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Summer 2013 Bringing your garden to life

Capital Gardens

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Edition

A Capital Gardens Magazine

A note from the

Editor

4 The Peoples Park Alexandra Palace Celebrates its 150th year thissummer, we learn about the palace and its up and coming celebration event6 Plants at a Glance Our editor’s favourite plants for this season7 The Humble Rose Nursery man John Hoyland talks about the rosesand their uses in the garden8 My Garden We peak inside the garden of Professor Stefan Buczacki10 Plant of the Month Our editor picks his plant of the season11 Lavender Cup Cake Recipe Lavender has many uses but fewpeople know that it can be used to make delicious cup cakes12 Herbal Healing Lynne Allbutt shares her thoughts on the healingproperties of herbs14 A Perfect Plan Garden Designer Melanie Wand has created aplanting plan called the London Border16 Outdoor Living Colourful picnic choices17 Special Offers A selection of great special offers and money offvouchers18 Richard Reynolds' Column Richard talks about where it all began

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Content

The summer issue of the Plants & Gardens Magazine is ourmost feature packed issue to date. We have teamed up withGarden Designer Melanie Wand to create The LondonBorder, a border plan specifically designed for London stylegardens. The final design will look stunning once the plantsmature.

We have some fantastic prizes and coupons for our customersin this issue. Black & Blum have kindly given us 2 hot PotBBQ’s worth £99.99 and a beautifully designed lunch box.

We know that everyone loves a good deal, and in this issuewe have a great money off vouchers for all our readers. Thereare 3 vouchers one to be used each month.

Samuel Dontoh

The Weber Barbecue T Brush isperfect for deep cleaning yourbarbecue and helps you reachbetween the bars and narrowplaces at the edges of the cookingsurface. It also features slow-to-wear bristles that don't scratch theporcelain enamel on your BBQ.

The Black + Blum Hot Pot BBQis one of those items which will havepeople thinking, why didn't I thinkof that. Such a simple yet ingenuousway to turn BBQ into an all yearround garden item. The grill liesconcealed beneath a herb garden.Available at selected stores.

This little gadget from Weber isideal for home made burgers, mixyour mince with onions, herbs andspices then pop the mix in andpress down for the perfect pattie.It also has 2 markers for 1/4pound and 1/2 pound patties.Whilst stocks last.

Hot Pot BBQ £99.99The Weber Fire Pit is designed onlyfor garden & outdoor use and offerswarmth and light for relaxingevenings with friends or a cheeky glassof wine with your other half in thegarden. Use our discount code to getit for only £122.99 instead of £149.99at www.capitalgardens.co.uk

Weber Fire Pit Burger Press £12.99 Weber T Brush £9.99

Discountcode

Editor’s Picks…

Discount Code: BERKPROM

An accurate clock shows 8 o'clock in the morning. Through how may degreeswill the hour hand rotate when the clock shows 2 o'clock in the afternoon?

A 144º B 150º C 168º D 180º

We are giving away two Black + Blum Hot Pot BBQ’s worth £99.99each. Simply solve our little riddle and email your answers to

[email protected]

Competition

Question

Win a free BBQ worth £99.99

boating lake with pedalos, a soft play area, a skate park, a farmers market, the GardenCentre and a number of cafés where visitors can soak up the natural beauty of thisunspoilt landscape.

The People’s Park celebrates 150 years of the extraordinary!Alexandra Park welcomes visitors from near and far to come and help celebrate 150years of the extraordinary! On 21 July 2013 from 11-4pm, the Park will be awashwith family activities, entertainment and excitement to delight all. Bringing together

the past, present and future, Alexandra Park’scelebration is sure to go down as one of the greatestoutdoor events of the year!Duncan Wilson OBE, Chief Executive for AlexandraPark and Palace said: “What we really hope our historiccelebration will achieve is to provide everyone from allover London, whether they have visited Alexandra Parkbefore or not, with a day of family fun.”This ‘celebration of the extraordinary’ will includecommunity games, local live music and roamingperformers, food concessions, a farmers market,tethered balloon rides, pedalo races, a Red BullSoapbox showcase and much much more.Duncan continues: “We want to celebrate the Park’sastonishing history and exquisite parkland which isaccessible to the public all year-long, and recognise the

abundance of local talent we have around us.”

