because it was often seen in fields with cows, Primula Veris L Primulaceae still grows wild in meadows but also often in deciduous woodlands and still in many farmers’ fields. It’s a tough little plant. Modern agriculture has quite drastically reduced its population so it is nice to plant it whenever we can.

Shrubs and Trees with great winter colour

Silver Birch

Shapes and colours can look quite dramatic this time of year, frosted silver foliage in particular. There are lots of silver evergreens. Silver foliage can disappear in bright sunshine on summer days but it really stands out in winter and I wouldn’t overlook planting simple shrubs like Silver Pittasporum and Euonymus jap.Pierrolina. Rubus thibetanus Silver Fern is a slightly more unusual shrub, well worth planting for its silver stems which look almost like frost on red stalks.

It surprised me how lovely Eucalyptus leaves appear in a mixed border. Keeping them small is important unless you want a Triffid but it’s easy to trim the tops out and keep them as shrubs and they are very resilient.

Picture a misty morning and clumps of snowdrops under a copse of Silver Birch. It’s a spectacular picture. The rough silver bark of the Birch is often overlooked when planting and it is beautiful . The pendula Silver Birch Youngii is a superb tree to plant if you don’t have the space for the tall Betula Jacquemontii (Silver Birch) and it also builds character into a garden with a great winter silhouette. The contorted willows and hazels also bring similar character but lack the wonderful silver bark. To bring some of this quality into my garden I have planted two Youngii together to make a silvery archway and it is very effective.

I should add you don’t just have birch with silver bark, there are some with amazing orange and red tones like Betula Albosinensis

To bring some warm vivid colour into the winter garden I would have to include some Cornus (or Dog Wood). Mid Winter Fire is electric orange. I love it planted with red, yellow and lime green varieties of Cornus for maximum contrast. There is a great new variety called Cornus Alba Baton Rouge, obviously a great red and well worth considering. Cornus is a brilliant shrub as long as you remember to crop it aggressively, not allowing it to get out of hand. Otherwise it is low maintenance and very easy to grow in difficult heavy soil.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) is a brilliant early shrub with bright orange, red or yellow delicately scented spidery flowers. It is stunning. Don’t plant these in a heavy wet position, allow them some drainage and lots of sun and they will reward you.

Garrier Elyptica

Equally eye catching are the red winter catkins on the purple Hazel (Corylus avellana maxima purpurea). Not only does it have deep coloured long catkins in late winter early spring the foliage in the summer is a magnificent deep purple. I’ve found this a very easy shrub to grow. I think it looks interesting if you plant it with green Hazel and enjoy both colours side by side. Catkins bring a bit of character to the border so why not also consider planting Pussy Willows or Garrya Elipticas.

Early Flowering Clematis

Early Clematis definitely deserves an acknowledgment. Early flowering varieties like Wisley Cream, with lime green nodding flower heads and Freckles with interesting speckled spotted flowers and evergreen foliage. Macropeta varieties like the variety ‘Purple Spider’ scramble beautifully through a hedge and flower effortlessly with little maintenance each spring, providing a profusion of little alpine flowers.

Suffice to say the colour is out there. There are some really good plants that are worth adding to your borders, often overlooked because they may blend in during the warmer months and be overshadowed. Winter borders can be outstandingly beautiful with subtle beauty encompassing shapes and colour and character.

David Austin Roses

2011-02-24T01:39:00.001-08:00

Mike Sokolowski is coming back to give us another refreshing look at these multi-award winning roses. His last talk was fantastic so were really looking forward to his next visit.

Link To Spring/Summer Newsletter

2011-01-31T12:16:00.000-08:00

Programme of Events available to our Garden Club-Click Here

Yoga-in the Garden this August 2011

2011-01-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

Yoga Taster

with Tracey Gallie
2.30pm Thursday 18th August

Click here to link to Tracy's websiite.

Garden Site Visits

2011-01-27T09:57:00.000-08:00

FREE ADVICE

Garden Site Visits

Can Be Arranged

Do you need someone to look at your garden?

Do you require ideas of what to plant and where?

Have you got a new border?

Have you just moved to a new garden?

Are you wanting to start a new garden project?

Call to make an appointment

To arrange a garden site visit call the shop tel 01280 848038
Free site visits are available to gardens in the Buckingham locality pending availability.

During our busy months of May and June Peter may not always be available for visits but during the rest of the year we are usually fairly flexable.

Spring Garden Romp!

2011-01-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

Come along and enjoy a romp around the Nursery,

where we we look at plants in season.

Arrive early so you can enjoy the refreshments.

Spring Gardens Romp- Sat 9 th April at 11am

CREAM TEAS CALENDAR 2011

2011-01-27T00:44:00.000-08:00

CREAM TEAS CALENDAR

FREE Open Garden and Cream Teas here at the Nursery

Cream Teas Weekend

June 18th –19th

11am-4pm

August Bank Holiday

Cream Teas

Monday 29th August

11am-4pm

Yes cream teas again in the Nursery garden! The cream teas are free. Any donations will go to the MS Trust. Thank you to everyone who donated in 2010.

