Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2011 | Page 96

gardening

Now we are well
into the New Year
it’s great to start
focusing on plans
for the garden
Soon the Spring Garden bursts into life with snowdrops,
daffodils & tulips to follow. Spring shrubs add colour and
perennials our cottage garden plants which come back
faithfully each year show good signs of growth with the
promise of Summer blooms.
The exceptional (for the Island) long cold snowy weather
may well have caused damage to some of our less hardy
plants. Wind and rain may mean tidying, pruning and
replanting may be needed. This does give an opportunity to
plant something new.
Also now is the time to remember successes in growing
your own vegetables and the challenge of trying out new
varieties. Last year tomatoes did really well, our runner beans
came late and needed lots of water. Was it the same for you?
At Thompson’s we are very focused on giving real service
and encouragement to New Gardeners who are needing
advice or just getting started. We are also on hand for
more experienced gardeners wanting to expand their plant
knowledge.
With this in mind we will be organising gardening
workshops and also continuing with our now very popular
Nursery walkrounds. We are happy to take round groups
of 15-20 people on guided tours. Advanced booking is
necessary. The tours will run the 3rd & 4th week in March
and throughout April. For more information please visit the
Garden Centre. We have 3 nurseries in the tour Longlands
where the baby shrubs are propagated, Greentiles where the
crops of herbs, alpines, perennials basket plants and hanging
baskets are created. The final nursery is Bathingbourne
where early spring shrubs are grown ready for planting in
your garden March onwards. A trip not to be missed by plant
lovers and a chance to talk to the growers and see where it
all happens.
Our next Garden Club Evening is Wednesday March 9th
there will be talks on pruning and ‘Growing your own
vegetables’ & seed sowing. All Gard en Club Members
welcome. Why not bring a friend who can join on the night.
Membership is free and there is a 10% discount for the
Garden Club Evening.
The Spring season is on its way : It’s time to get growing
with Thompsons. Visit us soon.

Island Life - February/March 2011
Doronicum Finesse

Herb Pots

Aubrieta Cascade Blue

Phormium Jester
96

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