29 May 2015
Foliage Plants in Containers
As a change from containers that brim with colourful, generally annual plants, your display could include or indeed consist of, containers with plants that are grown primarily for their foliage interest. These plants generally flower, giving a few weeks of extra beauty, however they are mostly grown for the pleasure of enjoying their long-lasting foliage effects. The following suggestions are all for plants that have large leaves. In containers filled with small-leaved annuals, the foliage masses of these suggestions will provide a pleasing contrast. Hosta 'Silver Spray' The first choice is Hostas. These come in a range of sizes from the tiny to the huge, but the following selections are hostas that are mid-sized. Try something blue with Hosta 'Blue Danube' This serene plant has conical leaves that are coloured blue-green. This would look nice against a ferment of red pelargoniums (often called annual geraniums). For blue and silver elegance try Hosta ‘Silver Spray’ cool and crisp with fat leaves edged in silver, which is good with vibrant blue Lobelia. For subtle chartreuse and gold try the broad leaves of Hosta ‘Guacamole’, matched with lush Petunias. Hostas are prone to attack by slugs and snails. When grown in a container on their own a copper band placed around the container provides an excellent slug deterrent, provided the slugs can’t climb onto the hosta from another plant. The second choice is Heuchera and x Heucherella. These are well-suited to containers where they often seem to do better than in a busy flower border. They often make slightly tiered mounds of foliage and can result in a good block of colour that combines well with annuals. These plants come in a variety of forms, some having very ruffled foliage. The forms with smoother leaves generally look better when placed near busy annuals. For something dark and delicious try Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ dark, shiny and black. Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' changes colour through the seasons going from pinkish red through tan to orange. For lime green, and having slightly ruffled edges to otherwise smooth leaves, try Heuchera Key Lime Pie = 'Tnheu042' (Dolce Series). It pays to treat potted Heuchera forms (and indeed all container plants) with a vine weevil killer as vine weevils can completely separate a plant from its roots before one notices. Finally, grey-foliaged plants are always appealing and the light, silver grey oblong leaves of Brachyglottis (Dunedin Group) 'Drysdale' is beautiful with purple and orange flowered annuals. Cut off the yellow flowers for a pure foliage effect. This needs a sunny position to give of its best. All these plants are perennial which means they can be used in future years. Alternately, they can be planted out in the garden so that a whole new series of plant combinations can be tried in your containers next year. Enjoy! This blog post was contributed by Susan A. Tindall
20 May 2015
Join the Weber BBQ cultures journey...
"At any given time, somewhere in the world, someone is barbecuing. Let us take you on a journey to some of the most delicious barbecues around." These are the powerful opening words of BBQ Cultures; Weber's brand new cinematic and interactive campaign that allows us to watch a series of short films whilst interacting and learning about Weber products, recipes, tips and tricks along the way. Click here to view the BBQ Cultures Interactive Campaign Five distinct BBQ cultures are focussed on, starting with a men's fishing trip in tranquil Scandinavia and ending at a warm and beautiful wedding in France. The campaign reinforces the fact that there is a barbecue cooking food, at any given time, somewhere in the world - and we at Longacres couldn't agree more! Longacres are now incredibly proud to be an official Premium Weber Certified Store, meaning that we are fully authorised to offer the entire Weber product range to you. It also means that our seasonal team have been trained by the Weber experts themselves - so you can fully trust us to ensure that we sell only the barbecue(s) and accessories that are right for you. Come and visit us at our Bagshot store where you can see the full range on display. Weber display at Longacres Bagshot Did you know that Weber are hosting their much anticipated Grill Academy - On Tour event at our Bagshot store on Thursday the 25th June? The Weber Grill Academy is a live and exciting 2-hour cooking demonstration designed to inspire and excite you, whether you be a barbecuing pro or a total novice! The Grill Academy will begin at 6:30pm and will last for approximately 2 hours. Tickets cost just £10 and include entry to the event, refreshments, nibbles and samples. To find out more about the event and to view a video of what to expect click here, or if you've already been persuaded enough to buy tickets click here! Don't forget that our seasonal department also has a vast range of barbecues, accessories, furniture and more, with new additions to our BBQ range from the likes of The Big Green Egg and Landmann, as well as new additions to our furniture range including Alexander Rose, the Jamie Oliver range and Bramblecrest. Take a few minutes to watch the video below to find our more from our seasonal manager, John Connel, and have a glimpse at what we have in store this year. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho89Ak6K7fw[/embed]