Loyaty Card Application Form

2011-01-27T00:33:00.000-08:00

Click to enlarge on document to enlarge and print

Programme Of Events Spring Summer 2011

2011-01-23T02:37:00.000-08:00

Programme of Events

Spring / Summer 2011

FREE Coffee and Cake –Every Tues Morning-Open Garden all year

Limited Places -Please Book workshops-

Februrary

Winter Gardens Romp/Talk-Peter-Sat 19th Feb 11 am

March

Herbal Workshop-Joanne Oliver-March 5th 11 am-2 pm-Cost £10

Design Your Garden- Talk-Steven Newstead-Sat March 19th 11 am

David Austin Roses- Talk –Sat 26th March 11 am

April

Natural Ponds- Talk- Richard Fishbourne– 2nd April-11 am

Spring Gardens- Romp/Talk-Peter-Sat 9th April 11 am

No Dig Gardening/Edible Gardens/Forest Gardening- Talk-Mandy Burton

-Sat 16th April 11am

Easter Egg Hunt –Monday 25th April 11 am-4 pm.

Hands On Vegetables Talk/Questions–Colin Osbourne- Brackley Allotments

–Sat 30th April 11 am

May

Hanging Baskets Workshops -Tue 10th May-2 pm and 7 pm-booking required

Hanging Baskets Workshops -Thur 19th May-2 pm and 7 pm-booking required

June

Cream Teas June 18th /19th –Free-11 am-4 pm-any donations go to the MS Trust
Herbalism /Grow Your Own Drugs- Talk-Sue Jaimeson & Joanne Oliver

- 25th June 11am

July

Colour In The Garden- Talk (Through The Eyes Of An Artist Using Plants)

-Sue Newstead– 16th July-11am

Teddy Bears Picnic 30th July 12 pm-4 pm-FREE -bring a picnic and bear!

August

Willow Weaving-Talk –Gina Martin-Sat 20th August 10.30 am-Free

Yoga Taster In The Garden-August 18th 2.30pm-Tracey Gaillie– Suitable for Beginners-Free workshop-Booking required

None Living Willow Workshop-Sat 20th August –11.15 am-3.30 pm-1 hour for lunch, bring a packed lunch-Cost £20-booking required-limited places

Water Colour In The Garden-Free workshop-Artist Sue Newstead-Tuesday August 23rd-10.30 am-3 pm-Bring your paints and easel and a packed lunch-booking required

An Insight into Bees and Honey (with honey tasters)-Talk-suitable for everyone –Tony Fox-27th August 11 am

Cream Teas-Free- August 29th 11 am-4pm-any donations go to the MS Trust

September

Herbal Workshop-Joanne Oliver-Sept 17th 11 am-2 pm-Cost £10

Garden Notes Januarry 2011

2011-01-23T02:34:00.000-08:00

Reorganizing and Replanting Snow Damaged Borders

Most of us have lost a few shrubs and perennials to the cold weather. Unfortunately when the freezing temperatures have damaged the roots it may not be completely apparent what has been affected until the weather warms up and the plants try to grow. One or two that struggled last winter didn’t have the energy to fight more extreme cold. I’ve lost my Ceanothus that I had enjoyed for years, Rosemary and Lavender. Luckily it’s January and that means it is the perfect time to plant some new interest and reorganise a few shrubs which are perhaps not positioned in the best place.

My south west facing front border has needed an overhaul for some time. It was planted 11 years ago and the conditions are far from perfect. The soil is very heavy clay, which can be limiting and at the time we had four lively border collies. They would get excitable and circle the house trampling anything I had planted. I have a good back ground of evergreens including some brilliant tough variegated hollies and a maple hedge enclosing the space, so these shrubs are more finishing touches. It’s quite freeing to finally change the border into something closer to what I want not just what could grow!

Before I start it is imperative I add volumes of organic matter to such heavy ground. I use bags of Border Booster. I will also add a light sprinkling of bone meal under the roots as I plant as this will ensure the plants establish. When there are spots that really struggle to drain I tend to add some gravel to the soil.

Tough Shrubs

In my old border I was swamped with things that will survive almost anywhere. I had an abundance of Mallow, which is a beautiful flower but can seed and grow like a weed. I am overwhelmed with Cornus, Dogwood, which has its place but it must also be kept in check. I feel it is best planted with a selection of Cornus varieties so you have a mix of different coloured stems for full winter effect. Lime green, dark red and orange together create quite a fiery effect midwinter. Perhaps its suits wild spaces best of all, mixed with Hazels, Forsythia and Ribes etc. I am a huge fan of the big leafy Photina ‘Red Robin’, which I have planted everywhere I can, but the new varieties like Pink Marbled edge which is a variegated red rather than just dark red ever green, they are even more exciting and I want to add some of this variety. Mahonia ‘Charity’ survived my difficult garden and it is still a brilliant winter shrub with its wonderful yellow plumes, so I think it has earned its place at the back of the border. My ornamental Quince is growing nicely against the wall along with a variegated holly and a Garrya Elliptica, my favourite all time shrub. I have now planted 3 in my garden because they are absolutely beautiful. I look forwards to the crinkly silver leaves and silvery catkins every winter. By my front door I have a Viburnum tinus a good staple evergreen with lovely white blossom. I have no complaints as I think every garden needs one somewhere. I have used some to create an evergreen hedge in my back garden and it works extremely well.

