This month in the garden

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2010-03-23T11:58:00.001Z

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March on..!

2010-02-28T12:55:00.000Z

Well it’s certainly been a proper winter this year, we have of yet had very little dry or warm days and the chances of getting into the garden have been very slim. However don’t lose heart as the season will soon kick off as the temperature goes up. Here at the garden centre we’re stocking up in preparation of the coming good weather. March is traditionally a time when many seeds start to be sown, seed potatoes get chitted, onion sets get planted and borders are prepared. We are carrying a superb selection of onion sets with all your favourites such as Sturon, Stuttgart and Red Barron. We have first, second and main crop seed potatoes available with all the classic varieties in stock.

Because of the weather the garden will be lacking a bit colour, spring bedding plants are the answer with the vibrant colours of Primroses, Pansy’s and Violas. For a more lasting colour our Plant area is in the process of being freshly stocked with a great selection of hardy Trees, Shrubs, Conifers, Fruit and Climber to suit any garden situation. For further helpful advice and information why not pop in and see us as we will always be delighted to help you with all your gardening needs.

Happy gardening....!

February Forecast..!

2010-02-01T08:04:00.001Z

Well what a month January was, I don’t think anyone could have predicted the levels of snow and frost we had been subjected to. This weather has obviously put the garden on hold with conditions completely unworkable. However a harsh winter normally brings a good spring and although February may be cold there should be plenty of dry days to get the garden moving. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get going.

The first task to undertake is to prepare the ground for new planting and dig in plenty of organic matter into your beds in the form of compost and manure. This will help supply plants with vital nutrients and improve the structure of the soil which will in turn help rooting. When finished if you’re not ready to plant, black polythene can be laid over the bare ground to help dry the soil and warm it up to help plants get off to a quick start.

Towards the end of the month pruning is important on many summer flowering shrubs, roses and heathers as this helps the plants to bush out, bulk up and give a stunning show in the summer to come. It is also a good time to cut back last year’s faded foliage on all your herbaceous plants to make room for new growth coming through. Here at Mayshade we try to cater for all your garden needs and help you get ready for any task you’re going to undertake, so you know where to come!

Happy gardening..!

January Jobs...!

2010-01-04T13:51:00.002Z

After a difficult financial year and the gloom cast by the recession things are finally starting to look as though it is on the up. We’re into a new year for you and your garden and I for one am optimistic about the year ahead. After the Christmas period and the cold dark nights of winter I’m almost chomping at the bit to get my hands back into the soil. However a wee bit of patience is needed as the chances are the weather will be frosty and wet through most of the month. Don’t despair though, as there are many other essential January jobs that need to be taken care of to set you up for the coming season.

Januarys is a good month to get all our garden tools and machinery up to scratch. Lawn mower blades may need sharpened or balanced, spades and forks might need cleaned. It may even be the case that new tools will be needed as some are beyond repair. If this is the case here at Mayshade Garden Centre we have a great selection of tools available and we are more than happy to advise you with the correct tool to use. At this time of year we also can't forget about the birds. It is important to keep those bird feeders full as the natural supply starts to run low. At the garden centre we have, seeds, nuts, feeders, bird tables and loads more items which will tempt the wildlife into your garden.

Happy gardening..!

Seasons Greeting..!

2009-12-09T12:26:00.000Z

Well December is upon us once again and I don’t know how you feel but to me it’s been a mighty quick year and it certainly doesn’t look like it going to slow down in the run up to Christmas. So if you need a change of pace and help to lighten the load this festive period we’re definitely the place to come.

Here at the garden centre we like to make sure we are geared up to help you have that calm and special Christmas that you deserve. We have everything you need from gifts to decorations and trees to light with a huge selection available. So for a Merrier Christmas and all your garden needs there’s only one place to come!

On behalf of everyone here at Mayshade I would like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy Gardening New Year.

Don’t get fleeced by… November!

2009-11-02T09:11:00.000Z

November can be a difficult month to get into the garden as the darker nights set in and the wind and rain never seem to be far away. However it is still important to try and get into the garden when you can as the last of those important jobs for the year still need to be undertaken before winter really sets in. Perennials can be divided, tools can be cleaned and sharpened, borders can be mulched and tender plants can be fleeced or moved under cover for frost protection.

