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<p>There’s a new houseplant in town. <strong>Crotons</strong> are back in fashion, and they come in such a wide variety, there’s one for every home. Their colourful variegated leaves can be significant and rounded or narrow and twisted, and they’re not merely green, but purple, black, scarlet or orange too. Crotons used to have a reputation for being a bit fussy, but with the right care, they make spectacular house plants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There’s a new <strong>houseplant</strong> in town. <strong>Crotons</strong> are back in fashion, and they come in such a wide variety, there’s one for every home. Their colourful variegated leaves can be significant and rounded or narrow and twisted, and they’re not merely green, but purple, black, scarlet or orange too. Crotons used to have a reputation for being a bit fussy, but with the right care, they make spectacular house plants.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>All about crotons</h2>
<p>The plants we call crotons (Codiaeum variegatum var pictum) are from the same family as euphorbias. Coming from tropical forests in south-east Asia, they like a warm, humid environment, and need bright light to develop the best leaf colour, although hot mid-day sun can scorch their leaves. Like euphorbias, the plants are toxic and contain a milky sap that can irritate the skin, so always wash your hands after handling them and place them out of reach of pets.</p>
<h2>Care tips for growing crotons</h2>
<ul>
<li>Place your croton where it will get direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon, with protection from the hot mid-day sun. Avoid draughts - crotons need a minimum temperature of 15ºC (60ºF).&nbsp;</li>
<li>Water when the top of the soil feels dry.&nbsp;</li>
<li>To create a humid atmosphere around your croton, mist the leaves once a week. Alternatively, put a layer of gravel in a shallow bowl, cover with water and place it next to the plant. Please don’t put your plant near a radiator, as the dry air will cause it problems.</li>
<li>Wipe the leaves once a month with a damp cloth to stop dust building up.</li>
<li>Feed monthly in spring and summer with a liquid houseplant feed.</li>
<li>When re-potting, use a well-drained compost.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Common problems with crotons</h2>
<p>The most common complaint about crotons is that they <strong>drop their leaves</strong>. They do this when stressed, so if you find your plant surrounded by a pile of fallen leaves, don’t be alarmed, but take a look at its environment to see what needs to be fixed. It’s likely to be either over- or under-watering, low humidity, low temperature or not enough food.</p>
<p>If your croton has <strong>brown leaf tips</strong>, it is probably too dry. Increase watering gradually (you don’t want to overwater either) and mist the leaves weekly.</p>
<p><strong>Brown leaf edges</strong> indicate that the temperature is too low, or that the plant is sitting in a draught.</p>
<p>If the <strong>leaves start to lose their dramatic variegated colouring</strong>, this means your plant needs to be moved to a brighter spot.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Like many of us, crotons don’t like sudden changes to their environment, so if your croton has <strong>dropped its leaves after being moved</strong>, give it a few days to settle down before changing anything. It will probably start to put on new leaves, in which case you can continue to water and feed it as normal.</p>
<p>Whatever your style, we’ve got the perfect houseplant for you. Come and visit our centre to see our range and chat to our friendly plant experts.</p>