14 May 2015
Monty Don Says There are “Not Enough Gardens” ¦ Longacres Garden Centre
Brits are not doing enough gardening; at least that is the sentiment of renowned English television presenter, gardener, writer and speaker Montagu Denis Wyatt "Monty" Don. More Green Opportunities Monty Don, the current host of the BBC television series Gardeners' World, said that many young people are being turned off by gardening because they can no longer pay for homes with green spaces. Don said it is a “tragedy” that not enough young people are learning gardening skills. He is concerned that spiralling house prices and lack of space could mean people do not have opportunities to get green fingered. “My generation grew up expecting some sort of ownership and access to gardens. I had my first home aged 26 and started growing things then. My three kids are in their 20's and none of them rent or own homes with gardens,” the BBC host told Radio Times magazine, as quoted in a report in mirror.co.uk— the online edition of The Daily Mirror. “A generation is growing up with no access to green space. There’s an increased remoteness about it all. Gardens can reach into life in a way that’s beyond horticulture. It’s about how we choose to live our lives and how younger people engage with them.” He added, "We've lost so many of our allotments and it's a tragedy. They're increasingly important as young people have less access to gardens. Don, who is returning as the host of this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, explained gardens are “part of our way of life and we can't keep building on them. Councils are selling them off and say they'll find allotment space somewhere else but this is missing the point.” Gardening the Easy Way We stand behind Don on this issue. Gardening should be something that everyone does. Experts are even saying gardening is key to longer life. We've always encouraged everyone to have some sort of green patch in their home, even if it’s just a few potted plants by the windowsill or by the front garden. We have a range of plants and other products that make gardening easy. You can get the seed, the pots, and the feeds to give your plant a boost all in one convenient centre. Longacres Garden Centre is one with horticulturists and gardeners in encouraging everyone to grab a shovel, dig in, and start planting. Get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to provide you with any gardening products you need.
11 May 2015
Unique Wedding Gifts at Longacres Shepperton
Unique and quirky gifts to suit a wide range of couples We understand that trying to find the perfect wedding gift for loved ones can be tricky and a lot of pressure, especially when you know there are hundreds of other guests that will be hunting for presents too (and there's only so many 'his' and 'hers' towels that one couple can cope with!), which is why Longacres Shepperton are stocking a wide selection of unique and classy range of wedding gifts to suit all budgets. Whether you are wanting to give the newlyweds a keepsake or something more practical for them to use in their home, you're sure to find something that they will treasure for years to come and remind them of their special day. See the full range and visit us at our branch on Nutty Lane, Shepperton, Middlesex, TW17 0RQ. Artificial flowers make long-lasting gifts
05 May 2015
Bedding Plants at Longacres
We are well into the Spring season and before we know it Summer will be upon us, so make sure that you are well prepared to introduce lots of splashes of colours, scents, butterflies and bees into your garden by buying your bedding from Longacres, where we have hundreds of different varieties to suit every type of gardener and garden! Antirrhinums, Petunias, Geraniums, Fuchsias, Impatiens, Lobelias, Marigolds and Nicotianas are just a small example of the bedding plants available to buy both in store or online from as little as £1.39 in a 9cm pot, £1.99 as a 6 pack of boxed bedding, or just £2.99 as a 12 pack of boxed bedding. Our grower of bedding plants, Perfect Choice, have invested in a stylish, bright and bold new delivery van to transport all of our bedding plants to us ready to offer to you! Perfect Choice is a small family run nursery just 8 miles down the road from us in Locally grown plants have lots of advantages; it means less of a carbon footprint, plants are as fresh and perfect as they come, we save on distribution costs (which means a better price for you, our customer!), and finally we are supporting the local economy and of course another family run business - just like ours. Visit us in store to view the full bedding range, or click here to view the online range. Please note when buying online that you can mix and match all boxed bedding but the total number of boxes must be a minimum of 6.
