SUMMER GARDENING
Visit Holden Clough Nursery this summer and discover a magical collection of shrubs, roses, herbs and perennials as well as the delightful destination that is the Garden Kitchen! Photography: Sarah Valentine
The recent spell of dry weather shouldn’t put gardeners off new planting as there are a lots of top tips as to how you can protect plants in the heat of summer.
At Holden Clough Nursery, there are dedicated areas to plants that love the dry weather – as well as those that thrive in waterlogged areas when the inevitable summer showers come around.
Expert gardener John Foley of Holden Clough, explains: “People tend to panic when the dry weather is prolonged but there are plenty of things that can be done to help new plants thrive. There are no issues planting in dry weather – even in the unusually high temperatures that we have recently been enjoying.”
TOP TIPS: NEW PLANTING
• Ensure any new planting is watered plentifully in the evening
• Mulch or spread bark around new plants, this prevents weeds and helps retain moisture
• When summer perennial flowers have finished cut them off as this will promote new growth
• Feed perennials tomato food which encourages flowering rather than growth
Located in the pretty hamlet of Holden in Bolton-by-Bowland, the plant nursery at Holden Clough has recently undergone a stunning make-over, enabling amateur gardeners to see plants that are grown from seed, cuttings or division, that thrive in our unpredictable northern weather!
Featuring lots of colourful perennials, many offering great value at two or three for just £10, there’s simply no excuse for your garden not to look its best this summer.
Enjoying its busiest year to date, Holden Clough is owned and run by John and his wife Kate, who together have transformed this nursery into one of the region’s go-to destinations.
“It’s great to see that all the hard work we have put into Holden Clough is being rewarded,” says John.
With its raised beds and plants and shrubs grouped by association, visiting Holden Clough is a total pleasure.
Expert advice is always on hand while visitors wander through the nursery, which also stocks unusual roses and has a dedicated area for herbs.
Areas are also grouped by colour giving visitors the chance to see which plants work together and John also has some great advice when it comes to colour combinations.
TOP TIPS: COLOUR IN THE GARDEN
• If you want a ‘cottage garden’ look, go for soft shades of pink, white and blue
• Reds and blues can work well together to give depth to a garden
• Blue flowers combined with silver leaf shrubs is a classic combination
• Plant lighter coloured plants in a shady area to lift and brighten
Adding to the serene and relaxed outdoor area are heritage colours and a network of gravel pathways that lead visitors to the dedicated areas of planting while inside, the renowned Garden Kitchen is thriving. A new summer afternoon tea menu is about to be launched and will feature another stunning array of mouth-watering delicacies displayed on a mini picnic bench.
Served from 2.30pm every day, the summer afternoon tea picnic can be enjoyed with speciality teas and coffees or for a special treat, a glass of fizz for an extra £3!
THE TWELVE-MONTH GARDEN
29th August 2018
Gardening course at Holden Clough including a two-course meal in the Garden Kitchen
Tickets: £19.99
For more information call the nursery 01200 447447
Holden Clough Nursery
Holden, Clitheroe BB7 4PF
01200 447447
www.holdencloughnursery.com
Open seven days a week
