Flowers really need heat and good light levels for flowering – both of which are in short supply in late autumn and winter – so it can be difficult to get colour into the garden in the coming months.

There is only a limited range of bedding plants that will do well:

• “Winter flowering” Pansies and Violas: These really can flower from now through the winter and into spring. In periods of severe cold and frost they may get knocked back a bit but they will recover. Planted in tubs near the house gives them just a touch of heat that may help keep the heavier frosts at bay.
• Wallflower: is a biennial - this means that you plant it this year but it won’t flower till next year, so a bit of patience is needed - but the rewards are worth it.
• Sweet William: is also a biennial. I wish I had a penny for every customer who comes in, in the spring asking for wallflower and sweet william because they have seen it in a neighbour’s garden, only to be told that it is only available in the autumn!
• Forget-me-nots: are considered somewhat old fashioned nowadays but is still worth planting. As well as the traditional blue colour you can get a lovely pink variety. Fill a tub and it will be mass of colour in the spring.
• Bellis: is a form of daisy and really looks quite nice – give it a try.
• Polyanthus and Primula: may give a small show of flower in the autumn but they really come into their own in the later winter/early spring when their bright colours can really cheer you up.

Pansies and violas are already in the centre and the others are due any day.

Article provided by Ron from West Carlston Garden Centre in Torrance.
Try our website www.westcarlston.com
This week’s Competition: What is the formal name for forget-me-nots?
The sender of the first correct e-mail will receive a £10 Gift Voucher.
Ron can be contacted at info@westcarlston.com
Copywrite R. McInally