Many people are under a false impression that you can’t plant at this time of year but that couldn’t be further from the truth. As long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged, all manner of plants can be put in such as; roses, shrubs, trees, herbaceous, fruit and hedging plants. It’s also not to late to get some colour in before winter as here at the garden centre we still have a superb range of winter bedding in stock. But be quick as stock won’t last long..! So for all your gardening needs you know where to come.

Happy gardening..!

October’s Genuine 25% off plant sale..!

2009-09-30T11:50:00.000+01:00

We’re now well into autumn and the trees and shrubs are a glow with autumnal colour. Don’t be fooled by the cool air setting in and those darker nights there’s still plenty of jobs to get done before the winter sets in. By the end of this month you should have you spring flowering bulbs planted ready for early colour. This month is also a great month to change your summer baskets and window boxes with winter flowering bedding such as; pansies, violas, wallflower and primroses. So why not take advantage of our stunning annual sale and receive a huge 25% off all your plant purchases for the entire month of October..! (Sale excludes soft fruit and fruit trees).

October is the time of year to get the best selection of soft and top-fruit and here at Mayshade we have a full range available. Also this month we will be receiving the first selection of the early lifted new season’s roses and root wrapped hedging. So for all your garden needs and advice why not come and see us to take advantage of our knowledgeable staff and stunning sale!

Happy gardening..!

Splendour September..!

2009-09-02T20:01:00.001+01:00

It’s hard to believe but that’s us in to autumn already, what a quick year it has been so far. I’m sure you have all done a lot a work in the garden and have hopefully reaped the fruits of your labours with a splendid display. However the hard work isn’t over yet..! But don’t fear as here at Mayshade we do our best to have all the stock you need to make light work of all those autumn garden tasks.

Autumn is a period for tidying up, for putting things to rights and preparing for the coming winter. The Lawn is important at this time of year as you need to prepare it for the harsh winter and coming season. These tasks include; scarifying (removing thatch and moss), feeding & weeding, moss killing, aeriation & top-dressing. Another important task for the autumn is to get your spring flowering bulbs into your pots and borders. This is best done with an overplanting of autumn bedding, which we have huge selection available. Autumn is also the time to get the best selection fruit trees with; apples, pears, plums, cherries and many other available.

There are lots of other tasks which can be undertaken this month but if I kept going the list would be exhaustive. So why not pop along to the garden centre and we’ll be more than happy to give you all the gardening advice you require.

Happy gardening..!

August Achievement..!

2009-08-07T15:04:00.000+01:00

By the time we get to August many of the larger garden tasks should be completed, which gives us more time to appreciate what we have achieved so far this year. The beds and border will be a mass of colours and textures which you should take time to enjoy.

I like to have a walk round the garden every couple of days with my secateurs and plant canes in hand and do some of that essential dead-heading and supporting that many plants will require to keep the garden looking at its best. Once I’ve achieved that I like nothing more than to get the patio set out and sit back and enjoy the tranquillity. If you’ve not got a patio set or you’re looking for a change, right now here at Mayshade we’re offering a staggering 10% off all furniture..!

Happy gardening..!

Jam Packed July..!

2009-07-02T12:05:00.000+01:00

We are now more than halfway through the year and it looks as though July is going to be the real start of summer. The long term forecast is showing good weather with sustained high pressure right throughout the month. It is certainly clammy at the moment and the sunshine is begging to break through the clouds. With this good weather your main tasks will be to keep the garden and plants well irrigated, weeded and dead headed regularly to ensure constant flowering. This means making sure your hoe and hose are in good shape..!

Although maintenance is at the forefront this month it is also the best time to add some new additions to the garden as you can now see what you are dealing with as herbaceous borders are becoming a real spectacle and shrubs and trees are in full growth. Here at Mayshade we have all the plants you need to add some stunning new additions to your garden. If you’re not quite sure what suits your situation don’t worry, as our knowledgeable staff are always more than happy to guide you all the way.

Happy gardening..!

June Bloom!

