In the garden – September

Yet again we have had a dry summer but we can normally expect to get some rain in September and once we have some autumn rain we can think about autumn planting. For the vast majority of shrubs and perennials the autumn is the best time to plant – there is warmth and moisture in the soil and the plant starts to develop roots before the cold of winter and in mild winters may keep growing during the winter thus producing a more established plant – better able to withstand dry winds and heat next summer.

In general the autumn planting season can start once we have had September rain and can extend until early December. Remember that when planting it is a good idea to dig a hole twice as deep and twice as wide as the pot, take this soil out and mix some of it with terreau de plantation or compost (organic material) and clean sand or gravel, use this mixture to give your plant a better start in life! Before planting fill the planting hole with water and allow it to drain away several times, this will ensue that there is moisture at depth for the roots to seek out. Whenever possible plant small plants rather than large specimens, they are less susceptible to wind rock, will establish faster and long term will result in healthier plants.

September is the month in which we will start to see spring flowering bulbs on sale in garden centres (jardineries) - September & October are good times to buy and plant bulbs for spring colour. I have found that anemones (De Caen hybrids and Anemone blanda), Chionodoxa, native Gladiolus communis and Scilla peruviana (which is a Med native despite the name) do well. Botanical or species tulips such as Tulipa greigii, kaufmaniana, saxatilis & fosteriana are particularly successful here as well. These should be found easily in garden centres. If you are looking for something a little more unusual have a look at www.bulbargence.com When buying bulbs make sure that what’s in the packet are firm, healthy looking bulbs with no signs of premature sprouting.

Now is also a good time to collect and save seeds from plants in your garden; colourful annuals such as Cosmos, Eschscholzia (Californian poppies), and Morning Glories (Ipomea)
are easily grown from seed next spring.

During September think also about the following tasks:

*continue to deadhead perennials to prolong the autumn show of flower

*take cuttings of tender perennials such as geraniums (Pelargoniums strictly speaking)

*prune late summer flowering shrubs

*trim evergreen hedges

*clip back lavenders after flowering – use hand shears and clip back to just above the old flowering stem, don’t cut back into old wood as the plant may not reshoot.

As to what is of interest in the garden in September; summer flowering perennials are still giving lots of colour, the Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) has just come into flower as has the pretty little shrub Caryopteris Kew Blue. Autumn flowering bulbs are just starting; Cyclamen neapolitanum has just come into flower and as soon as we have some rain Nerine bowdenii and Amaryllis belladonna will pop out in flower.


At La Petite Pépinière we now have the autumn programme of gardening course organised. These courses are aimed at gardeners in the Languedoc and our intention is to provide information and promote discussion in a relaxed and informal atmosphere which will help those interested in creating interesting, easy to maintain and colourful ornamental gardens in our summer dry climate. The courses detailed below will be held at La Petite Pépinière in Caunes-Minervois (11160) and will be tutored by Gill Pound, nursery proprietor. All courses are designed for a group of seven to eleven participants. Course fees quoted include coffees, teas etc and you are asked to bring a packed lunch.


An Introduction to Gardening in the Languedoc:

A two day course which is aimed at those relatively new to gardening in the Languedoc climate. We will consider the physical problems associated with gardening here (heat, drought, cold, wind, soil) and how to cope with them; recognising plants which are suited to this climate; buying plants; planting techniques and maintenance. We shall also look at design basics and planting schemes, succession – planting for year round interest and plants for particular situations. Appropriate resources and useful French/English vocabulary will also be included.


Thursday 30th September and Thursday 7th October, 10am 12.30, 1.30 to 4pm

Course fee: 90 euros

A number of people who live at some distance from Caunes have suggested that running a course over two consecutive days would be preferable so we are also offering the introductory course on Wednesday 20th October (11am – 1, 2 – 5pm) and Thursday 21st October (10am – 12.30, 1.30 – 4pm). Course fee: 90 euros.