n 23 July 1863, Alexandra Park opened to the public with a fanfareof fun spread over a number of days. In true Victorian style thePark was awash with an array of entertainment delighting everyone

who attended. Activities tempted visitors to try their luck at archery, taketips from experts at a horticultural fete, listen to bands playing live musicand meander along the curving informal walkways designed by renownedlandscape architect Alexander McKenzie.Since opening, Alexandra Park’s visitors have been spoilt for choice. ThePark has continued to enchant park-goers withan abundance ‘of the extraordinary’. There hasbeen a miniature Japanese Village, ornamentalwalkways, a deer park, archery, a dry ski slope,croquet, a boating lake, a band stand, cycle andhorse racing tracks, a permanent circus, adiving pavilion and even an encampment ofLaplanders!This year, 150 years after opening, AlexandraPark remains true to its Victorian spirit. Its 196acres of Grade II listed parkland has a GreenFlag and Green Heritage Award, holds a silvergilt award for London in Bloom, is on theEnglish Heritage Register of Parks andGardens of Special Historic Interest inEngland and has been designated as aConservation Area. From its hilltop location you can take in stunningpanoramic views of London whilst overlooking formal flowerbeds androlling lawns edged with wild woodlands which continue to be a source ofhistory, adventure and imagination for those who venture into them. ThePark is home to a pitch and putt course, a cricket club, a deer enclosure, a

THE PEOPLE’S PARKLONDON LIFE

This year, 150 years after opening,Alexandra Park remains true to itsVictorian spirit. Its 196 acres ofGrade II listed parkland has a GreenFlag and Green Heritage Award,holds a silver gilt award for Londonin Bloom, is on the English HeritageRegister of Parks and Gardens ofSpecial Historic Interest in Englandand has been designated as aConservation Area.

For more information about the day’s activitiesvisit the Alexandra Palace website:

www.alexandrapalace.com

View from Alexandra Palace

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GlanceRoses at a

There are over 100 species of Roses andthere are over 30,000 varieties.

Roses have one of the most complicatedfamily tree of any known flower species.They form a group of plants that can beerect shrubs, climbing or trailing withstems that are often armed with sharpprickles. Flowers vary in size and shapeand are usually large and showy.

This summer we have some wonderfulvarieties available. Here our editor hasselected the must have Roses of thissummer.

3LOnly£7.99

Rhapsody in Blue

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£10.99

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Iceberg Amber Queen

Alissar Princess of PhoenicaAmber Queen

Arthur Bell Alfred Carniere Ena Harkness

Climbing Climbing Climbing

Shrub

BushBushBush

Jacqueline Du Pre

Shrub


t is not surprising that the rose is the favouriteplant of British gardeners. With gorgeous flow-ers, full of beauty and romance, they come in a

range of colours, many with scented blooms andmany producing attractive hips in the autumn; theycan be grown in borders, containers, over arches,pergolas and as groundcover; they are easy to growand are long-lived and there are varieties that thrivein deep shade as well as full sun. What more couldanyone ask of a plant?

There are thousands of different roses available and,increasingly, modern varieties are being bred forease of growth, free flowering, pest and disease resist-ance. There are so many varieties available that it ispossible to find a rose for any situation in the gar-den – up a shady north-facing wall, through a florif-erous herbaceous border, or pots on a sunny patio.

There are several distinct groups of roses:

Shrub/English roses: bushy, low-maintenance roses,usually with large flowers. Plant singly or in groupsin borders together with other shrubs and herba-ceous perennials.

Patio and miniature roses: average 45cm high, idealfor low hedging, containers or rockeries.

Climbing/rambling roses: good for covering walls,fences or growing over arches, pillars and pergolas.

Ramblers are very vigorous and are sometimes usedto clamber through trees.

Groundcover roses: low-growing and spreadingroses that are ideal for ground cover, down slopes orbanks or for quickly covering unsightly areas.

Standard roses: tall-stemmed roses make attractivecentrepieces or even a small avenue in borders. Theycan also be grown in large pots.

Climbing roses for shady walls

‘Alberic Barbier’. Flowers buttery cream, applefragrance, some repeat flowering. Height up to 6m(20ft).

‘Mme Alfred Carrière’. Large, pure white flowerswith sweet scent. Flowers throughout the summer.Height 6m (20ft).

‘Félicité et Perpétue’ Sprays of small white flowers,buds tinged red. Height 5m (17ft).