Houseplant of the month October: Croton

<p>Why not <strong>spoil your pets for World Animal Day</strong> and consider helping to improve the welfare standards of animals all around the world by taking part. The day is a celebration of all welfare movements that unite to make the world a better place for animals. Everyone celebrates it differently but to create a world where animals are recognised as sentient beings, and their welfare is given the utmost respect. Why not spoil your pets even more than usual and think about how you can help promote and support animals worldwide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Why not <strong>spoil your pets for World Animal Day</strong> and consider helping to improve the welfare standards of animals all around the world by taking part. The day is a celebration of all welfare movements that unite to make the world a better place for animals. Everyone celebrates it differently but to create a world where animals are recognised as sentient beings, and their welfare is given the utmost respect. Why not spoil your pets even more than usual and think about how you can help promote and support animals worldwide.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Spoil your pets for world animal day with big cuddles&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Well, we know your pets always get cuddles but make them extra special on this day. Why not snuggle up together with a cosy pet blanket and give them even more love. Dogs, cats, guinea pigs all pets love to connect with you so its time for a big cuddle.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Try some new treats to spoil your pets for world animal day&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Whether you have fish, budgies or hamsters, why not pick up a few delicious treats to spoil them on this day. They could try something new, just a little to see how they get on and let them know how much you love them. From fresh food to treats in toys, we are sure they will love something new to try.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Spoil your pets for world animal day with a long walk&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Whatever the weather, if you have a pet that can go out for a walk, grab your coat, some treats and water for your pet and get walking. Take the coastal path or through the country, perhaps up in the mountains. Wherever you go, make it quality time for you and your beloved pet.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How&nbsp;about a new bed to spoil your pets for world animal day&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Does your pet rip up its bedding? Or perhaps they’ve just had the current one for ages. We all love a comfy bed and pets are no different. There are so many options from wiping easy beds to fluffy beds that pets can sink into. Many are machine washable and come in all kinds of shapes and sizes.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Spoil your pets for world animal day and have fun with a new toy&nbsp;</h2>
<p>So many pets love to play with a fun toy. There are many different types available from squishy bears and ducks to noisy balls and pull ropes. For small animals, there are chewable and tasty toys to go in a cage and for larger animals try a hard to chew toy full of food. With so very many options, your pets are bound to have a lot of fun.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whatever you need to have a fun-filled day with your pets, we have it in store so check out our pet department.&nbsp;</p>

Spoil your pets for World Animal Day

<p>No matter what size garden you have, <strong>perfect garden plants for patios</strong> can be useful information to know. If you have a more extensive garden, you will likely have a deck where your pots will be full of plants. If you have a smaller space, such as a patio without any other garden or a balcony, you might want to make the most from your area and create an impact on containers. Many plants will grow on a patio, too many to list here but we’ve picked a few we think you will love and that will enjoy a patio pot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No matter what size garden you have, <strong>perfect garden plants for patios</strong> can be useful information to know. If you have a more extensive garden, you will likely have a deck where your pots will be full of plants. If you have a smaller space, such as a patio without any other garden or a balcony, you might want to make the most from your area and create an impact on containers. Many plants will grow on a patio, too many to list here but we’ve picked a few we think you will love and that will enjoy a patio pot.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Go big with an Olive Tree which is the perfect garden plant for patios</h2>
<p>There is nothing like an Olive Tree for a taste of the Mediterranean in a garden. Not only do they provide shade, but they also have a history in their glorious gnarled bark. You can pick from small trees to specimens that are hundreds of years old in a huge pot. They will thank you for some seaweed feed, but otherwise, they are very easy to look after. Pair it up with Lavender, Russian Sage, Rosemary and any other plants that make you feel like your garden is a holiday destination.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Perfect garden plants for patios include pollinator-friendly wildflowers&nbsp;</h2>
<p>A straightforward but effective way to make your pots look pretty is to sow wildflowers in May or September and let them go wild. This can be great for kids as well but even better for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Wildflowers will produce some stunning colours such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Scabious,</li>
<li>Oxeye Daisy,</li>
<li>Achillea.</li>
</ul>
<p>Keep them watered in dry spells, and you will have many months of flowers to enjoy.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Pick a perennial as a perfect garden plant for patios&nbsp;</h2>
<p>There are so many perennials that grow well in pots, you could create your own display of Hostas or Hydrangeas plus climbing plants from Clematis to Passionflower can be trained up a wall or fence from a pot. The options are endless so never feel restricted by your space.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The perfect garden plant for patios has&nbsp;to be annual bedding</h2>
<p>The classic pot plant has to be the Begonia along with Geraniums and Petunias. They create immediate impact and are easy to look after. Plant a few annuals in a pot, and water as needed along with maintaining deadheading to ensure they flower for as long as possible. There are so very many colours to choose from you can be colour coordinated or go for a happy clash. Try Petunia ‘Queen of Hearts’ or ‘ Night Sky’ or perhaps the lovely pink coloured ‘Pink Lemonade’. Whatever you do decide on, annual bedding never disappoints in a pot.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Plant up your pots with our massive range of plants to choose from in store.&nbsp;</p>

Perfect garden plants for patios

<p>Less is more, so choose your accessories carefully. Look for natural materials like stone, earthenware pottery and bamboo to keep your designs grounded in nature. To get your creative juices flowing, here are our <strong>top six Oriental garden accessories</strong>.</p>