Propagation:

An introduction to the principles of propagation, how to increase your own plants by layering, division, seeds and cuttings. Plenty of practical work will be included.
Thursday 21st September: 10- 12.30, 1.30 – 4pm

Course fee: 50 euros

For more information contact Gill on 04 68 78 43 81 or email Gill@lapetitepepiniere.com

For further information contact Gill Pound at La Petite Pépinière de Caunes (shrubs and perennials, ornamental grasses, unusual plants and plants for dry climates, garden advice and consultation), 21, Avenue de la Montagne Noire, 11160, Caunes-Minervois.
Tel: 04 68 78 43 81, email Gill@lapetitepepiniere.com
Website www.lapetitepepiniere.com


Open March to November 10h – 18h Fridays and Saturdays, 10h – 12h Sundays, or by appointment – just phone or email to fix another time.





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In the garden – August


August is usually the driest month of the year and one in which the garden is often resting and can look a bit jaded. Thus August can also be a month is which there is not a lot of colour in the garden and it is worth noting if you have gaps that can be filled with autumn or spring planting. Nonetheless, there are many shrubs and perennials that are still giving colour throughout the summer. Two splendid shrubs for the summer months are Vitex agnus-castus and Leucophyllum frutescens, both are very drought resisitant.

Perovskia Blue Spires is justifiably well known, it makes a splendid display from late June until mid September, the well known Gaura lindheimerii and the less well known Poliamintha longiflora associate well with Perovskia. There are many more – come and visit the nursery garden, not to buy but to take notes for the future!

Watering and weeding where and when necessary are ongoing tasks, remember that watering a flower bed the evening before weeding will usually make the job easier. Containers and hanging baskets may need watering daily during the very hot period but if you are watering your garden remember that a deep soaking once a week or fortnight is much more effective than frequent sprinkling.

During August think about the following:

• Towards the end of the month start to divide perennials such as iris and day lilies (Hemerocallis) which will not flower again this year
• Continue deadheading perennials which will repeat flower such as Coreopsis and Rudbeckia to encourage a second flowering. Cut back hardy geraniums to encourage new growth.
• Collect seeds from annuals such as Cosmos and Californian poppies, you can sow these next spring
• Prune early summer flowering shrubs such as Philadelphus.
• Clip back lavenders once they have finished flowering, but never into old wood
• Prune wisteria – leave any long stems that you want to encourage to extend the framework of the plant, cut back completely any stems which are totally unwanted and cut back all other stems to two or three buds on each stem
• Clear fallen leaves affected by blackspot from around roses

At La Petite Pépinière we shall be offering gardening courses again during the autumn months, the exact programme will be decided soon and details will be on the website – www.lapetitepepiniere.com – The Nursery – Gardening Courses.


For further information contact Gill Pound at La Petite Pépinière de Caunes (shrubs and perennials, ornamental grasses, unusual plants and plants for dry climates, garden advice and consultation), 21, Avenue de la Montagne Noire, 11160, Caunes-Minervois.
Tel: 04 68 78 43 81, email Gill@lapetitepepiniere.com
www.lapetitepepiniere.com


Open March to November 10h – 18h Fridays and Saturdays, 10h – 12h Sundays, or by appointment – just phone or email to fix another time.

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In the garden – July

First of all – a big big thank you to everyone who came to our open weekend (Portes Ouvertes) in early June. It was great to see and talk to so many people.

Summer isn’t really a time for planting but do come and visit the garden here during the summer months and observe what is in flower. July can be one of the driest months of the year and a time in which the garden is often resting and can look a bit jaded with not so much colour, especially as one tends to buy plants in the spring and to buy plants that are in flower at the time. Plants which do flower in the summer and which are drought tolerant are thus all the more important. One excellent group of sub-shrubs are the ‘Mexican’ sages;

salvias which come from Mexico, New Mexico and other nearby dry regions of the United States. There are four or five species and many colour selections and hybrids so that that these sages are now available in a huge range of colours including white, cream, yellow, peach, pink, blue and red.