I now have lots of gaps where we have cleared the unwanted overgrown or diminished shrubs and now I would like a pretty walkway up to my front door

A More Ornamental Approach

This is an indulgent ornamental border without question, determined by my Pineapple Broom Tree, Cytisus battandieri (an ornamental silver tree or shrub with blossom that resembles a pineapple) in the forefront and my new rose arch to support a huge lilac Wisteria. I also have a very sweet miniature weeping lollypop Cotoneaster tree, (evergreen with berries and blossom) and a Exochorda or The Bride. An extravagant summer flowering shrub with a cascade of white wedding blossom hence the name.

The border needs to be controllable without too much need for maintenance so it’s not ideally suited for a wonderful herbaceous border. I still feel some Echinacea ‘Kim’s Knee High’ a pint size variety escaping into the little pockets of space and some Brunneria ‘Jack Frost’ as an extra splash of ‘forget me not’ spring blue and the new Dragon Heart Geranium. Some plants you just have to have!

What I really need is some structural solid shrubs in place with a tasteful selection of herbaceous plants, filling the pockets and softening the edges. A front border falls into that difficult category of needing to look good all year round.

I felt including some mood enhancing fragrant shrubs to waft past me as I pop in and out of my front door was a good idea. I love miniature lilac it’s quintessentially English. I chose the sweet scented Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ I was then even more indulgent and thought a David Austin shrub rose would make a lovely clump of colour and what a perfect excuse to plant some Hidcote Lavender plants underneath. I commandeered Ingenious Mr Fairchild for its rich pink tones and fruity fragrance.(If you would like to know more about David Austin Roses we have a speaker here at the Nurseries on Saturday March 26^th at 11am.) Travelling up my pathway I have selected the spring flowering Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ for its Jasmine overtones and it is evergreen.

Those that are not highly scented shrubs need to have a special ‘’wow’’ factor about them. I already have a Pineapple broom. I felt it needed an ornamental Strawberry bush for company (Arbutus unedo ‘Compacta’.) This is evergreen making a lovely shaped shrub and its amazing feature is the big round red fruits. Further back in my border I have planted a Calicarpa, which is one of my all time favourites. I find the purple berries in autumn extraordinary. I am going to slip in some Rosanne Cranesbill geraniums in some of the pockets, as the blue flowers are profuse.

To entwine my rose arch on the opposite side to my robust Wisteria I am including a deep violet Viticella Clematis. It is the strong colours with the soft lilacs and pink that I love. This clematis hits the spot. Its resilient perhaps because it relates closely to the wild varieties. I have to rein myself back from planting too many herbaceous fillers but as the border evolves I know every little secret space will beg me to plant something. Is that not the joy of gardening? There is always something to add and improve.

This border will begin with a burst of English Bluebells I have left in the shady spots with my Epimediums and Solomon’s Seal. I am hoping I now have enough of an evergreen base, fragrant interest and indulgent and exciting flowers and berries to carry me right through the seasons.

If you need some direction planting your space call us at the Nursery for a free site visit. Alternatively we have a Winter Romp around the nursery at 11am on Saturday the 19^th of February and a Garden Design talk on Saturday 19^th March at 11am. For full details of all the talks and workshops at The Nursery log on to the blog at www.thenurseries.com or join our free gardening club.

Gardening Notes December 2010

2010-12-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

Capture The Essence Of Christmas With Plants

Simple steps to a beautiful festive home and garden

Create a Christmas welcome in your own front garden. How about Topiary box,Yew, Holly or Cupressus ‘Blue Ice’ with beautiful soft silver fir bedecked with twinkling fairy lights.

Some plants personify Christmas. Holly (or Ilex) has got to be at the top of the list. There are certainly quite a few from which to choose. Self fertile varieties like Ilex aquifolium golden JC Van Tol, will produce berries without partners. There are some lovely colourful female varieties. These will have berries if pollinated by any male. Silver King or Golden King and their male partners Golden Queen and Silver Queen. (That is correct.) Females are often named Kings and Males, Queens in the world of holly! I particularly admire the ferocious looking male Ilex aquifolium Ferox Argenta commonly referred to as hedgehog holly, due to its vicious siverly spines. They look almost like icicles in the frost. This is possibly one of the most burglar proof plants, it is so prickly!

It is not unheard of to have a topiary Holly in a rich red pot in one’s living room as an alternative to the conventional spruce. Equally at home in the home are silver lolly pop Olive trees can look wonderfully festive dressed with simple decorations.

Pot up festive Christmas containers; these can be very colourful and effective. Use winter berried plants like Skimmia japonica, Pernetta’s and Gaultheria. Mix with winter foliage in dark green, variegated silver and red. Plants like Euonymus, miniature Photinias and Viburnum tinus are ideal.

The front door is the place to hang a traditional wreath made of mixed foliage and berries (from your garden), decorated with fir cones, cinnamon sticks, dried oranges, Christmas ribbon, and a perhaps a sprinkling of artificial white Hellebores or Red Poinsettias.

Step inside and enjoy the aroma of Christmas. It’s not really Christmas without a real tree. The original Norway spruce gives off the best aroma, but is perhaps favoured by the Abies Nordman or Non Drop tree, as it is more commonly known. It has large lush green flat shiny needles. A tree renowned for getting as wide as it is tall, if not pruned by the grower vigorously. We have a great selection of both varieties here at Preston Bissett Nurseries all grown in Britain.

Bring a wonderful festive feel inside.. Banisters and mantle pieces lend themselves to Christmas garlands. Swath them in dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, red berries, evergreen foliage from the garden and fir cones. To make a simple garland wire festive mixed bundles to a long rope.