<p>There’s something special about <strong>Oriental gardens</strong>. Beautiful, tranquil and reflective, designed to be in harmony with nature, they’re a celebration of the art and traditions of the east.&nbsp; Whether you want to create a complete Oriental garden or simply add a touch of Eastern atmosphere, choosing the right garden accessories can help give you the effect you want.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Less is more, so choose your accessories carefully. Look for natural materials like stone, earthenware pottery and bamboo to keep your designs grounded in nature. To get your creative juices flowing, here are our <strong>top six Oriental garden accessories</strong>.</p>
<h2>Top&nbsp;6 Oriental garden accessories</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p><strong>Stone lanterns&nbsp;</strong><br />
These are often called pagoda lanterns because of their tiered shape. Originally, stone lanterns were used to light pathways in Buddhist temples and were later incorporated into Japanese tea gardens as ornaments. You could use your stone lantern to mark the beginning or end of a path or place it in a border surrounded by hostas and other Japanese-style plants.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Bamboo water fountain</strong><br />
The sound of running water adds something special to any garden, and Japanese gardens in particular always include water in some form. Hollow bamboo stems make perfect water pipes, and you could add a decorative dish or stone bowl to catch the moisture or let it fall gently into a pond.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Stone bench</strong><br />
Oriental gardens are designed for rest and meditation, so place a stone bench in a secluded corner, giving you somewhere to pause, relax and appreciate your garden.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Buddha statue&nbsp;</strong><br />
Whether you choose a laughing Buddha, praying Buddha, or merely a Buddha head, these statues instantly evoke the temples of south-east Asia, bringing a sense of spirituality to your garden. Traditionally, a Buddha statue should face the east and be raised off the ground on a pedestal or platform.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Stone water basin</strong><br />
These water basins are traditional in Japanese tea gardens, to be used for ritual cleansing before tea ceremonies. They come in different shapes and sizes. The Natsume water basin is tall and upright, taking its name from the similarly-shaped tea caddy used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. A Tsukubai bowl, or ‘crouching bowl’, is lower, encouraging visitors to a tea garden to get into an appropriately humble mindset before a tea ceremony. Add a bamboo dipper and let your guests scoop the cold, cleansing water over their hands.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Oriental planters</strong><br />
Containers make ideal Oriental garden accessories, used as focal points in a big garden, or planted with a beautiful Japanese maple or azalea on a balcony or patio. Look for containers with simple lines in natural materials such as stone or terracotta, or go for traditional blue-and-white porcelain planters that make beautiful ornaments in their own right.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Whatever garden style you want to create, whether it’s a classic Oriental garden, a cottage garden or a contemporary look, you’ll find plants and accessories to inspire you in our centre.&nbsp;</p>

Top 6 Oriental garden accessories

<p>Gardeners will always want to <strong>move perennial garden plants</strong> at some point. Gardens are ever-evolving, and sometimes a shuffle around is needed, maybe due to the design or a new patio or perhaps a new house extension. Maybe it is to make room for even more plants or even because they need to be repositioned as they aren’t happy where they are. Whatever the reason, moving perennials usually works really well as long as it is done at the right time and with care. Here are our tips for moving your plants and keeping them in good condition during the process, so they thrive in their new home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gardeners will always want to <strong>move perennial garden plants</strong> at some point. Gardens are ever-evolving, and sometimes a shuffle around is needed, maybe due to the design or a new patio or perhaps a new house extension. Maybe it is to make room for even more plants or even because they need to be repositioned as they aren’t happy where they are. Whatever the reason, moving perennials usually works really well as long as it is done at the right time and with care. Here are our tips for moving your plants and keeping them in good condition during the process, so they thrive in their new home.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>When should you move perennial garden plants&nbsp;</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Your garden plants can be moved in the spring or autumn when the plants are dormant, just finished flowering or have only a little new growth.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Moving plants when they are blooming can put the plant under a lot of stress, and its chances of thriving are greatly minimised.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>You can move them any time, but very carefully, so spring and autumn are best.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Also, if the weather is warm, move them on a cloudy day or at least in the afternoon.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Move perennial garden plants the right way&nbsp;</h2>
<p>When you move your plants, make sure there is a little root disturbance as possible unless you are dividing them.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Dig around the root ball and gently lift the plant.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Ideally, you will already have your new planting hole ready to move the plant into straight away and if needed, incorporated some well-rotted organic compost in the hole plus given it a good water.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Move your plant to its new position, fill in with soil and make sure it is well watered.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The water helps the plant to establish better after root disturbance during the move.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you do move a plant in flower, cut the flowers off! Use them in a vase indoors and give your plant the best chances of survival.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>How to care for recently moved perennial garden plants&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Some perennial plants won’t take too kindly to be being moved,&nbsp;and you might see some leaf drop, or it may not flower in the first year after moving, but the majority will soon establish and provide you with some lovely growth. Keep an eye on it, especially for watering because it might need a little more while it is getting used to its new home. Don’t forget to remove any dead or diseased material and if needed, protect them from hot sun or freezing weather conditions. Your plant will soon grow strong and provide you with many more years of lovely growth. Hopefully, it will thank you for moving it!&nbsp;</p>
<p>For garden tools that will help you get the job done easily visit us in store to choose from our range.&nbsp;</p>