22 April 2015
Outdoor Projects You Can Do On Your Own ¦ Longacres Garden Centre
Are you the type who enjoys hosting parties at home or laid-back alfresco dinners? Then these simple projects are perfect for you. Make the most out of spring by lining up one outdoor party after another. From a grill night to a low-key ladies’ night, you’re sure to have the most fun outside and under the stars. Hang Outdoor Lights Outdoor lights are easy to install. Set up the perfect mood by putting up charming handmade lighting for your next outdoor party. Just screw in some hooks, drape the lights between them and make sure the end plug is near an electrical source. You will have the perfect lighters in no time, and all your guests are sure to gush over it. Build a Mini-Bar Whether it is for keeping your friends hydrated or encouraging them to have fun and have a laugh, an outdoor bar is your easiest bet. Shop around for an inexpensive tiered rolling cart to serve as the foundation for this outdoor mini-bar. Stock the heaviest mixers on the bottom, the plastic glasses or paper cups in the middle, and reserve the top for mixing. Extra points if you get to paint the cart to match your outdoor décor scheme. Create a Cooking Nook The mood is set and the drinks are mixed. All that is missing is the scrumptious meal you will all be sharing. Appoint a cooking and eating nook in a certain corner. If you and your family are into grilling, set up a barbecue grill to satisfy all your cravings. Find one that blends nicely with the rest of the space and secure the area with a simple fence around it. Here at Longacres Garden Centre, we only want to provide your best outdoor entertaining needs. We have a wide selection of barbecue grills that range from charcoal to electric. Rest assured you will find something that fits your needs and suits your party needs. Complete your outdoor party set-up with garden furniture and you are ready to call some friends over. Contact us today so we can help you with all your outdoor entertainment needs.
24 March 2015
Plant your pea plants now for a great early harvest!
Peas are one of the more hardier vegetable plants that you can get hold of or grow. You can sow pea seeds in Autumn - overwintering them in a greenhouse till spring, or sow them now (March / April) ready for planting out in a few weeks time. The other alternative is to buy a 6 pack or pot of pre-grown pea seedlings ready to plant out! (available in store) Peas are a great starter crop as they are easy to grow and require little care after initial establishment to grow well. The first thing to make sure you have done is to prepare your site and improve your soil - if you haven't done this already then you can view my previous video and blog post on how to do this. Once you've improved your soil and you know where you want your pea plants to grow you'll need to assemble, create or purchase a frame for them to grow up. Peas climb naturally so this is vital for supporting good healthy growth. You can get great, simple to use kits like we have here at Longacres, or you can assemble your own with just simple string and some bamboo canes. Once the frame is in place you plant out your peas! Dig a small hole about the same size of the current pot they are in. Gently push the root ball up from the bottom of the pot or 6 pack and place gently into the hole you have just dug. Carefully backfill (move back around the plant) the soil that you dug out to create the hole. And that's your peas planted! The next step is to pinch out your pea plant growth tips if you want them to be more busy and compact. Do this by cutting or ‘pinching’ about a third of the growth of the pea away from the plant down to above a node - see my video on peas to find out more about this! You may also need to tie your peas to the canes or supports using jute twine if they are already tall. The final step is to water them in (unless its raining of course!) I added the new Baby Bio Top Defence feed to my water which helps plants with stressful situations such as transplanting, drought and cold. It will be interesting to see how this product works over the season. And that is all you need to know about planting peas! I will have a blog and video update later in the season to show you tips on harvesting and show you how things are getting along during the main growing season! Have any questions about growing your own, plants or houseplants? Send them to us in an email to: plantsonline@longacres.co.uk
03 March 2015
Nurture Your Soil & Enjoy A Bumper Crop ¦ Longacres Garden Centre
