Who doesn’t like mooching around someone else’s garden and partaking in a cuppa and a piece of homemade cake?
These are the words of Elaine Portch, self-confessed plantaholic and December’s Guest Contributor.
Elaine and her husband William, have been sharing their passion for gardening for over 40 years. Their garden, Briarwood in Barton Seagrave, has been open to the public for the past 15 years as part of the UK’s National Garden Scheme in Northamptonshire (NGS).
Elaine and William have a particular love for unusual plants—Elaine’s collection of succulents is ever-expanding, while William can’t resist a striking Acer. They delight in sourcing bargains, nurturing small plants, and growing annuals and perennials from seed, marveling at the magic of nature.
Highlights of Elaine’s gardening journey include winning two RHS Gold Medals and Best in Category Awards, achievements made possible with William’s support. Together, they also volunteer for the NGS, helping other garden openers and promoting the scheme across Northamptonshire.
For more information about Briarwood, visit http://ngs.org.uk/gardens/briarwood-nn15
Overwintering Plants Indoors without a Greenhouse
by Elaine and William Portch
With December upon us, tender plants should already be safely tucked away indoors, shielded from frost. Here’s your handy guide to keeping them happy until spring:
Succulents – These tender plants include Aeoniums, Echeveria, Crassula and Aloes and all thrive outdoors in the warmer months but must be brought indoors from October to May. Keep in a cool, light environment above 5°C. Water every 3-4 weeks, checking leaves for plumpness to judge hydration needs.
Citrus – Lemons and calamondin oranges love a cool, bright, south-facing spot between 10-15°C. Avoid radiators and water only when the top few inches of compost are dry. Adding pebbles beneath the pot can boost humidity.
Tender & Tropical Perennials – Pelargoniums, Chocolate cosmos, Lemon verbena, Lantana, Ginger lilies, Cannas, Angel’s trumpets, Bird of paradise. Keep in frost-free, well-lit locations and water sparingly. Trim and prune as needed.
Tubers, Bulbs & Corms – whilst some people leave the likes of Dahlias, Gladioli & Begonias in the ground, it is advisable in our region to lift and store these for guaranteed overwintering success.
Cannas and Ginger Lilies – store in a pot in a frost-free, dry, cool location such as a garage. Ideally, not to drop below 12°c.
Pests & Disease – Inspect all overwintering plants for shriveling leaves, vine weevil larvae, mildew, mealy bugs, fungus gnats, and whitefly. Organic pest control methods are recommended.
Although overwintering plants requires care, the reward is a sustainable, flourishing garden year after year.
The National Garden Scheme
Elaine and William are proud supporters of the National Garden Scheme (NGS), founded in 1927 to raise money for district nursing. The scheme now raises millions annually for charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Parkinson’s UK, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, and more.
Have you ever followed one of the distinctive yellow arrows ‘National Garden Scheme, Gardens Open for Charity’ road signs, or picked up a Northamptonshire National Garden Scheme booklet? If so, you’ll be aware of the delights that you will be greeted with at the garden gate of some of the counties private gardens.
Great Gardens, Great Cake and Great Causes is our catch phrase.
Who doesn’t like mooching around someone else’s garden and partaking in a cuppa and a piece of homemade cake, knowing that the funds raised from a National Garden Scheme opening are donated to such worthy causes.
By opening their garden, the Portches combine their love of gardening with giving back.
Spot an NGS yellow arrow sign or pick up a local booklet, and enjoy exploring the private gardens of Northamptonshire, knowing your visit supports worthy causes.
For more information about the scheme, visit www.ngs.co.uk
All the plants features are from ‘Briarwood.’ For more details on how to visit in the Spring visit: http://ngs.org.uk/gardens/briarwood-nn15
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