Very vigorous roses for covering walls or sheds

‘Kiftsgate’. Slightly fragrant, creamy white flowers.Very vigorous, so only plant where there is lots ofspace. Height 10m (30ft).Rosa banksii. Thornless stems and sprays of yellowor white flowers pom-pom flowers in late spring.Evergreen foliage. Height up to 6m (20ft).

Roses for training over pergolas

‘Compassion’. Double flowers, perfumed, repeatflowering; pink flowers with an apricot hue. Height2.4m (8ft).

‘Golden Showers’. Double, scented yellow roses.Re-flowers later in the year. Height 2.1m (7ft).

‘Penny Lane’. Tight buds and peachy-pink flowersthat have a sweet perfume. Flowers all summerlong. Height 3m (10ft).

Roses for making a hedge

‘Cornelia’. Double flowers, fragrant apricot-pinkblooms. Repeat flowering. Height 1.5m (5ft).

‘Zephrine Drouhin’. Semi-double flowers, scentedcarmine pink flowers. Thornless stems and repeatflowering. Height 3m (10ft).

Roses for ground cover‘Nozomi’. Single pink flowers in mid summer.Spreads to about five feet wide. Height 30cm (1ft).‘Surrey’. Double pink blooms from early summeruntil late autumn. Height 60–90cm (2-3ft) andspread 90cm-1.2m (3-4ft).

THE HUMBLE ROSEPLANT OF THE MONTH

John HoylandA plantsman at Pioneer Nurseriesin Letchworth – where his keeneye was drawn inexorably to thetown’s famous roundabout. Anaward winning garden writer he isalso Garden Advisor atGlyndebourne.

Jacqueline Du Pre

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Professor Stefan Buczacki’s garden

Professor Stefan Buckzaacki hasappeared on BBC Radio's'Gardeners' Question Time' aspanellist and chairman for aunique unbroken run of over 600broadcasts in twelve years, justpart of a portfolio of well over1,000 radio programmes.


Tell us about your garden, what inspired thedesign?

It is a one acre amalgam with elements frompractically every garden I have seen and liked; ablend of the formal close to the house graduallybecoming less and less formal the further away onegoes, culminating with the wild life garden at thefurthest point.

Who designed your garden, what was your brief?

I did; with my own brief to produce somethingattractive and productive for me and my family butincluding a little of many things to illustrate thenumerous television programmes that have beenfilmed here.

Do you get your hands dirty or leavemaintenance to the professionals?

I do as much as I can myself – one or two days aweek on average in total; but with horticulturalstudents doing the tasks I do not have time for.

What plant do you feel should be used more oftenby gardeners?

Smyrnium perfoliatum; a splendid self-seeding biennialgreen-yellow umbellifer, often mistaken for aEuphorbia.

Who/what inspired you to start gardening?

My father who gave me a small garden area of myown at a very young age.

We love roses at Capital Gardens, do you have atop tip for caring for them?

Feed them like fury; and if you have a light soil, donot expect too much from them – about fifteen yearsis about all you can reasonably hope for; after thatyou will be flogging a dead horse.

Which gardens inspire you?

Almost any fine British garden, especially the moreformal. Above all, perhaps Hidcote which is only afew miles from my home and is the most importantEnglish garden of the twentieth century.

We take a look into Professor Stefan Buczacki’sgarden and find out what inspired its design

GardenMy


Few plants have proved to be as useful, fragrant and healthful as the delicate yet versatile lavender. Originating in the region from the Mediterranean down throughEastern Africa and into Southwest Asia and through southeast India, lavender has long been prized for its unique medicinal properties.

Through out the world lavender is still used medicinally, but there are dozens of other uses for this purple wonder. At Capital Gardens we have a widerange of Lavender, why not pop down to your local Capital Gardens store to see our wonderful collection of what in my opinion is the ultimate plant.

Lavender prices start at £3.99 for a 1 Litre pot.

LavenderPlantof theMonth


LavenderCup Cakes

Lavender is not only stunningly beautiful, it is also an extremely versatile herb.From its healing properties to is use in a vast array of recipes, lavender is a

must have herb in and out of the kitchen.