You can watch the accompanying video here: http://youtu.be/gDM9uYFZWN4 Arguably one of the most important parts of gardening and horticulture is looking after your soil. It contains all the vital nutrients that plants need to sustain healthy growth and produce a good crop, if the soil becomes worn down or isn't nurtured you will start to run into problems with your plants and crops! The first task you'll need to do to start improving your soil is to clear it of weeds, heavy clay blocks, debris, stones & anything else which shouldn't be there. It's best to try and tackle weeds at the roots and remove as much of them as possible. Rake the soil over to remove any last obstructions. Next is to begin to till or ‘turn over’ your soil whilst adding organic matter. Using a fork or soil tiller begin to lift & turn over the soil and break up any large clumps that may occur from doing this. As you are undertaking this begin to add your organic matter - this could be compost, manure, leaf litter etc… and continue to work the area until you've added a decent amount of organic matter and the whole site has been turned over. Its always advised to read the label on the product you are using and care should be taken not to over-fertilise the site as this could lead to plant growth problems. Make sure any manure is well rotted before applying to your site! I'm using Westland Organic Vegetable Growing Compost for this new vegetable plot - which is good for improving soil drainage, soil fertility and the texture of the soil. I'm also adding well rotted farmyard manure from Westland which contains a whole host of excellent nutrients required for plant growth and will again help with soil drainage and texture. Thats all there really is to it! Now is the time to work the soil and your new vegetable plot, or existing patch ready for the season. Depending on the crops you are hoping to grow will determine what else you may need to add to the soil or what you may need to fertilise your plants with later on in the season. This simple soil nurturing process can be carried out on a yearly basis and you'll start to see the results of your improved soil in your flowers, vegetables or fruit - almost straight away! Have any questions about growing your own, plants or houseplants? Send them to us here: plantsonline@longacres.co.uk
25 February 2015
Plan Bee: Helping the Bees for Gardening Success ¦ Longacres Garden Centre
The population of bees across England is declining, and the government is pushing homeowners, gardeners, and landscapers to help save them by encouraging the buzzing insects into their gardens. Helping the Pollinators In a pronouncement by the government through Environment Secretary Liz Truss, gardeners and other concerned individuals are encouraged to help the struggling bee population by making their gardens more bee-friendly. As part of a National Pollinator Strategy (NPS), the 10-year-plan aims to stop or reduce the decline in bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects by ensuring gardens have more nectar and pollen available all year round. Truss explains this involves more than just planting flowers. This also means letting wild flowers and plants, such as dandelions and nettles, grow on your lawn. Not mowing the lawn is something most people have no problem following, she jokingly adds. In the Home For homeowners who want to be a part of this initiative, it’s about growing your garden in a certain way. This means getting the right plants, decorations, and garden ornaments. The ideal approach is to have as many flowers for as long as possible, which may mean planting so you have blossoms throughout the year. If your garden space permits, group the plants to make it easier for the bees to collect nectar and pollen more efficiently. We have a range of plants and other ornaments perfect for this. We also carry a selection of bug biomes ideal for bees, birds, and insects. De-Bugging the Pollinator Decline Another way to help the pollinators, which the NPS failed to mention, is to stay away from pesticides. You may not know it, but the plants you buy from other garden centres may inadvertently be pesticide-laden, which then harms bees and insects. Neonicotinoids are present in many store-bought plants. This chemical is highly toxic to insects. Even when these do not kill bees outright, it can impair the insect’s sense of navigation and their immune systems. When it comes to nurturing the garden, it’s still best to choose only organic composts and fertilisers, which we have in store. Bees and other pollinating insects are essential for your garden’s success. A little quid pro quo by helping them survive will, in turn, help your garden thrive. Browse through our store to find the right products, tools, and plants for a more bee-friendly garden and yard.
20 February 2015
10% off Interior Oak Furniture at Longacres
Give your home a stylish new appearance with the addition of some stunning interior oak furniture! From bedside tables to full table and chair sets, we've got it all, and better yet - we are now offering 10% off the entire interior oak range! Come and visit us at our Bagshot and Shepperton branches to view the range on our shop floors (full range at Bagshot). Alternatively you can click here to view the online range - just don't forget to enter the following discount code* at checkout when buying online: oak10 Offer runs whilst stocks last. Make sure that you hurry though, because once they're gone - they really are gone! For any questions or enquiries regarding the range, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly seasonal team at seasonal@longacres.co.uk. *In the event of error discount code may be withdrawn at any time.
