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New from www.thompson-morgan.com for 2011 is this new cascading basket variety of tomato, Tomato Losetto F1 Hybrid. This variety has shown exceptional tolerance to tomato blight that has plagued tomato growers over the last few years. The produce sweet cherry sized fruits in abundance and are perfect for hanging baskets and containers.
£3.49 for an varage of 6 seeds
The 'Bloom' illuminated planter from www.outdoorchic.co.uk is both stylish and practical. It is available in a range of colours and sizes with a starting price of £185.00 for the 70cm version.
New from www.thompson-morgan.com is this new PetuniaSophistica Lime Bicolour. I grew the plants from seed early this year especially to plant in my summer hanging cones. The plants are great but there are too many plain pink flowers and not too many lime splashed ones. Overall though I am pleased with the result - the look especially great looking down on them from the bedroom windows.
Outdoor carpets have been a bit of an oddity up to now but these Freek rugs have taken the idea to a different level. made from polythene and nylon yarns they have good water permeability and oustanding UV stability.
They are availble in this amazing Stripe range 1.5 x 2m £458.00 or any size to order at £162.00 sq. mtr.
Also available is the Imagination range - plain colours including Juicy Orange, Fresh Lime Green and Pink Candy.
www.outdoorchic.co.uk
Are nasturtiums just for kids? I love nasturtiums they have everything - or nearly everything going for them. The seeds are cheap to buy, are available in a wide range of colours and growth size, easy to grow and will last all summer. (the seed pods also maker good substitutes for capers in cooking).
The only downfalls are that they are prone to attacks from blackfly, needs loads of water in dry weather and if allowed will take over your garden - either by growing excessively or seeding everywhere.
I grow my nasturtiums in large easily move tubs that can sit on walls and colourfully drape down over the bricks. I also grow them in colours to complement permanent planting such as my Crocosmia Lucifer.
Hardwood furniture has gone ot of fashion in the last few years due mainly to the cost of hardwood and the fact the it needs upkeep that owners are not willing to do to keep it in top condition.
This Magnus set from www.kettler.co.uk is a mixture of teak and white resin which makes it not only affordable but also almost maintenance free. The set is also available with a white top for the complete new look. Should be available from early spring 2011
These highly innovative PRO-Lite tools from the USA have been introduced to us Brits by www.brilliantgardenproducts.co.uk. Made from carbon steel with a fibreglass shaft they are fitted with the Radius patented 'O' grip which gives up to four times more gripping area. The range includes a spade, shovel, digging fork and transplanter.
This week yardz has been at the SOLEX show in Telford. This is the Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition of garden furniture and barbeques. All the new ranges for 2011 were on show including this neat little bistro set from www.Kettler.co.uk in their Contemporary Living range.
The Caffe Latte Set will be available in pink,blue,green and grey and will retail at under £150 for the folding table and two folding chairs.
It must be something about the south Devon air that encourages its inhabitants to be so adventurous in their planting. I spotted both these schemes last weekend. The planting above was by the waterfront at the Barbican and has been well designed to stand up to hot dry conditions as well as the full force of atlantic winter gales.
The other scheme was part of communal gardens behind trendy new apartments. This is a fascinating scheme using a wide selection of grasses, perennials and shrubs using in strict blocks giving almost a 'barcode' look. My only worry is what it will look like in a few years time with all these plants having a wide range of growth pattern.
Both schemes I'm sure could be adapted to small garden design perhaps using blocks of vegetables between more permanent plantings of evergreens or grasses.