For the 12 cup cakes:| 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened| 1 cup sugar| 2 eggs| 2 teaspoons vanilla extract| 1 teaspoon red and 1 teaspoon blue food colouring*| 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour| 1/2 teaspoon baking powder| 1/4 teaspoon salt| 2 1/2 tablespoons dried lavender buds| 2/3 cup cold milk

For the frosting:| 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened| 8 ounces cream cheese, softened| 4 cups powdered sugar| 2 teaspoons vanilla extract| 2 tablespoons honey, plus a little extra for drizzle

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Linemuffin tins with cupcake liners. In thebowl of an electric mixer, cream thesoftened butter and sugar together. Addthe eggs one at a time, beating after eachegg. Stir in the vanilla and food colouring.In a separate bowl, stir together the flour,baking powder, and salt. Chop the driedlavender buds into fine, small pieces. Stirinto the flour mixture.Add the flour mixture to the buttermixture. Stir in the milk. Scoop batterevenly into lined muffin tins. Bake for18-24 minutes, or until a toothpickinserted into the center of a cupcakecomes out clean. Let cupcakes cool in thetins for 5-10 minutes, then remove to awire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting:In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beatthe butter and cream cheese together. Addthe powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing

on low, until the frosting is smooth andcreamy. Beat in the vanilla extract andhoney.Scoop frosting into a piping bag fittedwith a 1M tip. To create the flower, beginin the center of the cupcake’s surface, andslowly swirl in wider circles. (It might behelpful to practice on a piece ofparchment paper first, then you can justadd the frosting back to the bowl.) Youcan also simply spread the cream cheesefrosting over the top of the cupcakes witha knife.Lightly drizzle a little honey on top of thefrosting and enjoy!

*Note: If you prefer a lighter colour, beginwith 1/4 teaspoon of the red and blue andcontinue adding drops of each until youachieve the colour you want. You can alsouse purple food colouring.

1 cup = 250ml

Lavender is available at all Capital Gardens centres from £1.99 www.capitalgardens.co.uk 11zzzz

Zzzz12 www.capitalgardens.co.uk

HerbalHealing

Lynne AllbuttThe ever enthusiastic outdooristLynne Allbutt discusses thehealing properties of some ofBritain’s most loved herbs.

Healing www.capitalgardens.co.uk 13

Lavender is actually a member of the mint familyand as well as having medicinal properties is alsoedible. Flowers and leaves can be used fresh, andboth buds and stems can be used dried. Lavendercan also be substituted for rosemary in many breadrecipes. It is a fabulous plant for the garden too; itlooks great, is loved by bees, butterflies and otherinsects and is easy to grow. Just the fragrance oflavender can ease restlessness, insomnia,nervousness and depression. Plant it next to abench, to border a path or even keep a pot indoorson a windowsill. A pot of lavender in the housewill help keep flies out and if the leaves are crushedand rubbed onto the skin, it will repel mosquitoesand midges.

Rosemary has a long herbal tradition as a herbthat improves concentration, focus and memory.Greek students would braid Rosemary into theirhair to help them with examinations and tests.Also a valuable culinary herb, rosemary canwithstand long cooking times and therefore lendsitself well to roasted meats, chicken and heartystews. A few teaspoons of chopped rosemary lendsa tangy taste to biscuits as well. Threading veggiesor meat onto rosemary skewers will add flavourwhen cooked on a BBQ. The prostrate varietiesmake great ground cover.

Chamomile has been used for centuries in teasas a mild, relaxing sleep aid, treatment for fevers,colds, stomach ailments and menstrual crampsto name only a few therapeutic uses. The plant'shealing properties come from its daisy likeflowers, which can also be added to hot water tomake a vapour, alleviating cold symptoms orasthma and promoting general relaxation andstress relief. Chamomile can be planted in yourlawn and is particularly effective under a washingline or bench as the fragrance is released as youwalk on it crushing the leaves. Chamomile tea isa very relaxing drink and can also be used cold ina compress to help soothe tired, irritated eyes.

Lynne’sTop Five Healing Herbs

Nulla Vestibulum

Mint is an excellent remedy for reducingsymptoms related to digestion. Make a tea out offresh or dried leaves for a tasty and refreshingafter-dinner stomach soother or zingy start to yourday. There are three chief species of mint incultivation and general use: Spearmint (Menthaviridis) normally used in cooking, Peppermint (M.piperita) often referred to as King of all mints andPennyroyal (M. pulegium). Mint can be veryinvasive in flowerbeds so is best grown incontainers and can also be grown in hangingbaskets..

, also known as pot marigoldor garden marigold, and has been used forcenturies to heal wounds and skin irritations. Inthe garden Calendula repels many common pestsincluding aphids, eelworms, asparagus beetles andtomato hornworms, and is an ideal companionplant for potatoes, beans, and lettuce. The freshvibrant petals can be used to colour butter, cheese,custards or sauces also sprinkled over salads, cakes,and added to sandwich fillings. It grows quicklyand is easy to cultivate from seed and this is amust-have for any garden!

