![]() My timber of choice in this garden is larch as it has excellent outdoor properties which importantly provides longevity in an area of central Scotland with high rainfall. In order to do this though I need to build a custom planter to surround two sides of the pond. An option could be to plant green grasses to contrast the colour palette, however, I would like to experiment and see if there is emphasised impact in having two similar colours but two different textures. The pond is made out of rusted corten steel so I have chosen the grass Carex buchananii ‘Red Rooster’ for its similar reddish-bronze leaves. While they can be set anytime from October to April, the best time to sow sweet peas is late. The grasses will introduce some movement to the design as they will sway and flex against the solid structure of the container pond. Sweet peas make a colourful and fragrant addition to any garden. The next stage for the wildlife pond is to surround it with planting, specifically grasses. I planted some Allium sphaerocephalon bulbs amongst the Carex too for some planting design interest. I introduced a ramp for access to the pond, created a wildlife wall into the surrounding fence and planted some evergreen Carex grasses below. Towards the end of last year I started focusing more on the area around the wildlife pond. Another fantastic option though is to repurpose toilet roll cylinders which are a perfect size and biodegradable. Root trainers have grooves that run vertically down the container and when the roots form, they grow down the groove creating strong and healthy roots. Once I have completed this I will sow the seeds in root trainers. Nicking a seed is simply taking away a small area of the seed’s tough outer coat to expose the inside of the seed allowing water to be absorbed immediately. Last year I nicked my seeds and had excellent germination results and so I will be doing the same again this year. Some recommend soaking the seed in water to soften the coat, some say that nicking the seed helps, and others recommend doing nothing at all. ![]() There is different advice around preparing the seed itself due the outer coat of the seed being tough. The difference between the two sowing periods is in the eventual flowering time, with autumn sown seeds flowering earlier than spring sown ones. There is flexibility in their sowing time with both autumn and spring months ideal. I adore fragrant Sweet Peas and they are a plant that keeps giving and giving. ![]() I have many projects earmarked for this year which will see the garden develop further and to begin I will be focusing on two areas, sweet peas, and adding to the wildlife pond. I planted hundreds of bulbs last year in the rear garden and in containers, and when the weather eases, a kaleidoscope of colours will outperform any dark days throughout the spring months, nourishing the senses and inspiring the soul. ![]() Winter is ending and the promise of our spring gardens awaits us with anticipation. ![]()
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