2009-06-05T07:20:00.001+01:00

June is usually a very rewarding month in the garden as you start to see some of the fruit of your hard labours come to fruition. The beds and border will be coming alive with early summer colour, as many herbaceous plant burst in to full bloom. The risk of frost should be well and truly past now so all your tender annuals and bedding can now be put on full show. If you've not all ready got your tubs and hanging baskets, don’t panic as we still have a huge selection of bedding plants available. Also, if you haven’t got the time to do your own why not take advantage of our bespoke planting service.

Although bedding plants steel the show at this time of the year, there are many other plants available to bring year on year colour into the garden. June is still a great time to plant trees, shrubs, herbaceous, and of course roses which are our in full bud and just waiting to burst into lush colour. For all your garden needs, come to the gardeners garden centre and let us make your visit a colourful one!

Happy Gardening..!

Colour you May!

2009-05-05T09:57:00.001+01:00

Well May is underway and for most gardeners that means only one thing... bedding plants! It’s that time to really get things going in the garden by starting to get those hanging baskets planted and those tubs and beds filled with reams of summer colour. Here at Mayshade we are proud to say that we hold one of the best selections of basket and bedding plants in the area. We have all your favourites such as Begonias, Geraniums, Marigolds, Lobelia, Livingston daisy and many more. If you’ve not got a basket or tub already then don’t panic because we’ve got that covered too.

Although the bedding is underway we can’t forget about the rest of the garden! As always here at Mayshade we are holding a superb range of ornamental and edible plants suitable for any garden situation. Why not come on down and bring some colour into your life.

Happy gardening..!

April fool… of life!

2009-04-06T11:59:00.001+01:00

Spring is well and truly here now and the garden is starting to turn into a haze of various green shades as all that fresh new growth bursts into life. April is always a very exciting time for gardeners as the garden becomes full of life again and the job list begins to mount-up.

Here at Mayshade we have all you need to tackle those mounting garden tasks with; fertilisers, composts, tools, seeds, chemicals, hanging baskets and much more garden products available. However if you prefer a more relaxing time we also have a fine selection of furniture, BBQ’s and water features to bring tranquillity into any garden.

As always our plant area is stacked with a fine selection of plants which will cater towards any garden situation or taste. Shrubs, trees, roses, herbs, fruit, perennials, alpines, grasses to name but a few all covered. If you’ve thought about growing your own why not give it a try, as this month we will have a full selection of vegetables and tomatoes plants available and as always we will be more that happy to advise you with any gardening queries

Spring into action..!

2009-03-06T10:28:00.001Z

March is the start of the gardening year with longer days and warmer nights. This is when plants really spring into life and the highlights are visible everywhere with colourful Primulas, Scillas, Irises, Hyacinths, Daffodils and Tulips. Here at Mayshade this month we are well prepared for the Spring Garden with everything you need to get started. In the Plantarea we have a great selection of Trees, Shrubs, Conifers, Bedding, Fruit and Herbs to suit any garden situation.

With all the fresh new growth appearing on your plants in March it is the ideal time to start your early season pruning as this will encourage a succession of new replacement shoots and growth. Roses will especially need your attention at this time of year, with any dead, diseased or damaged stems removed. Generally bush roses should be reduced by about a third and cut back to an outward facing bud. Other plants that will require some attention include; Dogwoods (Cornus species), Hardy Fuchsia, Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii), Willow (Salix species).
For further helpful advice and information why not pop in and see us as we will always be delighted to help you with all your gardening queries.

Happy gardening....!

February Feeling!

2009-02-03T08:43:00.003Z

Now we're into February and the days are lengthening, the garden is well and truly on our minds as we know that Spring is just around the corner. There are plenty of tasks to get on with within the garden to give you a kick-start for the coming season. Although we have had awful weather conditions to the start of the month don't let Mother Nature fool you as there will be nice days that you can take advantage of. February is a good month to get the ground prepared for spring planting and the best way to do this is to fork in plenty of organic matter in the form of manure, compost or soil conditioner. This will help give your soil a new lease of life with more nutrients available for plants and a good structure for better root establishment.
This month is also the ideal time to get your fruit trees into the ground and also your final chance to get them pruned and protected with a tar oil wash. You should also treat your peaches, apricots and nectarines with fungicide to help prevent peach leaf curl this month. Here at Mayshade we will be more than happy to advise you on choosing the correct control methods or any other gardening issues.
And finally if you just want to see some colour in your garden then we have that covered too as we have a fine selection of spring bedding, flowering bulbs and shrubs to give your garden that early spring feeling.