Allbutt’s Almanac 2013

A wonderful book full of inspirational ideas. Withgreat topics such as:● How Viagra can boost your ‘flower power’● The secret behind red daffodils

And much, much more…

Available at www.lynneallbutt.co.uk

Lavandula angustifolia Rosmarinus officinalis Matricaria recutita

Calendula officinalisMentha

All herbs listed in the article are available from your local Capital Gardens centre.

we all fall victim to impulse buying atsome stage, whether it’s that ‘must-have’pair of shoes that never went with any-

thing in your wardrobe; or the kitchen gadget youcouldn’t live without yet could never figure out howor when to use! Strangely enough it’s the same withplants. How often have we been seduced by somegorgeous specimen plant that looked attractive in thegarden centre but simply wrong when we got ithome? Maybe it grew too large, never grew at all, oreven worse did not survive beyond the season, as theaspect or soil were just not suitable.

Luckily for you, here at Capital Gardens they don’twant you to fall foul of the ‘ Impulsive - I’d love oneof those’ condition either. They want their plants toharmonize and thrive in your garden. So for thisissue I have come up with a planting plan which willnot only give you a super summer display but shouldstand the test of time and see you through for a few

years, just like that classic little black number you willnever live without!

COLOUR-Blue White SilverI find as many London gardens can tend to be on theslightly small side then blue, white and silver is a veryuseful colour combination when it comes to tacklingthis. It works because light colours recede against thedark giving the impression of more space. Thecombination of the blue and Salvia spireswill enhance the silver grey foliage of thedemonstrating this perfectly. Blue is supposed to havea profoundly calming effect so is ideal for that afterwork ‘kick back and relax’ drink in the garden.

STRUCTUREI always think a structural component or two is vitalwhen using muted colours, so I have gone for

and . I also like contrastingshapes and texture, for this reason the spikyness of

these two contrasted with the softness of the Armeriaand Artemsia will perfectly compliment one anotherin the composition.

ASPECT AND SOILI have suggested a small bed 3.75 m x 1.75m with asunny, south or south west aspect. I am assuming thesoil, as with most London gardens will have apropensity to clay. A good mulch before plantingwould be useful to help retain moisture.

WOW FACTORIn a word- the white Delphiniums

OVERALL VIEWPerhaps not quite ‘all year round’ interest, but the

and are evergreen and thein a dry year will look gorgeous right through toFebruary, at which point you should cut it down andit will start all over again.

A PERFECTLondon Gardens

MelanieWandMelanie Wand is a London basedgarden designer with over 20years of experience. She ispassionate about creating gardenswhich are visually pleasing,practical and easy to look after.

Visit Melanie's website atwww.melaniewand.co.uk

Plan


Plant list1. 'Heavy Metal'2. x. 'Jos Eijking'3. 'Ballerina Whit e’4. 'Big Blue'5. 'Caradonna'

7. ‘Guardian White’8. ‘Summer Sky’ Eryngium x. 'Jos Eijking'

Editor’s ChoiceThis delightful sea holly has longlasting, bright metallic-blueflowers that arrive in mid to latesummer and usually last well intothe autumn. They are ideal fordense borders.

Change Your Outlook

This border was designed by Garden Designer Melanie Wand | The London Border: A space aware border ideal for gardens where space is an issue..

with stylish, simple solutions

Melanie Wand Garden DesignsHelping you to make the most of your garden www.melaniewand.co.uk

RRP £308.58 Get all 42 plants in this plan for only £262.30Bring your copy of the Plants & Gardens magazine with you to get this discount.

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Panicum virgatum'Heavy Metal'

This deciduousornamentalfountain-like grass isrenowned for itssteely coloured blue-grey to blue-purpleleaves, which formstiff, upright clumpsthat turn yellow inautumn.

Armeria maritima'Ballerina White'

This compact, dwarfplant producesstunning globe-shaped blooms.With its long-lastingbloom time regulardeadheading isrequired. It is oneof the standoutpieces of the border.

Liriope muscari'Big Blue'

An extremely usefulplant, which willtolerate a range ofconditionsincluding dry shadeand drought. Darkgreen, blade-likeleaves provide year-round interest. Agreat all rounder.