Move perennial garden plants

<p>When you’re choosing an <strong>indoor plant</strong>, please take a good look at its <strong>leaves</strong>.&nbsp;Flowers are great, but they come and go, and indoor plants need to look good all year long. Do you want year-round fantastic indoor plants? Choose <strong>indoor plants with fantastic foliage</strong> that last&nbsp;all year. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor plants with amazing leaves, and here are three of our favourites.</p>

<p>When you’re choosing an <strong>indoor plant</strong>, please take a good look at its <strong>leaves</strong>.&nbsp;Flowers are great, but they come and go, and indoor plants need to look good all year long. Do you want year-round fantastic indoor plants? Choose <strong>indoor plants with fantastic foliage</strong> that last&nbsp;all year. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor plants with amazing leaves, and here are three of our favourites.</p>
<h2>Growing crotons indoors</h2>
<p>If you like your indoor plants colourful, then crotons are the plants for you. Their leaves can be big or small, rounded, narrow or twisted, and they’re variegated in green, orange, scarlet, purple or even black. Whatever your colour scheme, there’s sure to be a croton indoor plants to suit it.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Care tips for crotons</h2>
<p>Crotons need some sunlight to develop the right colour, but not too much. Give them direct sunlight in the morning or evening, but shade them from the hot midday sun.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Keep the temperature above 15ºC</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Water when the surface of the soil feels dry, and mist the leaves once a week.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Feed monthly in spring and summer with a general houseplant feed.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Growing calatheas indoors</h2>
<p>Calatheas, also called prayer-plants, peacock plants and cathedral plants, have leaves that look as though an artist has painted them. Intricately variegated in green and cream, with touches of maroon and pink, they make an eye-catching addition to any room.</p>
<h2>Care tips for calatheas</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Calatheas do best in warmth and indirect light.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Don’t overwater. Wait until the surface of the soil is dry before watering.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Water regularly in summer, less frequently in winter.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Mist the leaves from below weekly to increase humidity.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Feed monthly in spring and summer with a general houseplant feed.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to get rid of dust</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Growing begonias indoors</h2>
<p>You can never get bored of begonias. With over a thousand species and countless varieties, there are begonias of all shapes and sizes. Indoor begonias, including the famous Begonia rex and Begonia metallica cultivars, are grown for their spectacular foliage as well as their flowers. The leaves are often big and bold, with beautiful green, red, purple or silver markings.</p>
<h2>Care tips for begonias</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Begonias do best in bright but indirect light. Keep them out of direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Water regularly, keeping the compost moist but not soggy.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Don’t mist begonias, as this can encourage mildew. To keep the humidity levels around your begonia high, stand the pot on a tray filled with gravel and topped up with water.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Feed fortnightly in spring and summer with a high-potassium food to encourage flowers.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Keep the temperature above 13ºC</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>There’s a fantastic range of indoor plants in our centre, so visit us soon and fill your home with fabulous foliage.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Indoor plants with fantastic foliage

