Sue Baines

There hasn't been too much time to ‘stand and stare’ this year, which is a shame as it has been a beautiful spring, and seems to be shaping up for a promising summer (she says tentatively!)

This is the time of year when I lose a lot of weight, as whatever tools I need always seem to be at the opposite end of the garden. I must get more organised and use my trug!

Spring brings sun and rain and the plants grow at a terrific pace. Therefore plant supports become a priority. We use chicken wire and netting, some of which is quite heavy duty. I have put some large pots in the middle of the beds. These are for plants like Dahlias and half hardy plants which still need protection from frost until the end of May. I need to position them in the beds before then, as walking through the beds once they are fully grown is very damaging.

I have started my hanging baskets, using cuttings of ‘basket Fuschias’ around the sides along with home grown Anagalis, Nemesia ‘shooting stars’ (free seeds not tried before), Yellow Helichrysum and Trailing Lobelia. At the top are upright Fuschias, Pink Geraniums, and Pink New Guinea hybrids, Isotoma, with its pale blue starry flowers and a little more trailing Lobelia.These, and lots more, are available at garden centres. Choice is best early on, but they must be kept frost-free and in good light. The same goes for tomatoes which can also do really well in a basket.

This year I am growing Maskotka for friends and family. I have added longlife food but additional feeds of Tomorite should keep them cropping through to the Autumn, as long as they don't dry out.