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<p>Left to their own devices, <strong>shrubs and climbers</strong> can get out of hand, growing too big and looking untidy. <strong>Pruning</strong> keeps them looking neat and flowering well, so it’s well worth doing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Left to their own devices, <strong>shrubs and climbers</strong> can get out of hand, growing too big and looking untidy. <strong>Pruning</strong> keeps them looking neat and flowering well, so it’s well worth doing.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Golden rules of pruning</h2>
<p>When you’re pruning, there are a few golden rules to remember:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Always cut just above a bud.&nbsp;</li>
<li>When pruning to shape a plant, work slowly and take regular breaks to check that you are not taking off too much.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Take care when working at height, and don’t be afraid to call in a professional if the job is too big for you to tackle safely.</li>
</ul>
<p>Pruning shrubs and climbers isn’t complicated, and there’s plenty of information available on how and when to prune. To get you started, here are a few tips on pruning common shrubs and climbers.</p>
<h2>1. Pruning hydrangeas</h2>
<p>To prune mophead hydrangeas, leave the flowers on the plant over winter to protect the developing buds and remove them in spring, cutting back to just above a strong pair of buds lower down on the stem. Cut out any thin, weak stems and remove one or two old stems to promote new growth.</p>
<p>Prune Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea arborescens in early spring, cutting back last year’s shoots to between 30-60cm (1-2ft) above the ground, just above a pair of strong buds.</p>
<h2>2. Pruning fuchsia and buddleja</h2>
<p>Prune in mid to late spring, cutting back last year’s growth to within 1-2 buds of the main woody branches. Remove any weak or spindly stems.</p>
<h2>3. Pruning forsythia</h2>
<p>For a good display of flowers, prune forsythia next spring as soon as the flowers have faded. Cut all stems back by a quarter of their length to shape the plant, and remove any damaged or crossing branches. On established plants, every two years, cut back one in every four old stems to the base to reduce congestion.</p>
<h2>4. Pruning honeysuckle</h2>
<p>Most honeysuckles flower in late summer, but some, e.g. Dutch honeysuckle, flower in late spring and early summer.</p>
<ul>
<li>Prune early flowering honeysuckles straight after flowering, cutting back the flowered shoots by one-third.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Prune late-flowering honeysuckles in spring, cutting back any long trailing stems and lightly trimming the rest of the plant.</li>
</ul>
<h2>5. Pruning clematis</h2>
<p>Clematis are divided into 3 groups, defined by their flowering time:</p>
<ul>
<li>Group 1 flowers in winter or early spring. Prune as soon as they finish flowering, removing deadwood and cutting back flowered stems to fit the space available.</li>
<li>Group 2 flowers in late spring, with sometimes a second flush in late summer. Prune in spring before they start to grow, cutting back to a pair of healthy buds.</li>
<li>Group 3 flowers in late summer. Prune in early spring, cutting back to a pair of strong buds about 20cm above ground level.</li>
</ul>
<p>Need to tackle an overgrown plant in your garden? We’ve got all the tools and equipment you need, so visit our centre today!</p>