<p>Are you wondering how to <strong>move house without damaging your plants</strong>? It can be a stressful time with all of the packing, unpacking, planning and organising but if you have plants both inside and outside you will need to take a few steps to ensure they will get moved without being broken or even lost. If you plan well in advance, you can tick it off your moving house list and be sure they are in safe hands. Here are our tips to ensure your plants are happy during your move.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Are you wondering how to <strong>move house without damaging your plants</strong>? It can be a stressful time with all of the packing, unpacking, planning and organising but if you have plants both inside and outside you will need to take a few steps to ensure they will get moved without being broken or even lost. If you plan well in advance, you can tick it off your moving house list and be sure they are in safe hands. Here are our tips to ensure your plants are happy during your move.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Dry soil can help you move house without damaging your plants&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Moving plants in pots can be heavy work, and if the soil is wet and the pot is large, you may need two people to lift the pot. If you ensure the plants have been well watered in the run-up to the move but not in the previous three or so days, this should minimise water weight and ultimately accidents from the pots being too heavy. If any of your plants desperately need water, try using a mist sprayer instead.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Move house without damaging your plants by repotting them first&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If any of your plants look like they need more space, going to topple over or in broken pots, make sure they have been repotted and are in good shape before they are transported. This will give them the best chance of survival should there be any accidents, plus it will help them to overcome the shock of moving to a new environment.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Choose a pot that is at least 20% bigger than the current one</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Fill the bottom of the pot with hydro grains</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Add potting soil&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Place the plant in the new pot</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Fill up the pot with more potting soil</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Water&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Pruning will be needed to move house without damaging your plants&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Wayward leaves and stems can get caught on other items and broken so as you repot your plants that is the time to prune them as well. Plants do get shocked when they move house so all of this will put them in an excellent position to thrive when they get there.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Move house without damaging your plants by using old bags&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Try not to lose any soil and avoid potential damage to your plants' roots, but placing the pot into a bag and gently tying the bag up around the stem. This will mean even if they do topple over. You've got it covered with a bag and can put the soil back in the pot when you are in your new home.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Propagate to move house without damaging your plants&nbsp;</h2>
<p>If you have any plants you are particularly concerned about, why not propagate them first to give you plenty of chances to keep the plant growing. Also, if you have plants in the garden that you love or have sentimental value to, you why not take them with you? Dig them up, pot them or divide them, take cuttings or collect seeds.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Move house safely with some new pots, compost and propagation tools from our store.&nbsp;</p>

Move house without damaging your plants

<p>When the <strong>Japanese anemones</strong> bloom, you know autumn is just around the corner. These tall, elegant perennials flower in late summer, just as other plants are starting to fade. With their sculpted pink or white flowers on long slender stems, they’re a dramatic presence in the border, keeping summer going just that little bit longer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the <strong>Japanese anemones</strong> bloom, you know autumn is just around the corner. These tall, elegant perennials flower in late summer, just as other plants are starting to fade. With their sculpted pink or white flowers on long slender stems, they’re a dramatic presence in the border, keeping summer going just that little bit longer.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Despite the name, Japanese anemones are in fact native to China. There are several different species, but the ones you’ll come across in most gardens are varieties of either Anemone hupehensis, or Anemone x hybrida, a hybrid form that flowers slightly later.</p>
<h2>Where to plant Japanese anemones</h2>
<p>Japanese anemones do best in partial shade and a humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. They can also be grown in full sun, as long as the soil isn’t allowed to dry out. They will cope with full shade, but won’t flower as well, and may get leggy and flop over. With their tall flower stems, they’re ideal for adding height at the back of a border, and the large maple-shaped leaves make a good foil for other plants earlier in the year.</p>
<h2>How to care for Japanese anemones</h2>
<p>It can take Japanese anemones a year or two to settle in after planting, but once they get going, they are very easy to care for. A word of caution – if they are happy with their conditions, they will spread, sending out underground stems called rhizomes that will put out roots and grow into new plants. To keep them under control, remove unwanted new shoots in spring as they appear.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>When their flowers fade, Japanese anemones develop small round fluffy seedheads, which are a popular food source for little birds like goldfinches. Once the birds have had their fill and the flower stems start to look untidy, cut them back to ground level. In spring, remove the dead leaves. New leaves appear early in the year, giving the plants long-lasting presence in the garden.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Anemones are usually not much troubled by garden pests and diseases, and they’re less attractive to rabbits and deer than many other perennials, so they’re a right choice for gardens where this is a problem. Butterflies love the flowers.</p>
<h2>Which Japanese anemone to plant?</h2>
<p>Over the years, plant breeders have produced many beautiful Japanese anemone varieties. Here are a few to look out for:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ AGM – 1.2m (4ft) tall, with pure white flowers,</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Anemone hupehensis ‘Praecox’ – 90cm (3ft) tall, with soft pink flowers. Early-flowering.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Anemone hupehensis var.japonica ‘Splendens’ – a compact variety, 80cm (32in) tall with pink flowers. Good towards the front of a border or in large pots.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Anemone x hybrida ‘Königin Charlotte’ AGM – very tall, at 1.5m (5ft) high, with large pink flowers.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Anemone ‘Wild Swan’ – an unusual variety, 45cm (18in) tall, with a blue-grey streak on the undersides of the white petals. It flowers intermittently from late spring to late autumn.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>For gorgeous late summer colours in your garden, visit our centre to see our great range of Japanese anemones and other late-flowering perennials.</p>