Table decorations can be as simple as a stocky cream church candle. Place in a large glass vase spruced up with a few pounds of fresh red cranberries holding it in place, almost effortless yet so effective!

If you have a bit more time or feel more adventurous why not try a little floristry. A small terracotta dish with a bit of soaked wet oasis makes an ideal base. A long candle makes the perfect centre piece ideally placed in a candle support, though the oasis will probably hold it upright anyway. Decorate around the candle using small cuttings from a variety of evergreens and firs from the garden. A tartan, red or gold ribbon is optional!

For that extra touch of Christmas pop a few sprigs of holly behind the picture frames.

Every home needs a few fresh wintry pot plants. Poinsettias are probably the most popular, perhaps because the big red bracts are so bold, though you can get white ones. Avoid buying any that have been kept in a draft, by a door or outside. They are very sensitive to changes in temperature. Red and white Cyclamen are very Christmassy. Contrary to popular belief they are very easy to keep. Always stand them in water (never water them from above) and they will thrive. Azaleas are also very popular. They are a smaller relative of the Rhododendron with lots of colourful buds and often rich evergreen foliage. Orchids are in a class of their own- a little bit special. The flowers are elaborate and quite ornate often speckled and always a talking point. All these make great Christmas “thank you” gifts for teachers and neighbors.

Last but not least, in our list of Christmas plants we have Mistletoe (poisonous so not suitable for houses with young children) traditionally hung up high, where the guys can kiss the girls. This is a plant steeped in religion and folk law. It is evergreen but it grows like ivy often on trees and plant host. It has many positive symbolic associations relating to the fertility, love earth and its continuance.

Have a happy Christmas, and we hope you pop in to see our festive farm stable and join us for a glass of our complimentary mulled wine and mince pies. These are served at the weekends during December in our country shop.

Highlights from Holly Wreath Workshops December 2010

2010-12-04T15:09:00.000-08:00

Herbal Workshop

2010-12-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

With Joanne Oliver

Date; 11am March 5th 2011

Venue; The Nurseries – Preston Bisset

Cost £10.00 payment due on booking-checks can be made to J Oliver

How to Use Garden Herbs for Healing

Content;
-Safety – General safe procedures
-Introduction to how a herbalist works
-Importance of Knowing Thyself first
-Natural Healing – Digestion where healing starts
-Introduction to Herb Energetics – Taste
-How to get to know your Herbs
-Green Leaves – their importance and effective ways to use them

-Using Herbs in Spring and Summer – Teas and vinegars
-10 Garden Herb Profile – Learn which herbs might be best for you

All workshop content emailed as a PDF document for you to keep
and refer to - so you can relax and enjoy the workshop.
Bring your favourite herb book to show and share in the Tea break

For more Information about Joanne Oliver
Visit www.joanneoliver.co.uk

Willow Workshop and Talk 2011

2010-12-01T09:23:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in learning how to make

things out of willow here’s your chance .

Free Talk On Working With Willow @45mins

Date:20th August 10.30 am

Paid 'None Living Willow Workshop' beginning 11.15 am

Bring a pack lunch, 1 hour break coffee provided.

Commencing 3.30 pm Cost: £20 per person. Payment due on booking.

Using Living willow is limited to the early spring months Feb-April. If there is enough interest I will run a living willow workshop early 2012. Let me know if you are interested.

Autumn 2011

2010-12-01T09:06:00.000-08:00

Richard Fishbourne is an inspirational naturalist, formally of Wiggly Wigglers was here as an expert in creating wildlife environments. He will be back in the autumn to talk about composting.

More information about Richard.

Richards website

How To Make Your Own Holly Wreath

2010-12-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

How To Make A Holly Wreath

(using foliage from your own garden)

Ingredients

Wire ring

Moss

String

Holly wired in short clumps

Fir wired in @ 12cm length clumps

A variety of variegated and coloured foliage

Wired berries, oranges, cinnamon, sticks

Silk Flowers

Ribbon

1 Fill the ring with moss and wrap string around to keep it in place.

2 Wire clumps of pre-wired holly and foliage around the perimeter of the ring, always in the same direction.

3 Complete a second rotation of winter greenery in the inner circle. Overlap each clump of holly and foliage.

4 Decorate with silk flowers, dried oranges,

cinnamon sticks and a Christmas ribbon bow at the base.

5 Hang on your front door with pride

Alternatively attend one of our December Holly Wreath Workshops

Private workshops for independent groups such as WI's and gardening clubs

Agroforestry The Best Form Of No Dig Gardening! 2011

2010-11-28T04:15:00.000-08:00

Mandy Burton Community

Project Manager.

Pictured in the

Shitake mushroom patch.

Agroforestry has a place in every garden. Whether it is a small pocket or the entire garden. Many attractive ornamental plant have great sustainability. Everyday plants like Mahonias, Elaeagnus, Cornus Kousa and ornamental Nutmeg. I am guessing not many of us would know these produced tasty edible fruits or leaves.There are so many sustainable plants we can grow to eat, all year round. Forest gardening is not just a nice concept it really works and it it beneficial to all.

Fundamental to this way of growing is how we look after the soil. The process of deep mulching on a bed of cardboard will develop a wonderful, weed free, humus rich, worm filled base in which to plant. We can avoid chemicals and digging all together.