Gaillardias are another perennial that give good colour throughout the summer.

The summer months are much less busy in the garden – time to relax and enjoy it!

During July think about the following:

• Continue to keep an eye out for damage by slugs, snails, insects etc and take appropriate action
• Continue deadheading perennials after flowering to encourage a second flowering spell
• Vigorous climbers such as wisteria and trumpet vines may need some pruning from time to time over the summer
• Clip back aromatics such as santolina and lavender after flowering, remember that lavenders should never be cut back into old wood
• Keep an eye on the watering requirements of your garden, recently planted items (especially if they were planted this spring) particularly need looking after even if they are drought resistant once established.

For further information contact Gill Pound at La Petite Pépinière de Caunes (shrubs and perennials, ornamental grasses, unusual plants and plants for dry climates), 21, Avenue de la Montagne Noire, 11160, Caunes-Minervois.
Tel: 04 68 78 43 81
email Gill@lapetitepepiniere.com
www.lapetitepepiniere.com

Open March to November 10h – 18h Fridays and Saturdays, 10h – 12h Sundays, or by appointment – just phone or email to fix another time.

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In the garden - June 2010

IN THE GARDEN - JUNE

This year it seemed as if summer would never get here, especially after sleet/snow on the4th May. However, we have now started to get warmer and drier weather so do remember that recently planted items will need additional water during their first summer. Be aware that a thorough water every few days is much more effective than frequent light watering, which is often counter-productive since it doesn’t reach the roots at depth and encourages surface roots which are then at risk of drying out. Try to water in the early morning or evening when evaporation rates are lower. Think about water conservation strategies; mulching using chipped bark, shredded garden waste or compost helps to reduce evaporation and helps to keep weeds down and adds organic material to the soil. You can also use mineral mulches such as gravel or Pouzzoulane. If you don’t already have a system for composting your own vegetable and garden waste think about setting one up – it’s a great source of organic material to improve your soil.


During June think about the following:

• Continue to keep an eye out for damage by slugs, snails, insects etc and take appropriate action
• If you are still planting remember to improve the soil in the planting hole with some terreau but also some river sand or gravel to improve drainage. It is also a good idea to fill the planting hole with water and let it drain away – repeat this several times and make sure the plant has had a good soak before planting as well
• If you have any plants with variegated or golden foliage keep an eye out for any wholly green shoots and prune these out immediately
• Deadheading perennials after flowering will often encourage a second flowering spell
• Vigorous climbers such as wisteria and trumpet vines (Campsis) may need some pruning from time to time over the summer
• Cut back dead bulb foliage
• Continue to cut back spring flowering shrubs after flowering


If you go for a walk in the garrigue at the moment you are bound to notice the lovely flowers of the Cistus, sometimes known as sun roses In this area we often see the pink Cistus albidus and the white Cistus monspeliensis but there are many other species and hybrids that make excellent garden plants. They generally flower in May and June and give masses of colour. As Mediterranean natives they don’t need much water and appreciate a sunny position.


At La Petite Pépinière we shall be having our open weekend and summer sale on the 5th and 6th June; 20% discount on many plants, open access and guided visits to the garden, seminar on plants for dry climates, pottery, wood carving demonstration, wine tastings, English food products, stone carving, ornamental metalwork, photography, LPO info stand and, for the second year, wonderful meals, drinks and snacks from La Table d’Emilie; if you would like to reserve a meal for lunchtime ring Alison on 04 67 78 14 70. Fuller details on the website. Hope to see you there!

For further information contact Gill Pound at La Petite Pépinière de Caunes (shrubs and perennials, ornamental grasses, unusual plants and plants for dry climates), 21, Avenue de la Montagne Noire, 11160, Caunes-Minervois.
Tel: 04 68 78 43 81, email Gill@lapetitepepiniere.com www.lapetitepepiniere.com

Open March to November 10h – 18h Fridays and Saturdays, 10h – 12h Sundays, or by appointment – just phone or email to fix another time.