How to grow Japanese anemones

<p>Scent is one of the most evocative senses we have. Just a hint of fragrance can transport us back to a memorable summer, a special holiday or a beloved childhood garden. Whether your garden is big or small, adding a few <strong>scented plants</strong> allows you to revive old memories and create beautiful new ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Our scent is one of the most evocative senses we have. Just a hint of fragrance can transport us back to a memorable summer, a special holiday or a beloved childhood garden. Whether your garden is big or small, adding a few <strong>scented plants</strong> allows you to revive old memories and create beautiful new ones.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Best scented herbs to plant</h2>
<p>As well as adding flavour to our favourite dishes, herbs are some of the best plants for scent. There are so many, it’s hard to choose between them, but these three are an excellent place to start:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Lavender</strong> – one of the most popular and well-known scented plants, with beautiful purple flowers that bees love as much as we do. Grow it in a sunny spot, in well-drained soil.&nbsp; Dwarf lavenders like ‘Munstead’ and ‘Imperial Gem’ are perfect for pots.</li>
<li><strong>Rosemary</strong> – plant this tasty cooking herb next to a sunny bench so that you can sit and appreciate the wafts of scent in summer.</li>
<li><strong>Mint</strong> – Plant mint in a pot to keep it from spreading out of control, and pinch a leaf when you pass, crushing it to release its delicious fresh fragrance.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Scented plants for small spaces</h2>
<p>Scented plants have double the impact in small gardens, where walls and fences enclose the fragrance, making it more intense. You’re closer to the plants in a small garden too, so it’s easier to appreciate their perfume. Here are three compact plants to try:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Dwarf sweet peas</strong> – ideal for pots, dwarf sweet peas have beautifully scented flowers, and cutting them for vases will encourage the plants to produce more.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Scented petunias</strong> – if you only have space for one pot or hanging basket, fill it with scented petunias for fragrance and flowers all summer long. Not all petunias are scented, so check the plant details before you buy.</li>
<li><strong>Daffodils</strong> – for a welcome waft of fragrance in spring, plant scented daffodils in pots or borders near the house. Narcissus ‘ Yellow Cheerfulness’ and Narcissus ‘Bridal Crown’ are just two of several scented daffodil varieties available.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Scented plants for shady gardens</h2>
<p>Shade-loving scented plants can take you by surprise, with unassuming flowers that produce the most sensational scents. Here are three of our favourites:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Sweet box (Sarcococca confusa)</strong> – in the depths of winter, this evergreen shrub has tiny white flowers with an incredibly sweet scent. Plant it near a path or a doorway to appreciate the fragrance as you pass.</li>
<li><strong>Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)</strong> – the fresh green leaves make good groundcover for shady areas, with sprays of fragrant white flowers in spring.</li>
<li><strong>Honeysuckle ‘Serotina’ (Lonicera periclymenum)</strong> – this vigorous climber grows well in dappled shade, producing pink-and-cream scented flowers in late summer. Bees love the flowers.</li>
</ul>
<p>Scented plants bring a garden to life, and we have a fantastic range of shrubs, perennials and bulbs to suit every space. Visit us to find the perfect scented plants for your garden.</p>