This talk is an opportunity to learn able the principle of Forest Gardening and develop an awareness of what we can plant to create canopies of useful or edible perennial plants in own space.

FREE talk :Saturday 16th April
at 11 am

Gardening Notes November 2010

2010-11-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

Hang on to your Hanging Baskets

Plant up Your Containers with a fusion of rich winter colour.

Our wonderful summer displays of Geraniums and Fuchsia have fizzled out with the first frosts. Now is the time to replenish our pots with some more interest. With winter waiting in the wings, we need colour ready to welcome us at our front door and on the patio and as we look out from our from the kitchen window. What better than rich vivid plants to lift us up and take us through the winter months ahead?

We are spoilt for choice. Here at the Nurseries when we run our October Basket and Container Workshops it is always very apparent the plants we use to brighten up the winter and spring come as a pleasant surprise. We have great fun choosing tasteful collections of plants that complement and mixing colours and tones of foliage that zing.

You usually look up at a basket and down on a pot. Plant a selection of trailers or plants that drape well around the rim of the basket to fall over the sides. Ivy is an obvious and traditional choice. It comes in a number of different variations including yellows, silvers and greens.

To add to this we can safely include Thyme, which grows in a multitude of shades and has the most wonderful twinkly texture. It is high in chromium, which I was told helps balance blood sugar. It certainly makes a great tea with a bit of lemon and honey for winter colds. I include it in all my winter stews. And when roasting Chicken, a sprig of Thyme and Rosemary, of course, is essential! Thyme definitely goes in my pots and baskets.

We are limited in the amount of plants that truly trail gracefully so we improvise by planting plants with a bit of graceful fluidity when tipped up on their side. They don’t usually mind so long their feet are well planted!

Equally brilliant in baskets and pots is Gaultheria with its beautiful red berries and rosy foliage, remembering to plant it in a lime free compost which it prefers. I can also recommend using heathers. The Callunas varieties also prefer ericaceous soil. If you choose to use lime hating plants it is best to use ericaceous compost. It is has a reasonably neutral ph and the pansies and other plants you select will be fine mixed together. It also gives you the opportunity to use some upright ericaceous plants like Leucothoe Scarletta with rose-red leathery leaves and Pernettia, with its lovely violet red or cranberries berries, that must be bitter as the bird are reluctant to take them.

I include Heucherella or Heucheras in almost all my baskets and containers. These are a highly collectable family of plants that have become really popular, with prominent stands in the marquee at Chelsea Flower Show. They have outstanding evergreen foliage colour. There are many shades available, rich red varieties, caramels, cinnamon, apricot, acid yellow. The variety Silver Scrolls has rich red etched or veined leaved. They are very, very colourful plants without ever having to flower. Unlike their friends the leafy Hostas the slugs leave them alone! Celebrate the simplicity of dark red and caramel foliage planted together. It will make the most wonderful planter. If you plant anything for winter it needs to be one or two of these beauties. We are defiantly growing more for next season, as they not only look good in the winter but look wonderful throughout the year.

I mentioned Rosemary. Prostrate varieties weep beautifully over the rim of a basket or tub and more rigid up right varieties look perfect often as a centre piece. Another plant for all that looks good in all seasons.

Purple sage is another favourite herb I frequently plant in winter pots. The tinge of purple is great and it’s a sturdy variety well tested by the RHS who have given it a merit award. Sage is also indispensible in my kitchen. I could not cook any pork without throwing a sprig in the roasting tin. I believe herbalist view it as natures own HRT. It is clearly a great plant. I often plant it alone in rich toned salt glazed fluted pots. Small Sage plants mix brilliantly in containers with other herbs and evergreens.

Young evergreens in an array of colours will grace winter containers and basket beautifully from little Hebes to yellow Choisyas. I mentioned my favourite winter herbs but I am happy to plant these in my fusion baskets and pot selections of evergreen grasses, ferns and lax conifers, in containers all together. Adding a few final pansies or violas to pots, I feel is a little like adding the accessories to an outfit, curtains or cushions to a room, the finishing touches.

I should just point out; through winter plants are almost dormant. The basket and tubs we plant can be quite full because they are not going to try and out grow into each other.

Pot them in them in good compost, a muti-purpose, Rose Tree and Shrub or Ericaceous, if required. Keep them moist but not waterlogged. Don’t rely on drizzly days, pots are often sheltered from rain by the house and beware of drying windy days.

In the late spring everything in our containers can be transplanted into the garden. They are actually a very good investment as we have all the pleasure of their colour while it is dull and there is no waste when its time to refill the pots next spring with Geraniums. The plants will continue to flourish in our borders.

Our Holly wreath workshops are coming up, in early December ( 3^rd and 4^th ) Ring 01280 848038 or email info@thenurseries.com to book. These are another opportunity to appreciate the wealth of evergreen foliage, freely available to bring colour to our gardens and into our homes for Christmas.

Get Set For Christmas

2010-10-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Garden Site Visits

2010-10-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

Gardening Notes October 2010

2010-09-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

Make The Most Of Autumn Colour
Autumn is just around the corner. The leaves are beginning to turn, the berries look plump and burdensome, but the true theatrical flush of gorgeous colours and crisp falling leaves will probably occur early to mid October.

It is a brilliant time of year for those who like me, revere a garden rich in reds, crimsons, yellows and rusts. To see a sudden fire ball of luxurious colours in ones own garden is rather wonderful.