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MONTPELLIER Course for gardeners

Espaces verts
Montpellier main verte : animations des jardins pour les mois de juin et juillet


La Ville de Montpellier, consciente de l’engouement des citoyens pour le jardinage, a mis en place, des activités gratuites liées aux jardins des différents secteurs de la ville :

 l’animation de jardins partagés,
 des ateliers du jardin-école,
 des visites découvertes des jardins publics.

Les participants auront le plaisir de se retrouver dans un lieu convivial pour apprendre à jardiner ou acquérir une meilleure connaissance des espaces verts. Ouvert sur les quartiers, l’espace vert public devient un terrain partagé, lieu de rencontres et d’échanges autour du jardinage.


Les ateliers jardin-école les mois de juin et juillet :

De 10h à 12h : jardins familiaux de Malbosc (au bout de la rue Sainte Barbe).
De 14h30 à 16h30 : jardins familiaux des Grands Grès (avenue Albert Einstein)

 12/06 : Les plantes compagnes :
Connaître les plantes médicinales, aromatiques et les condiments.

 26/06 : Associations des plantes :
Connaître les interactions et la complémentarité des plantes entre elles.

 3/07 : Bilan :
Bilan intermédiaire avant l’été, conseils personnalisés pour l’été.


Les animations des jardins les mois de juin et juillet :

Ces visites se déroulent de 10h à 12h et sont animées par les associations Passe-Muraille, Apieu et Etat des lieux.

 5/06 : Parcours de la promenade du Peyrou au square Planchon : Des Jardins à ouïr
Visitez différents espaces verts plus ou moins connus du cœur de ville, se mettre au vert mais aussi écouter…
Rendez-vous au pied de la statue Louis XIV Esplanade du Peyrou

 12/06 : Aqueduc Saint Clément : Sentier champêtre
Découverte d’un chemin de promenade, de ses composantes floristiques.
Rendez-vous à l’entrée principale du domaine rond point du Château d’O.

 19/06 : Le domaine de Méric : Arts et biodiversité au jardin (activités adultes et enfants)
Profitons du printemps et de tout le cortège de fleurs et de feuilles, bouts de bois, terre, cailloux présents au parc pour réaliser des créations type land’art au gré de votre imagination et de l’esprit du lieu…
Rendez-vous à l’entrée principale du domaine rue de Ferran.

 26/06 : Domaine de Lavalette : Forêt galerie
Le double impact d’une rivière et de l’homme dans le milieu.
Rendez-vous au fond du parking d’Agropolis International.

 3/07 : Square de l’intendance : Des plantes cultivées aux médecines
Histoire des jardins médiévaux et dégustation de tisanes aux propriétés médicinales, découvertes des associations de plantes.
Rendez-vous 8 rue d’Aigrefeuille.

L’ensemble du programme des animations Main Verte est disponible sur le site de la Ville de Montpellier : www.montpellier.fr

Inscriptions et informations : 04 67 20 99 00


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In the garden – May 2010



After the difficult winter April, at last, brought us some fine weather and after a slow start everything is growing well in our gardens. If you are still worried about tender plants that may have been lost during the hard winter do still wait a while before giving up, some plants may well wait until June to shoot from the base. But – be careful – if a plant is grafted (as citrus trees, for example, usually are) shoots that appear from below the graft union will not be the plant you were hoping for!

With the start of warmer weather do note that the ground can dry out quickly so do keep an eye on the water needs of plants that you have just planted; in general, and however drought resistant plants are, they will still need watering during the first summer to make sure that they develop a good root system during their first year in the garden. When watering it is better to water less often but making sure that water penetrates the soil, you want roots to go deeply rather than developing a surface rooting system. For many plants it is helpful to create a small depression around the base of the plant to help direct the water to the plant’s roots. May is often one of the busiest months in the garden as we are still planting but also trying to keep up with weeding, grass cutting etc

During May think about the following:

• plant summer flowering bulbs such as canna, gladiolus, dahlias etc Remember to check their watering needs so that plants with similar requirements are planted close to each other
• if you have a lawn this is a good time to repair any gaps in the lawn and to fertilise the lawn before summer
• watch out for red lily beetles
• prune spring flowering shrubs after flowering
• spring flowering bulbs can be lifted and divided after flowering
• give shrubs a handful of slow release fertiliser (engrais à liberation lente)
• as the weather warms up less helpful animal life in the garden gets active – keep an eye out for damage by slugs, snails, insects etc and take appropriate action
• give some attention to plants which you grow in pots or troughs for the balcony or terrace and have been protecting over winter. They may need repotting or, if not, it is a good idea to remove the top layer of soil in the pot and add some new soil enriched with medium release fertiliser
• planting in general - May is still a good time for planting, try to get most planting done by the end of the month. Remember to try and plan for colour and interest in the garden later in the year as well as buying plants which look lovely now. Check also on drought tolerance and winter hardiness of plants that you are interested in buying. Try and improve the soil where you plant, many local soils are a limy clay that can be improved by the addition of some organic material and some clean sand and/or gravel for better soil structure and drainage (never use builder’s sand which has poor texture and often contains chemical impurities). Water in well. Provide stakes or other support if necessary.
• clip evergreen hedges

May is, of course, a month with many lovely plants in flower. Two excellent flowering shrubs are the evergreen Choisya ternata (Mexican orange blossom) with scented flowers and foliage and the less well known but very drought hardy Heteromeles arbutifolia which also gives a magnificent display of berries in the autumn. Hardy perennial geraniums such as Geranium sanguineum and Geranium x Biokovo also give lots of colour during May. Despite it’s name Scilla peruviana is native to the Mediterranean, from the bluebell family it has wonderful blue flowers.

The big flower fair in May is the 15th and 16th May at the Abbey de Fontfroide, near Narbonne and at La Petite Pépinière de Caunes we shall be holding our Open Weekend on the 5th and 6th June – more details on the website and we shall hope to see you there.

For further information contact Gill Pound at La Petite Pépinière de Caunes (shrubs and perennials, ornamental grasses, unusual plants and plants for dry climates), 21, Avenue de la Montagne Noire, 11160, Caunes-Minervois. Tel: 04 68 78 43 81,
Gill@lapetitepepiniere.com www.lapetitepepiniere.com
Open March to November 10h – 18h Fridays and Saturdays, 10h – 12h Sundays, or by appointment – just phone or email to fix another time.

For garden tours of the Languedoc visit www.hiddengardens.france.com


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In the garden – April

This time last month I was looking forward to milder weather in March but although March came in like a lamb we had a speedy return to cold weather and the terrible snow of Monday 8th. This was wet, heavy snow and many trees were damaged unfortunately. Local opinion seems divided as to whether this is the worst winter for thirty years or forty years! So, we are now hoping for a milder April but do remember that there is always a danger of a further cold spell and even of late frosts – local lore refers to the Saints Glace or Ice Saints which are traditionally the days of 11th, 12th and 13th May! Of course this shouldn’t stop you gardening until the 14th May, if frost or cold winds are forecast then protect anything that might still be a little tender with winter fleece (voile d’hivernage), especially recently planted items. Even hardy plants may well have passed the winter in a cold greenhouse and will need a little hardening off, try and check when you buy plants if they have already been outside or if they have been taken from a greenhouse (sorti d’une serre).