Scented plants for every garden

<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee70782e-7fff-809f-58c3-90ae2854e5df">It is great fun <strong>decorating jar lanterns</strong> because not only is it a really nice DIY project to enjoy but it also means you end up with some personalised and pretty jar lanterns to use in your home or garden. They look stunning in the evening, especially if you are sitting outside enjoying the night sky or if you need to light the way when you have friends and family over. We have put these ideas together of ways you can make and decorate your lanterns, but if all else fails or you have little time, there are plenty of lovely lanterns to purchase all ready to light up in your garden.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee70782e-7fff-809f-58c3-90ae2854e5df">It is great fun <strong>decorating jar lanterns</strong> because not only is it an excellent DIY project to enjoy but it also means you end up with some personalised and pretty jar lanterns to use in your home or garden. They look stunning in the evening, especially if you are sitting outside enjoying the night sky or if you need to light the way when you have friends and family over. We have put these ideas together of ways you can make and decorate your lanterns, but if all else fails or you have little time, there are plenty of lovely lanterns to purchase all ready to light up in your garden.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee70782e-7fff-809f-58c3-90ae2854e5df">Decorating jar lanterns with fairy lights&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee70782e-7fff-809f-58c3-90ae2854e5df" style="font-weight: normal;">Decorating jar lanterns with fairy lights</span> is one of the easiest but most effective ways to jazz up a jar lantern.</p>
<ul dir="ltr">
<li><span>Find a mason jar and some fairy lights of any colour you would love to see the light up the pot.</span></li>
<li><span>Then place the lights inside, make sure they wrap around the inside of the jar and are not all squished at the bottom, then put the lid on.</span></li>
<li><span>Battery operated fairy lights make them easy to turn on and off and they look great at any time of year.&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee70782e-7fff-809f-58c3-90ae2854e5df">Tissue paper can be used for decorating jar lanterns</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee70782e-7fff-809f-58c3-90ae2854e5df">Another easy and fun idea, especially if you are doing this with children is to cut out lots of different shapes and colours of tissue paper. Use a mix of water and glue to put them on the outside of the jar and watch as the colours all run together and create a unique effect. You can use any jar from masons to jam, and you’ll need a paintbrush for the water and glue mix along with some scissors to cut the tissue paper. Don’t forget the candle inside or even fairy lights.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee70782e-7fff-809f-58c3-90ae2854e5df">Decorating jar lanterns with a coastal feel</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee70782e-7fff-809f-58c3-90ae2854e5df">For a simple jar lantern with a feeling that you are by the sea, put stones into the bottom or sand or even a mix then stand your candle inside. Why not hang it up or make a few of them and hang all of them up together. You’ll feel like you’re hanging out at the beach in your own garden. Decorating jar lanterns is a festive activity with friends and family, too. If you invite friends or family to come over, get all the needs for an afternoon full of decorating. At the end of the day, everyone has its jar lantern decorated, and you turned your garden into a beach bar full of lights.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee70782e-7fff-809f-58c3-90ae2854e5df">Get festive when decorating jar lanterns&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee70782e-7fff-809f-58c3-90ae2854e5df">If you are decorating your own lanterns you can theme them any way you would like, so why not be festive? Grab your chosen jar and place some small pieces of conifer or fir into the bottom before placing your tea light on top. Then on the outside tie a festive ribbon around the jar. Why not use a red silk ribbon or a silver festive patterned one.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee70782e-7fff-809f-58c3-90ae2854e5df">Come in store to visit us and see what you can find to decorate your jar lantern.</span></p>

Decorating jar lanterns

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p dir="ltr">Helping <strong>allergies caused by pets</strong> is imperative if you love your furry friends but can’t get too close because of allergies. There are a few options to ensure you can cuddle your favourite pets without sneezing, sniffing or breaking out in a rash so don’t give up hope until you’ve tried some of these ideas. It is essential to get allergies to pets under control when needed so you can visit family and friends who have pets or even have some pets of your own. If you also suffer from hay fever, these approaches could also help.</p>