There are so many trees shrubs and herbaceous plants that perform in the autumn all exemplary for different gifts of nature. It is sometime the colour of the leaves the boldness of there berries or the contrast they make against a garden canvas. This year there are a few that have really stood out for me.

I love Euronymus Altlas, Rhus typhina ‘Dissecta’ sometime referred to as Stags horn because thee branches are soft almost fury and look like antlers. It’s a large shrub or can be allowed to grow into a small tree. The foliage turns burning orange and lights up the garden. It can spread but it’s not too hard to pull the suckers up and keep it under control. If you do have a large bank or an area where you can let it go wild, I think it looks fabulous.

You can not ignore Callicarpa Bodinieri ‘Profusion’ Its also called beauty berry and surprisingly it has the most amazing clusters of violet berries on bare stems. They must be quite bitter, because the birds tend to leave them alone until very late winter, probably when there is nothing else to eat. Callicarpa is a pleasant green leafy shrubs with a pretty flush of soft pink flowers in summer. It will grow into a quite a large shrub, happy in sun or dappled shade.

Photina ‘Pink Marble’ is a new hybrid of the traditional red robin. The foliage is extraordinary, displaying three colours green, cream, pink and young red shoots, all at the same time. It will grow well in all free draining soils, is fully hardy, even in the coldest of locations, and needs no special care. Photina are easy to grow evergreens all with great foliage but this has highly ornamental foliage over a long period. Grow it in sun or partial shade .Achieving a height of about 150cm and spread 100cm.

Acers or Maples are probably one of the most outstanding trees families in the autumn. We can all picture New England in the fall, with it’s wealth of Norwegian Maples. These tend to be larger then the Japanese Maples. A great garden choice is Acer X Freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’ which burns a cinnamon orange in autumn, or for something a little more unusual Acer negundo ‘Flamingo’,who leaf shade can be likened to the colour of a flamingo!

If you haven’t got the space for a big tree Japanese Maples, Acer ‘palmatum' are perfect. They prefer a position in partial shade. Few require an acid soil, its more important they have a moist soil. The larger, less delicate leaf shapes often suit more exposed situations. Japanese Maples are great in pots. Keep them well watered, don’t let them dry out and they will reward you. They are staggeringly beautiful small trees.

Nadina domestica fire power also known as Heavenly Bamboo, is a very easy shrub to slip in your garden. Its not actually a bamboo despite its appearance. It is closely related to Berberis. Its airy foliage is very similar to a small bamboo. In autumn is turns a beautiful fierily copper colour. Excellent in any sunny spot and not massive at 45cm 60 cm spread.

If you are looking for an autumnal grass try Stipa arundinacea. I like this because it is evergreen. It’s quite a loose grass, changing colour through the seasons. In autumn the dark green leaves develop orangey streaks before turning a russet shade.

If you are looking for low growing slug resistant evergreens, in every shade possible. You are looking for a Heuchera .they all look wonderful in there reds, yellows and cinnamon tones but ‘Silver Scrolls’ looks particularly good this season. The scroll like markings, etched on the leaf seam to blend with the seasonal shades so well. I also felt Heuchera ‘Caramel’ surpasses its self. The colour is just electric in a border. ‘Midnight Rose’ also deserves a mention. It’s red but quite luminous with pink tints in the leaves.

I want to go on and talk about the endless beautiful Autumnal trees, like Liquidambar and Parrotia persica, Cercidiphyllum and the rest. I need to direct you to the herbaceous plants like Rudbeckia ‘Goldstream’ ,bright daisy yellow flowers with dark centers igniting the borders in which they reside. The autumn players are endless from newer varieties like Berberis Admiration and Hypericum Magic, to old favourites like Euonymus Alatus, I must end there!

We are lucky to be spectator’s at the most incredible performance. This short season of infused colour is nature performing at her very best. If you would like to know more we have a free talk about Autumn Colour on Saturday 9^th October at 11am, here at Preston Bissett Nurseries, tel 01280 848038 or email shop@thenurseries.cpm.

Cream Teas For Charity

2010-09-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who attended our FREE charity cream teas. We have now raised over £700 in 2010 for the MS Trust.

Gardening Notes September 2010

2010-09-07T02:33:00.000-07:00

Cream Teas For Charity

2010-08-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Autumn /Winter Newsletter 2010

2010-08-16T05:05:00.000-07:00

Autumn Winter 2010 Program Of Events

2010-08-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

Shades Of Late Summer

2010-08-02T01:19:00.000-07:00

Mid Summer Cottage Garden Colour

2010-06-27T02:42:00.001-07:00

A Very Enjoyable Herbal Talk

2010-06-27T01:09:00.000-07:00

This was an inspiring talk given by our two local Medical Herbalist, Sue Jamieson and Joanne Oliver. Very well supported. Due to its popularity we hope to be running a hands on workshop here in the Autumn,. A chance to get to grips with making infusions and blending herbal teas.

If you wish to contact the ladies in the mean time here are their emails.

jo.chillzone@btinternet.com web. www.joanneoliver.co.uk

sue.jamiesonbest@googlemail.com Web www.nutritionphysician.co.uk

Celebrating 25 Years Of Preston Bissett Nurseries

2010-06-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

The weekend and August bank holiday raised in excess of £700 Thank you to all who supported these events.