17 February 2015
Roses in Containers
Many of the roses that are presently fashionable are quite small, standing between 45cm and 80cm in height. They can easily be lost in a garden unless carefully placed, or grown as part of a group of like-coloured flowers so they can make an impact. It is often better to grow these roses in containers, which means the flowers are raised to a higher position, and the containers can be moved into prominent positions when the plant is at its best, either on the patio or positioned between other plants in a border. Roses and other plants can start their life with you in a container, but can be planted out in the garden at a later time. Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' Small, rather fragile roses that haven’t developed good root systems may best be grown on their own in a container. When a number of plants are grown in the same pot there is competition for the available resources – both water and nutrients - and the rose needs to have a good, established root system to effectively hold its own. In these cases it can be really attractive to have a group of several containers, preferably matching. The plants that you grow in them can complement or contrast with the flowers of the centrepiece – the rose. Good effects can be achieved by having a whole container filled with plants of a single colour. For example purple Petunias, red Verbena, bold golden Marigolds or the deep blue of delicate Nigella. You can also use companion plants that are grown for their foliage such as the woolly silvered, non-flowering Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' or the trailing silvered round leaves of a plant such as Dichondra argentea 'Silver Falls'. These colours combine well with pink roses. Other foliage plants can be utilised such as the intriguing rose and mahogany tints of Heuchera 'Midnight Bayou'. Diascia (Flying Colours Series) 'Flying Colours Deep Salmon' Alternately a rose can be grown in the same container as other plants. For this option the container needs to be of a substantial size so that all the plants can thrive. It is usually more effective to choose small, dainty flowers to contrast with the often large and solid blooms of the rose. Suggestions include Nemesia that will flower all summer through and have alluring colours that will combine well with roses. The showy Nemesia 'Sundrops' with its clear orange flowers would go with yellow or peach shades. Or the small flowers of Felicia such as the blue, trailing Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita' that can complement blue or contrast with other light tints. The solid, trailing Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea' with its yellow foliage and flowers makes a bold contrast to red roses. Finally, try the white Angelonia 'Angelface 'White' with white roses, or the jolly salmon tints of Diascia such as Diascia (Flying Colours Series) 'Flying Colours Deep Salmon', for a lively interaction with yellow, purple, or peach roses. Notes on rose care: Put a slow release fertiliser in the container when planting and give the plants an additional feed in mid to late summer. Water very regularly, and when it is hot, be prepared to water twice daily. Encourage gifts of good-sized matching containers - three make a good group! This Longacres Blog post was contributed by Susan A. Tindall
12 February 2015
Lawn Fertilising the Right Way ¦ Longacres
Lawn Fertilisation: Are You Doing It Right? Your lawn plays a key role in the overall appearance of your property, which is why regular maintenance is essential. Make your lawn live up to its full potential by watering, mowing, and more importantly, fertilising it frequently. Fertilisers effectively keep the grass green but weeds can still grow. This is one of the most irritating problems that can occur with your lawn. With proper nourishment, you can naturally reduce the growth of weed by thickening the grass. In addition it strengthens the grass roots to absorb more water and lessen soggy puddles. Use the correct equipment when applying For large areas of lawn, use a rotary spreader for better results. Make sure the hopper is closed before you fill it. To avoid spilling and wasting fertilisers, place a tarp beneath the machine to easily gather anything that falls. Apply the fertiliser in a methodical manner to make sure that you cover all the areas. If the lawn area is much smaller, it may be easier to use a handheld spreader. You have to walk slowly and pour equally, being careful not to overlap distribution. This is also a practical way of application if your lawn experiences sunny on one side and shady on the other, applying more where needed. Time your watering Application of the fertiliser should be planned properly. At least a day or two before application, water the lawn thoroughly. You can spread it once the grass dries. After application, water the lawn lightly - this will wash off fertiliser caught in grass blades into the soil. Avoid applying during drought or heavy rain. Utilise the Grass Clippings as an extra feed! Manufactured fertilisers work well alone, but you can complement it with natural ones. When you mow the grass, leave the clippings on the soil. Your lawn can still gain about 25% of the fertiliser it needs, as it still contains nitrogen. A healthy-looking and well-maintained lawn proves to be a vital boost in the look of your home’s exterior. Keep your garden as sharp and beautiful as ever with fertilisers. At Longacres, we offer a selection of quality lawn fertiliser products that provide effective growth and care for your lawn. Contact us and enjoy the benefits of a well-suited grass fertiliser.
