Change of bedding

I’m usually pretty good at changing the bedding on the second May bank holiday each year – I’m talking about bedding plants, of course, not my bed sheets (ew!). But I’m playing ‘catch up’ in the garden this year, and I’m pleased to report it’s not too late to get those summer bedding plants in ready for a splurge of colour in July and August.

The border next to my driveway in the front garden was in particular need of an overhaul.

Out with the old bedding plants

Out with the old bedding plants

I hate ripping out plants that still have a bit of life left in them, but the silver-foliaged Senecio cineraria, which had served me well for several seasons, was definitely past its best; likewise, the Erysium ‘Bowles Mauve’. And the rest of the border comprised the dead remains of some glorious yellow tulips and some very ragged pansies.

I dug it all out, added some fresh compost and Growmore plant food, and replanted with verbenas and geraniums (the bees will be happy!).

New summer bedding: annual verbenas and geraniums

New summer bedding: annual verbenas and geraniums

While I was at it, I tackled a couple of pots that were sporting the straggly remains of a spring display – the decaying leaves of daffodils and tulips and a few hardy pansies that were doing their best to welcome visitors to my front door.

Out with the spring display

Out with the spring display

I tied up the daffodil leaves that wouldn’t yet pull easily out of the pot – they are still drawing nutrients in to the bulb, so it’s best not to remove them until they start to yellow or pull easily from the soil. In between the regenerating bulbs I planted fuschia, busy lizzies and trailing verbena, and scattered some Growmore in the pot to keep it all well fed.

In with the summer display

In with the summer display

So if, like me, you’re a bit behind with your summer borders, don’t despair! There are still plenty of summer bedding plants on offer online and in the garden centres. So get planting this weekend – and send me a picture …

As for my new bedding, I can’t wait to see how it all looks in a few weeks’ time. Watch this space!

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