Salvia nemerosa'Caradonna'

A great gardenplant! This salviaflowers with spikesof violet-blue fromJune to Octoberand is a magnet forbutterflies and bees,with its stunninggrey-green, aromaticfoliage.

Artemisiastelleriana

Plants form aspreading mat ofbright silvery-whitescalloped leaves.Terrific for edging,groundcover, or inmixed containers,even hangingbaskets. They areideal for borders.

Delphinium‘Guardian White’

The 'Guardian'delphinium is fastbecoming afavourite amongsour customers, asthey are known toproduce a uniformdisplay earlier inthe year than manyother types.

Agastache'Summer Sky'

Blooms all summerwith glowing violet-blue flowers with darkcalyces which extendthe showy season. Acompact habit withbright green foliageand is droughttolerant. Making it agreat low maintanaceplant.

Melanie’s Top TipIn autumn plant some whitetulips to grow through theArtemisia. The solid shapeof the tulip flower willcontrast well with the lacyfoliage of the Anthemisand give you some Springinterest before the summershow.

Call 077 100 37002

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OutdoorLiving

1. Wall’s Ice Cream Tumblers

Colourful, fun and nostalgic theiconic Walls brand has been broughtto life across a range of outdoor livingproducts that will appeal to all ages.Split, Twister, Starship 4 and Twisteravailable. Sold individually for £3.99

2. Wall’s Ice Cream Bowls

These colourful melamine bowls willbring a taste of nostalgia back to yourtable. Both kids and adults will lovethese four designs. Split, Twister,Starship 4 and Twister available. Soldindividually for £4.50

3. Wall’s Ice Cream 20L Cool Bag

The Wall's ice cream brand has beenbrought to life on a range of highlynostalgic outdoor products designedto appeal to kids and adults alike.This cooler bag features a selectionof favourite Wall's ice creamsincluding the Twister, the Feast, andthe Split. £19.99

4. Summerhouse Coastal BretonStripe Cool Bag 20L

The bag features a heat sealedcompartment for keeping food anddrink chilled throughout the day.Use of ice packs will enhance theperformance of this bag. The bagfolds away and has a shoulder strapfor easy carrying. £19.99

5. Summerhouse CoastalDuffle Cool Bag 15L

A classic insulated bag for picnicsand camping, with carry handles,a detachable shoulder strap anda handy outer pocket. £19.99

6. Summerhouse CoastalFleece Blanket

In a cool summery stripe, theCoastal Fleece Blanket fromSummerhouse is perfect forpicnics: a soft fleecy top andwaterproof underside mean youcan unroll it on damp grass andnot worry about anything soakingthrough. £16.99

7. Wall’s Ice Cream SundaeGlass

With classic Retro styling theseSundae glasses are ideal for oldschool style Knickerbockerglories. Available in Blue, Orangeand Pink. £3.99

8. Summerhouse Soda Style Jug

This stylish soda jug co-ordinatesperfectly with Navigate'scollection of drink and partywareand is the ideal accessory tocomplete the look for summer.Available in lime, Aqua andRaspberry. £10.99

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When planting your roses you should be awarethat using manure can burn the new roots of yourrose bushes.Never use fresh manure on roses. It's much safer touse well-rotted compost for your roses to whichsome manure has been added. You can even usethis to mulch your rose bushes after plantingthem.Roses should be always be planted with anapplication of mycorrhizal fungi available underthe brand name ‘rootgrow™’.

Patio RosesPatio roses and many low-growing floribundaslook great in containers. It is important to waterthem regularly as roses in containers tend to dryout more quickly than roses that have beenplanted in flower beds.

Our Experts Say

Rose Clear Ultra Gun

Ready to use handsprayer that controlspowdery mildew andbugs such as whitefly,blackfly, greenfly.RRP £6.92 £5.99

Toprose 4kg

Britain's best-sellingrose food - developedfor ease of use and tokeep product in perfectcondition.RRP £11.79 £9.99

Rootgrow 250g

RootGrow enhances a plantroot system so a newlyplanted plant finds morefood, finds more water,needs less fertiliser.Our price £2.99

Miracle-Gro Rose Shrub Food

Specially formulated for rosesand other shrubs theseMiracle-Gro Slow ReleaseGranules contain a specialmix of nutrients.RRP £6.70 £5.99

Patio Rose 3L

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Richard ReynoldsRichard Reynolds is a lovablerogue who’s passion for urbangardening is second to none. He isregarded as the godfather ofguerilla gardening, and can oftenbe seen in and around Elephantand Castle passionately carryingout maintenance to a once barrenpatch, which is now the estatesgarden.

turned environmental campaigner Daryl Hannah. But this attention turned theguerrilla battle a bit nasty.