Pruning climbers and shrubs

<p>There is <strong>eco-friendly pest control</strong> available for just about every pest the amateur gardener will find in the garden, so there is usually something that will help you to protect your plants. Generally speaking, the aim of pest control is to prevent pests rather than completely eradicate them, since each and everyone does have a purpose in the garden - even if you would prefer that purpose not to be eating your brassicas!&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is <strong>eco-friendly pest control</strong> available for just about every pest the amateur gardener will find in the garden, so there is usually something that will help you to protect your plants. Generally speaking, the aim of pest control is to prevent pests rather than completely eradicate them, since each and everyone does have a purpose in the garden - even if you would prefer that purpose not to be eating your brassicas!&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The best eco-friendly pest control&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Without a doubt, the best way is to allow nature to take control of pests for you. By creating a biodiverse garden full of plants for pollinators, trees and shrubs making homes and food for wildlife, a pond for amphibians, a wild area and in general a lovely space for all to enjoy - you will find that pests will be eaten by predators and you won’t need to do much about it! Win-win for you and the environment. The best natural eco-friendly pest control is done by your wildlife, such as birds and ladybugs. Welcome them to your garden by hanging birdhouses and bird tables.</p>
<h2>Companion planting is&nbsp;an eco-friendly pest control</h2>
<p>When you plant a different combination of species closely together you will find that one helps the other! Some will attract predatory insects, others will steer away from the pests you don’t want eating your cabbages. Some plants have fragrances that pests don’t like. Nasturtiums for example can be a breeding ground for the cabbage white butterfly, meaning they will stay off your sprouts! Did you know that herbs also make a natural eco-friendly pest control?&nbsp;Herbs are what many consider to be “companion plants” for use in vegetable gardens and throughout the garden. Their purpose is two-fold: attract beneficial insects and deter pests. Try planting these herbs in your garden:</p>
<ul>
<li>Mint,</li>
<li>Basil,</li>
<li>Lavender,</li>
<li>Rosemary and other herbs.</li>
</ul>
<p>These herbs work really well as natural pest control. Planting these in your garden will not only help keep pests away but these herbs can be used to control pests indoors as well.</p>
<h2>Eco-friendly pest control with deterrents</h2>
<p>Remember: the key is that you are not trying to kill all pests, but just deter them. So, use things like:</p>
<ul>
<li>copper tape around pots that snails don’t like,</li>
<li>cabbage collars for root fly,</li>
<li>carrot root fly meshes to keep them off your carrots.</li>
<li>scarecrows, bottles on canes, shining CD’s blowing in the wind can all deter birds away from your crops.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Get up close for eco-friendly pest control&nbsp;</h2>
<p>One way to control pests is to pick them off yourself! Pick caterpillars, slugs and snails along with others&nbsp;and re-locate them somewhere far away from your plants! If all else fails, a splash of water can get rid of aphids, netting can keep birds off and think about the plants you will grow - such as no Lilies if you suffer badly from red lily beetle - can work well. There are so many beautiful plants to grow, being without the ones that tend to get destroyed won’t be too much of a loss.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are other eco-friendly ways of pest control such as using essential oils and some of the newer products on the market which are made solely for deterring certain pests. There are many options so there is no need to despair.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In store, we have a range of products to help along with plants for companion planting. Do you want to know more about eco-friendly pest control?&nbsp;Visit to find out more.&nbsp;</p>

Eco-friendly pest control

<p>It is time to decide on <strong>Father's Day Gifts</strong> to treat the special man in your life. Treat your Dad with a special gift to show him how much you care.</p>

<p>It is time to decide on <strong>Father's Day Gifts</strong> to treat the special man in your life. Treat your Dad with a special gift to show him how much you care.</p>
<h2>1. For the Dad who likes the outdoors&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If your Dad is into adventures from camping to hiking, he’ll no doubt be thankful for a cool box, rambler mug or cool bag. For those long days out in the wilds, he can stay refreshed and ready to keep hydrated. Keep his water cool with a new insulated mug or bag, so you know he is always being looked after when enjoying participating in sports.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>2. For the Dad who likes his meals hot</h2>
<p>If your Dad likes to add heat to every meal he makes or is served, how about a pack of spices? This can be a great gift for the Dad who likes it hot! From cumin to cayenne pepper, paprika to chilli powder - a pack of spices is a lovely gift for the man who loves spice. Buy them individually or pre-wrapped in a gift pack. And what about Dad's that like to spice it up on the barbecue? Find yourself the perfect barbecue accessories in our garden centre. We offer all kinds of accessories, such as a pizza stone,&nbsp;BBQ pan, grilling basket,&nbsp;BBQ gloves, grilling stone, rotisserie, grill rack, skewer set. We bet your Dad definitely likes the idea of him lighting the barbecue more often.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>3. For the Dad who likes to relax</h2>
<p>If your Dad loves to sit in the garden with his feet up after a day of mowing the lawn, why not pick the perfect fragrant perennial to plant in a pot right by where he sits? He can admire the flowers and the fragrance, knowing you choose the plant just for him. Roses, Jasmine, Honeysuckle - there are many to choose from. Match your garden plant with an extraordinary plant pot, container or planter. If your dad doesn't have a green thumb, you can also give him a book to relax in the garden.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>4. For the gardening Dad</h2>
<p>With so many gardening gifts available, the options are endless! From hand tools to seed trays, plants, pots, and ready planted hanging baskets, you really can take your pick, but why not look for a plant that brings back a happy memory? A plant in your bridal bouquet or that was blooming during the time of year that you were born.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>5. For the Dad who loves to read</h2>
<p>There is nothing better than a good book on a sunny day relaxing in the garden. If your Dad loves to read, find an excellent book that he can get stuck into. Autobiography of his favourite sporting legend, perhaps his celebrity crush or his favourite gardener.&nbsp;</p>
<p>No matter what you decide to give to your Dad for Fathers Day, he will know you love him, and nothing compares to spending time with him, so make sure you grab a few hours to spoil him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For tools, plants, and so much more, we have just what your Dad will love for Fathers Day in store.&nbsp;</p>