Happy Gardening

January Optimism!

2009-01-05T08:10:00.005Z

Well another year is upon us and all through we are still feeling the effects of winter, I always get a sense of optimism for the coming year as the fresh shoots of the spring flowering bulbs start to push through the frosty soil. The weather in January can understandably put alot of people off going into the garden. However, there is no better time of the year to carry out some of that essential maintenance and repairs.

It's a good month to get all our garden tools and machinery into shape. Mower blades may need sharpened or balanced, spade and forks might need cleaned. It may even be the case that you realise that new tools might be needed as some are beyond repair. If this is the case, here at Mayshade we have a great selection of tools available and are more than happy to advise you with the correct tool to use. At this time of year we also can't forget about the birds. It is important to keep those bird feeders full as the natural supply starts to run low. At the garden centre we have, seeds, nuts, feeders, bird tables and loads more items which will tempt the wildlife into the garden.

Happy Gardening..!

Classic Christmas!

2008-12-04T10:04:00.003Z

Winter is well and truly underway and the garden can look stunning with the glistening frost bringing a unique beauty. However at this time of year the garden takes a back seat and the excitement of Christmas takes over. Here at Mayshade, we make sure that we have everything you need, to achieve that exciting and hopefully perfect Christmas.

This year why not give a seasonal house plant as a gift. We have all the classics available such as; Poinsettia, Christmas Cactus, Orchids, Indoor Azaleas and many more. We also have, as always, a fantastic selection of pot grown and fresh cut Christmas trees in stock, ranging in sizes from 3ft to 15ft. The selection includes the classic Norway spruce, the Lodgepole pine plus the Nordman, Noble and Fraser Firs. If it wreaths and swags you're looking for we have that covered as well with a good choice available right throughout December. Why not pop in and see us and make this Christmas and extra special one.

From all at Mayshade have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year..!

Remember November!

2008-11-01T08:22:00.002Z

November to gardeners should be a month where you reflect on all your hard labours of the year and contemplate the changes and additions for the coming year. However this doesn't mean that there's no work to be done. With the plants now entering into their dormant period, it is the ideal time to relocate or add in new trees, shrubs and roses to the garden. The soil should still have enough heat left in it to help get them established and ready for the coming season. The herbaceous borders should also be receiving their final tidy of the year. The last of the dying back foliage can be cut back and plant supports can be removed to be cleaned, ready for next year.Once you've done this, the border will hugely benefit from a mulch top dressing, which will help to protect the slightly more tender plant over the winter and decompose, (brake down), to add some vital nutrients into the soil ready for spring.
Here at Mayshade we try to make sure that we have the plants you'll need for any situation, as even at this time of year we hold a superb selection of trees, shrubs, roses, soft fruit and much more. If we don't currently have what you require in stock, we will be more than happy to try and source it for you.
Happy gardening..!

Red October!

2008-10-02T09:14:00.003+01:00

October to me is when the garden can be at it's most beautiful, at no other time of the year can you appreciate such a superb, fiery pallet of colour. This month sees many trees and shrubs on the turn and this can illuminate the darkest of autumn nights, with vibrant foliage and a rich selection of nuts and berries to admire. October is traditionally a busy month in the garden with many tasks to undertake, such as; hedges receiving their final prune of the year, herbaceous plants being divided, greenhouses insulated, spring bulbs planted, and also the addition of many new trees and shrubs to the garden. So if it's tools, bubble wrap, bulbs or plants you need, look no further! We cover the lot and much, much more.

October is also the perfect time of the year to add some soft fruit into the garden. Here at Mayshade we make sure you won't miss out, as this month we will be receiving a mouth watering selection of caned and soft fruit. We also stock a superb selection of top-fruit such as Apples, Pears, Plums and Cherries. So for all your gardening needs why not come along and try us out, as we will always be more than happy to help with all those gardening issues.