Southwark Council’s contractors brutally attacked the garden in the height ofsummer 2007. They had been shamed into action by complaints from myneighbours who were paying annual charges for Southwark’s now infamousinaction. Unfortunately the contractors were hackers not gardeners, so I calledfor a truce and after several difficult meetings between council officers and I apeace agreement was signed. The treaty was a resounding victory for guerrillagardening, they vindicated the approach by confirming that they would neverhave given permission had I asked first. They also refunded three years worthof their charges. However, a year later a particularly vicious council officer,with the inappropriate name of Martin Green, figured out that Southwarkcould get away with charging us for grounds maintenance regardless of theirinaction around our block. It still frustrates me but neatly reflects the entirecouncil’s indifference to informal community gardening. From the councilleader Peter John; right down to the contractors they employ, there is littlemore than tolerance, when I want them to try encouragement. It’s in starkcontrast to their co-operative neighbours in Lambeth; who have repeatedlywelcomed me at council events where I can inspire both gardeners and officersto embrace our informal, street-focused approach. Lambeth Council fullyunderstand the motivations of most guerrilla gardeners, they have made theneed to be a guerrilla gardener within their borough pretty much obsolete. It’sa brilliant development. Lambeth Council now have a scheme called Fresh Viewthat helps you create a pavement garden.

Meanwhile at Perronet House the gardens go from strength to strength. Thereis now a mature mixed border of shrubs, fruit trees, herbaceous perennials andseasonal filler which has survived an attack from stunt cyclists a few years agoand an argument with a bin man who dumped the contents of one bin on thegarden in anger. These are some of the occasional pests any gardener musttackle. We harvested our first apples last summer, which taste great. Today thelilac is in bloom, the wallflowers are even more fragrant and the ‘Port Sunlight’rose and alliums are in bud. It’ll be the best year yet and thankfully it’s all stillthere for you to see next time you’re at the Elephant and Castle.

t’s said an Englishman’s home is his castle, but it’s only true for a few. I’mone of them and my castle comes with an Elephant too. But unfortunatelythe estate that came with my castle was in a pretty shabby state, the neglected

responsibility of Southwark Council. My home is at the top of a ten storeycouncil tower block in the Elephant and Castle. Like more and more LondonersI’m a high riser, I have no garden that is my own. So nine year’s ago I beganguerrilla gardening in the public land around my neighbourhood and I made theneglected beds my front garden. This is the story of The Guerrilla Gardens ofPerronet House.

It began with a solo blitz late at night nearly nine years ago, this was no grandmakeover, just a small overhaul of one of the five raised beds. I cleared away thedetritus of Southwark Council’s regime of negligence and replaced it with somemodest planting, a little experiment to see if they would survive – cyclamen,cordyline and lavender. My optimism was rewarded, so over the coming months Ireturned to add more (Japanese anemone, montbretia, sage and a rose ‘MargaretMerril’) and cleared back some of the overgrown shrubs. With some obviouscolour and a sense of care to show for my efforts my confidence grew too; so Ibegan gardening at times when I was more likely to strike up conversation withneighbours and passers by. Those early chats were fascinating. This was in thedays before guerrilla gardening had become well known, and many people justdidn’t understand why I was doing it. While most were delighted, some were alittle interrogating. Surely I was being paid? Why would I want to garden here,surely there was no pleasure in that? Was I a squatter? But gradually this changed.I had help one summer from some resident children who planted sunflowers, aneighbour helped me plant an apple tree, another donated coffee compost andwe’d share the collection of wind blown litter. I even cheekily entered into aSouthwark Council ‘In Bloom’ award and they gave me a commendation as if itwere my front garden – proving that their negligence even extends to accurateand fair judging.

The award came in very handy three summers later. By this time my gardens andthe other guerrilla gardens I was tending elsewhere around the Elephant andCastle had become famous. Even Hollywood paid a visit in the form of actress

THE ESTATE WE’RE INLONDON LIFE

Written and photographed by Richard Reynolds, Founder of GuerrillaGardening.org

I


Zzzz20 www.capitalgardens.co.uk

Father’s DayThe Perfect Gifts for

Spoil Him he’s your DadSpoil him with gifts that he will enjoy andcherish. Our Editor has selected a someperfect gifts with the keen gardener in

mind.

