yardz

COLOURFUL COCONUT DUET

  

Summer arrived this weekend with stunning blue skys and blazing sun, so it seemed odd to be turfing out the last of the summer bedding and replanting the baskets for winter.

Devon is a windy place and even in my well enclosed yard it can be quite blustery. I have to take this into account when choosing winter and spring bedding. Violas are perfect. They are hardy, fragrant and long lasting. They flower almost continuously and are very fragrant. I've chosen Viola Coconut Duet which is purple/blue and white and will under plant with the deep purple dwarf Iris Pauline. 

COLD WAR MODERN

 

An interesting chair from the 60's that I saw at the Autumn Fair in Birmingham is now available at the V & A shop.

'An original prototype of this classic 60s design will be a highlight of the Cold War Modern exhibition. Designed by Peter Ghyczy, the chair was eventually mass produced in East Germany and is one of the few design products of the Cold War era, sold in both East and West. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year the chair is now produced by Felix Ghyczy, the designer's son. Suitable for use in the garden. Only available in yellow. Weighs 16.2kg.'

£1250.00

http://www.vandashop.com/product.php?xProd=2697&xSec=235&navlock=1

COMPO VIZ

 

The new Compo Viz is a flat pack lightweight compost bin with a twist.

Its made from recycled plastic, is a compact 80ltr size for small gardens  and comes in a trendy designer finish.

www.compoviz.com   £19.99

BLOOMIN' MIRACLE

 

Miracle cyclamen are available everywhere to buy to brighten winter and spring yards. They are hardy and flower for yonks! Great for baskets but best massed as single colours in containers.

Cost around £1.99 per 9cm pot

AUTUMN CONES

 

We've gone from summer to autumn in one jump this week with the clear blue skys and sun changing to our more seasonal wind and rain.

The summer planting in the cone baskets have now had their day and are ready to be planted for winter and spring. Try something different this year not just the standard universal winter flowering pansies.

The basket shown includes carmine coloured miracle cyclamen and mauve winter flowering heather, set off against variegated trailing ivy and variegated acorus. This will give a great mix of flower colour and foliage texture throughout the coming months.

I would suggest underplanting with dwarf bulbs and in the case of the above mixture would use Iris George.

MONOCHROME SPRING

 

Forget all your bright colours, your yellow crocus, red tulips and blue hyacinths - next springs colour scheme for the stylish yard should be black and white.

Dark charcoal grey containers should be planted with the virginal white Tulip purissima whilst clean white or light grey terrazzo planters should shimmer with deep purple/black Tulip Queen of the Night.

Our garden centres and supermarkets are now well stocked with spring bulbs, so for go the bargain mixed bags and search out something a bit more special.

Bulbs to look out for that fit in with the monochrome scheme are : Narcissus Snowbaby, Narcissus Thalia, Tulip tres Chic, Tulip Swans Wing, Tulip White Elegance and Tulip Black Hero.

GLEE: PALM READING

 

Palm is part of a new range for 2009 from Moderna furniture.

With this new range of all weather rattan, which is exclusive to Moderna. They believe they have solved a storage issue common for many outdoor ranges, with the added benefit of having a piece of architecture to appreciate, during the winter months.

http://www.modenafurniture.co.uk/palm.html

THERE'S MORE TO CONIFERS THAN CHRISTMAS TREES!

 

Conifer Week 27th September - 5th October

Conifers have been very 'non you' since the 1970's when every new garden had a selection. They went out of fashion, dispised by the garden designers and ignored by garden retailers.

Today though they have returned, new varieties have been introduced that are perfect for the smaller garden giving all year round colour and interest without over-powering small spaces.

Take the time to go along to your nearest garden centre this week who will I'm sure have a great display of conifers that will change your mind about the humble Christmas tree.

GLEE: AVANT GARDE PAVING

 

Avant Garde paving from Stonemarket

Gone is the boring concrete paving of yesteryear - we now have designer paving! Stonemarket has introduced some stunning new ranges including this very classy Avant Garde range.

Avant-garde is a smooth-cut sandstone which will bring a sophisticated contemporary ambience to any design scheme. All three colour options, Ebony, Silver and Caramel, are ethically sourced quartzitic sandstones with proven durability for exterior use in the UK. Available in five compatible sizes, they can be laid in various combinations for stunning visual impact.

http://www.stonemarket.co.uk/avant-garde

RED-HOT CATS TAILS AT B&Q

 

It's amazing what you can find when least expecting it.

Whilst browsing round our B&Q, I discovered two summer baskets hanging folawn on a stand. Both contained just Acalypha hispida, Red-hot Cats Tail, which is a half hardy shrub that is generally grown as a houseplant. It looked great in a basket and would have survived outside until the first frosts. It likes sun or part shade and moist but well drained compost.

www.diy.com