Happy gardening..!

September's Stunning Sale!

2008-09-01T09:52:00.002+01:00

With one of the wettest Augusts on record just behind us, I'm sure all you gardeners out there are feeling a bit washed out. Here at Mayshade we have just the answer, for the whole month of September we are giving a massive 25% off all plants..!

September brings the time in the garden when you want to start freshening up those tubs, borders and baskets to give you colour right through to the spring. We have a superb selection of autumn bedding with all the classics such as; Pansies, Violas, Cyclamen, primulas and many more. Now is also the time to think about planting your bulbs for a striking show in the spring, a full range is now available. During this coming month at Mayshade we have a lot to look forward to as we will be receiving deliveries of soft fruit, fruit trees, Rhododendrons and new season's roses. Why not come along and take advantage of this stunning plant sale and as always we'll be delighted to help you with all your gardening queries.

Happy gardening..!

Hot August Colour!

2008-08-01T10:13:00.003+01:00

I always think at this time of the year the herbaceous plants are starting to the hit their peak and a fantastic range of colours to be seen. Here at Mayshade we're currently stocking a superb, classical free-flowering range such as; Penstomon, Crocosmia, Echinacea and many more. Definitely not to be missed. A top-tip for all your herbaceous plants is to remove any of those passed over flowers as soon as possible, as this will help to bring on repeat flowering. In the garden the taller herbaceos plans may benefit from some support. For this, something as simple as bamboo canes may do the trick, but there are all types of plant supports available here at the garden centre. As always here at Mayshade, we are more than happy to advise and help with all your gardening needs.

Happy gardening..!

High Summer Sensation!

2008-07-01T09:17:00.001+01:00

We’re now into high summer and the garden should be full of life and colour. Summer bedding plants are often at their best at this time of year and make a real show in the garden. No need to panic if you haven’t yet found the time to get yours planted; here at Mayshade we still have a fine selection. We have Petunias, Busy-Lizzies, Lobelia, Fuchsias and many more to easily cater for a full display or to just fill in a few of those gaps. During July, it is especially important to check your plants regularly for water. New plantings, seedlings and containerized plants are among the most vulnerable at this time. To help in this constant battle, here at the garden centre we stock a good range of hoses, watering cans and water retaining gel. To help retain that valuable moisture in the soil, a top tip is to use the addition of mulch such as bark, compost or even pebbles or stones which are also all available. As always here at Mayshade, we are more than happy to advise you with any of your gardening dilemmas.

Happy Gardening..!

Full of colour!

2008-06-02T15:39:00.002+01:00

Your hard work in the garden is most likely starting to show.
However, there is still plenty to do. Aim to finish planting your
flowerbeds with the last of the summer flowers and finish your
hanging baskets and window displays.

Growers of home garden vegetables will also be reaping the
benefits of their efforts earlier in the year and their foods will
be making their way to the table.

If you need some inspiration come and see our demonstration garden during the
month of June.

Our demonstration garden changes monthly so watch this space…..

May Madness!

2008-05-16T08:40:00.002+01:00

We are now into the busiest month of the year here at Mayshade and the centre is loaded with everything you could imagine. The most important area is the plantarea, which is lush and full of colour. We have our full range of bedding plants as well as trees shrubs and flowering perennials. The edible garden is also well catered for with a full range of fruit, vegetables and salad crops. Need something for the lawn? we've got it all!

April Flowers!

2008-04-01T09:20:00.002+01:00

Another month in the garden and my personal favourite. After the dark and gloomy winter there is new life everywhere; fresh leaves unfurling on the trees, the grass is starting to grow and there are spring flowers everywhere.
The long-range forecasts for April are all looking good, with temperatures rising rapidly and a good chance of some prolonged dry spells, leaving you all no excuse not to get back in the garden!
In the plant area we have lots of fresh stock, including Pieris Forest Flame and Flaming Silver, both showing beautiful flame-red bracts.
The shop has taken delivery of a huge range of garden furniture, both traditional and contemporary.
It's also the perfect time for more fundamental work in the garden and our Landscape supplies desk can sort you out with paving, gravels, walling, bark and much more to create a new garden from the ground up.

Happy gardening!