We hope now to make our Charity Cream Teas an annual event.

MS Trust

25 YEARS OF NURSERYING

2010-06-13T02:49:00.000-07:00

Chelsea Flower Show 2010

2010-05-31T06:10:00.000-07:00

Garlic Wash

2010-05-31T05:39:00.000-07:00

Making Summer Hanging Baskets

2010-05-07T03:06:00.000-07:00

Hanging baskets, pretty summer pots bright colours, soft shades, whats new, old favourites. I am talking about those beautiful bedding plants we celebrate summer with every year.

Should you be looking for good trailing plants to fill summer baskets there are some fabulous colours available this season.

What Should I Put In My Hanging Basket?

I like to put a tall geranium in the center of a basket. I can recommend my favourite which is, called Blue Wonder, a soft lilac shade. I then surround the rim with exciting trailers. Always include Verbena. It is so reliable and provides a mass of flowers. There are so many great colours, but this year I am admiring a variety called Donalena Lavender Grace. The flowers have a lavender trim and a white center. Plant this with a rich purple Calibrachoa to really bring out the subtle tones. These are dainty trailing petunias An alternative the to the large headed Sufinias we all know and adore. They have a profusion of little flowers but are extremely prolific. I find a little bit of white is a relief amongst lots of colour. You can not go wrong with Bacopa Snowflake. Its has an abundance of dainty white flowers which trail like a magnificent wedding veil. There is nothing better to compliment a Bacopa then good old Nepeta. Its variegated silver foliage simply pours from the basket like a magnificent water fall. One more trailer will probably be suffice in a 12” basket. Perhaps a trailing Geranium like Sybil Blue to match the Blue Wonder .

A Brachycome Blue daisy flower would look lovely or you could pop in a Torenia Rose or Purple Moon. They are a little bit different, providing lots of tubular flowers a little similar to the shape of a fox glove. Any little gaps can be filled with bedding Petunia ,Bissie Lizzies or upright Lobelia.

Plant this basket using a rich basket compost. They are very greedy plants. Anything that grows so vigorously is going to be extremely hungry and thirsty. Feed well. Either feed a very week feed daily as you water or once a week with the usual Phostrogen or Miracle grow.

If you want to have a go a making your own hanging baskets with a little supervision and a huge choice at your finger tips, I am running my usual workshops on Tue 11^th May and Thursday the 13^th May at lunch time and in the evening. You do need to book in advance.

How do we decide what to plant and where?

Often in the bright south facing aspects of our garden bright Caribbean colours work really well. Where it is not quite so hot, soft shades can often look brighter and the hot colours a little gaudy. It is worth perhaps considering this when choosing the colours for baskets and pots.

In shadier positions try Regal Pelargoniums, Fuchsias and Bissie Lizzies. Fiesta Impatiens (double Bissie Lizziess) can look very showy. I am growing a beautiful two toned lilac shade called Lavender Orchid.

In hot places geraniums are always great. alternatively Begonias with their huge rose heads of primary colours are quite happy to dry out prior to watering.

By the front door it is wonderful to plant Sweet Scented Pelargoniums in pots. The lemon orange and rose fragrances can really lift your spirits. Alternatively plant some tall spired of creamy Nicotiana Sylvstris in the border. This is renowned for its beautiful evening fragrance.

The Newsletter Spring 2010

2010-02-18T09:14:00.000-08:00

How to find us

2009-12-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

How to find us

Click link above to Google maps.

When comming from Bicester turn off the A4221 for Barton Hatshorn-follow the road until the T junction-turn left-after a few hundred yards take the first right sighposted for us-continue until the next T junction -turn right into Preston Bissett- take the first left and you will find us on Bushey Lane.

From Buckingham turn for Gawcott off the A421- continue to the T junction-turn right onto Gawcott main street-follow the road all the way to Preston Bissett-take the first left onto Bushey lane-The Nurseries is on the left after Bushey Lane Farm

Learning About Growing Fruit

2009-11-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

Great talk from Jon a specialist fruit grower. He will be back in April 2010 with another talk.

Romping Arround The Nursery Looking At Autumn Colour

2009-10-31T05:19:00.000-07:00

A Window Into A Country Wedding

2009-10-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Meet the Team

2009-10-25T11:52:00.001-07:00

Join the Garden Club

2009-10-25T03:17:00.000-07:00

Join our free Garden club and we will be able to keep you up to date with talks and workshops

Contact Details

2009-10-25T03:08:00.000-07:00

Telephone 01280 848038
If you require web sales we can put you through to the right department

General shop enquires shop@thenurseries.com

Web sales enquiries sales@thenurseries.com

Garden Club event enquiries jacky@thenurseries.com

Garden Club membership enquiries accounts@thenurseries.com

Preston Bissett Nurseries and Country Shop
Bushey Lane
Preston Bissett
Buckingham
MK18 4ND

Items For Hire

2009-10-25T03:01:00.000-07:00

Contact
shop@thenurseries.com

Simple Short Bread

2009-10-24T14:31:00.001-07:00

Spiced Apple Cake

2009-10-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Opening Late

2009-10-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Late opening Fridays in December
8.30 PM until 7.30 PM

Opening Hours

2009-10-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Open Every Day

Normal Opening Hours 8.30AM Until 5.30PM
Open Bank Holidays

Open Late until 7 pm in May and June
November opening hours 8.30 AM until 5 PM
December opening hours 8.30 AM until 5.30 PM
Late opening Fridays in December until Christmas 8.30 PM until 7.30 PM
December 24th 12 PM closed for Christmas
December 25th Day Of Rest
December 29th reopening
December 31st Closed for New Year
January 2nd Open as normal
January opening hours 8.30 AM until 5 PM

Coffee Stops 2010

2009-10-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

As a special winter warmer there will be complimentary coffee every morning in November and December.