FATHER’S DAY 16TH JUNE

THE REAL GARDENERS BOOTS

HUNTER GARDENER BOOTS

The Hunter Gardener Boots are ideal for keen gardenerswho seek comfort as well as style when gardening. Themulti-layered cushioned sponge insole offers supremecomfort for hard working dads. £59.00

THE ULTIMATE FATHERS DAY GIFT

WEBER 47CM ONE TOUCH BBQ + GETTING STARTED KIT

We have created the perfect ready to go BBQ kit, it includes everything you need to getstarted and makes for a great gift. Why not treat your Dad to the ultimate Fathers day gift.

Getting Started Kit Includes

Weber Vinyl BBQ Cover, 3kg Bag of Premium Briquettes, Fire-lighters, Chimney Starter - allows youto light the BBQ quickly. £139.99

EDITOR’SCHOICE

KEW BYPASS

SECATEURS +

LEATHER HOLSTER

When it comes to buying gifts

presentation is everything, that

is why we picked this beautifully

presented gift set. The secateurs

are made from high carbon steel

blades, for increased strength

and lasting sharpness £26.99

THE PERFECT PACKAGE

SHEAR BRILLIANCE

A TOUCH OF CLASS

BRIERS - THE GRIPPERGLOVES

These stylish leather gloves are made fromhigh quality hide. The soft supple leatherkeeps the wearer warm and protected. £14.99

FISKARS TELESCOPIC HANDSHEARS

Whether trimming shrubs or bushes these hedgeshears by Fiskars are perfect for those wantingprecision and comfort. The blade itself is made by nonother than Wilkinson Sword. Their high qualityblades give you a precise, clean cut every time.Designed to be lightweight, powerful and comfortableto use. £39.99

Key Features

● 10" hardened steel blades for long lastingsharpness

● Blade tension adjuster for different width foliage● Strong lightweight extruded aluminium handles● Cushioned bumper to reduce strain and prevent

jarring● 10 year Guarantee


Father’s Day

WoodsOf Berkhamsted Water Irrigation Talk

Saturday 1st June 11am

Garden Centre Talk - Are you going away this summer but dreadingreturning back to a dying garden? Water Irrigation is the key to maintainingyour garden whilst on holiday. Come down for a talk with our irrigationexpert.Cost: Free

What’son

Hanging Basket Demonstration

Saturday 8th June 11am

Garden Centre Talk - Do you love hanging baskets but want to make yourown from scratch? We have some innovative tips and ideas to inspire andeducate you.Cost: Free

Antique Valuation Day With John Bly

Saturday 6th July 10am-4pm

Antiques Valuation Day - Find out the value of that treasured familyheirloom. Bring it down and get it valued by antiques expert and AntiquesRoad Show veteran John Bly.Cost: £2 per valuation

Woods Summer Party

Saturday 17th August 10am

It’s Party Time - Join us for a day of face painting, delicious BBQ treats,refreshments, Balloon artist and much more. Fun for all the family.Cost: Free

Visit us: 292-294 High Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 1BJ Call us: 01442 863 159

Free prize for the first 50 visitors

expert.

educate you.

Road Show veteran John Bly.

15%off everything*

Private Sale

Thursday 6th June 6pm-8pm

Alexandra Palace Garden CentreAlexandra Palace Way N22 7BB

Woods of Berkhamsted Garden CentreHigh Street, Berkhamsted HP4 1BJ


Neal’s NurseriesHeathfield Road, Wandsworth SW18 2PH


Morden Hall Garden CentreMorden Hall Road Morden SM4 5JD

Please remember to bring this invite to gain entry

Win prizes worth up to £600 Free BBQ & Refreshments

*Excludes gift vouchers, Calor gas and goods already marked for sale.

Private Sale Invitation

15%off everything*

Alexandra Palace WayN22 7BB

:020 8444 2555

Heathfield RoadWandsworthSW18 2PH

: 020 8874 2037

Morden Hall Road,MordenSM4 5JD

: 020 8646 3002

292-294 High Street,BerkhamstedHP4 1BJ

01442 863156

Your Local Capital Gardens Stores

Shop online at www.capitalgardens.co.uk

Brown Bellini 9 Piece set £1299.99Use this Discount Code: BELLINI2 to save £650 whilst stocks last! www.capitalgardens.co.uk

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