We are open to the public this weekend – Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October – 8.00am to 3.00pm.
This will be the last open day for this season….after this, we will be available by appointment as usual.
We will have a bunch of camellias available – sasanquas for the sunny parts of the garden – a few hundred in 140mm pots and a nice collection in 200mm pots. We are selling out of some varieties – but that’s the objective. Japonicas – for the semi shade spots, at least part shade – we have a thousand or so across more than a hundred varieties. Most are in 140mm pots, but again we have a small number in 200mm pots. We have some hybrids and a few species well.
We need to make some room for new season plants, so drop by and pick up some of the best camellias we have grown.
Camellia japonica Royal Velvet – one of the best garden camellias
This is a great time to plant, there is new growth showing and getting plants now to either pot up or plant out will result in some amazing growth over the next few weeks. For those who planned, yes, a month or so ago was a better time to plant – before the new growth started, but if you are careful, there will be little damage to the tender new shoots and leaves.
When you are planting out, remember to tickle the roots out so that the new roots will not continue to grow in the curled shape of the pot. This helps make a healthier plant in the long term. A light application of fertiliser now, added to the backfill, will give the plants a good run into spring and summer. Water in well – and that means a slow half a bucket worth of water to get moisture right down into the soil. Mulching now will suppress weeds as well as keep the root area cool and reduce evaporation.
Look out for little caterpillars and aphids in the new foliage. Squish the grubs and you can hose off aphids.
Camellias will make a great addition to any garden, as a specimen plant, a forest or a hedge. Come in and see us, and we can advise you on what might suit your site best.
Get out into the garden – its good for the soul.