Complimentary Coffee is being served every Tuesday morning throughout the year
along with our home made cakes.Complementary Resfreshments are available at all Nursery Events.

All donations will go to the MS trust.

How To Grow Your Own

2009-10-24T04:53:00.000-07:00

Duble click on article to enlarge

Printable List Of Autum Plants

2009-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Autum Planting Fact Sheet

2009-10-23T23:53:00.001-07:00

Bare Rooted Hedging

2009-10-23T23:52:00.000-07:00

Evergreen Hedging

2009-10-23T23:50:00.000-07:00

A Quick Guide To Grow Your Own

2009-10-23T23:48:00.000-07:00

How To Choose A Tree

2009-10-23T23:46:00.000-07:00

How To Choose A Fruit Tree

2009-10-23T23:41:00.000-07:00

Hanging Basket Instructions

2009-10-23T23:40:00.001-07:00

Hot Dry Plants

2009-10-23T23:38:00.002-07:00

Plants For Dry Shade

2009-10-23T23:38:00.001-07:00

Plants For Clay Soil

2009-10-23T23:34:00.000-07:00

Lawn Care Advice

2009-10-23T23:32:00.000-07:00

Christmas Advert

2009-10-18T23:53:00.000-07:00

Autum / Winter 2009 Newsletter

2009-10-17T02:34:00.000-07:00

Spring Program 2009

2009-04-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

David Austin Talk Photos

2009-03-25T01:51:00.001-07:00

Garden Club Events Dec 08-March 09

2008-12-08T04:14:00.000-08:00

Double left click and this will enlarge.

Holly Wreath Workshops

2008-12-08T02:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who attended the wreath workshops . I think we all had fun. Here are a few happy pictures!

Autumn Planting

2008-10-20T01:35:00.000-07:00

Farmhouse Pumpkin Scones

2008-10-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

1tbs butter
75g caster sugar
1 egg
250g cooked pumpkin
330g sifted flour
pinch salt
Beat butter and sugar, beat in egg, pumpkin, flour etc. Add milk if necessary.
Cook at 180 deg for 10-15 mins.

Calender of Events 2008

2008-09-29T04:29:00.000-07:00

GARDEN CLUB EVENTS

October Sun 5th 2.30 pm . Workshop Planting Autumn baskets & containers
Please book as these are for limited numbers. Bring your own basket and learn how to fill it with winter colour. Charge is for the plants used.

October Sat 11th 11 am and 2 pm. Enjoying Conifers . Francis from Vale Propagators, Evesham.
Our speaker has been growing conifers for many years and is passionate about them. Take this opportunity to learn what to grow and how to maintain it easily.

October Sat 25th 2 pm. Focusing on how to begin a new garden.
Specialist talk by Peter .

It is also useful talk when starting afresh with new borders.

October Sun 19th 2 pm. Looking at Autumn colour and planting in the autumn.
Seasonal Talk by Peter

November Sun 9th 2 pm. How to plant a hedge and ideas of what to plant.
Specialist talk by Peter .

December Tue 2nd Workshop.2 pm. How to make a holly wreath.
Limited numbers please book. We have been making our own Holly wreaths here for about 20 years, this is an opportunity to attend a workshop and learn how to make your own.

Mulled wine and mince pies will be served.

Home made tea and cakes will be provided at all events.

Membership to the garden club is free.

Application forms are at the Nurseries.

Beetroot Cake

2008-09-19T01:44:00.001-07:00

8 oz S.R. Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
5 oz Sugar
¼ Pint Vegetable Oil
2 Eggs Beaten
2 tsp Mixed Spice
3 - 4 oz Sultanas
7oz Grated Raw Beetroot
Method

1. Set the oven at 150 degree Fan (or 180c, 350F, Gas Mark 4)
2 Grease and Line a 2lb loaf tin or a 8” Cake tin. (Loose bottom is good.)
3 Mix together all the ingredients except beetroot and sultanas. A strong mixer is recommended as
The mixture will be very stiff.

4 Mix in the Beetroot and Sultanas
5 Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin.
6 Bake for 1 – 1 ¼ hours until a metal knife comes out clean.
7 Cool on a wire rack. After, about 10 minutes turn the cake out of the tin

Intoducing the Garden Club

2008-09-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

Here at the nurseries we run our own garden club.We produce a quarterly news letter. Events are held at the nurseries in the form of out side speakers, specialist and seasonal talks by Peter and a range of workshops. Tea coffee and home made cakes are served as refreshments at all events.
New members are sent a membership card which entitles them to specific promotions for garden club members only.These are listed in the current news letter. You do need to present this card when purchasing any of the promotions.

Membership to the club is free.

You can join by filling out a short form in the shop.

David Austin Rose Orders

2008-09-12T05:13:00.000-07:00

We are now taking orders for bare rooted David Austin Roses. We have order forms in the shop call in or Tel 01280 848038 or can easily email a copy direct.