During April think about the following:

• continue to tidy up foliage on perennials, and cut back perennial and sub shrubby plants to the base - they will regrow with greater vigour and better shape Any plants which flower on the current year’s growth can be pruned. Spring flowering shrubs should be pruned after flowering.
• give flower beds a thorough weed and think about mulching to suppress weed growth later in the year and to help conserve moisture.
• if you have botanical (ie species) bulbs in the garden don’t dead head them and they should reseed, Anemone blanda and coronaria seem particularly happy to self seed around and some tulips and crocus will also. Other bulbs can be dead headed, as can pansies
• planting – April and early May are excellent planting times and most nurseries will have plenty of stock available. When buying plants it is easy to fall for the “achat de coup de coeur” and buy plants which are in flower now; do try and plan for colour and interest in the garden later in the year or else the garden can be sadly lacking in colour during August!. Check also on drought tolerance and winter hardiness of plants that you are interested in buying. Try and improve the soil where you plant, many local soils are a limy clay that can be improved by the addition of some organic material and some clean sand (sable de la riviére) and/or gravel for better soil structure and drainage (never use builder’s sand). Plants planted this spring will need watering during the first summer while they become established, even if they are drought resistant varieties. There is also still time to transplant if necessary.
• apply a balanced general purpose fertiliser to borders and beds and also to trees and shrubs


By April there will be many lovely plants in flower in our gardens.

One unusual plant is Bilbergia nutans, it is a member of the pineapple family and is drought tolerant and cold hardy to about minus 7°C; grown in a pot one can really appreciate it’s unusual flowers.

A pair of plants which look well together are Rhodanthemum hosmariense with lovely white daisies to contrast with the mauve flowers of Erysimium Bowles Mauve; both appreciate a suuny position with well drained soil. Cerinthe major purpurascens is a charming annual which flowers now and will set seed to geminate in the autumn ready for next year’s display.

For those of you with an acid soil the Juneberry or Amelanchier canadensis is charming at the moment, these dainty white flowers are followed by berries in June (which the birds adore) and excellent autumn colour later in the year.

There will be a number of flower fairs in the area over the next couple of months, including Sunday 11th April at La Pomarede (just south of Revel), Sunday 2nd May at Revel and the weekend of 15th & 16th May at the Abbaye de Fontfroide at Narbonne. I shall hope to see you there!

And, looking ahead – a date for your diary – we shall be holding our annual open weekend at La Petite Pépinière over the weekend of 5th and 6th June, if you are on my mailing list you’ll receive more details soon or if you would like to know more contact Gill@lapetitepepiniere.com

For further information contact Gill Pound at La Petite Pépinière de Caunes (shrubs and perennials, ornamental grasses, unusual plants and plants for dry climates), 21, Avenue de la Montagne Noire, 11160, Caunes-Minervois. Tel: 04 68 78 43 81, email Gill@lapetitepepiniere.com www.lapetitepepiniere.com
Open March to November 10h – 18h Fridays and Saturdays, 10h – 12h Sundays, or by appointment.

For garden tours of the Languedoc have a look at www.hiddengardensfrance.com


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After a cold winter:

Local opinion seems to be divided as to whether this is the worst winter for thirty years or forty years. In any event, after a cold winter the heavy snow of the 8th March seemed to add insult to injury. Inevitably some plants will have suffered after such a severe winter but don't rush to throw plants away. Many shrubs and sub shrubs will shoot again from the rootstock, even as late as June. Cut back cold damaged wood this month and wait and hope! Tender perennials such as geraniums and osteospermums will probably not be worth trying to save. Citrus trees will usually regenerate. Among the palms that grow locally Washingtonias and, to some extent, Phoenix have been damaged by cold but if the growing point is still green the plant should recover. Other tender plants such as Plumbago, Bougainvillea and Ipomea learii (perennial morning glory) may not regrow this year, much will depend on the siting of the plant, whether it was mulched and how well developed the rootstock is, but do be patient!


Don't forget that La Petite Pépinière is now open on Fridays & Saturdays from 10 to 18h, on Sunday mornings from 10 to 12h and by appointment. For garden tours of the Languedoc visit www.hiddengardensfrance.com


For further information or for gardening queries in general, please contact Gill@lapetitepepiniere.com

La Petite Pépinière de Caunes - perennials & shrubs for summer dry climates
21, Avenue de la Montagne Noire,
11160 Caunes-Minervois
Tel: 04 68 78 43 81
Email: Gill@lapetitepepiniere.com
www.lapetitepepiniere.com

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