Top 5 ideas for Fathers Day Gifts

<p>With big glossy green leaves, <strong>avocado</strong> trees make surprisingly good <strong>houseplants</strong>, and they’re easy to grow from an avocado stone. Why not pick up a fresh avocado from the supermarket and give it a go?&nbsp;</p>

<p>With big glossy green leaves, <strong>avocado</strong> trees make surprisingly good <strong>houseplants</strong>, and they’re easy to grow from an avocado stone. Why not pick up a fresh avocado from the supermarket and give it a go?&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Where to grow avocados</h2>
<p>Native to South America, avocados like a warm environment with fairly high humidity. In our temperate climate, they do best as houseplants, but they can be planted outside in mild areas and may even produce occasional fruits.</p>
<h2>How to grow an avocado from a stone</h2>
<p>Growing an avocado plant from a stone (the large pip inside the avocado fruit) is fun and makes a great gardening project for children. Here’s how it’s done:</p>
<ol>
<li>Cut a shop-bought avocado in half and remove the stone.</li>
<li>Push a ring of toothpicks around the middle of the stone to make supports so that you can suspend it over a glass of water with the dimpled end of the stone in the water.</li>
<li>Place the glass on a sunny windowsill where it will be at a reasonably constant temperature of between 20-25°C (68-77°F).</li>
<li>Keep the water level topped up.</li>
<li>The stone should start to produce roots in between 2-6 weeks.</li>
<li>Once the stone has produced a stem and leaves, take it out of the glass, remove the toothpicks and plant the seedling in a small pot filled with multipurpose compost, with some sharp sand mixed in to improve drainage.</li>
</ol>
<p>You can also plant an avocado stone in a pot filled with multipurpose compost. Place the pot somewhere warm and dark for a couple of weeks, watering regularly to stop the compost from drying out. When shoots appear, move the pot to a bright, sunny windowsill.</p>
<p>Once your avocado seedling reaches 30cm (12in) high, cut it down to 15cm (6in). This will produce a bushy plant with lots of foliage, ideal for an indoor plant.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When roots start showing through the pot's drainage holes, transplant your seedling into a bigger pot. Use a loam-based compost such as John Innes no 3, with added sharp sand for drainage.</p>
<h2>Caring for an avocado houseplant</h2>
<p>To keep your avocado plant looking good, place it in a warm, sunny spot, with a minimum winter temperature of between 13-18°C (55-65°F)—water when the compost feels dry to the touch. In spring and summer, feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Repot in spring if roots are starting to grow through the drainage holes of the pot.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Don’t expect to be picking your own avocados any time soon – avocado trees grown from seed take ten years to bear fruit. When grown as houseplants, they rarely flower, but if yours does, move it outside so that bees can pollinate the flowers. Avocado trees typically last between 2-3 years as houseplants.</p>
<p>Looking for more houseplants with fantastic foliage or flowers? Visit our centre and choose your perfect plant from our exciting range.</p>

How to grow an avocado as a houseplant

On the Blog

<p>You may be short of outdoor space, but that doesn't mean you have to do without home-grown vegetables. There are lots of veg which do brilliantly in containers, whether windowboxes, grow bags, pretty terracotta pots or just tin cans nailed to a fence.</p>
<p>Growing in containers has many advanta

A container vegetable garden

 If you've been mowing the lawn regularly for several weeks, you should now be able to set mower blades at their lowest setting. However if your lawn has been parched by a lack of rain it may be best to set a cutting height no lower than 1&#8202;in (30mm).