<p>Helping <strong>allergies caused by pets</strong> is imperative if you love your furry friends but can’t get too close because of allergies. There are a few options to ensure you can cuddle your favourite pets without sneezing, sniffing or breaking out in a rash, so don’t give up hope until you’ve tried some of these ideas. It is essential to get allergies to pets under control when needed so you can visit family and friends who have pets or even have some pets of your own. If you also suffer from hay fever, these approaches could also help.</p>
<h2>Anti-allergy tablets for allergies caused by pets&nbsp;</h2>
<p>One of the quickest ways to get an allergy under control is by taking anti-allergy tablets, nose sprays and eye drops. There are many available, so you will need to find the ones that work for you and follow the instructions for dosage. They can also help with hay fever and other allergies, so if you are prone to any of these, this is a good option. However, you might not want to take them every day forever, so it is always best to see your doctor first to discuss what will be best for you. There are other longer-term options, such as injections and steroids.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Cleaning and dusting can help allergies caused by pets&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Keeping your home clean and well dusted can help to control allergies. Dander from pets is microscopic flakes of skin and proteins from saliva which gets the allergy going. It can be tough to keep on top of but clean fabrics, carpets and polishing surfaces can help. Also, keep your pets bedding area washed and cleaned as well. This approach, along with antihistamines, will go towards seeing an improvement.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Allergies caused by pets can be limited if you chose your pet wisely</h2>
<p>If you are looking for a pet because you love animals and want an addition to your family, check out pets that don’t cause allergies. Gerbils, Hamsters and Mice while still furry are considerably smaller than a Dog or Cat and therefore less likely to cause severe allergies. Also consider Fish, Birds and even dogs and cats that are known to cause fewer allergies such as Bichon Frise, Poodle and the Sphynx cat.</p>
<h2>Choose anti-allergy bedding for allergies caused by pets&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Why not make sure that all of your bedding, throws and cushions are also anti-allergy. Many people who have allergies to pets are also allergic to other things, including dust from fabrics in the home. Anti-allergy bedding, pillows and other soft furnishings can help to control how you feel as no one wants to be sneezing all of the time. Hopefully, these ideas will help you enjoy yours and your family and friends pets.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Check out our pet department for your next furry family friend.&nbsp;</p>

Allergies caused by pets

<p>The much-loved <strong>Hydrangea for the garden and home</strong> comes into its own at this time of year. Many will have been flowering for months at this point, and many will also just be turning into those beautiful late summer toned down flower heads. They look both fantastic in the garden and the home placed in a vase. Get the best from your Hydrangeas with our ideas below.</p>

<p>The much-loved <strong>Hydrangea for the garden and home</strong> comes into its own at this time of year. Many will have been flowering for months at this point, and many will also just be turning into those beautiful late summer toned down flower heads. They look both fantastic in the garden and the home placed in a vase. Get the best from your Hydrangeas with our ideas below.</p>
<h2>Hydrangeas for the garden and home all year</h2>
<p>Make the most of your Hydrangeas and snip some of the colourful blooms for the vase. Whether the flowers are blue, pink, white or green a single stem in a long thin vase can look exquisite. If you have a lot of Hydrangeas, why not snip a whole bunch and put on a show-stopping display. When Autumn comes around, and the flower heads are turning to the well known brown tones with translucent petals, those can also be cut for the home.</p>
<h2>Leave outside Hydrangeas for the garden and home</h2>
<p>If you don’t want to cut them for the home vase, the flower heads give stunning structure in the colder months of the year and can be a home for insects and other wildlife at a time when there is little else available. Leaving Hydrangea heads on can also be really good for the plants overall health, and there is no need to prune them until the following year when you have a tidy up.</p>
<h2>How to display Hydrangeas for the garden and home</h2>
<p>There are lots of ways to show off your gorgeous Hydrangea blooms when you have cut some stems for the home. Remove the foliage and put them into a clear vase with fresh water for a classic coffee table look or why not try them the other way up and dry them hanging upside down tied with string. Why not try a fun project and attach the Hydrangea heads and to some wire to make a pretty hanging wreath for your front door. The petals will fade and look great for a long time.</p>
<h2>Keep cut Hydrangeas for the garden and home blooming a long time</h2>
<p>When your cut flowers start to wilt, there are ways to promote a revival and one of those ways is to put the whole Hydrangea in some water for about 30 to 45 minutes. The entire bloom needs to be under the water. When you remove the cut flower and stem, just recut the stem at the base and dip into a mug of boiling water before placing back into the vase with some clean, fresh water. You will be surprised how quickly the Hydrangea perks up!</p>
<p>From tools to prune and vases for flower displays, we have what you need in store.</p>

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